Pilgrim ready to report for duty
If elected on May 24, George Pilgrim, the Democratic Labour Party’s candidate for St. John, said infrastructure and public transportation are his number one priorities, and he is also intent on giving persons opportunities to be gainfully employed.
Speaking on Saturday night at a National Meeting on the hard court at Gall Hill, St. John, Pilgrim, as he launched his mini manifesto for the constituency, promised those gathered that he will hit the ground running from day one and that he intends to love the constituency as the late Errol Barrow, the late David Thompson and outgoing Member of Parliament, Mara Thompson did.
“I cannot mount this platform and dismiss or not mention the importance of having a very, very intense roadworks programme and an assurance of dialogue with the public transportation system, the Transport Board, and finding ways and means of alleviating the problems in St. John associated with infrastructure and public transportation,” he told those gathered.
Pilgrim, noting that his mini manifesto was influenced by conversations he has had with the constituents over the last three to four months, announced plans to create a charity which will assist various groups and organisation in the constituency. The goal, he said, is to uplift the community spirit in St. John, provide sponsorship where necessary and support for small businesses. He went further, telling constituents in earshot that the charity is being developed solely with them in mind, and for their development.
He also spoke to a proposed lawn maintenance programme, where he explained, he will put at the disposal of close to a dozen interested young people living in the constituency, the equipment necessary to start up such businesses in areas that they have identified. To date, he said he has received calls from persons interested in being registered for that programme and after the elections he will be getting to work on that initiative. Pilgrim gave that assurance as he revealed that the equipment has already been purchased.
“I also intend to explore the possibility of weekly marketplaces to be held in Four Roads. I will approach the landowners with the intent that on Saturdays we can gather and ply our trade in Four Roads next to the post office, there’s an empty lot there. I also want to start to explore the possibility of the St. John Farmers’ Association. I’ve met a lot of young people in St. John who have expressed a burning desire to be involved in farming… This constituency reflects the spirit of young people who are interested in enterprise and I want to say to those young people tonight, I intend to assist you in lifting yourself,” he added.
Pilgrim, the Party’s General Secretary, further noted that housing is also a concern he will be seeking to address. Reflecting on the impact that several strong hurricanes had on the Caribbean last hurricane season, he said that it is imperative that the houses in the constituency which are the most vulnerable are identified and refurbished. (JRT)