KENNEDY ROBERTS INTENDS TO STEER THE DEVELOPMENT AND BALANCED PROGRESS OF HIS CONSTITUENCY

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KENNEDY ROBERTS, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OF THE RULING NNP

A native of Mt. Parnassus, Roberts has already given serious thought to what is needed to develop his constituency and has worked out a formula for achieving this objective. He thinks a deep spiritual base and a return of community togetherness, together with mutual cooperation are key factors in developing the constituency, and by extension the country. Also important in Roberts’ view is a desire by every individual and family to better themselves and aspire to the next level. Roberts is convinced that his youthful upbringing and work experiences have prepared and conditioned him to take up the mantle of representing his people in government, and working with them to improve their lives and develop their constituency and country.

From his teenage years growing up during the period of the People’s Revolutionary Government, Roberts was involved in national development. After the demise of the Revolution, while at Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies the young activist got involved in student politics and was the International Affairs Chairperson on the Guild of Graduates. Roberts came back to Grenada in 1987 and entered the civil service where he worked at senior levels within the Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Ministry of Health. In the Ministry of Health his substantive role was Health Planner, however he also performed the role of Permanent Secretary on several occasions. In 1993 Roberts acted as Director of Budget and Planning in the Ministry of Finance. During this assignment he acquired a good grounding in fiscal management and the budget process of the country. Upon leaving the civil service in 1994 Roberts performed the role of Health Economist within the OECS Secretariat in St. Lucia on an USAID project. He welcomed this opportunity to work at the subregional level and gain grounding in regional politics and regional development. In 1997 when the young intellectual completed his contract with the OECS, he completed a Masters Degree in Public Health at Boston University.

After Returning home in December of 1997 Roberts got officially involved with the NNP in 1998 and was now for the first time officially involved with a political party. This he saw as important because he believes once one is not working within the civil service then one has the right to be associated with the political party of one’s choice. It you are working in the civil service then he feels strongly that you have to show neutrality so that you can perform with any government that is in office. Roberts was part of the team that coordinated the campaign for (former Member of Parliament) Augustine John when he won the St. George North-East seat. He was subsequently involved in establishing the Youth Arm of the party, and was Assistant Recording Secretary on the National Executive. Roberts now serves as the Public Relations Officer.

Roberts was Chairman of the National Insurance Scheme from 2000 to 2003 and worked with that institution in some of its initiatives to improve the social structure of the country. The aspiring politician is of the firm view that people of his generation must get more involved in frontline politics. After reviewing several key social, political and economic issues, Roberts has decided that the NNP is the most appropriate party to get involved in. He has now been actively involved for the last 9 years and now offers himself as a potential candidate for the St. George North-East whenever the next elections are called.

When asked how he intends to use his experience in his quest to become a representative for his people, Roberts said he sees the role of representative at different levels. At the ground level a true representative must be in tune with both the needs and the strengths of the constituency. St. George’s North East is a large and diverse constituency, and one to which he intends to bring to bear his ability to coordinate and work to ensure that the constituency makes strong progress in different facets of human development. Once given the nod by his party to contest the North-East, an NNP win will afford Roberts the ability to begin work on a list of priority items for the development and progress of his constituency. Emphasis will be placed on the issue of public health in a general sense to include prevention, lifestyles, behaviors that will lead to improved health and the general state of mental, physical and social well being.

KENNEDY ROBERTS, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OF THE RULING NNP

Infrastructural development will also be prioritized because although Roberts is convinced that a lot has been done in this area, there is still much to be done especially in relationship to some of the roads. He will also ensure that the constituency capitalizes on it tourism potential, as most tourists who come to Grenada pass through the St. George North-East, and enjoy its abundance of nutmegs and other spices, together with craft makers and vendors. Organized social life is also a catalyst for enhancing community spirit and developing a stronger sense of unity. Roberts says he will set the stage for organized bodies to get involved in more social activities such as various games, fun days and friendly sporting contests. All in all Roberts wants to see a general improvement in the lives of his constituents. He said even though government can create opportunities, individuals must have that personal drive to achieve benefits. He intends to see the North-East develop its full potential in agriculture – the advantages of being situated in the foothills of the Grand Etang, and having good natural water sources provides that area with some of the most fertile soil in the country.

Each household will be encouraged to plant a fruit tree, some vegetables, a calalloo drain and share with each other since this will lead to self sufficiency, better nutrition, social cohesion and less praedial larceny. To Roberts his constituents must link their needs and their strengths since such a diverse community has diverse needs. There are people of many different social levels and the needs of the lower income level will be different from the of the higher income bracket. He said, “…even with the wide gap in income levels we have to ensure that we live in the same community in a harmonious way, with mutual respect, know our neighbors and appreciate our differences.”

Sound representation tries to meet that wide range of needs, from providing basic needs at the lower income level - to peace and security at the higher levels of income. The population of the constituency has to be involved and contribute at different levels Roberts said. Asked why the NNP should choose him as its candidate, Roberts replied because he can win the seat - because of his ability to work with people he will tap into the creative energies of the constituents. His commitment is not to get into dirty politics but stay positive as this will help the young people who look up to politicians to lead rational dialogue and guide positive actions on various issues. He said also the support of his wife, whom he described as a pillar of strength, together with his strong spiritual and moral upbringing will put a positive twist on things.