The Speaker of the Montserrat Legislative Council, Shirley Osborne, says she will be contesting the next general elections in the British Overseas Territory constitutionally due by November this year.
Osborne, the daughter of the island’s former chief minister, John Osborne, did not say whether she intends to form a new political entity or contest as an independent candidate. Her father, who died in January 2011, had been associated with various political parties here including the Montserrat Workers’ Progressive Party (MWPP) , the Progressive Democratic Party and the People’s Liberation Movement.
But she had served as the chairperson of the ruling People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) of Premier Donaldson Romeo that won seven of the nine seats in the 2014 general election.
In announcing her candidacy, Osborne, who has been Speaker for the past four and half years, said she intends to “live in Montserrat until I die. And, furthermore, I intend to live in a safe, healthy, creative, productive, vibrant, prosperous place.
“So, of course, it is up to me to do everything I possibly can to help create such an environment and that’s what I’m going to do. I am going to help Montserrat form a government that is fit-for-purpose, to use a cliché. Fortunately for us, we are a democracy so fundamental democratic principles allow us to keep trying, changing, sifting until we get it right.
“I intend to participate fully in the next general elections…..because Montserrat is currently experiencing some enormous challenges and we are about to meet some even more significant ones.
“Montserrat is, therefore, in dire need of the full efforts of every citizen, resident and friend of the island – at every level – and my personality, experiences and education have gifted me some of the personal qualities and leadership competencies that Montserrat most needs at this point if our advancement is to be in the direction of health, wealth and happiness,” she said.
She said there’s much more that she can do to “contribute to Montserrat’s advancement and I intend to give every ounce of it.”
She said during her stint as Speaker she has represented the island at various regional and international meetings expanding an already formidable global network of colleagues, friends and acquaintances in the public and private sectors, in governmental and non-governmental organisations.
“I have made good representation for Montserrat at home and abroad, and have built on the work of previous Speakers to further raise the profile and status of Montserrat so that, now, the might of this tiny island is recognised and acknowledged at the very highest levels in parliamentary and government circles right across the Commonwealth.”
“I have enjoyed, immensely, my time in that office and have immeasurably expanded my skills and knowledge so I am looking forward to contributing fully in the next phase of Montserrat’s advancement and elevation,” she said in the statement announcing her candidacy for the next general election.
