LITTLE BAY, Montserrat (September 12, 2014) – Former leader of the Opposition Donaldson Romeo will be sworn in today as the new premier of Montserrat.
Residents went to the polls on Thursday and made a resounding statement that they wanted the People’s Democratic Movement of Montserrat (PDM) to bring change as was promised in a colourful campaign spanning more than four months.
“I’m very thankful that God has spoken through the people of Montserrat. I am glad the people have responded to our agenda and I must say thanks to those who supported our campaign. Thankful to the honourable premier who gave such a respectful concessionary statement.”
Premier Meade conceded the election live on Radio Montserrat early Friday after the results continued to show that only he and Minister Joseph Farrell of the Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) had made it into the top nine.
Residents can select nine names on the ballot to represent them in the parliament.
The incoming premier said he did not foresee a problem with his new party transitioning from campaign mode to governing. He called on the people of Montserrat to continue to support the mandate they’ve given PDM.
“Once Montserrat is united there is nothing in that manifesto we cannot do. Once we put people first and agree on what is important to making Montserrat prosperous and self-sustaining it will happen. The challenge will be to maintain the unity and the team spirit that we have now. It is going to take 10 to 20 years for Montserrat to get where it needs to go and this party must last beyond this to get the job done.”
The PDM was formed earlier this year with a team of senior civil servants which included two women who will now be part of the incoming government. Deputy party leader Delmaude Ryan is a human resource specialist and held on to the number sixth spot in the polls throughout. A popular local doctor Dr. Ingrid Buffonge, was the number two vote getter closely behind Romeo.
His Excellency the Governor Adrian Davis has declared a public holiday as vote counting continued into the early morning on Friday. He is to swear in Donaldson Romeo as premier at noon. The full ministerial portfolio is to be submitted early next week.