Chaneil C. Imhoff, a former candidate of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), has publicly defended Joanne Massiah, the leader of the DNA, following sharp criticism from Vere Bird III of the True Labour Party.
The dispute centers on Massiah’s political history and her advocacy for the St. Peter constituency during her time with the United Progressive Party (UPP).
In a social media post, Bird accused Massiah of failing to adequately advocate for St. Peter during her tenure with the UPP. He referenced her comments that “for 10 straight years from 2004 to 2014, the UPP did Jack Squat in St. Peter” and questioned why she accepted a ministerial role despite what he described as neglect of the constituency. Bird also pointed to Massiah’s later success in All Saints East & St. Luke in 2014, where she served as a minister, before her departure from the UPP and eventual leadership of the DNA. He alleged that her bid for UPP leadership ended due to “cold feet.”
Bird’s remarks framed Massiah as inconsistent, asking why she had not been outspoken about alleged neglect in St. Peter during her earlier political career. “Joanne, how come you were never this outspoken from 2004 to 2014 for the people you wanted to represent in St. Peter knowing all this sabotage of the constituency was going on?” Bird wrote.
Imhoff rejected Bird’s claims, characterizing them as misrepresentations of Massiah’s record. In her response, Imhoff highlighted Massiah’s steadfast advocacy for St. Peter, even when it caused friction within the UPP. “Jo was RELENTLESS in her advocacy for St. Peter to the point where her colleagues were upset with her because she would not back down,” Imhoff stated.
She also alleged that St. Peter was treated as a “stepchild constituency” by successive administrations, recounting conversations where it was suggested that resources should not be allocated to the area because it was a Labour Party stronghold.
Imhoff noted Massiah’s distinction as the only UPP candidate to have contested the St. Peter seat twice. While Massiah did not win, Imhoff emphasized that her support grew between elections, in contrast to other UPP candidates who lost ground.
Imhoff criticized Bird for spreading what she described as misinformation, urging him to research before making such statements. “There’s a lot to be said about the blatant neglect of St. Peter from successive administrations, but don’t lie on Joanne to push whatever agenda you’re pushing,” she asserted.
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“True Labour Party”????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Vere bird DA TURD is as useless and starved for attention as they come
UPP KICKED OUT JOANNE MASSIAH all because she dared to challenge Limpy Joe IMF Pimp for party leadership
Boy, Whenner… see what you inherited. You sure you want that constituency?
Is he still relevant? You meant the defunct True Labour Party. No one cares what Vere Bird III thinks as he is common nuisance on the social media platforms. How many cases has he lost in the courts? Bwoy, go siddung somewey.