By Winston Williams Jr.
I congratulate the Hon Rawdon Turner on his resounding victory in the St. Peter by-election.
His victory is a testament to both his authentic community connection and his calm, mature disposition, which strongly resonated with the people.
As he steps into his new roles as MP and Minister of Urban and Social Transformation, I wish to share some thoughts on his comprehensive manifesto, which advanced a refreshing blueprint for community-driven development that merits close attention.
What distinguishes Turner’s vision is its emphasis on collective progress. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, his manifesto outlines a framework for community-driven development.
The proposed business hubs in Gunthropes, Pares, and Parham exemplify this approach, offering young entrepreneurs affordable spaces to grow their businesses while contributing to local economic vitality.
The successful completion of the first hub in Parham already stands as testament to his ability to deliver on promises.
Turner’s innovative approach to community ownership is particularly evident in his plans for Parham Harbour.
By proposing a phased development of a marina that begins with a community-owned gas station, he’s created a pathway for residents to become stakeholders in their community’s economic growth.
This model of development – where local residents aren’t just beneficiaries but active participants – sets a new standard for community development projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
The breadth of Turner’s vision extends beyond economic initiatives. His commitment to establishing community centres in Gunthropes, Pares, Parham, Paynters, and Weirs acknowledges the crucial role of social infrastructure in building vibrant communities. These centres, combined with his plans for green spaces and weekend markets, aim to weave together the social fabric that makes communities thrive.
Education and youth development feature prominently in Turner’s agenda, reflecting an understanding that sustainable progress requires investing in future generations. His proposed mentorship program, linking retired professionals with young students, demonstrates creative thinking about how to leverage existing community resources for collective benefit.
Transforming his ambitious plans into reality will require not just political will but sustained community engagement and resource mobilization. Yet, Turner’s track record of delivering tangible results, combined with his deep understanding of his constituency, suggests he possesses the necessary skills to conquer any challenges along the way.
As an aspiring representative for St. Mary’s North, I find Hon Turner’s approach to constituency development, with community partnership at its core, both inspiring and affirming.
His inclusive community development plans resonate deeply with my own vision for St. Mary’s North, where I hope to build upon the extraordinary foundation laid by Sir Molwyn Joseph over three decades of dedicated service.
What particularly strikes me about Turner’s vision is how it exemplifies the principle of “Better Together” that lies at the heart of my own approach to leadership.
It is my strong belief that progress is not merely something delivered to a community, but something built together with it.
Turner’s emphatic victory shows that when we truly partner with our constituents, listening to their insights and involving them in development decisions, we can create compelling pathways to sustainable progress that garner almost universal support.
He has fully embodied the kind of collaborative leadership for community development that I envision will be taken to the next level in St. Mary’s North – where every resident has a stake in our shared future and every voice contributes to our collective success.
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