PHILIPSBURG:--- Saturday's afternoon event of the Democratic Party, themed Camp Red was one way of the DP leadership keeping its promise to prepare the DP candidates for the job they are seeking in representing the people. Prime Minister Wescot-Williams stated that it was important that the attendants took home some of the important information that was made available during the retreat; "Yes, the position of a member of Parliament is a job on behalf of the people who elect their representatives to Parliament and a job that must be taken seriously," stated the leader of the Democratic Party.
The afternoon was mc'd by DP Treasurer, Mrs. Giselle York-Missoudan, who did an excellent job, keeping participants engaged. The highlights of the afternoon were presentations on the Party's 2014 Platform; the role of parliamentarians as provided for in the constitution and electoral law; the law on registration and finances of political parties and the use of social media.
The Red threads throughout the DP's 2014 platform are education, jobs, nation building and social advancement. "It's a people's thing." After attentively listening to the presentations, DP 2014 candidates and their support teams engaged in animated discussions regarding these topics.
"Camp RED has surely met the expectations of the participants and I was pleased to note that participation exceeded the expected number of persons", continued DP leader, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.
The intention of Camp RED was to inform and educate the 2014 DP candidates and their support teams. Not only was this accomplished, but also the afternoon turned into a "think tank" of ideas and proposals.
"I am quite pleased", said the DP leader at the end of the afternoon as candidates mulled around and socialized with each other, "Pleased and proud, with the commitment demonstrated by our candidates and the level of seriousness displayed by all."
Presentations and subsequent discussions on the above mentioned topics lead to several concrete proposals, which the DP is committed to pursue:
- Screening of Parliamentary candidates elected to office.
- Establishing by law an Ethics Committee Of Parliament.
- Tax deductibility of political donations, specifically.
Board members of the DP were also pinned during the Camp Red event. This coming week promises to be another eventful DP week with:
The annual July 24th Wreath laying at 8.30 am, in front of the Administration building, commemorating the birthday of the late A. Claude Wathey, co-founder and first leader of the DP;
Wednesday, July 23, at 6 pm, DPnPROUD youth meeting, and Friday afternoon, Red Splash at a venue to be announced.
DP Press Release
