Grenada’s Olympic champion, Sir Kirani James, distanced himself on Monday from endorsing any political party contesting the November 5 election and instead urged Grenadians to carefully consider their choices.
“To be able to vote in free and fair elections is an extreme privilege. Treat it with the reverence and seriousness that it deserves, and understand that it is a civic duty for those of us who are in a position to vote,” Sir Kirani wrote on his Facebook page as he addressed political speculation surrounding a social-media photograph, reaffirming his duty to represent the country without partisanship.
The Olympian urged voters to make decisions based on “a blend of your individual and collective morals and ideals.”
Sir Kirani took to social media after the photograph appeared to raise questions about whether he had endorsed a party or political figures ahead of the polls.
“This photo does not confirm nor deny my support for a political party, just as this statement does not confirm nor deny that either,” Sir Kirani said, without identifying a party or politician in the statement.
Sir Kirani acknowledged that his standing as an internationally recognised athlete gives his actions considerable public influence, adding, “I do understand the unique position I am in and the influence that it can carry.
“My duty as an international representative has always been to represent all of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in a nonpartisan way,” the world-rated athlete said as he drew a distinction between any private political views he may hold and his responsibility as a national representative.
“The passion and pride to do so is not determined by who is in political office, but by the support and love of the Grenadian people.”
James became Grenada’s first Olympic medalist when he won the men’s 400 metres at the 2012 London Games. He added silver at Rio 2016 and bronze at the Tokyo Olympics and was recently installed as the first-ever Sports Ambassador of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC).
Both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and the main opposition New National Party (NNP) led by Emmalin Pierre staged rallies on Monday in a bid to control the 15-seat Parliament.
The other party in the election is the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM), contesting 9 seats, is headed by former foreign affairs minister Peter David.
The 3 political leaders are scheduled to participate in the 28 October National Leaders’ Debate being organised jointly by the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG), Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN), The Bubb Report, and the Grenada Conference of Churches.
The 2-hour programme will include 90 minutes of structured debate on the theme: “The Issues. The Choices. Grenada’s Future.”
The organisers said that the debate will address the economy and cost of living, healthcare, education, employment, governance, accountability and Grenada’s long-term development.
Source: CMC
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