Just when it appeared that all was set for the nomination of all candidates on Thursday, April 9, for the April 22 general election in Anguilla, Mr. Edison Baird, veteran parliamentarian, called it quits.
The originally announced candidate for the Road North Constituency, which he represented for some 21 years, Mr. Baird pulled out of the race leaving the other two candidates – Mrs. Evalie Bradley, of the Anguilla United Front, and Mr. Patrick Hanley, of the Anguilla United Movement – hotly contesting the seat.
Mr. Baird’s announcement of his retirement on Wednesday, April 8, came as a surprise to all and sundry. The only possible hint of his disinterest in seeking reelection was the fact that, unlike all of the other candidates, he had not erected any political and vote-catching billboards or posted any personal photographs.
Asked about this, he admitted that he was then “mulling” over whether or not he should stand again as a candidate in the constituency.
Following is Mr. Baird’s press release on his retirement from action politics:
“Having served the people of the Road North Constituency as their elected representative for twenty one (21) consecutive years, the time has come for me to walk out of the political arena and into the sunset of political retirement. I therefore announce that I shall not be seeking reelection
“In the General Election scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015.
“As the ‘natural representative of the Road North Constituency’, I wish to place on record my thanks and appreciation to the people of Sandy Ground, South Hill, North Hill and the other areas of our Constituency who have faithfully and enthusiastically supported me in the six (6) electoral battles that I have fought on their behalf in 1989, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2005 and 2010, spanning a period of more than a quarter of a century of political activity.
“Indeed, I am honoured to have been afforded the opportunity to serve the Anguillian people, not only as an elected representative, but also as a minister of Government. My service in public life has understandably generated a record. I ask only that it be judged objectively.
“I have fought a good fight on behalf of the Angulllian people.
“To my supporters, I sincerely hope that you understand my position and I trust that whoever is elected to represent you, will do so in your best interest.
“Thanks again, and may God bless you and may God bless Anguilla.”
