Approximately two weeks ago, Mrs. Rogers-Webster launched her political candidacy via social media and accepted her party’s political baton as its candidate in the by-election in District 3. She accepted the baton from the immediate past District 3 representative, Mr Evans McNeil Rogers, at an AUF press briefing.
On Saturday evening, April 23, she made a bold declaration: “I was born for this!”
Addressing a crowd of supporters and residents of Valley North – District 3 – Mrs Rogers-Webster made a public acknowledgment of her long-time political ambition to represent District 3 in Parliament.
She said: “I have dreamed of this moment for what feels like the entirety of my life. This moment, when I would be facing my people on the political platform – not as one chairing the proceedings, not as one introducing a speaker, not as one giving the Vote of Thanks, but as your worthy candidate, the one whom you have chosen to represent you in the Honourable House of Parliament. Tonight, a dream has turned into a reality.”
Candidate Rogers-Webster unveiled her plans for District 3 and revealed her reasons for choosing to be their representative.
She noted: “In a world filled with ‘sayers’, I come to you as a ‘doer’ – a doer of good will, a doer willing to make tough decisions, a doer willing and ready to answer tough questions, a doer willing and able to serve, a doer with a local heart but a global vision.”
In addressing the crowd, she stated her reasons for taking up the political baton – observing that her life experiences had prepared her to respond to the challenges of the 21st century.
She recounted that some people aspire to political office to gain power, control, fame, and money, but that she “genuinely aspires to make a positive difference in the lives of those whom [she] serves.”
She said that her reason for entering politics “is simply hinged on [her] life experiences – with servant-leadership at the core of who Shellya is. Running for office connects me with the highest level of service that I can give to my community and country.”
Shellya recounted details of her life story that prepared her for the role of representative of District 3. She shared details of her struggles growing up following the death of her father, being raised by her mother – who worked two jobs to make ends meet – and accepting financial assistance and encouragement from members of The Valley North District 3 community.
“I wear my story as a badge of honour, a reminder that my purpose in life is to pay it forward, to support the development of the community that has always been there for me,” she said. “And, for my entire life, I have yearned for the opportunity to serve my community, especially since, when I needed you the most, my community has served me.”
Shellya Rogers-Webster expressed thanks and gratitude to the many persons in District 3 for their support and generosity extended to her growing up in Valley North. She asked for their vote of confidence in the upcoming by-election.
