Dear Editor,

Evon Redman is a long-time and eminently qualified member of the People’s National Party nationally and in North East St Elizabeth.

A St Bess-born businessperson, he has been intimately involved in the politics of his party in the constituency since 1972.

He was an organiser for the St Elizabeth North Eastern constituency up to 1980 and campaign manager for three general elections and two parish council elections. He has also served as chairman of the constituency

For Redman to have made the decision to seek candidacy in the constituency after all these many years as an unquestioning supporter, much must have happened or wasn’t happening to push him in such a direction.

I must admit that I know not of any of these reasons, as I have remained only an interested bystander, always committed to serve and support whomever the party democratically selected. In my humble opinion, the process for selection took some unfortunate turns, including the contentious and unprecedented court injunction against the PNP that blocked the nomination process from proceeding.

In the end, after many, many words — some harsh — Pryce made the decision not to contest the nomination, leaving Redman unopposed.

After the selection process, Redman offered the proverbial olive branch to those who did not support him, saying, “At the end of the day, we are all PNP and we will have to work together to build the constituency.”

In all of this, Redman remained the consummate gentleman, elevating himself above the furore and getting on with the task he had taken on. His conduct has been commendable, as not many would, or could do what he did and so he is to be congratulated for this.

Much respect, Evon Redman.

Born and raised in St Bess