Newly formed political party, Alliance of Independents (AOI), will this week elect its interim executive as they get set to contest at least five seats in the 2015 general election.
By the end of the month the AOI will also launch its manifesto to the public.
These were some of the issues discussed yesterday at the Chancellor Hotel, St Ann’s, during a two-hour long meeting with a small group of AOI members, the party’s founding member Nicole Dyer-Griffith and interim chairman Joe Pires.
Also present was former national security minister Gary Griffith.
Emerging from the closed-door meeting, Dyer-Griffith said she would not make promises to the electorate.
“The only thing I can promise is that I will continue to try my very best to ensure that some of the policy positions that we have been discussing, that we get it into a government structure, some kind of structure that it will move from a groundbreaking policy perspective to implementation.”
Dyer-Griffith said approximately ten policy perspectives were discussed, which dealt with national safety and security, education, food security, health, community development, tourism, education, sports and trade, among others.
As Dyer-Griffith and Pires spoke about the party’s plans at the hotel, Dr Carson Charles, political leader of the National Alliance for Reconstruction and former justice minister Christlyn Moore walked up a flight of stairs and entered the Chancery Room, where the political party was carded to have a second meeting at noon.
Instead of establishing party groups, Dyer-Griffith said, empowerment committees would be formed.
“We are trying to encourage people to think differently. The AOI will be the conscience of the undecided voter,” Pires interjected.
Asked if a female was likely to lead the political party, Dyer-Griffith responded with a laugh.
“I don’t know. All we are seeing is a movement that has transcended into a political body. We are now in the process of discussing the structure of the organisation,” Pires added.
Dyer-Griffith said the AOI would not only address problems, but come up with solutions.
Recently, the AOI sent a party symbol to the Elections and Boundaries Commission for registration.
Keen interest
Pires said AOI wanted to contest between five and six seats along the East-West corridor and in South for the general election.
“We are very interested in contesting in the election. A lot of people are reaching out to us...even people from Moruga and Toco.”
AOI will begin registering members online this week.
“Instead of asking for financial contributions we will ask for pledges,” Pires said.
Will they join another political party?
Dyer-Griffith said the AOI was an independent organisation that would maintain its independence.
“Barring that, it does not mean that certain agreements can’t take place with like-minded organisations. As an independent political party we are interested in meeting other parties and independent people to hear their position and views.
“There are a lot of independent people coming out for this election. The political landscape has already been changed,” Dyer-Griffith pointed out.
Among those expressing an interest in contesting on an AOI ticket are past politicians and businessmen.