ELECTIONS 2023: “You never heard my name called in anything, have you?” — NDP’s Pickering

NDP at-large candidate Dr. Kedrick Pickering speaking at The Stickett on Wednesday evening.

(JTV News) — Dr. Kedrick Pickering, an at-large candidate for the National Democratic Party (NDP), said he was “glad” to have not been in the House of Assembly for the last four years, noting that his name has never been called in any of the scandals rocking the territory.

Speaking during a public meeting on Wednesday evening at The Stickett, Dr. Pickering said he ran as an independent candidate in the last General Elections and lost — but he did not regret it – because he stood for what he believed in.

The former deputy premier said that these are difficult times that cannot be taken for granted because “the next generation is depending on us”.

“Our country is under a cloud, a dark, dark cloud. We are dealing with the Commission of Inquiry and the commission report. We are dealing with issues of corruption and issues of various reports and audit reports that have left a dark cloud hanging over our country. These are difficult times,” he stressed.

Dr. Pickering went on to say his name in the political arena is clean of scandal.

He explained: “And you know something, I’m glad I wasn’t in the House of Assembly for the last four years because of all the things that are happening and all the things that have happened.

“And I want you to pay attention to this. Listen carefully. I live right where I was born and grow up. I have two professions — had two professions — the medical one and the political one that I have been in for the last how many years. Over 37 years in medicine and 20 years in politics. You never heard my name called in anything, have you?”

“With all the Commission of Inquiry and all the people whose names have been called, you haven’t heard my name been called in anything because I stood up for what I believed in. In the last election, I ran as an independent. I ran as an independent because there were things that I didn’t appreciate. There were things that were against my conscience and I decided to step aside. I lost the election and I don’t regret it because I stood tall.”

However, the veteran politician said he is back and ready to serve again.

“I am full of energy. I am re-energised. I am renewed and I am ready to go the next mile of life’s journey to help my country,” he said.

Dr. Pickering shared the podium Wednesday with independent candidate for the Seventh District, Perline Scatliffe-Leonard whom he endorsed to be the next best representative for the Seventh District.