‘My navel string is buried under a tree’ in Free Bottom- Myron V. Walwyn
While giving his reasons for choosing to contest the Sixth District seat, rather than as an At Large, which has brought him success in the past, former Minister for Education Myron V. Walwyn has said the Sixth District has a very special place in his heart as it is his home district.
"My navel string is buried under a tree between an old house in Free Bottom Estate and Brewley Superette across the street," Mr Walwayn stated at a National Democratic Party (NDP) press conference at The Moorings on Friday, March 3, 2023, announce Mr Walwyn and Dr Kedrick D. Pickering as NDP candidates for the 2023 General Election.
The former NDP Chairman said a day does not pass without him being in the Sixth District, as it's where he considers mostly his home.
He also explained that he attended school in the neighbourhood and is even affiliated to a church in the district for many years.
People have concerns- Walwyn
Mr Walwyn said he was thinking of not contesting the elections this year; however, the calls for him to represent the district have grown.
"I listened to the call, I didn't make a decision on them but about two months ago a contingent of about six or seven persons came to me to discuss the issue of District 6."
He said the group had a variety of concerns, including that they did not feel as if they knew what was going on in the territory and if their interests were properly represented in the House of Assembly, including regarding how the implementation of the Commission of Inquiry Recommendations would affect their lives.
Meanwhile, Mr Walwyn will be coming up against third-termer Hon Alvera Maduro Caines, the Junior Minister for Tourism.
Mr Myron V. Walwyn will be coming up
against third-termer Hon Alvera Maduro Caines, the Junior Minister for
Tourism, in the 2023 General Election.
Controversial Walwyn
Mr Walwyn was defeated in 2019 as head of the NDP but spent two terms (2011-2019) as At Large elected Member and the Minister for Education and Culture. He has had a controversial past, most often clashing with other Members of his team, the Opposition and the media.
Many have accused him of victimisation, allegedly forcing many public officers out of their jobs, especially under his Ministry. Others have credited Mr Walwyn with helping many residents via his assistant grants programme and moving the Territory forward in areas of culture. This included getting a national dress and song, which are still used today.
The former Minister hit a low point when he said a few years ago that there was nothing that could be done to help locals in a competitive economy. Recently, he has denied saying this, but it was carried wide in both regular and social media.
Many believe Mr Walwyn is now caught up in the UK witch-hunt where he is before the courts after being arrested and charged for Breach of Trust over a $1.2 Million wall around the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).
