after she was nominated unopposed for the position late Monday. Beckles, who 11 years ago had challenged the former prime minister, Dr Keith Rowley, for the post, told reporters that while she felt “a little emotional”, it was a privilege and an honour to vie for party leadership. “I am looking forward to it.” Political observers had said her challenge this time round would have come from former Prime Minister Stuart Young, who led the then PNM government into defeat in the April 28 general election. But in a statement on his Facebook page, Young said he would not be contesting any position on the executive of the party, thanking “sincerely … the thousands of people who have communicated with me over the past few weeks offering support, well wishes, encouragement and even advice as to my future.

“I have taken the time immediately after the results of the general election to engage in personal reflection and, importantly, to observe the conduct of people, particularly those who seek positions that carry responsibility.” The senior counsel, who served as prime minister for a month, said that after considered reflection, as well as discussions with “my family and loved ones, I have concluded that it is not in the best interest of the party for me to seek a post in the new executive. (Jamaica Gleaner)