PR – A pastor, who spent more than three decades serving communities from the pulpit, in hospitals, in villages, and in homes, stepped onto a different kind of stage last Sunday evening.
Stanford Simon has officially launched his candidacy for St George South East under the Democratic People’s Movement (DPM) banner, declaring that politics — like religious ministry — is simply another avenue to serve people.
Before a charged crowd at the Marian Playing Field, Simon — a son of St. George South East who has devoted his life to community service — drew a clear line between the politics of the past and the kind of leadership he is offering.
“People do not need promises,’’ Simon told the crowd. “People need presence. People need leaders who will walk among them; listen to them, respect them; reach them.’’
Simon’s message, grounded in decades of lived service, was the heartbeat of his address. A longtime pastor at St George’s Baptist Church (SGBC), Simon brought medical teams from North America to provide free healthcare to thousands of Grenadians.
As well, he launched meal ministries and community outreach programmes, and expanded his church’s reach through radio and online broadcasting.
Simon, who recently stepped down as SGBC’s Senior Pastor, is widely regarded in the St George South East constituency as a genuine, accessible figure, whose help has never come with political strings attached.
In his address Sunday, Simon traced his journey from a teenager with an inexplicable calling to servant-leadership, beginning with serving in the church, to now seeking parliamentary office.
He acknowledged prior experience in public life, including serving as chairman of the National Democratic Congress and working with the New National Party during Project Grenada.
“I am grateful for those experiences,’’ Simon said. “They taught me how important it is for leaders to stay grounded and deepened my belief that politics should always remain connected to the real needs of ordinary people.’’
Simon spoke directly to young Grenadians about the cost-of-living crisis and about communities feeling disconnected from decision-making.
“Too many families are working hard but still struggling,’’ he said. “We can do better. And, we will do better.’’
He framed his ask plainly: “I ask for your vote, not as an entitlement, but as a partnership. Walk with me — not behind me, not around me — but beside me. Because this is not my campaign. This is our movement.’’
With Grenada’s next general election approaching, Simon’s launch signals the DPM is fielding credible, community-rooted candidates in key constituencies in a bid to win a majority of seats in the 15-seat House of Representatives.
