VERCHILDS, St. Kitts — September 27, 2026 — The People’s Action Movement (PAM) held its 60th National Convention on Sunday, September 27, at the Samuel-Williams Playfield in Verchilds, marking a significant event for the political organisation following the return of Dr. the Hon. Shawn Richards as its Political Leader.
The convention came just weeks after Richards was elected to lead PAM at a Special Caucus on September 1. He received 72 votes compared with nine for Lincoln David-Pelle, with two ballots spoiled. Richards became the sixth Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement.
The September 27 convention provided an opportunity for PAM members and supporters to formally recognise the party’s new leadership and ratify its executive. The event was also part of PAM’s commemoration of its 60-year history.
Richards has described his return to the leadership as a period of renewal for PAM. In statements following his election, he called for greater unity, discipline and organisation within the party, while acknowledging that political disagreements are part of democratic life.
In the weeks leading up to the convention, Richards outlined several areas he said would be priorities for the party, including strengthening PAM’s organisational structures, reconnecting with former supporters, increasing participation among young people and preparing for the next general election.
Richards has also spoken about broader national issues, including the cost of living, support for small businesses, agriculture, tourism, technology, employment and opportunities for young people. He has called for a private-sector-led economy and greater support for locally owned businesses. These positions represent PAM’s stated political programme and are not independent assessments of their likely effects.
The convention also featured Jamaica’s Minister Alando Terrelonge as the Diamond Anniversary Keynote Speaker, adding a regional dimension to the party’s 60th-anniversary celebrations.
The event comes as PAM prepares for the next general election in St. Kitts and Nevis. Richards has said the party intends to begin its preparations before an election date is announced.
For PAM, the September 27 convention therefore served both as a celebration of the party’s six decades of political history and as an occasion to present its renewed leadership and organisational direction under Richards.
