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(Loop News Caribbean) Six days out from Polling Day and General Elections, prime minister Mia Amor Mottley has said on the political platform that she may be retiring from elective politics after another term.

“I know that one in every two prime ministers before me have died in office. Let us not fail to understand what this job involves.”

With three and half years under her belt as prime minister, 28 years as the St Michael North East member of parliament and over 30 years in politics overall, the country’s eighth prime minister and first female prime minister said:

“It [this election] is a stop to continue the transformation of this country, and I say this to you in all humility, I may not get there at the end of this journey with you because the transformation is more than five years. I have said over and over that I believe this will be my last term.”

A loud outcry and boisterous objections came from the sea of red supporters gathered at the mega meeting in Six Roads, St Philip, last night, when she made this statement. So much so, that she had to ask persons to “cease and desist”.

Continuing, she added, “This country must move to the level where it recognises that it has abundant talent that must be given opportunity to serve.”

Calling to mind, the Hon P. J. Patterson, she said that she would follow his Caribbean example. The Jamaican prime minister served in office for 14 years before relinquishing the reins.

However, if she gets five more years by winning this 2022 General Election, prime minister Mottley, who is the first prime minister since the change to a parliamentary Republic, would have only been at the helm for eight years, yet she believes that younger minds are ready for the task as well.

“Let me do my work to transform this nation and let me step aside and let this team continue the work.

“I have been here for 32 years and I know what it is. I know the sacrifice. I know the fact that I’m the eighth prime minister in this country. I know that one in every two prime ministers before me have died in office. Let us not… fail to understand what this job involves. It is 24/7/365 and I don’t ask for no sympathy, but I also know that a country that has educated people has within it people to rise up and lead.”

But not taking anything for granted at this time during the campaign to January 19, she urged party supporters to turn up at the polls come Wednesday at 6am, with at least five eligible persons each to help secure her team of 30 candidates as the next duly-elected officials once more.

Source: Loop News Caribbean