Santi Backs Out of Caribbean Shores Race

Santiago Castillo Jr.

The race for Caribbean Shores has narrowed down to two U.D.P. candidates, as former area representative Santiago Castillo Junior has formally withdrawn from the upcoming convention in that constituency.  His retreat, however, is not without resentment as his bid to represent the United Democratic Party as standard bearer going into the 2020 general elections would not have received the support of Prime Minister Barrow.  In a statement that has since been shared with the media, Castillo says, “When I gave up my seat to Darrell Bradley in 2015, I did it for the greater good of my party without asking for anything in return.  Consequently, when I announced my candidacy for Caribbean Shores on May tenth via Facebook, I was sure I would have the support of both the party leader and the party.  However, the PM called me last week Thursday to tell me he would be supporting Leila Peyrefitte due to her work in Caribbean Shores for the referendum.  Obviously, so would the U.D.P. hierarchy.  As I told the PM, I was his Minister of State during my time in government and there is no way I can run in a convention without his endorsement and unequivocal support.  Consequently, I will no longer contest the U.D.P. seat in Caribbean Shores.”  The convention which is scheduled for the end of June will now see former Senate President Lee Mark Chang going up against former Councilor Leila Peyrefitte and both candidates have since ramped up their presence in the constituency.