Dear Residents of Lewisham,
As I stand before you today, I am honored to present my heartfelt pledge to get selected for Mayor of Lewisham and to serve as your Mayor – the People's Mayor, Lewisham People’s Mayor, dedicated to fostering a Lewisham that thrives on betterment, success, prosperity, and a sense of community.
Raised in New Cross and Deptford, I was born in Lewisham Hospital to immigrant parents with roots hailing from in India and Pakistan. Coming from a working-class background, I pursued my education at Catford County Girls School and Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham Girls School and later graduating from a London University.
I have walked the same streets, attended the same schools, and cherished the values that make Lewisham special.
Drawing on my extensive experience as a accomplished businesswoman, an international author, seasoned banker, and compassionate founder dedicated to addressing domestic violence and supporting the less fortunate with food distributions. Alongside my qualifications as a chartered accountant and a decade of international experience in Dubai, I offer Lewisham a distinctive skill set and a global viewpoint. Let's leverage these capabilities to bring forth innovative ideas that will uplift and benefit the community of Lewisham.
1. Economic Empowerment for All: I pledge to lead Lewisham towards economic empowerment for all its residents. Drawing upon my financial expertise, I will drill down into shortfalls and implement responsible budgeting practices, ensuring that our resources are utilized efficiently for the betterment of Lewisham residents in all aspects of concern.
My administration will build a database to actively support local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating an environment where industries can flourish together sustainably.
Together, we will attract investments that fuel job creation, enabling every citizen to contribute to and benefit from our shared prosperity.
2. Global Insights for Local Growth: Having lived and worked in London and Dubai, I understand the importance of embracing global perspectives for local growth. I commit to leveraging the insights gained from my international experience to bring innovative solutions to the challenges faced by Lewisham. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, we can tap into a broader pool of ideas, technologies, and opportunities, positioning Lewisham as a dynamic and forward-thinking community.
3. Community-Centric Decision-Making: I firmly believe in the power of community engagement. My administration will prioritize transparency, open door policy, communication, and citizen participation.
Together, we will build a culture where every resident's voice matters. Regular town hall meetings, online forums, and accessible communication channels will be established to ensure that the decisions shaping Lewisham are reflective of the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.
4. Innovative Policies for a Brighter Future: In the spirit of progress, I will introduce and champion innovative policies across various sectors. From education and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability, my goal is to create a comprehensive plan that addresses the unique challenges facing Lewisham. Together, we will embark on a journey towards a better, progressive, brighter and more sustainable future for our children and generations to come.
5. A Mayor Accessible to All: I commit to being a mayor who is truly accessible to all residents. My office will have an open-door policy, and I will actively seek opportunities to engage with the community directly. Whether through neighbourhood events, regular office hours, or virtual town halls, I am dedicated to fostering a strong connection between the residents and their local government.
6. Building a United Lewisham: Community harmony is the bedrock of a thriving city. I pledge to work tirelessly night and day towards building bridges that unite us as a community.
By celebrating our diversity and embracing our shared values, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride in calling Lewisham home. In closing, my vision for Lewisham is one of unity, progress, and shared prosperity. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey.
Together, let us build a Lewisham that breaks the stagnation barrier and not only rises above to great heights but evolves into a beacon of success for all. Your support is not just a vote for me; it is a vote for the collective strength and resilience of our community.
Thank you for entrusting me with your hopes, and I look forward to meeting you all, for your votes and for the privilege of serving as your elected Mayor of Lewisham 2024.
Please connect with me on siama-uk@yahoo.com for any comments, questions or simply to say hello, i would love to hear from you. Facebook Siama, Twitter / X Siama Qadar