The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS Tribune Senior Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net ANDROS is better off now than it has been in the past 10 years, according to Desmond Bannister, the Free National Movement candidate for North Andros. Speaking at the FNM's political Rally in North Andros Saturday night, Mr Bannister, who is currently the representative for the Carmichael constituency, said the work he has already done in Andros speaks for his commitment to the island. He took a poke at the Progressive Liberal Party's management of the island saying, "Andros has been neglected by the PLP." He touted several infrastructural upgrades undertaken by the FNM in Andros, including repairing schools in Nicholls Town, Mastic Point and Low Sound. Mr Bannister said the FNM has also created more jobs in Andros through the temporary job initiative "than at any other time." He pledged that if he is elected to represent North Andros, he would deal with Crown land issues, continue infrastructural upgrades and ensure Androsians do not have to continue commuting to New Providence to get a picture driver's license. He also said he would commit to bringing a Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) satellite campus to the island to increase vocational training on the island. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told Androsians that a vote for Mr Bannister would be to put North Andros and the Berry Islands in "sound hands." He said that the FNM is overflowing with talent and that Mr Bannister is a part of the FNM's plan to put "talented new young people" into the forefront of the FNM party. "You need a seasoned son as your MP don't look this gift horse in the mouth," said Mr Ingraham. "Hold him near and dear to you."