The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

INDEPENDENT nominee for Mangrove Cay and South Andros, Whitney Bastian, said the constituency has received "lacklustre parliamentary representation" over the past five years.

As the former South Andros MP from 2002 to 2007, Mr Bastian said his plan to win the next election will be "asking the people to compare my record and my achievement in parliament" to that of his contenders for the seat.

He said he is referring to PLP incumbent Picewell Forbes who usurped him, but then also to DNA candidate and political newcomer, Wayde Forbes-Ferguson.

"I am saying to those persons (Mangrove Cay and South Andros constituents) that I have proved myself in terms of negotiating on their behalf and getting things done," Mr Bastian said. "And I think I'm doing better. I'm better than myself from 2002."

He formally announced his bid for the seat as an independent earlier this month after being denied a nomination to run for the DNA in the general election. He was later involved in a public row with the DNA's leader, Branville McCartney, who denied Mr Bastian's claims that he helped to start the party.

However, Mr Bastian does not dwell on his brief tryst with the party, stating in a recent press release: "I believe politicians work best and are far more effective when they are independently-minded and are free from party restraints, propaganda and controls."

He has "a number of programmes" planned should he win and as a native Androsian these plans are based on South Andros' "concerns" and the constituents' "interests".

The development of Mangrove Cay into a port of entry for commercial cruise lines, the expansion of the Andros Town Airport, the further establishment of agricultural and fishing industries, and the creation of a sports council and honour society are all among plans for which Mr Bastian would lobby.

Road improvement, better health care facilities, expansion of government and financial agencies, school repairs, street light and sidewalk installation, and job training programmes and scholarships "to level the playing field for Androsians" are also planned by Mr Bastian.

"As a resident here, I know first-hand the inadequacies, injustices, and challenges we face and remain resolved to ensuring that our social and economic standards are improved," he said.

"The lacklustre parliamentary representation we have received over the past five years coupled with the ever increasing and unacceptable high level of unemployment, social degradation, lack of adequate health and utility supplies require urgent and strong leadership, of which I am fully qualified, prepared and able to provide."