The Tribune

LOCAL government elections went smoothly in the three district councils in Grand Bahama yesterday, the 18th year since the implementation of local government in the Family Islands.

Candidates were out around 7am setting up with their teams at the various polling divisions to catch early voters when the polls opened at 9am.

In the morning, voter turnout was slow, but gradually picked up around noon. However, most candidates anticipated a higher turnout of voters during the evening before the polls closed at 6pm, when people got off work and headed home.

In Grand Bahama, there are some 50,000 eligible voters. Of the 96 candidates who were nominated, 21 persons are uncontested.

When The Tribune visited some of polling divisions in the Freeport area, some candidates had their teams in place. They erected tents and had refreshments on hand to keep cool in the blistering heat.

Police officers were stationed at the various polling divisions to ensure order.

When The Tribune arrived at the Pineridge Polling division two in the Foster Pestaina Hall at Christ the King Church around 11.40am, there was no long line and no one was there to cast their vote. On enquiring about the voter turnout, the presiding officer said they were off to very slow start.

In Marco City, there was more activity. At polling divisions four and five at Mary Star of the Sea School there was a steady trickle of voters.

Joycelyn Rolle said this is her second time voting in local government elections in Grand Bahama since relocating from New Providence, where local government elections are not held.

“I don’t know the candidates, but I feel it is my democratic right to vote and to talk to the candidates and let them know my concerns for the area,” she said.

Ms Rolle said there is need for more playground and after-school centres for children in her area. She noted that the after-school centre should provide activities as it relates to the school curriculum, or provide assistance with homework and school study.

“It is important that what we continue to foster programmes that can help the development of children, and not just academically, but also introduce arts and crafts programs that will help them develop certain skills where they are required to use their hands,” Ms Rolle said.

Chris Huyler said he was excited to be voting for the first time. Huyler, a campaign worker in these elections, greeted voters as they arrived at the polls.

When asked what he expects from his local government representatives, he said that he would like to see programmes that cater to children and getting young men off the streets.

Huyler feels that priority should be given to a school in the Hawksbill area that provides less fortunate children with online access. He said there also need for a community centre.

Val Griffith said: “I feel it is good to give people a chance to serve the community. I am glad I am able to vote for who I think can best serve my community because in some countries people can’t vote,” she said.

At Jack Hayward High School, The Tribune caught up with councilor Kevin Ferguson, who is seeking re-election in Marco City. He was confident that he would win again and has teamed with candidates Keitron Meadows and Omes Lockhart.

“I believe my team will be successful because we are organised and have planned for this for a very long time,” he said.

Mr Ferguson said he was pleased with the turnout of voters at Mary Star and at Jack Hayward in the Pioneers Loop area.

He said residents in Arden Forest area are concerned about the road access, streetlights and potable water. He said streetlights are also issue for residents in the Gladstone Terrace area.

Mr Ferguson said another major issue is bus transportation. “Residents want predictable public bus transportation in their area and that is one of my main platforms. We have constructed bus shelters in various areas and we want to work with the Road Traffic Board and make sure they provide a plan to make bus transportation predictable,” he said.

Ferguson has been a councillor since 2008 and has served as Chief Councillor for the City of Freeport District Council since 2011. He said this is his last time running.

“I am excited about the development of local government. I believe it is the way forward for the Family Islands because persons now have an opportunity to pick the best persons they want to represent them at local level in their own communities,” he said.

“Residents in these constituencies should come out and vote for people who they can identify with, who they speak with, and who won’t be hiding from them.”

At 22, Keitron Meadows is one of the youngest candidates. He decided to run because he felt he has a lot of offer to young people in his community. “I have a lot of heart for young people. I am a youth minister at my local church and I feel that young people deserve to have representation too.”

Mr Meadows said mentoring programmes are needed for at risk young men. He said his family fully supports him.

Damian Fox, another young candidate in Marco City, said it is his second time running as a candidate in the local government elections. He said he is interested in assisting senior citizens in his community. “I have started programmes with the Old Folks Home and I am interested in opening a second home in Marco City,” he said.

Mr Fox said he also wants to encourage the opening of small booths at the local parks in an effort to make it more family oriented.

Marco City, where there are some 5,000 plus voters, makes up three of the nine seats on the City of Freeport District. “We are hoping for some 4,000 voters to come out,” Mr Fox said.