The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

IN his first rally speech in West Grand Bahama since the FNM ratified him as its candidate for the by-election, Bishop Ricardo Grant urged supporters “to take a stand” against the Davis administration, saying the time for change has come.

Describing himself as a leader ready to serve and listen, Bishop Grant vowed to change the status quo and represent West Grand Bahama and Bimini residents in a way not seen before. 

He said as “the new kid on the block,” he may make mistakes, but pledged to be honest with the Bahamian people and to serve them well.

“No longer will we settle for second best and mediocrity,” he told a crowd during his candidate launch event in Eight Mile Rock on Saturday.

 “We will settle no longer for empty promises. We will settle no longer for persons that we would’ve hired to represent us and to be our voice in places where our voices should be heard. No longer will we sit back and sit idly by and serve those who should be serving us.”

 “We are serious about the citizens of West Grand Bahama. You matter. Your lives matter. Everything about you matters and you should be first because we are focusing on you.”

 Bishop Grant said the Davis administration has been neglectful and has put personal interests above those of the Bahamian people. 

 He said not enough has been done in the constituency and called for more jobs, better infrastructure and better policies.

 “Our roads still need to be fixed,” he added. “We still got streetlight issues. When I ride to get to West End you got to be careful because you don’t know what you’re gon’ run into because there ain’t no lights on the roads. 

 “You’re talking about serious issues. I got a school that still ain’t open yet. Our children’s education is on the line. Teachers, we can’t find teachers for the classrooms. Children are not attending schools like they should.”

 Bishop Grant spoke about money in the race.

“We will not allow them to come and shove a few dollars, and then we suffer for years until we see you again because there’s more to you than a few dollars,” he said. “Your life is worth more than just a couple dollars. The devil is a liar.”

 Traditionally, West End has been the lynchpin of the PLP’s success in the constituency. In 2017, when the FNM’s Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe narrowly won over Mr Wilchcombe, the PLP carried the West End polling divisions, lost steam in Holmes Rock and fell badly in Bimini. Free National Movement leaders hope to keep the margins small in West End and outdo other candidates in the remaining communities.

  Bishop Grant was supported by FNM leader Michael Pintard, deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, former area MP Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe and others at the launch event.