The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty says he will not seek re-election, citing a need to “refocus, reposition and recalibrate” to prioritise his family, who he says have made great sacrifices while he served his constituents.

He is the second sitting Progressive Liberal Party MP to announce plans to leave frontline politics, following MICAL MP Basil McIntosh.

Mr Petty, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, was appointed executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation but resigned in 2023 after revelations that his daughter had received a contract with the company.

The issue emerged during cross-examination in the ongoing trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson.

He has frequently engaged on social media, offering updates on community issues and celebrating the achievements of his constituents.

In a statement sent to The Tribune yesterday, he thanked his constituents for their support, saying his election under a PLP administration — after years of opposition victories — was a personal mission accomplished.

He acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, but noted that there comes a time in life when seasons end.

“I truly believe that my season for frontline politics is coming to an end,” he said. “Nevertheless, I remain steadfast, resolute, and committed to completing the tasks before me successfully — with God’s and my government’s assistance — and dedicated to the mission of nation-building in whatever capacity.”

The North Eleuthera MP added that he was proud of his efforts to inspire change and satisfied that he has done his best to leave a lasting impression and legacy for others to build on in the area.

The move comes as the Progressive Liberal Party ramps up its election focus ahead of what could be hotly contested nominations in both the MICAL and North Eleuthera constituencies.

Former Golden Gates MP and Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson has expressed interest in the MICAL seat, along with 58-year-old Inagua business owner Laverne Ingraham.

However, it remains unclear who will vie for the PLP’s nomination in North Eleuthera.

Michelle Johnson, chairperson of the PLP’s mainland North Eleuthera branch, told The Tribune yesterday that the association has not yet been informed of any official nominees.

She said many residents were disappointed by Mr Petty’s decision not to run again, believing he was a committed representative.

“He’s had good intention,” he said. “He’s been a great MP and he did what he could with the little resources that he had.”