The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Digital Editor

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

Another contender has stepped forward in the emerging race for the Bimini and the Berry Islands constituency, with researcher Dr Melony Thompson declaring her intention to seek the PLP nomination.

Dr Thompson said her decision was grounded in long-standing family ties and decades of community involvement in both island communities.

In a statement, she underscored her family roots tracing back to Loyalist James Braynen and Scottish lighthouse keepers stationed at Great Stirrup Cay. She is also the granddaughter of the late Eula Gaitor, proprietor of the historic Calypso Club, and the late Harold Gaitor, a former educator and catechist who served in Whale Cay and Bullocks Harbour.

Dr Thompson said her lineage is closely linked to families that have shaped both islands over generations, including Braynen, Roberts, Winder, Bain, Thompson, Gaitor, Gomez, Pople, Ellis, Francis, Levarity, Saunders, Weech and Sherman.

Beyond family history, she pointed to what she described as sustained community service, including support for Vacation Bible School programmes at St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, involvement in summer school initiatives at R N Gomez Comprehensive School, participation in Berry Islands homecoming events and service as mistress of ceremony for community and homeowners’ association functions.

She added that she has been researching the history of the Berry Islands, documenting family and community narratives, for more than 20 years.

“As someone deeply connected to these islands by blood, service and commitment, I believe this is a moment to offer myself in service,” Dr Thompson said. “Bimini and the Berry Islands deserve representation that listens, respects our heritage and works intentionally to create opportunities for our people.”

She said her focus would include economic empowerment beyond tourism, with emphasis on education, skills development, youth opportunity and sustainable community growth, while preserving cultural and historical identity.

Dr Thompson is reportedly scheduled for an interview early this week as part of the PLP’s nomination process, and said she looks forward to engaging residents and stakeholders in the coming weeks.

Her announcement comes as interest continues to build around the new constituency. As previously reported by The Tribune, names being discussed include Randy Rolle, a sitting PLP senator with family roots in Bimini, and Carlton Bowleg, the former North Andros and Berry Islands MP. Natasha Bullard-Hamilton has also been mentioned as a possible PLP contender.

The Bimini and Berry Islands constituency was recommended by the Constituency Boundaries Commission and is projected to have 2,253 registered voters.