Five candidates nominated to contest the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election on November 22nd.
The first candidate to nominate on Monday was Free National Movement (FNM) standard bearer, Bishop Ricardo Grant. He arrived at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Hall along with FNM leader, the Hon. Michael Pintard and other supporters. Bishop Grant spoke to reporters saying, “the things that the citizens here in West Grand Bahama need is exactly what we have been tabling over the years and now we want to take that to the next level.”
Standard bearer for the Progressive Liberal Party, Kingsley Smith came next flanked by Party Officials and supporters including Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Chester Cooper. Speaking to residents of the area Smith said, “I am one of you and I am here for you. I’ve heard your concerns, your aspirations and your frustrations. We’re in this together and I pledge to be a voice, your champion and most importantly, your active partner in bringing about the progress we all yearn for.”
Prime Minister Davis also addressed party supporters after witnessing Smith’s nomination. He said of Smith, “he stands ready to carry this momentum into action ensuring that every ounce of trust given to him by the community is returned in tireless service and unwavering commitment.”
Teneille Burrows was the third candidate to officially nominate. Burrows said that the country needs someone to represent the youth and children of the nation who cannot speak for themselves.
Leader of the Coalition Of Independents (COI), Lincoln Bain also nominate to contest the by-election. “I’m not here to look out for the COI. We’re an activist group and we’re only using the political platform because that is the way to bring change. But we are here to represent the Bahamian people and give us back what belongs to us,” Bain said.
Last to nominate was Independent candidate, Daquan Swain who is also the youngest person vying for the seat. He told reporters, “all we’re doing in standing on that foundation that we’ve already built with the resident of West Grand Bahama as well as Bimini to know that hey listen, we still in this fight, we know we been fighting but let’s just take this to another level.
