With the sound of Returning Officer Erline Holder’s voice clearly ringing through the air, the nomination centre for St. Michael West was declared open at 10:00 a.m. sharp. The incumbent St. Michael West member of Parliament, Michael Carrington (DLP), arrived shortly before eleven o’clock, accompanied by his party stalwarts, bathing the school hall in a yellow glow from the party supporters’ shirts and their palpable excitement.
Speaking to the press after the formalities, Carrington noted that even though there are challenges within the society, there was progress made with the constituency’s housing solutions and their youth programme. He noted that he would be staying on message, and continue to focus on employment and assistance for the youth, placing special emphasis on the Cultural Industries Bill.
Amongst a sea of placards, red shirts, and a large banner proudly stating, “BLP 2018. Best for Barbados,” the Barbados Labour Party representative for St. Michael West, Reverend Joseph Atherley, was accompanied by his supporters to the St. Leonard’s Boy School, where they came out in numbers to fervently back their candidate.
After receiving his nominations, Reverend Atherley told the press that his campaign has been going extremely well. He noted that even though he was confident during the previous 2013 campaign, that confidence has increased and extended itself to the 2018 Elections. Noting that Barbadians had a tendency of ‘giving’ political parties two terms at the helm, the dissatisfaction that is being heard around the island is a sure sign that a change is imminent.
Making a quiet entrance was Lana Toussaint of Solutions Barbados, whose nomination process was without incident.
Hailing from the Barbados Integrity Movement, former financial consultant, Neil Holder, arrived to begin his nomination process. Escorted by a group of young men from the community, Mr. Holder made it clear that he was running to ensure the youth’s representation. Noting that his travels had opened his eyes on how Barbados is viewed regionally and internationally, and that the island has “lost its way”, these instances cemented his decision to run for office.
The candidate from the United Progressive Party, Patsie Nurse, happily spoke on the overwhelming support she has gotten from the St. Michael West constituency. Admitting that this was her second time running for office, she spoke on the frustration that is rampant in the community and expressed her excitement and anticipation, if she was chosen to represent her golden community (TK)