Copyright thenassauguardian
The race for the November 24th Golden Isles by-election heated up on Friday after four candidates were nominated to contest the seat, which was left vacant after the death of Vaughn Miller. Darron Pickstock, of the Progressive Liberal Party, Brian Brown, of the Free National Movement, Karen Butler, an independent, and Brian Rolle, of the Coalition of Independents, all successfully nominated at Anatol Rodgers Senior High School. But Golden Isles constituent Craig Powell, who walked into the school alone to submit his documents to run as an independent candidate, was unsuccessful. Both the PLP and FNM drew large crowds of supporters. Pickstock arrived at the school with a motorcade of PLP supporters, including Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and other PLP Cabinet ministers. “I worked nights while I went to school in the day,” Pickstock said during a rally outside the school after he was nominated. He paused as he held back tears. He continued, “But you know what? It built me. It taught me that no one, and I mean no one, will ever outwork me. “And that’s the same spirit I’m bringing to this campaign and to serving the people of the great constituency of Golden Isles.” He continued, “I am tired of people being ignored [and] that is why I’m running. “I am tired of people calling for help and getting excuses. I am tired of seeing our communities wait years for the simple things. A fixed streetlight, a paved road, a safe park for kids to play in. “People are not asking for the world. … They are just asking for someone who listens, who shows up, and someone who can get things done. “That is what I’m offering. Real work, real results, and real representation.” Vaughn Miller, who died in September, was a member of the governing PLP. Moments before the prime minister gave his remarks, a throng of FNM supporters came marching down Faith Avenue, beating drums and shaking cowbells. Davis spoke through the clamor, noting that Pickstock, if elected, would continue the work and progress made by the government. “In 24 days, the people of Golden Isles will make a choice,” Davis said on the stage. “A choice about who they trust to represent them, who will deliver for them, and to keep our country moving forward. “This election is not only about who sits in Parliament, it is about whether we keep building on the progress we have made together, or whether we risk going backwards. “When I look at Darron Pickstock, I see the kind of leadership our country needs.” He continued, “Darron’s 10-point plan for Golden Isles shows exactly how progress reaches every doorstep. “From fixing roads, to building a new community center, to creating a micro-fund that helps young people get started. That is what it means to put people first. “Let us be clear about what is at stake. We all remember what came before.” Davis said, “We can’t afford to turn back now.” ‘I have a plan’ Brown, the FNM candidate, was the last to nominate on Friday. He was backed by FNM Leader Michael Pintard and Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright, and other FNM supporters. While Brown was inside the gym, a police officer grabbed an elderly FNM supporter and pinned him against the school wall. It was unclear what led to the incident, but FNM supporters screamed for the officer to let the man go. The ordeal ended when ACP Chaswell Hanna raced to the scene and ordered the officer to release the man. The officer was told to move to the gym. Moments later, Brown emerged from the school with a pink card in hand. He warned Golden Isles constituents not to be deceived by recent road repairs and donations of building supplies by the government. He also promised to bring change to the constituency. “I am not big on talking,” Brown said. “I don’t slap-up. I work and I have a plan. “When you send me to Parliament I’ll fight every single day to make life easy for families in Golden Isles. I’ll push for better infrastructure, safer roads, reliable drainage, proper street lighting. “I’ll champion small business as we create real jobs right here at home.” Brian Rolle, of the COI, said on Friday that the country needs a change. Rolle said if elected, he plans to address “flooding and coal burning” in the constituency. “My word of the day ... is inclusion,” Rolle said. “We need you guys to be involved in what we’re doing. Don’t be shy to come forward with us. “We need your ideas. We cannot do this alone, and we need everyone to be a part of this, and everybody needs to eat. “So please guys, I am taking this seriously. I didn’t have to do this, but I said you know what, I’m a person. I’m fearless. I’m not afraid to say what I have to say, and right is right and wrong is wrong. “We have to change.” Rolle was accompanied by members of the COI and supporters, including its leader Lincoln Bain. The crowd, dressed in all black, clashed with police after they were told that they could not enter school grounds with political placards. Karen Butler, who was the first to nominate, had a modest group of supporters with her. They were dressed in pink. “As a resident of Golden Isles, I find that it is important for us to have good representation,” she said on Friday. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. This time we’re going to be different, and we’re going to get a different result. “Community in The Bahamas is drastically on the decline. I’m about making sure the residents of Golden Isles and the wider Bahamas benefit from my talents and skills of not only getting it done, but making it happen.” Butler previously ran for the FNM in Tall Pines in 2012.
