Six candidates nominated in St. Michael East

Six candidates have been formally nominated to contest the upcoming elections for the St. Michael East constituency.

The representatives of Solutions Barbados, the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), the United Progressive Party (UPP), the Barbados Integrity Movement (BIM) and Bajan People Movement (BPM) made their way to the Barbados Community College (BCC) to be part of the nomination process.

Betty Howell of Solutions Barbados was the first there around 10:16 am. She was joined by proposer, Stephen Howell and Joshia Howell, who seconded. Witnesses, Israel Howell and Daniel Howell were also present.

Howell, who is a first-timer, said she became a candidate because she believes it “is something that God would have me do at this time.” She told the media about her desire to see change in the constituency and in the island.

Howell stated that she had received “very positive” feedback from constituents who too would like to see change within the area.

The DLP’s Nicholas Alleyne also spoke about the positive response he had received from residents in the constituency.

Alleyne arrived at BCC joined by a small group of DLP supporters who carried placards. Among them were Audrey Burrowes who proposed his candidacy, Ivan Weekes who seconded, and Ian Marshall and Miriam Barrow who witnessed. His agent and campaign manager, Neville Brewster was also present.

The new DLP candidate additionally was supported by DLP’s St. Michael South East candidate, Rodney Grant and former parliamentarian Hamilton Lashley.

Prior to entering the nomination room, Alleyne paused briefly to speak with BCC students who looked on. He told the media he was “excited” to be the DLP candidate for the constituency and he “expects great things”.

UPP’s Paul Forte similarly spoke confidently about his chances of victory on May 24. His candidacy was proposed by Heather David while Kevin Hoyte seconded alongside Rasaan Browne and Francis Charles who bore witness.

Also there for his nomination were UPP Leader, Lynette Eastmond and UPP’s St. Michael South East candidate, Veronica Price. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate, Forte said canvassing has been “so far so good – we had good responses.”

The incumbent, BLP’s Trevor Prescod was upbeat when he arrived at BCC. He was joined by a stilt walker and a small group of supporters dressed in the party’s colour and carrying placards.

Prescod entered the nomination room with campaign manager, Cheryl Hunte and agent, Lorimer Denny. Proposer, Keith Weekes, Keisha Hall who seconded, witnesses Wayne Harewood and Leon Sargeant and a few supporters who also
entered the room.

He told the media that the 2018 general election will be a historic one for him and he would be victorious against the DLP’s Alleyne.

“As far as I am concerned this is going to be a signature piece. I am going to leave a record, in which this man who is a sacrificial lamb – I will beat him in every box across the constituency.”

Similarly hopeful to make history is BPM’s Founder and Leader, Rosie Daisley. The Independent and first-timer’s candidacy was proposed by Martin Gittens, seconded by Greta Gittens, while Ricardo Browne and Andrea Andrews were her
witnesses.

The final candidate to be nominated on Monday was BIM’s Rosaline Yarde. She was joined by proposer, Michael Rollins and Michael Sobers who seconded. Meanwhile, her witnesses were Michael D. Waldron and Phyllis St. Pierre. Agent, Nigel Boxill was also present.

Overall, Returning Officer, Harold Chase described the day’s process as “smooth and easy”. He said there were no major challenges and the candidates arrived at the times allotted.