NASSAU, BAHAMAS — In the next general election, a political rookie and a veteran will go against the Free National Movement’s (FNM) incumbent, MP Jeff Lloyd.
Lloyd was ratified by the FNM on February 2.
The former journalist, who noted that it is up to voters if he is to be re-elected, received 2,893 votes over the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) candidate Cleola Hamilton in the 2017 General Election.
With a background in education, Lloyd was appointed minister responsible for that portfolio.
However, several notable challenges arose during his tenure, including Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining him in the race is political veteran Jermaine Higgs representing the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
Higgs previously ran in the 2002 and 2007 general elections as a member of the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM).
He is currently self-employed in the sanitization industry and has lived in the constituency for the past 45 years.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Higgs said Bahamians have had to choose between the lesser of two evils for the last 20 years and the DNA is the fresh wind the country deserves.
“South Beach needs one of its own who actually goes through the blackouts together, the flooding and the social ills that come with being in the south,” he said.
“South Beach has been underestimated, underappreciated and underrepresented for the past 30 years.”
Receiving the PLP’s ratification was political newcomer Bacchus Rolle.
Rolle is self-employed in the financial services industry and is the current head basketball coach at the University of The Bahamas.
In a video on the party’s social media page, the former athlete described himself as dedicated and hardworking.
“I believe that leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of and investing in those people who are in your charge,” Rolle said.
“And in my opinion, I don’t see the existing or the present leadership investing in the people of South Beach.”
The PLP has already named 18 candidates vying for office, while the FNM has ratified 30 candidates and the DNA 15.
Written by Eyewitness News Intern Devonté Hanna
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