Published On:Friday, January 27, 2012

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT - The battle is now on for the five seats on Grand Bahama as some 17 candidates prepare to launch their campaign in the respective constituencies here on the island.

A total of 15 candidates have been officially ratified and named by the FNM, PLP, and DNA parties, and two persons have entered the race as independent candidates.

The candidates contesting in West Grand Bahama are ZNS Freeport anchorwoman Pakesia Edgecombe (FNM); businessman Roger Rolle (DNA); and West End MP Obie Wilchcombe.

Mr Wilchcombe, a veteran politician, will face off with newcomers Edgecombe and Rolle, who are both young and offer a fresh perspective for voters. Interestingly, Rolle and Edgecombe are also second cousins.

Edgecombe was born in West End. She grew up in Deadman's Reef and attended the Holmes Rock Primary and Eight Mile Rock High schools. She completed her tertiary education abroad in 1996. Edgecombe is married and has two children.

Roger Rolle is owner of Rags to Riches Consultants. He is a successful businessman.

Obie Wilchcombe has served in parliament for 10 years as MP for West End and Bimini, having been elected as the representative in 2002 and 2007.

Contesting the new Central Grand Bahama seat are businessman Neko Grant (FNM); accountant Julian Russell (PLP); and Howard Grant Jr (DNA).

Veteran politician Neko Grant is also going up against newcomers Russell and Howard Grant Jr, the son of FNM Eight Mile Rock MP Vernae Grant.

Grant, 30, is the youngest of the three candidates. The youth leader says his entire family, including his mother and father, supports his decision to join the DNA.

"I know...there are many persons saying 'how Vernae Grant's son could do that.' I am her son. She loves me and she knows I am a passionate person and I go hard after what I believe in. I believe in the DNA; it is here to revive our people. Her affiliation with the FNM is an affiliation I can't say anything about.

"She supports me; my entire family supports me; we have been through hell and high water with the FNM personally. I know you heard her speech in the House and it runs very deep."

Russell, an accountant, is a native of Eight Mile Rock. He is the son of Rev Ralph Russell.

In Marco City, the candidates are Educator Norris Bain (FNM); attorney Gregory Moss (PLP); aspiring law student Tolonus Sands (DNA); and community activist Troy Garvey (Independent).

The race is expected to heat up in Marco City as the four men vie for one of the most coveted and historic seats on Grand Bahama. It was once held by the FNM's founder the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield. The seat is currently held by Zhivargo Laing of the FNM who will contest the Fort Charlotte seat.

In Pineridge, the candidates are lawyer Kwasi Thompson (FNM); Dr Michael Darville (PLP); and Attorney Osman Johnson (DNA).

In East Grand Bahama, the candidates are businessman Peter Turnquest (FNM); attorney Tanisha Tynes (PLP); Ferline Bridgewater- Thomas (DNA); and independent candidate Philip Thomas.

Voter registration on Grand Bahama continues at a steady pace. Last week, over 21,000 persons had registered on the island.

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he expects that there would be some 25,000 registered voters in Grand Bahama.

Although New Providence has the majority of seats, the three parties believe Grand Bahama will play an important part in these elections.