The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS Tribune Senior Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net RENWARD Wells choked back tears yesterday as he was officially nominated as the Progressive Liberal Party's candidate for Bamboo Town - one of four men who will attempt to take the seat away from incumbent Branville McCartney. The PLP has not run a candidate in Bamboo Town for 15 years. Mr Wells said some of his supporters were brought to tears after his receipt was signed, securing his and the PLP's spot on the 2012 election ballot for Bamboo Town. With Mr Wells came buses of PLP supporters with music and drink - he suspects close to 300 of them - to the Carlton E Francis Primary School. "It's truly official and I think for any individual who goes through the nomination process to represent the Bahamian people, it is an awesome experience," said Mr Wells. "And it is a sobering one too." Before Mr Wells arrived at the school, Cassius Stuart, the Free National Movement's nominee, handed over his $400 deposit, officially making him a contender for the seat. He also brought with him a rally of red supporters, which included a small junkanoo contingent. Mr Stuart said the support on the ground in Bamboo Town has been extremely strong and he is confident he will be the next member of parliament for the constituency, which has traditionally voted in favour of the FNM. "We have always had good support in the area and having a good candidate is an advantage," he said. "We will beat all them convincingly." Craig Butler, who is running as an independent candidate, was the third to seal his candidacy for Bamboo Town. Mr Butler said he has received tremendous support in the area. Several supporters joined him at Carlton E Francis, donning logo T-shirts and waving flags. He said he will use his independent candidacy as a stepping stone "to something greater." "The Bahamian people are tired of what they have," said Mr Butler. Democratic National Alliance leader and current member of parliament for Bamboo Town, Branville McCartney was the last to officially throw his hat into the ring. He and a large contingent of party supporters marched from the Golden Gates shopping plaza to the sound of Junkanoo music and blaring car horns down to the school. After officially registering as the DNA candidate for Bamboo Town, Mr McCartney told members of the media that he is confident his party will form the next government following the May 7 general election. He said he is looking forward to remaining the MP for Bamboo Town. "I've been there for five years and I am looking forward to being there for another five years," he said.