The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CHERVITA Campbell, the former chief councillor who stepped down from her post in 2015 from the City of Freeport Council, is again offering herself as a candidate in the local government elections set for June 22.

Putting the past behind her, Ms Campbell said she is ready to move forward, but also wanted to bring "light and clarity" about her demitting the post.

In a statement issued to The Tribune, she explained that her removal came as result of a breach of protocol, and did not involve any malfeasance. She admits that her action was a "mistake".

In 2015, Ms Campbell was accused of fraudulent contract bidding and was pressured by council members to step down pending the outcome of a police investigation into the matter. She denied the allegations but later left after continuous pressure from council members, and remained an active council member in good standing.

"I wish to unequivocally state that I was asked to step down as chief councillor, not because of any malfeasance, but a breach of protocol," she said in her statement.

"This mistake of the protocol was then exploited for selfish political ambitions of some and wider partisan political design of others which became clear for all to see in the recent general elections.

"Proof that there was no malfeasance on my part is the fact that I remained as an active and voting member of the Freeport City Council after demitting the chair," said Ms Campbell.

There are three local government districts in Grand Bahama: West Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama and the City of Freeport.

The Freeport District has four townships, which consist of a total of nine seats. Central Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama and Pineridge each have two seats, and Marco City has three positions, where Ms Campbell is vying to be elected.

As an active council member, Ms Campbell said that she continued to serve and perform her duties.

She listed several accomplishments she was able to achieve before and after her stepping down from the top post, which included her attendance at the Caribbean Association of Local Government Authorities (CALGA) event in October 2016 representing the Bahamas, and being elected as secretary of CALGA for the year 2016 to present.

In her capacity as secretary of the CALGA, Ms Campbell said that she is actively seeking to have the Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF) choose Grand Bahama as its next meeting site.

Ms Campbell noted that she had made contributions through her participation in consultation for local government reform and the strategies for the introduction of local government to New Providence.

In Grand Bahama, Ms Campbell re-introduced the summer employee programme after a six-year absence in Freeport; implemented a special needs summer camp for children; and oversaw the upgrade of the electrical system at the Independence Park among other things.

Ms Campbell claimed that no major projects have been undertaken or executed by the Freeport City Council since her departure as the chief councillor.

She said it is important that individuals seeking to serve the people of Freeport do so irrespective of their political affiliations.

Ms Campbell also thanked members of the public for their support and words of encouragement.