The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE contest for the Free National Movement’s nomination in Central and South Andros is heating up, with supporters turning out in strong numbers for a recent party meeting on the island where two aspirants outlined their visions for the community.

Businessman Julian Gibson and marketing professional Brooke Greene both addressed supporters on Monday, presenting plans to tackle key local issues, including road repairs, infrastructure improvements, and challenges in the banking sector.

Party insiders said the meeting drew scores of residents, many of whom were vocal about the candidates they supported.

Serfent Rolle, the party’s Secretary General, described the meeting as a great show of democracy and said he was encouraged by what he saw and heard.

“People were direct, and that's exactly what we need. We need to hear from people loudly and clearly. There needs to be no ambiguity as to who you really want to represent you,” he  told The Tribune yesterday.

He described both Mr Gibson and Ms Greene as strong community builders with deep ties to the area, noting that the committee’s decision would not be an easy one.

“We need people with vision to be able to see where it can go and where it will go and where they intend to take it and so they both articulated well,” he added.

He said the community appears fired up and ready to go, expressing confidence in the party’s chances of retaining the seat.

He added that several attendees told him they had voted for the PLP in the last election but were now willing to give the FNM a chance.

“They are supporters of good governance and that's why they want an FNM government,” Mr Rolle added.

“And that means that despite what people may have thought about our candidates, election process and other issues that that we may have had, they are confident that we are a better choice to govern.”

This latest meeting comes as the party moves to finalise its remaining slate of candidates. Party leader Michael Pintard recently said the FNM intends to ratify additional candidates later this month.