LOCAL GOVT JUNIOR COUNCIL ELECTIONS HELD
JUNIOR Council elections were recently held in Grand Bahama, with the Parliamentary Registration Department providing assistance to the Department of Local Government to ensure the smooth running of the process.
Administrator for the West Grand Bahama District Ricardo Ferguson visited the polling station at Eight Mile Rock High School, where he shared his satisfaction with the event’s execution despite a few minor challenges.
“Some, or all of them will be voting in the next general election, so it would be good for them to be on the ground then as well, to see how the process is followed,” Mr Ferguson stated.
He praised the students’ enthusiasm and commitment to the democratic process.
“This is ideal for them — the makeshift polling division and station. They are campaigning with as much vigor as candidates in a general election,” he said with a smile. “The initiative is moving in the direction the government envisions.
The more this is done, the more the students understand the process. I see strong potential in their leadership abilities among the females — and I must say, the males really surprised me too.”
Students took the process seriously, completing nomination forms, paying the required $5 fee, and signing oaths of eligibility.
Coordinator of the Local Government Junior Council Programme at Eight Mile Rock High School Lenora Burrows, expressed pride in the growth and impact of the initiative at her school.
“Since returning after a brief break, I must say I’ve seen the programme grow tremendously over the years,” Ms. Burrows stated. “I’m extremely impressed. I love working with the students because I can see the politician developing in them. They are genuinely intent on making changes in their school and their community.
This year, 14 students offered themselves for candidacy, from which nine will be elected — three representatives each from Grades 10, 11, and 12.
Ms Burrows said the campaign period was filled with energy, creativity, and spirited participation.
“The journey to election day has been exciting — filled with rallies and innovative ideas,” she said. “However, once the students are sworn in, that’s when the real work begins. They collaborate to implement meaningful projects within the school and the wider community.”
Students Christian Cooper and Carlton Williams also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate.
“This experience will help me get my feet wet in politics. It’s a stepping stone and a building block,” said Cooper. “My team and I dubbed ourselves ‘The Big Three.’ It’s a unity tactic — if you vote for one, you vote for all three. Our symbol is the thumbs-up.”
Williams added, “I voted for the person who got my attention with his strong leadership abilities and positive personality. I believe he’ll help improve the school with fresh ideas, keeping it clean and encouraging unity among students.”
