By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE official results are in for the local government elections on Grand Bahama and several newcomers were elected to represent and serve their communities. In the City of Freeport District, six of the nine councillors are newcomers to local government.

Yesterday, the nine-member council performed its first duty by electing from among them a chief councillor and deputy chief councillor. Sworn-in as the new chief councillor and deputy chief councillor were incumbent Chervita Campbell and newcomer Nevar Smith, respectively.

Island Administrator Alexander Williams said that there continues to be low voter turnout and lack of interest in local government elections in recent years. Pointing out that last year’s turnout was fewer than 20 per cent of the registered voters in the Freeport area, Mr Williams believes that it could be even less this year.

He indicated that there is less interest in local government in the more affluent areas as opposed to the other (outlying) areas and said local government is a vital component of the country’s democracy.

“It is a vehicle for decentralisation which results in better governance,” Mr Williams said.

“Local government is very close to the people, very sensitive to people and very responsive to the needs of the people; and it is very important that we maintain and nurture local government and develop interest in it.”

While it is encouraging to see several newcomers, Mr Williams stressed that local government is about service and not personal agenda. “It is about the business of the people and it is about service to the country, to people, and communities,” he explained.

Mr Williams said the focus is about developing meaningful programmes for young people, and about addressing issues such as crime, unemployment and being able to motivate people to become entrepreneurs and creating local economic activity in communities.

Mr Williams performed the swearing-in of the councillors and swearing-in of the chief and deputy chief councillors in the local government conference room at the National Insurance Board yesterday morning.

The Parliamentary Registration Department released the official results of local government election held on June 23.

The City of Freeport District comprises four areas: Central Grand Bahama, East Grand Bahama, Marco City, and Pineridge.

Central Grand Bahama

In Central Grand Bahama, newcomers Marco Carey (432 votes) and Frazette Gibson (408) captured the two seats.

EAST Grand Bahama

In East Grand Bahama, newcomers Chavaz Campbell (277) and Nevar Smith (274) won the two seats.

MARCO CITY

In Marco City, eight candidates were on the ballot. Taking the three seats were incumbents Chervita Campbell (624) and Kevin Ferguson (428) and newcomer Omes Lockhart-Lightbourne (383).

PINERIDGE

In Pineridge, the two seats went to Melvina Albury (358) and newcomer Clifton Francis (375).

WEST GRAND BAHAMA DISTRICT

The West Grand Bahama District is comprised of nine areas. Elected to serve on the 17 seat council were Mauva Hanna (89), Morton Wilchcombe (75), Mark Greene (66), Constance Hanna (64), Correy Adderley (84), Jeffrey Albury (72), Marvin McQueen (108), Jaron Harvey (113), George Smith (108), Rudolph Rolle, (71), Samuel Scott (72), Perry Charlton (54), Willis Rolle (64), Andrea Hepburn (63) Normell Smith (81), Rosney Cooper (66) and Alfred Williams (33).

EAST GRAND BAHAMA DISTRICT

The East Grand Bahama District comprises two township areas. Elected to the eight-seat council were Floyd Feaster (46), Calvin Mitchell (39), Gladstone Russell (42) Eleanor Tate (53), Shervin Tate (33), Daniel Robert Bain (83), Joseph Thomas (75) and Wilton Thomas (70).