By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE Democratic National Alliance’s newly ratified candidate for Marco City yesterday defended his choice and qualifications to contest a seat in the next general election.

Nevar Smith, 29, released a statement on Facebook in response to criticism from some who said he was wasting time and money running for political office on a third party’s ticket. His credentials for seeking political office were also questioned.

“For all those who are concerned about my current career (and) employment status, I’m pleased to report that in addition to serving as the acting chief councillor for the City of Freeport, I also work to the Health Enhancing Pharmacy in the marketing department in addition to Mix 102.1FM as a radio talk show host for the last six years now,” Mr Smith’s statement said.

“Just like many other Grand Bahamians, I too have struggled with the high rate of unemployment and under-employment that Grand Bahamians have had to endure for the last ten plus years. Yes, as an educated Bahamian it would have been easier for me to move to another island and take advantage of the career opportunities that exists in the hospitality industry but I made a deliberate decision to stay on my home island through the tough times and do everything within my power to make things better for myself and others that call this island home.

“Instead of reducing myself to a life of crime just to survive I decided to be resourceful and found creative ways to meet my obligations and not be a drag on society. We should never make our youth feel like they are unqualified to use their God-given gifts and talents to make a difference in their country just because they may be struggling with the high unemployment rate around the country or because they are not connected to a certain family.

“I’ve intentionally devoted a lot of my time and energy to community development work over the last ten years of my life, not because I’m a lousy or lazy person, but I did it out of a deep desire to be a part of moving Grand Bahama forward instead of being another senseless critic that lacks the courage to step out of their comfort zone and selfless help others get ahead in life. My question is what are you doing to help solve the many problems that this island/country is currently facing?”

Mr Smith also shot down criticism that he is “too young or too broke” to make a difference, calling such commentary a “slap in the face” to young Bahamians struggling in the face of high unemployment.

“I’m thankful that my leader and the other executives of the DNA would have given me a chance to serve my generation at this level even though I don’t currently have a lot of money or material possessions.

“I’ll continue to live my life with the highest level of integrity and keep my faith in Almighty God. I hope this settles that concern and now I eagerly await the next round of juicy gossip that I’m sure will hit the market in short order,” he said.

According to the latest figures released by the Department of Statistics last December, the country’s unemployment rate is 14.8 per cent. The youth unemployment rate is 30 per cent.

Last week, the DNA also announced that Leslie Lightbourne and Elkena Pinder have been chosen as the party’s candidates for Pineridge and East Grand Bahama, respectively. The party has ratified nine candidates so far.