By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Excitement is building as students across Grand Bahama prepare for the Local Government Junior Council elections.

Registration has begun at seven participating schools: Eight Mile Rock High School, Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School, Jack Hayward High, St George’s High, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School, Bishop Michael Eldon High, and Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventists.

Last year’s champions, the Eight Mile Rock Blue Jays, and the third-place finishers, Sister Mary Patricia Junior High School, have set a competitive tone for this year’s elections. Students from grades seven through twelve eagerly lined up to register as voters, showcasing their enthusiasm for the democratic process.

Kenwood Cartwright, Family Island administrator for the City of Freeport, praised the programme’s success in Grand Bahama. 

“This initiative has not only benefited schools but also extended to surrounding communities through various projects,” he noted during a visit to the registration process,” said Mr Cartwright.

“This programme is a feeder programme into the Senior Local Government Councilors.  At this stage, students are taking the oath and registering as voters.”

The training for poll and registration workers was conducted by the Parliamentary Department, ensuring a well-organised process.

Nomination day for Junior Council candidates is set for October 2, followed by a campaign period leading up to Election Day on October 17. Each registered voter will receive a specially designed voter’s card containing their details and photo, which must be presented at the polls.

Elected Junior Councilors will be tasked with implementing projects based on their campaign promises, supported by funding from Local Government.

“Unlike Senior Local Government Councils, these Junior Councils will have the opportunity to fundraise to support their projects,” said Mr Cartwright. 

This flexibility aims to empower students in their leadership roles.

Alexander Williams, consultant to Local Government for the Northern Bahamas, reflected on the program’s evolution.

“Local government serves as a breeding ground for leadership,” he said. 

“This programme fosters an understanding of government processes and instills a respect for democracy.” 

He noted that the initiative, initially limited to government schools, has now expanded to include several private institutions.

Last year, Junior Councils in Grand Bahama undertook a variety of impactful projects, including building gazebos, establishing food pantries, refurbishing classrooms, and enhancing school facilities with new computers and sports gear. Community-focused initiatives such as beach cleanups and feeding programmes further demonstrate the councils’ commitment to service.