By. LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net 

NORTH Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty yesterday confirmed he will seek re-nomination, telling reporters he has the full support of Prime Minister Philip Davis — a move that has left some Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) aspirants feeling “disrespected.”

Mr Petty’s decision to re-enter the race comes months after he announced plans to step away from frontline politics, citing a need to refocus on family.

At the time, he vowed to remain a PLP supporter.

Mr Petty declined to say what prompted his change of heart but expressed confidence he would secure the party’s nomination.

“I just spoke to the Prime Minister about 20 minutes ago, so I’m good to go,” he told reporters yesterday.

His re-entry into the race has frustrated some hopefuls, including aspiring PLP candidate Oscar McPhee, who criticised Mr Petty’s performance and said the decision has made other aspirants feel undervalued.

“You have aspirants that push themselves all the way out to the limb, for the ride, for the party and to do things, and it makes us now feel like we are disrespected,” Mr McPhee said.

Mr McPhee accused Mr Petty of neglecting constituents after announcing his initial departure from politics, saying he showed no remorse and left the community divided.

He added that while he remains a strong PLP supporter, Mr Petty’s poor performance and lack of support make him an unfavourable candidate.

“The numbers for him does not correspond, and I feel that the Prime Minister has to take consideration for that, because the numbers are not with him. People are revolting against him,” he said. 

Several voters who spoke to The Tribune recently have also expressed frustration about representation, with some saying they don’t want to see Mr Petty back.

Residents cited ongoing water, electricity, and internet disruptions in recent years, describing the situation as the worst they have experienced in decades.

Mr Petty acknowledged their concerns but said the government is working to improve living conditions.

He noted a recent agreement with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to enhance electricity supply and ongoing renovations at the North Eleuthera Airport, adding that he believes the party remains “in good standing.”

“We’re gonna have the same support as we did in the last election,” he said. “So I’m confident that we’re gonna win it. I mean, it’s a lot of work to do so we’re gonna push and we’re gonna fight for the people of North Eleuthera. They know they have a fighter.”

The Tribune understands that Prime Minister Davis is set to meet with other hopefuls for the constituency soon.