Exuma & Ragged Island Voters Get Ready for a Three-way Race

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EXUMA , BAHAMAS – Over in Exuma and Ragged Island there were a mix of experience, new challengers, and community-level concerns came into focus on nomination day.

With Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper seeking a third term, and challengers promising a different approach, Kendeno Knowles told us voters now face a clear choice about the islands’ direction.

With the ballot now set in Exuma and Ragged Island, the contest is taking shape around a familiar question for voters: continuity or change.

Deputy Prime Minister, Chester Cooper, was officially nominated for a third consecutive term, pointing to major projects he says are already in motion across the constituency.

Chester Cooper – PLP Candidate, Exuma & Ragged Island

“Progress will continue based on the many things we already have in the pipeline. We’re going to finish the airport, complete the roads, and start new projects. We’ll be building three bridges, developing a new town center, and adding sixty-eight acres of new housing in Exuma. We’re excited about all of this.”

The Free National Movement candidate, Debra Moxey Rolle, said for many residents, basic services remain the real issue this election.

Debra Moxey Rolle – FNM Candidate, Exuma & Ragged Island

“We have a health care system that has failed us. We don’t have an emergency system. We have a high school where students are sent home at noon because there is no water. Nurses are still flushing toilets in the clinic. The people of Exuma are ready to vote for a government that will work for them.”

Meanwhile, Coalition of Independents candidate Byron Smith entered the race with a focus on practical education and youth opportunity.

Byron Smith – COI Candidate, Exuma & Ragged Island

“My plan for the first few months is improving health care here on the island and education.”

“We also need to improve port transshipment and bring in what we need. We should implement trade schools within our primary schools from the beginning.”

Supporters were also out in large numbers on Thursday, including FNM supporter Reno Curling, rallying behind his candidate.

Reno Curling – Supporter, FNM

“If she is elected, we’ll work as a team to make sure Exuma is well taken care of.”

For others, this race is also about whether national resources are reaching Family Island communities the way they should.

Jeremy Jervis – Supporter, COI

“I wanted to support Byron Smith and our party. The vision is to ensure that the wealth of the Commonwealth is shared among everyday Bahamians.”

Among those who supported the incumbent was his wife, Cecilia Cooper.

Cecilia Cooper – Wife of Incumbent, Exuma & Ragged Island

“I look forward to continuing the work with children and women of Exuma, alongside my husband. There is a lot of energy, and we’re excited for the future of Exuma.”

With nominations now complete, the focus in Exuma and Ragged Island shifts from the process to the choices ahead for voters on May 12.