Election Day: Voices From the Polls

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – From New Providence to the Family Islands, thousands of public workers went to the polls on Wednesday to cast their votes in what many are calling a critical union election.

With more than nine key leadership positions up for grabs, some workers say they’re voting for who will represent their interests and advocate for their rights.

Evlynn Ferguson – Our News
“It was decision day for civil servants as voting took place in the Bahamas Public Services Union executive election. We speak with some of the nominees on what changes they hope to see.”

From Kendall Isaacs Gymnasium to polling stations across the island, members of the Bahamas Public Service Union turned out to cast their ballots in a contest between two major opposing teams: the United Workers Team and the People Organizing With Effective Results, or the POWER Team.

Among those seeking to lead the union is POWER Team candidate Alexander Burrows Jr., who says this is a critical time for the union and that change is long overdue.

Alexander Burrows Jr. – Candidate For President, BPSU
“One of the things we would like to do is to create a BPSU app. I think that is transformative technological advances that we are trying to use and utilize within our organization. That BPSU app will also serve as a central grievance system that our members can be able to log in and track their matters.”

This voter, who wished to remain anonymous, says regaining influence and restoring the union’s strength and reputation are at the heart of this major election.

Meanwhile, voter Dashay Percentie says structural reforms are also needed.

Anonymous – Voter, Bahamas Civil Service
“The trade union in The Bahamas has changed a lot for the public sector. In trade union, I don’t think the trade unions are respected. For the election going on today, I hope the team, the Eagles team, in which I am supporting, that they bring some continuity to the respect earned by the trade unions in The Bahamas. Trade unions in The Bahamas are the backbone.”

Dashay Percentie – Voter
“It has to be a standard in place coming from HR departments and training for the HR departments, so when these policies are in place, we wouldn’t feel that, as a true public servant, we wouldn’t feel as if we’re taken advantage of. We wouldn’t feel as if we were overlooked, and that’s the real delay and problems now that we’re facing in the public service. Public servants are not feeling welcomed. They’re not being appreciated for those years they were in the service. One like me, someone who’s been there for 20 years.”

The polls closed at 6 p.m., with official election results still unavailable up to news time.