Four Confirmed And 1 Attempt To Nominate For Golden Isles By-Election

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Residents in Golden Isles are one step closer to electing their next representative. The nomination process took place Friday, October 31st, morning at Anatol Rodgers High School, following the sudden passing of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Vaughn Miller earlier this month.

Five Bahamians arrived to file nominations, but only four names will officially appear on the ballot when voters head to the polls on November 24th.

Flooding, infrastructure, and illegal immigration topped the list of community concerns as candidates pledged to deliver change for the constituency.

The first to arrive shortly after 9:00 a.m. was Kim Butler, a former Free National Movement (FNM) representative now running as an independent.

“Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results,” Butler said. “The Bahamas is at a place where we need real leadership and accountability as a people.”

Next came the battle of the Brians, Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents (COI) and Brian Brown representing the Free National Movement (FNM).

Rolle arrived with fanfare and dozens of supporters, prompting a brief exchange with police officers enforcing the 20-person limit per candidate. Despite the tension, Rolle was successfully nominated.

“I believe in inclusion,” Rolle said. “We must focus on the needs of Bahamians first, especially when it comes to tackling the issues of illegal immigration.”

Shortly after, the PLP’s candidate Darren Pickstock arrived via motorcade, joined by family, party supporters, and sitting parliamentarians, drawing fresh questions from COI members about whether the same supporter limits were being applied.

Pickstock, who has faced criticism about his residency in the area, dismissed those concerns and emphasized his focus on service.

“It doesn’t matter where I live,” he said. “What matters is my commitment to represent the people of Golden Isles and ensure their voices are heard.”

Rounding out the list was Brian Brown of the FNM, whose arrival was marked by Junkanoo music and cheering supporters. Brown says his campaign will focus on improving roads and public infrastructure.

“When you send me to Parliament, I’ll be a representative for everyone, not just one group,” he said.

The nomination process officially closed at noon. Just minutes before the cut-off, Craig Powell, a resident of the constituency, made a last-minute attempt to file his nomination. However, he was ultimately unsuccessful.

“It was efficient but flawed,” Powell said, describing the process.

With the nominations now complete, voters in Golden Isles will have four options when they head to the polls on November 24th, Darren Pickstock (PLP), Brian Brown (FNM), Brian Rolle (COI), and Kim Butler (Independent).