As the two major political parties continue their political campaigning within New Amsterdam, two independent candidates are also vying for constituencies 4 and 5 at tomorrow’s Local Government Elections (LGEs).
Independent candidate for Constituency 4, Kenroy Henry, 32, of New Amsterdam said that he decided to participate in the local government elections after having various conversations with people and also wanting to be part of the development process in New Amsterdam “to take it to higher heights.”
He stated, that sometimes you need to spread your own wings and set your own path, and being a relatively young man he decided that it was time for him to take his own path, “it is time for me to step out there.”
Touching on New Amsterdam specifically, he said some of the issues he plans to focus on are garbage collection and drainage issues. Additionally, he said, “I want to create a neighbourhood watch, I see the need not to put the burden on the police but to help to bring society a bit safer.”
“Also I’m looking in the direction of youth development”, he said, stressing that he hopes to provide career guidance in youth groups throughout New Amsterdam to help them identify where their place is in society.
Henry said that he believes the major political parties should have given independent candidates a chance to run for LGE to help develop their area as their input is vital. “The person lives within that constituency and would be better able to identify where are the loopholes, problems, and areas that need development… (Party candidates) still have to answer and take direction but independent candidates have no heavy political affiliation and are better able to function.”
Henry said that he had embarked on house-to-house visits and it has been one of his most important strategies throughout campaigning. “Most people give positive responses.”
According to Henry, it has left him with an impactful and informative outlook and an open mindset “just to see how people live and communicate by being on the ground.”
He stressed, “Driving through New Amsterdam and walking through New Amsterdam are two completely different things.” He noted, that he has done some amount of voter education throughout his constituency.
With the support of his family, Henry is hoping to launch his own political party and possibly compete in the 2025 elections.
Meanwhile, efforts made to contact APNU candidates on Thursday resulted in the party’s election agent in the region, Jevaughn Stephens informing the Sunday Stabroek that candidates will not be doing interviews “at this moment.”
Naïve
Contesting Constituency 4 for the PPP/C is Esan Vanderstoop, a sitting town councillor for APNU. Vanderstoop told the Sunday Stabroek that it would be “naive” to ignore the development and transformation that has been occurring under the PPP/C government within the country.
As chairman of the council’s Works Committee, Vanderstoop also opined that some persons within the council are anti-development and so he thought it best to throw his support behind the PPP/C. “The (PPP/C) government come on board and tell you straight and I want to see New Amsterdam transformed. There is a whole host of things to happen. People want development.”
According to Vanderstoop, presently there is a “movement in New Amsterdam” with residents being open to supporting and voting for the PPP/C.
Meanwhile, a medical doctor originally from New Amsterdam, Mark France although the Chair of A New and United Guyana (ANUG) is contesting independently in Constituency 5. He said, he had indicated to his party from the start that whatever decision they made on participating in LGE, that he would contest in his area as he believes that the people need better representation. ANUG is not participating in the LGE.
He said while he also has met with residents, in his own capacity, resources are the problem but that he has been doing the groundwork.
Some of the issues raised with him include unemployment in the youth population, youths dropping out of school thus affecting their chances, and the need for health care services.
Additionally, he said that illicit substance abuse in Stanleytown is a known issue that needs to be looked at at the community level. France stressed that even if he is not successful he still plans to look at offering guidance and counseling.
Furthermore, he said he and his team are also planning to set up a job bank/database and to work in tandem with the government authorities to get people employed. “This doesn’t depend on me being elected but going forward this is something we plan to do”, he told the Sunday Stabroek
France also pointed out that during elections the parties solicit votes from residents, and then “you don’t see them back.” He said if he is elected to the council he will be on the ground informing residents about discussions and decisions at the council’s level.
Juanita Burrowes contesting on behalf of the PPP/C in Constituency 5 stated that she is confident that she will be winning in a landslide. “The important thing is not to keep New Amsterdam down but to develop and let people see a new transformation in our community”, she said. She added that they want clean drains, and good streetlights, and also want a very clean burial ground, things her party will deliver on. “We will focus also on ensuring that every part of New Amsterdam is clean and healthy, ready for the great grow for our children”, Burrowes added.
