It’s all about the economy for St George’s

Tomorrow, a new alderman for the Corporation of St George will be chosen. Four St Georgians have tossed their hat in the ring and hope to win the seat.

It was made vacant last month after Alderman Garth Rothwell was named mayor when Kenny Bascome stepped down after winning a seat for the OBA in Constituency One.

The candidates are business owner Alfonso Harris, accountant Anthony Richardson, non-profit director Kristin White and service station employee Rick Wynn.

Voting will take place tomorrow from 8am to 8pm in the Town Hall.

Voters are eligible if they live between 5 Wellington Street and Boundary Lane, the western boundary and 10 Cut Road, the eastern boundary.

Mikeala Ian Pearman asked each candidate the same two questions: What are the key issues facing St George’s and what unique qualities do you bring to the table?

Anthony Richardson:

The single most important issue for all voters based on my canvassing is to bring activity to St George’s for residents and tourists.  The most immediate solution is to ensure that visitors to the island, especially cruise ship passengers, can get to St George’s consistently, have things to do in St. George’s and the East End in general. 

In the long-term we must sort out the golf course, marina, hotel and cruise ship berth.

The unique quality that I bring to the table is that I am a qualified accountant, with a finance background and more than 20 years of public service. I am a former Accountant General for Bermuda and I grew up in St George’s. 

In addition, my grandfather James Richardson was on the Corporation for more than 20 years. As an accountant, I believe I can assist with the overall finances of the Corporation and any review of proposals that are received by the Corporation. 

Kristin White

The town is struggling economically, and the situation is urgent.

That much is extremely clear to those of us who live, shop, and have businesses in St George’s.

The empty stores, derelict buildings, and dark, quiet streets have brought a less connected community, an increase in crime, and a feeling of despair, as if people have stopped believing in the town.

We have got to bring energy and life back to St George’s.

My extensive nonprofit and social services background has me uniquely placed to bring a different element to the corporation, one that works to improve not only the bricks and mortar of the town, but to strengthen the social fabric as well.

Economic development and social/community development must go hand in hand.  

Additionally, of the candidates, I feel I am the only one that has been actively working to address key issues in the town — partnering with other business owners to form the St George’s Business Development Association and working as an administrator on the St George’s Revitalise Facebook page to communicate with residents and visitors.  

Rick Wynn

The key issues are the St George’s Golf Course, a new hotel, an aqua park, local and visitor-friendly marina, repairing docks, repairing streets, police station/public safety, ferry and transportation schedules, Keep St George’s Beautiful initiative, new cruise ship terminal, vagrancy and more involvement of seniors in the development of St George’s’ historical resources.

I love St George. I remember when St. George was alive and vibrant. I remember the colourful characters who wandered The Old Town charming its visitors and locals alike.

 I remember the wonderful places of interest that showcased the rich culture of The Old Town to our visitors.

I am uniquely positioned to offer the Corporation of St George my skills and experience with a view to re-focusing both local and outside investment of resources and money into developing St. George’s historical and emerging assets.

Alfonso Harris

St George’s has been neglected for so many years and they need attention put on them. Take advantage of our natural resources. We have a golf course sitting there that’s idle. They’re working on a marina, which is great, and we need a cruise ship. It would be great but in the meantime, they need a better ferry lift from the west to the east and better bus service. Those are the main things.

I am concerned about St George’s. I live here and I work here. We have seen the neglect first hand. It’s disgusting. Traditionally, St George’s has been the number one tourist attraction so we have to spread that across businesses in St George’s which is tough when you have people getting in and out of here.