Cigar trader to challenge ex-Premier

FRIDAY, MARCH 30: A businessman and St George’s councillor will run against former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith in a key marginal seat in the old town, the Bermuda Sun can reveal.

Alfonso Harris, who owns Churchill’s cigar and liquor store on York Street, is due to be announced as the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance candidate for St George’s North.

Mr Harris told us yesterday: “I hadn’t really thought about running for Parliament before, but the OBA thought I was worthy and it was a chance to do something for my community. I just wanted to help out St George’s and get it more attention — I feel it’s been neglected.”

Close call

Dame Jennifer, Education Minister in the PLP Cabinet, held the seat in 2007 by just 25 votes over Kenneth Bascome, the current Mayor of St George’s, who ran for the then-UBP.

Mr Harris said he would be campaigning on -constituency issues.

He added: “My business is here and I have seen businesses close all around me. We also have to look at the lack of cruise ships here.

“The whole economy is suffering, but St George’s is where we need the most help and that’s definitely my main focus.”

Mr Harris is expected to be officially announced as a candidate by the OBA within the next two weeks.