Voters turn out in Devonshire South Central (Update)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1: Crime, education and the economy are concerns for the voters in Constituency 12, all three candidates said today.

Voters filed in and out of the Horticulture Hall at the Botanical Gardens to cast their votes today as the by-election for Devonshire South Central is in full swing.

The contenders for the seat are One Bermuda Alliance Leader Craig Cannonier, the Progressive Labour Party’s Anthony Richardson and Independent candidate David Sullivan.

Former MP John Barritt held the seat for 18 years but stepped down when Mr Cannonier was named OBA Leader to make way for him to become an MP.

Premier Paula Cox was on hand to support Mr Richardson, along with MPs including Michael Scott, Dame Jennifer Smith, Wayne Perinchief, Wayne Furbert and Walter Roban.

OBA members were also at the polling station to support Mr Cannonier, including John Barritt, Michael Fahy and Thad Hollis.

Each candidate was asked what the concerns for voters in the constituency were.

Mr Cannonier and Mr Sullivan both said crime was number one while Mr Richardson said the economy.

“We know that the national issue is the economy but there, it’s definitely crime,” Mr Cannonier said.

“There’s been shootings and a murder within Constituency 12.

‘There’s been a rash of break-ins in the neighbourhoods and they’re concerned.”

Mr Cannonier said he wants to get Operation Ceasefire up and running to make people feel safe.

Asked about his chances today, he said: “I am encouraged but we take nothing for granted which is why we have been out every chance we get.

“Most days John (Barritt) and I are out canvassing and getting to know the people.

“I am confident that I have put in the work.”

Mr Richardson said: “Economy primarily, and then education and crime is actually a distant third in many cases.

“There have been some comments in terms of robberies.

“Economy is a concern overall.

“We have to work at it together.

“If we do it together, Bermuda will be the beneficiary.”

Asked about his chances, the candidate said: “I won as soon as I put my name forward.

“This is the first time I’ve been called as a candidate and I have done it in a historically strong UBP area against the OBA leader and Mr Sullivan.

“That I have made an inroad shows that I have already won.”

Mr Sullivan said crime, education and the economy are the issues for the constituents.

“We had the horrific murder of Ms Ida James on Berry Hill Road and the shooting at the roundabout.

“I would definitely say because of the slightly older generation of people, interestingly enough, they worry about education.

“They want the system to work well and give proper support.”

Asked about how he will fare tonight, Mr Sullivan said: “I think it’s going to be an interesting election.

“Support for an independent is tough but I think the important part of this community has been raising of the profile for people to get involved in the community.”

All three candidates have been at the polling station since 8am and will be there until at least 9pm.

The station is open until 8pm and votes will be counted afterwards.