The ruling National Democratic Party went into high gear campaigning this week, kicking off a series of launches with a gathering for Sixth District candidate Alvera Maduro-Caines at Belle Vue on Monday.

 

With supporters dressed in shirts sporting the slogan “Alvera Again,” the incumbent backbencher harkened back to her previous campaign, when then-incumbent Omar Hodge referred to her as “the lady with the bag.”

 

“That bag is still here, and three and a half years later, look at what this little lady with the bag has produced!” she said before listing her accomplishments since November 2011.

While not undertaking major infrastructure projects or ambitious plans to reshape the area, Ms. Maduro-Caines touted simple but solid steps she said were taken to improve her district, including renovations to the basketball gym and schools; installation of benches and gardens in the Johnsons Ghut area; installation of retaining walls at Jean Hill and Fort Hill; and various repairs to the roads throughout the district.

The next night, the NDP launched political newcomer Shaina Smith in the First District.

All four at-large candidates – Dr. Orlando Smith, Myron Walwyn, Ronnie Skelton, and Archibald Christian – gave ringing endorsements.

Initiatives Ms. Smith promised to undertake if elected include upgrading the district’s parks and recreational grounds; renovating its fire station and medical clinic; and improving its schools. Mr. Smith also said she envisions the village of Carrot Bay as an important destination for tourism.

“Picture with me the landfill at Carrot Bay developed into a cultural park, where tourists and locals can buy a straw broom, a patchwork mat, a flycatcher, miniature fish pots, and other locally made crafts and tapestries by our seniors as souvenirs,” she said.

Ms. Smith is running against incumbent Andrew Fahie, a Virgin Islands Party member who has represented the First District since 1999, and independent Preston Stoutt.

 

See the May 14, 2015 edition for full coverage.

 

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