By Rayon Dyer, Gleaner WriterBLACK RIVER:
SCORES OF security personnel turned out to man the Nomination Day proceedings in Maroon Town, St. Elizabeth on Wednesday, where three candidates were nominated to contest the polls to elect a new colonel.
The new colonel will serve as leader of the Maroon Council for the next five years.
Those nominated on Wednesday were Ralston Reid, farmer; 51-year-old consultant Meredie Rowe and the incumbent 71-year-old, Colonel Sydney Peddie.
Speaking with The Gleaner following the Nomination Day proceedings, Neville Burke, returning officer for north west St. Elizabeth said the Nomination Day activities went well and all the candidates were very co-operative. He said barring any unforeseen circumstances the elections will go ahead as planned on Tuesday, May 25.
"The day's proceedings went very well and all the candidates were nominated on time. There was no problem and all three candidates co-operated very well," the returning officer said.
Mr. Reid said if he wins the election, among the things on his priority list are better roads for the community, a good water supply system, assisting students who were having difficulty going to school and the creation of a system where the farmers in the area can get their produce sold.
"Without a doubt I will be sorting out the rights of the Maroons as it relates to our lands, the Maroons need protection".
FOCUS
For his part, Mr. Rowe said that when he becomes the colonel of the Maroons on the evening of May 25 he will be focusing on creating more accommodations for visitors and a multi-purpose stadium in the community. ..."But we cannot continue without a proper constitution for the Maroons and every Maroon irrespective of where they live must be recognised as first class Maroons," he added.
Mr. Rowe said he intends to maintain all of the eight polling stations that are now in place so that Maroons outside of the community can still continue to participate in the running of the Maroon Council.
Colonel Peddie, who was the last to be nominated, explained that he would allow his performance over the last five years to speak for him. He said the people of Maroon Town should reflect on the significant developments that have taken place in the area under his leadership.
Among his accomplishments, he said, are a telephone service to the area, electricity extension, a community centre, a community library and some major road repairs.
