Candidates pledge to serve beyond by-election result

St James North’s by-election candidates have vowed to maintain their their work is not contingent on electoral success.efforts in the constituency regardless of Wednesday’s results, insisting 

The candidates, though all championing differing projects, were unanimous in their admission that the vote, which followed weeks of door-to-door campaigning, spot meetings, and community outreach, offered a platform not just for promises, but for pledges of long-term commitment.

Democratic Labour Party (DLP) candidate Felicia Dujon, Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Chad Blackman, and independent candidate Steffanie Williams each told Barbados TODAY that win or lose, their advocacy and community work will continue.

Dujon, who has led a campaign focused on social justice and constituency-level care, said that her involvement is rooted in service, not position. “I will continue working,” she said without hesitation.

“There are very intimate issues that I have to deal with, including health challenges, disability, single mothers, and I intend to keep advocating on their behalf.”

Dujon also noted ongoing concerns in the Bakers area such as cowitch overgrowth and unresolved water infrastructure problems, which she said she will keep pushing to address, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Williams, who ran under the Community Empowerment Party banner, shared similar sentiments.

“This is not about a win for me,” said Williams, who entered politics for the first time after the party she previously aligned with pulled out of the race. “Each of the programmes I have initiated, I always see them through. I came out with about 13 others, and I intend to see them through as well.”

Williams, a long-time community worker, said she intends to keep championing causes like educational reform, elderly care, and addressing flooding in areas like Trents, which she said has disrupted daily life and children’s schooling.

Blackman affirmed his ongoing commitment to the constituents, declaring, “St James North for me isn’t just a short-term thing.”

Blackman, who said he has been canvassing the constituency for more than a year, added: “I’ve approached this constituency with a level of humility and respect, and I’ve already done significant things quietly, without the social media fanfare.”

He said many residents have expressed appreciation for his quiet, consistent presence even before the seat became vacant, and pledged to remain active regardless of the by-election results. “That will continue long after May 21,” he said.

When asked what’s next for him, another independent candidate, Alex Mitchell of the Bajan Free Party, said: “The next election.”

“Whether it be a snap or general election, that is where we will be. I will have to see if there is any interest in what I put forward because for me it’s first come, first serve… whichever constituency elects us first, that is where we will start our housing.”

Mitchell, whose campaign centred on promises to assist residents in affordable home ownership, clearing land titles and building equity, said: “Say I get 10 votes, then I know I have ten houses to build in that area. People will always get what they vote for.” (SM)