St James North residents vote with roads, crime, youth in mind

As the sun rose over the west coast Wednesday morning, voters in St James North began lining up outside polling stations as early as 6 o’clock, eager to make their voices heard. 

For them, the by-election, triggered by the resignation of long-time MP Edmund Hinkson, was more than a political exercise, but an opportunity to cast a vote for fresh ideas, renewed promises and the kind of representation they believed they deserved.

At Gordon Greenidge Primary School, one of seven polling stations across the constituency, the flow of voters was steady, and the process moved smoothly. 

Election workers guided residents efficiently, and by the end of the first hour, approximately 100 people had already cast their ballots. 

Voters were also able to seamlessly exercise their franchise at the People Worship Centre, Road View; All Saints Training Centre; St Alban’s Church; St Alban’s Primary School; New Testament Church of God, Weston; and the St James Parish Church Hall. 

With most of the day spent, Presiding Officer Cory Archer told Barbados TODAY that the proceedings had been “smooth sailing,” with early morning seeing the heaviest traffic. 

“Today, the voter turnout has been relatively small,” he said. “We were maybe looking for a little bit more turnout, but the demographic of persons that came out was varied.”

The quiet hum of civic duty filled the air as seasoned voters mingled with those casting a ballot for the first time.

Businessman Andrew Bynoe, a long-time voter and resident of Mullins Road, said his vote was about ensuring a brighter future for Barbados’ business environment.

“I have always voted from the time I got to vote. This is just a continuation. Naturally, I want to exercise the right that I have to choose a representative. I’m voting to see a business atmosphere and climate in this country that encourages us business people to progress,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Early voters at the Gordon Greenidge Primary School. (HG)

Carol Brewster, another resident who came out early, said her vote was cast with the next generation in mind. 

“I vote for all young people because all of my grandchildren are young people,” she said. “I want a better life for them, so I vote for a better country. A better country looks like going to school, having a good education, getting rid of all this crime and violence.”

First-time voters echoed similar hopes, saying they wanted to see greater accountability, investment in infrastructure, youth programmes, and access to education. 

Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC) Chairman Ramon Alleyne, who confirmed that some 8 500 people were eligible to vote, told Barbados TODAY that all polling stations opened on time and operations were proceeding without major disruptions.

Though he mentioned reports of infractions which he said were being investigated, the focus of voters remained squarely on long-standing issues in the community which they listed as road conditions, insufficient infrastructure, employment, public safety, and better representation. 

Some expressed frustration with the lack of early childcare facilities and proper lighting, while others shared concerns about youth engagement and community development.

“This is about getting someone who will actually do something,” said one elderly woman. “We’ve been hearing nice speeches for years, but this time, we need action.”

Juliate Francis, a long-time resident, also voiced concern for younger generations, many of whom, she said, had lost their way after school. 

“Help them,” she urged. “Give them a chance so they don’t look back with regret.”

That concern for youth was echoed by Gayle Alleyne, who said she would love to see more facilities and positive activities for young people in the constituency: “Right now, roller skating is a big thing. We need more options for young people instead of just the block or the cinema.”

Alleyne praised the BLP for recent infrastructure upgrades in her neighbourhood, including improved roads and better housing, but said long-term societal changes would come from investing in recreation and values. 

“We’re getting too far from traditions like Sunday school. That used to play a big role,” she said.

A resident who lives close to the school, Patrick Williams, highlighted a practical but pressing issue: the lack of a second access road in his community. 

“During school days, the road is blocked with cars parked on both sides. If there’s an emergency, you can’t get in or out,” he explained. “It’s frustrating. A simple road could solve it. Just acquire some land and cut a new path to the top of Crick Hill.”

Environmental concerns were top of mind for Annie Ifill, a resident of Foxglove Road in The Garden. She pointed to the neighbouring area of Red Gap as having a serious garbage problem. 

“People don’t dispose of garbage properly,” she said. “It needs to be put out in a way the garbage collectors can work with. There are enough bins—it’s more about how people use them.”

Though Ifill admitted she hadn’t raised the issue formally, she believes proper waste disposal is essential not just for sanitation, but for the reputation of a community that does see tourist traffic from time to time. 

“It’s mainly a residential area,” she noted, “but keeping it clean is important.”

 (SM/LG)