Independent pledges continued fight for St James North after by-election defeat

Steffanie Williams, a community campaigner who stood for the St James North by-election as an independent voice, has promised to keep fighting for area residents after a spirited but unsuccessful run — vowing to tackle the issues facing the elderly and marginalised in the next general election.

Running under the banner of the Community Empowerment Party, Williams — a long-time community worker and advocate for children’s welfare — used her first campaign as a platform to voice the concerns of residents, particularly those she believes are being left behind.

The by-election, held to fill the seat vacated by long-standing MP Edmund Hinkson, drew national attention as four candidates vied for the constituency’s support.

Williams only received 21 votes in Wednesday’s by-election that handed victory to Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate Chad Blackman with 2723 votes out of 3 231 ballots cast, decisively outpacing his closest rival, Felicia Dujon of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), who garnered 468 votes. Another independent candidate, Alex Mitchell, trailed with seven votes.

Though new to the political scene, Williams said the campaign made a lasting impression on her, with her grassroots approach in her interactions with people living in the constituency.

Though she ran without the financial muscle or logistical support of the major political parties, Williams said the campaign season was personally fulfilling.

“As a first-time candidate with no backing, I would say the season was great. Every day that my feet hit the road, I was enthusiastic about the persons that I would meet and interact with,” she said. “I know persons told me that running as an independent candidate would have been hard because I did not have an agent, I did not have any marketing, and obviously because I was not a part of one of the major parties. But I believe can’t is a man who never tries and, in this case, can’t is a woman who never tried. I tried and I believe that I was successful, and if I had to do it again I would.”

Williams noted that from her discussions with residents, the struggles faced by the elderly are a growing issue that is not receiving as much attention as it needs. She said that many are battling more than just loneliness, but growing financial hardships, often in silence.

“The elderly need better; not only are they lonely but also frustrated. Frustrated with the fact their pension is kicking and licking them for six. By the time they change their cheque, it’s bills, food and it’s done. I believe that they would have worked tirelessly to build our nation and they deserve the best that they can get,” she said.

“People feel that the odds are against them. They want better for their children and for themselves, however what they want to achieve sometimes seems unreachable.”

Looking ahead, Williams confirmed that she intends to contest the next general election, constitutionally due in 2027. She will remain committed to the St James North constituency, rejecting the notion of ‘constituency hopping’.

(SB)