Good showing by Linden youths at polls
– observers commend GECOM on smooth process
– constituency candidates were first to vote
DPI, Guyana, Monday, November 12, 2018
Among the many first-time voters in Linden, a noticeable percentage are youths who turned up to the polling stations, during the first half of the day, to vote for constituency representatives.
They were led by mostly constituency candidates and political personalities in the town. Some of those who voted in Linden were Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Adams-Yearwood, Members of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira and Audwin Rutherford, Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arindell, Former Member of Parliament, Vanessa Kissoon and Former Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon.
At the Linden Foundation Secondary School in Constituency One, 18-year-old Reniah DaSilva of Amelia’s Ward said that she felt it was her duty to vote since young people need to let their voices be heard through this process.
“When we vote, those persons representing our community will be aware and will address the needs of youths; whether it is job opportunities or recreational facilities. Young people must be provided opportunities to develop ourselves, so I feel really good coming out and vote this morning,” she said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by fellow first-time voter Gregory LaRose who voted at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground in Constituency Three. “I decided to come out as a youth because I think Linden and my community needs further development and it gave me an opportunity to provide the candidates with a second chance to continue the development.” LaRose noted that the voting process was “smooth with no hiccups.”
Anthony Beckles said, “this is my first time voting. I found the experience a good one also I wanted to support the people that ensured that there has been development in my community”.
While many youths came out to vote, the older folks also exercised their franchise. While some came alone, others arrived in pairs or in groups walking for great lengths and braving the heat of the morning sun. Leroy Barry of Amelia’s Ward and his wife voted early as they believed the continued process of democracy at the municipal level, must go on. “I am here this morning to select representatives who I think would represent me effectively and ensure there is infrastructural development, particularly road improvement in my area.”
APNU Constituency One candidate, Lawrence Simon who had voted early and visited various polling stations across the town noted his satisfaction with the process and the professionalism displayed by GECOM’s staff.
Contesting the LGE within Linden’s eight constituencies are four political parties: A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance for Change, People’s Progressive Party and the United Republican Party.
Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.