With just days to go before the May 21 by-election in St James North, some constituents are speaking out about the issues they want their next representative to prioritise – ranging from road repairs to recreational spaces and business support.
One week ahead of the poll in which the Barbados Labour Party’s Chad Blackman, the Democratic Labour Party’s Felicia Dujon, the Bajan Free Party’s Alex Mitchell and Independent candidate Steffanie Williams will be seeking to replace Edmund Hinkson as the next parliamentary representative, the DAILY NATION spoke to some residents of Sion Hill, Lower Carlton and Weston.
In Weston, resident Rachel Estophild called for the return of a fire station that was previously shut down.
“So now if there’s a fire in the area, it takes more time to have a truck come,” she said.
She also highlighted the poor condition of the roads, describing them as “terrible” and in urgent need of repair.
Rachel’s granddaughter, Aisha Estophild, a former Weston resident, focused on road safety.
“Just a hump – that’s all I would like,” she said plainly, noting that speeding is a major issue.
“Some time ago my sister was knocked down by a car while in the road,” she recalled, saying a speed bump could help prevent future accidents.
In Lower Carlton, community spaces are a pressing issue.
Resident Dale Romeo expressed frustration that areas like Silver Hill and Speightstown have playing fields, while Weston’s community centre still lacks one.
“Between Mount Sion, Lower Carlton and Rock Dundo there is no playing field,” he said.
He continued: “There is so much land out here and up to now we can’t get no facilities…. There is a hardcourt for road tennis, but we’ve never gotten a playing field. So there’s no field to play football or nothing so.”
Romeo believes a playing field could provide a positive outlet and help steer young people away from crime.
“The youth need the recreation . . . that’s why there’s this whole badness and gun situation going on right now. We want to see something put in place that can keep the youth occupied in a positive way and a playing field is a good way to do that,” he stressed.
Jalisa Walker of Carlton echoed similar concerns, pointing to the rapid development of condominiums as a major issue.
“They’re just selling them off and not really thinking about the community,” she said, noting the loss of heritage and family homes.
Walker also called for a park or recreational area for children, adding that many kids end up playing in the streets – often with speeding vehicles nearby. “I would also like to have a park or a recreational area for the children in the neighbourhood. The children is just be running about in the road,” she said.
Walker added: “There’s stupid idiots that does be driving real hard out this side. So if there was a park the children would have somewhere safe that they can play with.”
In Sion Hill, small business owner Sean Blackman is focused on economic empowerment. Selling drinks, burgers and hotdogs, he said he doesn’t want handouts but real assistance to grow his business.
“It’s really hard to make a living as it is. I feel that anybody who becomes the MP should help to make things a bit easier,” he said.
As the by-election approaches, the message from these constituents is clear: they want practical, visible improvements in infrastructure, recreation, and livelihood support – not just promises.
