…long Elections year ends
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - THE Federation’s election year fatigue ended in the wee hours today (Dec. 13) when the final results for the Nevis Island Assembly Elections were announced, giving victory to the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM).
Led by Mark Brantley, the CCM edged out the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) to retain the Government with a 3-2 margin in the five-seat Assembly.
Party faithfuls, independent political analysis and the media waited with bated breath as the final results for control of the Assembly came down to Constituency Two, with the incumbent being Mark Brantley.
When the dust settled, Brantley won with 1,313 votes while NRP’s Dr. Patricia Bartlette recorded 1,166 votes, and Samuel Caines of the Moral Restoration Movement (MRM) gained 17 votes.
At the end of the voting period and tabulation, the NRP was hoping to swing an upset in Constituency One (St. Paul’s), but the incumbent, Spencer Brand (CCM), eked out a 27-vote win over NRP’s Jaedee Caines’ 604.
In Constituency Three, Rohan Isles of the NRP was no match for the incumbent CCM Eric Evelyn, recording 311 to 736 votes.
The biggest upset of the day was in Constituency Four (St. James’), where NRP’s Leader Dr. Janice Daniel-Hodge gained 750 votes against the incumbent Deputy Premier, Alexis Jeffers of the CCM, with 742 and MRM’s Patricia Mills-Jeffers’ 11 votes.
In Nevis Five (St. Thomas’), Cleone Stapleton-Simmonds of the NRP won with 712 votes while CCM’s Latoya Jones gained 508.
Following the announcement this morning, CCM members and party supporters took to the streets in celebration.
In a social media post, Brantley said: “Please allow me a moment to express how humbled I am to once again be chosen by the people of Nevis to lead our beloved island. Let me also say how grateful I am that the people of Nevis have once again chosen the Concerned Citizens Movement to manage the affairs of Nevis over the next 5 years.”
Brantley went further to congratulate members of his team, including the two who were unsuccessful.
“I extend heartiest congratulations to our CCM team. To my brothers Eric and Spencer, you have earned the love and trust of your constituents. To my brother Alexis, who has always been at my side, and my sister Latoya, I thank you for your exceptional service and for your spirited campaign. Your next chapter of service is still to be written,” Brantley said.
He also congratulated those across the political aisle.
“To Dr. Janice Hodge and Cleone Stapleton-Simmonds, I extend my congratulations. I congratulate too the unsuccessful candidates for the NRP, Dr. Patricia Bartlette, Jaedee Caines and Rohan Isles.”
With the Elections over, Brantley noted that it is now time to settle down and get to work, pledging his “undying love and commitment” to Nevis.
Despite the victory, Brantley will have to work assidiously to heal the fractured and divided Nevis, especially those within the religious community.
