I must start by stating clearly that I, Jeffrey B. Butler, Sr., am a dedicated and loyal founding member of the Free National Movement. I serve at the pleasure of the Leader the Rt Hon Hubert A. Ingraham in any capacity that he and the party may see fit.
As a true son of West End, I offer for and ask for the parties support for the position of Member of Parliament for the constituency of West End and Bimini, I will attempt to outline my political ambitions and my campaign strategy.
Regardless of my offer to serve, I pledge to totally support the candidate chosen by the party to the best of my ability for the benefit of Grand Bahama and the Country.
The West End of Grand Bahama, being neglected by its Member of Parliament these past thirteen years, is in need of strong leadership and representation. I pledge to provide exactly that.
As one of our country’s leading entrepreneurs for the past 40 years, I have the knowledge, the experience and the desire to revitalize the area for investors, tourism and the people.
The Campaign: It is all about the people, “all” of the people. Holmes Rock area with their strong Turks & Caicos heritage down to my home town of West End. West End has traditionally been a PLP stronghold from the Pindling era. Many of the now generation have been brain washed and manipulated in believing that the PLP have their interest at heart, when in fact, the PLP only finance and cater to a few old guard friends of theirs in the West.
I grew up with this group of fine men and women, and it is my intent to campaign as a friend to all, PLP’s and FNM’s alike. There are many who oppose the FNM for historical reasons, there are few that oppose Jeff Butler, knowing that they know I am a man of integrity that treats all persons equally. I am out to serve the public, the community for the benefit of all, not just the individual. It must be clarified, I do not buy votes.
My promise is simple, once elected as the Member of Parliament , I will endeavor to represent the entire community, using all of my years as a successful business person and all my worldly friends to bring commerce to the area. Jobs, and jobs of substance are what is needed the most. Education and experience bring in well needed higher incomes.
Secondly I would repair the environment in which we live. The drainage system, the sea walls, the roads, the schools and the public services must all be brought up to standard. I have this year designed three concrete parks to be build on the water along the sea wall. These parks would be accessible by walking, biking, driving by car or by boat. These parks would house vendors and provide a venue for arts & crafts, food & beverage and entertainment for our local residents, visitors from Freeport and tourists alike. West End must be a high end, fun and exciting destination.
With this in place, all businesses along the way, from Eight Mile Rock, through Holmes Rock and Dead Mans Reef to West End would benefit. Gas stations, convenience stores, bars & restaurants and others would all benefit from the traffic to and from the West End of Grand Bahama. Remembering at all times that cleanliness is next to Godliness we must make the entire area pristine and keep it that way. We must plant trees along the way. Sapadilla, Mango, Guava, Canape, Sour Orange and Hog Plum. Fruit bearing trees that we all grew up with.
Bimini: While it is not yet known if Bimini and West End will remain in the same constituency, I will state clearly that I believe Bimini deserves a Biminite as their representative. The Island of Bimini has for many generations been the pearl of the Caribbean. Hemingway new it, we all know it now. If the wisdom of the party leadership decides to keep West End and Bimini together, then together we shall be. Bimini, in my opinion, is a simple task. Return her to her glory.
Bimini is a fishing Mecca some 48 miles off the coast of Florida. Special attention must be given to attract the small fishing boats, the medium size family and party boats, the SCUBA live-aboard boats and the mega yachts from Europe, Canada, USA and South & Central America. Services such as shopping, European exclusive goods and unique Bahamian goods, and activities can and should be increased to entertain the spouses, children and friends of those die-hard fisherman while they are at sea searching for that ever so elusive blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo and dolphin. I spent many good times in Bimini with my dear friend David Wallace. I got to know Duda and friends and I learned that the good people of Bimini are also in need of good honest leadership and representation. Their present Member of Parliament was for years the Minister of Tourism and did absolutely NOTHING for Bimini. I give my salemn promise to Bimini as I give it to West End, my promise to move forward in all areas of commerce for the betterment of the society in which we live.
As your Member of Parliament, I would be available by phone and email at all times. I would insist on regular and timely visits with scheduled town meetings. Your concerns are of the utmost importance as is your input into your own future and destiny.