Patricia Deveaux, the current House Speaker and Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, has officially declared her intention to seek re-election in the upcoming parliamentary race. Despite previous uncertainty about her political future, Deveaux expressed strong confidence in securing renomination from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), while simultaneously pledging unwavering loyalty to the party regardless of the outcome.
The announcement comes following months of speculation about her political ambitions, which Deveaux previously dismissed as ‘political mischief.’ In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, the Bamboo Town representative asserted her deep connections to the constituency, stating: ‘I was born here. I live here. I’m still here and I ain’t going nowhere.’
Addressing criticisms from some constituents regarding her representation, Deveaux acknowledged room for improvement while highlighting several accomplishments during her term. Infrastructure developments featured prominently in her defense, with completed road paving projects in multiple neighborhoods and park renovations at Kennedy Park and Zion Boulevard Park. The MP also emphasized the establishment of Bamboo Town’s first Urban Renewal Center on East Street South, which she credits with significantly reducing crime rates, particularly petty theft and housebreaking incidents that had previously plagued the area.
Despite these advancements, Deveaux identified flooding as the most pressing ongoing challenge, declaring flood zone mitigation her top priority. Responding to complaints about her visibility within the constituency, she maintained that her office remains consistently accessible except during illness or official absences, describing her approach as ‘personal’ and centered on ‘servantry’ rather than photo opportunities.
The electoral landscape in Bamboo Town appears increasingly competitive. The Free National Movement has nominated party chairman Dr. Duane Sands as their candidate, while former MP Reward Wells has also announced his candidacy, setting the stage for a closely contested battle. Deveaux remains optimistic about her prospects, citing strong relationships with local schools and community members, and asserting she has ‘done more than what I’ve seen some sitting MPs do in ten years’ despite lacking a formal ministerial portfolio.