The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has officially confirmed the re-nomination of incumbent MP Sylvanus Petty as its candidate for North Eleuthera in the upcoming general election. This decision concludes a competitive selection process that saw two other aspirants—Harbour Island entrepreneur Joseph John ‘JJ’ Percentie and Oscar McPhee—formally notified of their unsuccessful bids.
The party’s candidate committee conducted interviews with all hopefuls several weeks prior to making this determination. According to insider information, the PLP intends to ratify additional candidates across other constituencies early next year.
Despite his disappointment, Mr. Percentie publicly pledged his continued support for both Mr. Petty and the party. ‘With Mr. Petty now securing the nomination as the incumbent, I remain a committed PLP member and will provide any requested assistance,’ he stated. Percentie further emphasized the northern region’s significance and expressed confidence in the Chester Cooper-Davis administration’s ongoing development initiatives.
Mr. Petty’s political journey has been marked by notable fluctuations. Initially elected under the PLP banner in 2021, he subsequently announced he would not seek re-nomination, citing personal reasons including the need to prioritize family commitments. However, he consistently maintained his party allegiance and previously expressed aspirations for the nation’s highest office.
His return to the political arena has generated mixed reactions within both party circles and the North Eleuthera constituency. Earlier this year, numerous voters voiced frustrations to media outlets regarding perceived inadequate representation, with several explicitly opposing Petty’s potential candidacy. Residents highlighted persistent challenges with essential services—including unreliable water supply, electricity interruptions, and inconsistent internet connectivity—describing these conditions as the most severe in decades.
In October, Mr. Petty acknowledged these constituent concerns while affirming the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure deficiencies. ‘We will secure the same level of support as in the previous election,’ he asserted confidently. ‘Substantial work lies ahead, but we will vigorously advocate for the people of North Eleuthera who recognize they have a dedicated fighter in their corner.’