Bahamian Politics
NDP Elizabeth Election Debate and Primary Outcome
Jan 28, 2010 - 9:36:43 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - The National Development Party hosted the nation’s first ever Political Debate and Primary Election last evening at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road. The candidates in the debate and primary were Mr. C. Rashad Amahad and Dr. S. Andre Rollins.

Before a modest audience, those in attendance celebrated their participation in making history, by introducing a new political system of registered constituents electing a political party’s candidate for an election.

The event was moderated by well known broadcast journalist, Ms. Judy Terrell-Hamilton, who posed a number of questions to the candidates on issues relating to both the Elizabeth constituency, as well as the nation.  Some of the questions were directly submitted by members of the audience and none of the questions had been seen by the candidates prior to the debate. It was a very spirited debate between two worthy opponents. Both candidates emphasized that it was important to provide stronger representation for the people of Elizabeth and that the process of having the constituents decide who would become a party’s candidate was a powerful message to the political establishment at a time when the voices of the people are being ignored.

After the votes were tallied, Dr. Rollins was determined to have received the majority of the votes cast. In his remarks after being announced the winner, Dr. Rollins urged those present to be optimistic despite the detractors or naysayers who say that what the NDP is seeking to achieve cannot happen. Dr. Rollins told them that the NDP believes otherwise and he referred them to the Book of Mark Chapter 10, verse 27 which reads: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Dr. Rollins noted that the date for the hosting of the NDP’s first Election Debate and Primary for this Elizabeth By-Election was coincidentally on the 1^st month of the 10^th year, on the 27^th day. Mark Ch. 10, verse 27 – It is Possible!

Bio for NDP Candidate in Elizabeth - Dr. Andre Rollins

He matriculated at Boston University in 1993, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology in 1997. In the fall of that same year, he enrolled in Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine doctoral program and served as Class President in a class of 132 dental students. He served as Class President for all four years, having been reelected to that post at the end of the first 3 years, and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in the summer of 2001. He was accepted to enroll in the Postgraduate Orthodontic Program at Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in the fall of that same year, and earned a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in June of 2003. Dr. Rollins worked in Worcester, Massachusetts for one year, under the tutelage of Drs. Frederick and Lisa Giarusso, before returning home in July of 2004.

Since returning home, Dr. Rollins has served as President of the Bahamas Dental Association from December, 2004 to December, 2009; was a founding member of the National Development Party in October of 2008; and has worked along with the other members of the Executive Steering Committee to build the foundation of the party. Dr. Rollins presently serves as the Chairman of the Executive Steering Committee of the National Development Party. He operates a solo orthodontic practice – The Bahamas Brace Place – here in New Providence and maintains satellite practices in Abaco, Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Long Island. He is an Anglican and a proud Bahamian.