Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell said yesterday he would be calling upon the support of those in law enforcement to carry him to victory if he secures the Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP) nomination for the Carmichael constituency for the next general election.
Current MP Dr. Daniel Johnson announced on Tuesday he will not seek re-election.
Johnson endorsed Bell when he made his announcement.
Bell, who was contacted for comment, said that, ahead of the last election, he got to know the people of Carmichael well.
"In the last general election I served as the national campaign co-ordinator, and during that period, I got to know people very well in the Carmichael constituency and all of the constituencies for that matter," he said.
"The area is heavily populated by a number of law enforcement officers like police, prison, immigration and customs officers and general public servants.
"A lot of them are my friends, regardless of their political affiliations or ties, and I will be calling on them for support."
Bell said he is confident that the PLP will be re-elected under the leadership of Prime Minister Perry Christie.
"I am very confident and satisfied that Prime Minister Christie is the right man for the job," he said.
"There is nobody else I see that possesses the kind of institutional knowledge and capacity as this prime minister.
"I think he is the right man to continue the job, and I think the PLP has demonstrated to the people regardless of what has been in the media that we have taken this country ahead.
"We have our challenges, and there is no question about it, but you have to note that we are doing something right."
Bell also said he is humbled that Johnson has endorsed him.
Bell said he has always wanted to be in frontline politics and is confident that he can take not only the Carmichael constituency, but the country as a whole, to another level with the help of other PLP members.
"I have been faithful to the prime minister and to the PLP, and [I deem] it an honor and a privilege to serve in front line politics. I commit to do as much as I possibly can to ensure that we move the country forward.
"For me it has always been country above self.
"This is something that I've always wanted to do. I've always wanted to be in frontline politics to contribute in a very tangible and meaningful way to the growth of the country and, more importantly, to help people."
Johnson made the announcement to his branch on Tuesday night that he is bowing out for "personal reasons".
Bell told The Guardian that one or two PLP MPs are still deciding whether or not they will seek re-election, as it is a huge obligation.
"I know there are others who have contemplated [whether to seek re-election] and for many reasons," he said.
"The thing is, when you have given your life to serve and when you have served for a period of time, you question whether you wish to continue, or whether you ought to sacrifice your family.
"It takes away a lot of time from your family now."

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