PINERIDGE residents expressed mixed feelings about supporting area MP Rev Frederick McAlpine as an independent candidate in the next general election.

Mr McAlpine, who won under the Free National Movement in 2017, has not yet received a nomination to represent the constituency in the 2022 election.

In 2019, the outspoken parliamentarian broke ranks with the FNM after he voted against the increase of VAT from 7.5 to 12 percent.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis then fired Mr McAlpine as chairman of the Bahamas Hotel Corporation.

Mr McAlpine has said if he does not receive a nomination by his party, he will run as an independent candidate.

The Tribune recently spoke with several Pineridge constituents to get their view.

Johnvan Smith, 29, a self-employed mechanic and owner of an import/export business, said he would not support Mr McAlpine as an independent candidate.

“I would not support him because since he was elected I have not seen any progress in the constituency,” he said. “I know his job is not to put money in people’s hands, but he should make provisions for persons to better themselves.”

Mr Smith complained that he has not seen the MP since the past election.

“I saw him when he was trying to get my vote in the past election, but it has been four years and I have not seen him walking through to check on the community,” he said.

Click here to read more at The Tribune