FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

14 September 2011

Clifton residents and volunteers joined Democratic National Alliance candidate, Farrell Goff this past weekend in a community effort to clean up the basketball courts and park area along West Bay Street.

The park was littered with garbage and hurricane debris, while the nearby beach was traced with discarded clothes. However, when the team arrived on Saturday and was complete, the once unattractive, unusable site was much improved.

“This effort fits in line with my and the DNA’s philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ Each constituency has thousands of able bodies. Once properly mobilized they should be able to make a huge difference in the areas they live in,” said Goff.

While it is the Government’s responsibility to take care of certain aspects of day-to-day life, the DNA believe that when communities unite, The Bahamas can overcome its national challenges through financial resources, improved physical environment and cultural enrichment.

Goff said that with dedicated leadership in the House of Assembly, Bahamians could realize a better nation.

“If we had 41 members of parliament, who were truly involved with their respective constituencies from the ground level, believe me, this country would be a much better place,” he said.

Goff pledged that Saturday’s community clean up is not a single effort, but, in fact, his aim is to establish a realistic maintenance program throughout the Clifton and neighbouring communities to ensure residents enjoy them for their true purpose. The first step in this initiative is to provide residents with awareness tips on how public spaces should be used.

He said Bahamians should take more pride in their surroundings, by throwing trash in garbage bins or taking it with us once we leave beaches, taking care of park facilities and equipment, and being mindful that others want to enjoy public spaces, too.

Goff and DNA volunteers intend to share awareness tips via signage and pamphlets to encourage residents to work together to maintain the natural beauty of the island.

The ‘People Helping People’ next initiative involves identifying constituents, who are in dire need of home repairs. This effort hopes to also unite residents to assist others in the community.

Goff recognizes that what may seem to be noble in theory, can prove to be a daunting task to solicit persons to donate charitable time. Nevertheless, he is determined to “rally the troops” and make a positive impact in his constituency and the neighbouring areas.

Using DNA leader and Bamboo Town Member of Parliament, Branville McCartney’s political performance as a blueprint, Goff said “becoming a Member of Parliament within the DNA Party means performance from start to finish.

“Already, the Party does not tolerate inaction and the expectations will only get greater once we become members of the House of Assembly. The old political strategy of ‘see me now and see me in five years’ simply will not fly with the DNA. We’re here to work for the people and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” Goff said.

At his next constituency meeting on Thursday, September 15th, Goff will share more on his short- and long-term plans for the area. The meeting will be held at Adelaide Primary School at 7 pm.