A two-time Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate for North Abaco is more than confident that he will win the seat this time around once the by-election is called.

Renardo Curry, who was ratified by the PLP late last week, said he is ready to get “the ball rolling.”

“I feel a whole lot more confident because I think the people now understand that my heart is really in it,” he said.

“Coming back for a second time should show the people that I’m all about service and I’m here to serve them as long as they will have me and that’s my goal. I will give North Abaco my all.”

Last week, the Free National Movement (FNM) announced that former educator Greg Gomez will be its candidate in the by-election.

Mr. Curry said he welcomes the “new challenge.”

“I know Mr. Gomez pretty good,” he told the Bahama Journal.

“He is a friend of the family. I didn’t think he would be involved because he recently returned from the United States, but at the same time we have a democracy so he has a right to get involved. In the end, however, I think that people will understand that I’ve been living among them for a long time and I have campaigned extensively in Abaco to find out their concerns.”

Mr. Curry said he will continue to find out his constituents’ concerns.

“Representation is about what they want to see moving forward and I think that will play out in the end in my favour,” he told the Journal.

He also explained what his main focus will be as the MP for North Abaco if he is elected.

“Jobs, jobs, jobs and more jobs is my focus,” Mr. Curry said.

“We want to meet with some investors in the North Abaco area because we understand that the government can not employ everyone but the government has been doing its best but it’s a challenge. With investors coming in though, we can open the door for private sector job creation and that’s what we have been trying to do. We need to get people back to work.”

Mr. Curry, 38, ran unsuccessfully against North Abaco MP Hubert Ingraham in the May 7 General Election.

He was the only PLP applicant seeking the North Abaco nomination.

While Mr. Curry was unsuccessful in his bid, he gained notable attention and commendation for his impressive performance at the polls and for waging a fierce contest in the Ingraham stronghold.

The PLP said that Mr. Curry’s nomination should come as no surprise since he expressed interest in competing for the seat following Mr. Ingraham’s election night announcement that he intends to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly.

Mr. Curry, who has an extensive background in the hospitality industry, turned down a senatorial post in order to focus on the anticipated North Abaco by-election.

The PLP said that Mr. Curry represents the new generation of leaders within the party, poised to lead the country.

No date has been set yet for the by-election.

Mr. Christie told reporters last week that he will not recommend a date until Mr. Ingraham’s resignation takes effect on August 31.