Gonzalez takes another shot at Newlands
(CNS): Raul Gonzalez Jr has announced his intention to make another bid for elected office as an independent candidate in the constituency of Newlands, where he will be going up against the incumbent, Wayne Panton (TCCP), and Alva Suckoo (PPM). This will be Gonzalez’ third time campaigning for the seat. In both of his previous attempts, he came in third place behind Panton and Suckoo with just 13.5% of the vote in 2021, down from over 15.4% in his 2017 run.
Despite having an uphill climb, Gonzalez said that as a lifelong Newlands resident, he understands the struggles families face.
“I am committed to breaking the cycle of unfulfilled promises and ensuring that our community thrives in every aspect of life. While my roots are here, I am dedicated to serving not only Newlands but also contributing to the prosperity and well-being of the entire Cayman Islands. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for all,” he said in a press release announcing his candidacy.
Gonzalez said he aims to address key issues affecting Newlands and the Cayman Islands as a whole, including disaster preparedness, infrastructure improvements, community, education, cost of living, and social development. However, he did not say which of the groups he would be more inclined to support if he was to be elected to office.
Although at this point he has made no alliances that would enable him to steer even a private member’s motion through parliament, Gonzalez said he wants to support families and youth with community programmes, engagement events, and family-friendly spaces.
With a focus on enhancing community safety through neighborhood watch programmes and improved policing, he said he also wants to improve disaster preparedness by ensuring well-equipped shelters and efficient emergency services. He also spoke about upgrading infrastructure with better roads, sidewalks, drainage, and emergency evacuation routes.
Like many other candidates, Gonzalazez is advocating for better education by tailoring learning approaches to students’ needs and providing resources for teachers, easing the cost of living by strengthening consumer protection policies, and supporting job opportunities for Caymanians.
He urged people to attend his community meeting on 1 March, which will be held at ICCI, starting at 7pm. At the meeting he will discuss his vision for Newlands and listen to the concerns of the community.
Check out the CNS Election Section interactive map to see who is running in each constituency.
See the list of candidates and their party affiliations here.
Category: Election News
Raul genuinely cares and puts the people first. I wish more people would give him a chance.
I’ve lived in Newlands for 25+ years and I have never seen this man before. No chance in hell he’ll even get in because no one even know who he is!
you must live under if you havent seen him.
I am convinced that Wayne supports Rauls in running so he can pull votes from Alva. Raul stay home this time buddy you are not helping!!
Paid splitter
Angie why you nah try so tell this man stay home and stick to feeding the Rottweilers lol. It like he nah get the point he is never getting in, all he doing is splitting votes lol.