The Bermuda Democratic Alliance held an open caucus meeting last night to hear concerns from community members in Warwick South Central.

According to BDA Chairman Michael Fahy, people discussed issues such as trash collection and safety in neighbourhood parks and wider national issues like gun violence.

"It was about the BDA being out in the community and demonstrating that we are out there to hear what people's concerns are and they can talk to us on a regular basis," he said.

In addition to the regular caucus members and a few new BDA members, about ten people showed up from the community.

People expressed concerns about the recent shootings and there was some discussion about community violence, said Mr. Fahy.

There was also talk about local community involvement in the area and what could be done to better the community.

"We heard what some of the concerns are and what some of the solutions are. It sounds simple but issues of trash collection at the end of people's roads were raised.

"Sometimes the roads are too narrow for trash trucks to get through and people have to walk further to dump their garbage.

"Some people were looking for some better areas where young people could play because they are concerned about the local parks on one of the roads.

"We have identified those issues and Sylvan (Richards) is going to be working with some of the residents to work on these issues."

The party's new candidate for the constituency Mr. Richards was present at last night's meeting.

According to Mr. Fahy, the new candidate is looking forward to working with members of the community to make that constituency better.

Mr. Richards was said to have been well received by the group last night and since the public announcement on Monday a number of people have called him with positive reactions.

"I think sometimes you do not need to be in Government to be able to correct local issues. If you can work effectively for people and rally neighbourhoods and support, oftentimes you can get things done.

"People are looking for change and looking for something new and positive and I think Sylvan has demonstrated that. In his announcement (on Monday) he said it is not going to be business as usual."

Mr. Fahy continued: "It is good to see people are coming out. These caucus meetings will be held on a regular basis."

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