(LE FLORIDIEN) — A newly Miramar’s association hosted on February 23, 2021 a virtual debate with the ten candidates for the 2021 municipal election. The debate which was live streamed on Facebook was the first event of the association of Miramar Haitian-American Residents and Business Owners (MHARBO). A grand premiere in the Haitian community that marks a strong beginning for the association by bringing to the constituents of Miramar the candidates for Commission Seat 1: Seating Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers, Chris Koval and Kerri-Ann Nesbeth; The candidates for Commission Seat 2: Seating Commissioner Yvette Colbourne and former Commissioner Darline B. Riggs; And those for Commission Seat 3: Seating Commissioner Winston F. Barnes, Val B. Glenister, Sylvia Grandberry, Lixon Nelson and Nari Tomlinson.
The debate was in English and translated in Creole on a separate line to better engage Haitians living in Miramar. The Haitian journalist, James Pierre, who was the moderator, asked to the candidates questions on covid-19 management, vacancies in the police department, taxes, budget, access of public services in Creole for Haitian constituents, climate change, and questions on allegation of corruption, harassment, inappropriate behavior and retaliation. It was a very animated debate, particularly between seating Commissioner Yvette Colbourne and former Commissioner Darline B. Riggs. “As a civic organization, it was important for us to provide to the candidates a nonpartisan and impartial platform to introduce themselves and their vision for the city. Now it is up to the voters to get out and vote”, said Farah Larrieux, the Chairperson of MHARBO.
The debate which was also aired in the evening of Saturday, February 27 on Tele Anacaona, channel 18.7 (South Florida) and on channel 38.5 (Orlando) was possible with the in-kind and cash contributions of: FLICVotes, Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), Jude Advertising, Island509 Restaurant, Le Floridien newspaper, Tele Anacaona, Widesign, Miramar Medical Center, Shama Financial Services, THELAR Management Group, Top Financials Group and La Jacmelienne Restaurant. By the time this article was published, the debate was viewed by over 3.4k people and shared 194 times on the Facebook page of Florida Immigrant Coalition. To learn more about the MHARBO, join their Facebook group.
The association of Miramar Haitian-American Residents and Business Owners (MHARBO) is a non-profit and civic organization which mission is to enhance the representation of Haitians living and doing business in the city of Miramar through advocacy, community leadership, education, economic development, and government relationship.
The Miramar municipal election is on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Voter registration is handled through the Broward County Supervisor of Elections. For more information about the upcoming election, visit browardsoe.org or call (954) 357-7050. The legal deadline for requesting a Vote-by-Mail ballot to be mailed was Saturday, February 27, 2021. On Election Day, Miramar voters can cast their vote at their assigned precinct from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
