Environment and water access are the biggest concerns to residents of Pembroke West, constituency 19, in an area that sets itself apart from other communities within Bermuda.The area contains 1,047 Bermudians, and runs from Sunset Pass to the end of Spanish Point, and includes Tilley, Mount, Rushy and Cobbler’s Islands.It gained 49 voters from district 20, another Opposition stronghold, when the boundaries were redrawn, thus adding more votes for One Bermuda Alliance hopeful Jeanne Atherden who is originally from the area.Progressive Labour Party candidate Vincent Ingham is also from the Pembroke West area.More than 60 percent of the residents in the area are aged over 45.Although on the outskirts of the City of Hamilton, its mix of city and urban life puts it in a unique position within the election race.While the hustle and bustle of the main city and port on the Island is only moments away, its serene and tranquil views of the Hamilton Harbour and North Shore make it a peaceful haven for families and those who love the ocean.Parks such as Spanish Point Park, also known as ‘Pontoons’, Deep Bay, and Admiralty House have been cited as issues that need to be addressed in order for the venues to be used efficiently by both children and seniors.A playground and public garden were even thrown out as an idea as part of a new look for the parks, while a new dock had been brought up for the Spanish Point Park area.A resident of Cheriton Lane, who asked not to be named, is not convinced about who he will vote for, although OBA candidate Mrs Atherden seemed to be receptive of his ideas of what needs to be done.“The environment is very important to us in this area,” he said. “I think Pembroke West needs a community garden and programmes along that nature.“Even though we are close to the City of Hamilton, we are still fortunate to have nice views of the North Shore, Mill’s Creek, and Green Bay, but Spanish Point park needs some work.“And while the OBA candidates seemed interested, it appeared like an issue that really wasn’t on their agenda for the area.“Personally, I wasn’t convinced completely. They did mention that there would be a push for more vocational training in schools.“Education is always important because it is at the foundation of the future, and this is a concern for everyone, not just this constituency.“My concern is that a generation will be written off because of their lack of quality education.”Another resident of the area from Seagull Lane was also unsure of where his vote will go, and went as far as declaring it may take up until election day to actually make a decision.“The community out this area is very friendly and we like to think of ourselves as ambassadors of the constituency to others who don’t live out here,” he said.“There are a lot of things that have been done recently, including the renovating of the hockey rink, the tennis court and the basketball nets being put up at PCC, but there are things that our representative can do for us in other areas.“We have two wonderful parks that have great views and beaches that tourists and other residents come to see and there can be a few minor things that can be done to make the area even better.“We are fortunate to not have the worries of big issues that engulf other communities in the Hamilton area have, but we lack a real area for the children to play in terms of a playground and so forth, so that could be done here to add a new look to the Spanish Point.”Mr Ingham believes that he has a chance to cause an upset in an area he grew up in and help the community with a long term plan to achieve their requests.He was appointed as a PLP Senator in November last year, and is the Junior Minister for Public Works, Business Development and Tourism.“Many issues have been voiced and are national issues that everyone needs to help with in regards to better lighting, the war on gun violence, seniors healthcare and so forth,” he said.“What makes this constituency different is the proximity to both the city and water and there are issues that are manageable given the family feel to the area and the requests being made.“Spanish Point is like a suburb of the Hamilton area and it makes the area unique and adds a different flavour because residents and visitors of the area can come and enjoy the beaches and other aspects we have to offer.“The fact that we are on the water has had some resident asking about the potential for a dock near ‘Spanish Point Park as well as a community garden that certainly will be looked at as we have enough space to do it.“Uniqueness is what sets Bermuda apart from the rest of the world and even in Bermuda there are many dynamics that play a role and I’m fortunate enough to be in Pembroke West where there is so much diversity.“I have a plan that will benefit everyone in the community should I be voted in.”The Royal Gazette was unable to reach Mrs Atherden for comment.