Hi ho, hi ho, it’s back to canvassing we go. With the unexpected passing of Walton Brown Jr, there now lies a vacancy of an elected representative in Constituency 17.

As such, a by-election has been called for November 21. As with all other by-elections or General Elections, the most important aspect will be connecting with the constituents of Pembroke Central.

This particular constituency, spans from King Street westward to Berkeley Road. From North Shore to St John’s Road.

Some of the major areas of C17 include Court Street, Princess Street, Ewing Street, Laffan Street, Woodlands Road, Mount Hill and Canal Lane.

Essentially, it is geographically very wide, with approximately 1,100 voters.

Over the next three weeks, we will be knocking on doors and making phone calls to reach every registered voter to hear their concerns and suggestions.

In many cases, we will be registering first-time voters and/or voters who have moved into the constituency over the past two years.

On a more personal note, it will be somewhat surreal to be walking the hills and valleys of C17 without Brother Walton Brown.

Inasmuch as we all have well-worn footwear as testament to hundreds of miles of canvassing, there is a bond built among canvassers, that is hard to explain.

Liken it to having a diving buddy — canvassing buddies or teams have built a bond among themselves.

So for a few of us who have traversed every nook and cranny of C17, we have to now do so without Walton’s spur-of-the-moment intellectual questions or debates, being a part of the routine.

Often, far too often, what should have been a ten-minute visit with a constituent turned into an hour-long round table discussion, on topics ranging from religion to happenings in the Middle East.

Suffice it to say, Walton had no hesitation in engaging in conversation with those who had no intention of voting for the Progressive Labour Party.

In fact, it seemed to be his passion to exchange viewpoints with those who did not share his political ideology.

Needless to say, as much as we miss him, we must press on with Walton in our hearts and the people on our minds.

Some other important dates in relation to the upcoming by-election:

• • Nomination day November 7

•• Advance polling day, November 14

When you see us in the hills and valleys between now and November 21, please feel free to stop us and tell us what is on your mind.

Walton would expect nothing less of us.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him at WhatsApp on 599-0901 or e-mail at cfamous@plp.bm