Two East End businesspeople are to face off next week for a seat on the Corporation of St George.

Cyniqua Anderson, daughter of the late Phillip “Phoopa” Anderson, whose death in December created the vacancy, is the owner of Just Dreams Event Management and design firm Decor, both based in St George’s.

She is up against Mark Soares, the owner of the town’s Bermuda Yacht Services, to become a Corporation of St George Councillor.

Ms Anderson said: “Notwithstanding the desire to continue with my father’s dedication to the town and impactful work, I am a child of the soil.

“I have lived in St George’s my entire life and have seen how the community has been shaped.

She added: “I have strong ties to this town and essentially a duty to run for this post to ensure that St George’s is a place that inspires others to see what I see in the often overlooked parish of Bermuda.”

Mr Soares, who has been chairman of the East End division of the Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of the St George’s Marine Expo, said: “Working in partnership with the Corporation of St George’s, and with very little investment, we were able to secure St George’s to be the host for many of the vessels during the Superyacht Regatta of the America’s Cup.”

He added: “I believe that the town of St George’s is in a period of rebirth, and I would like to volunteer my time to the Corporation of St George’s and be part of some of the decisions that will guide the town to a prosperous future for the sake of the residents and business owners.”

Ms Anderson said her main concern was the lack of a consistent effort in tourism. She added: “Tourism is our bread and butter. The lack of a regular cruise ship is one of our biggest issues, but not our only one.”

Ms Anderson added she wanted to improve the tourist experience in the town, which would also help business owners.

She said she also wanted to encourage youth employment in tourism and tackle the ageing sewage and water systems.

Mr Soares highlighted crime as the biggest threat to St George and said that he would work for a stronger police presence in the town if elected.

He said: “I agree with the concept of community policing in the town, and, to the Bermuda Police Service having more of a presence in the town.”

He added he wanted to bring more events to St George and pedestrianise some streets on a part-time basis.

Mr Soares said: “This should encourage and add to the atmosphere in the town for both residents and visitors with al fresco dining and other things.”

Both candidates agreed that St George greatest strength was its people.

Ms Anderson said: “St George’s has a host of talented individuals who are extremely passionate and extremely proud of our town.

“We need to not only leverage that, but promote and support each other’s talents and contributions.”

Mr Soares added: “St George has a wide cross section of residents with a broad range of ethnic and economic backgrounds.

“The people are the heart of this great town.”

• The election will be held on Tuesday, February 5. The polling station will be at Pennos Wharf Cruise Ship Terminal and all registered municipal residents are eligible to vote