Winston Barnes, the Jamaican-American Miramar Commissioner for Seat 3 in the growing Floridian city, is calling it quits, officially bringing an end to his long and distinguished political career.

He will not seek re-election in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March 11. Caribbean National Weekly is reporting that Barnes did not file his candidacy by the January 9 deadline, marking the conclusion of his tenure that began in 2003. 

The 76-year-old Barnes, a seasoned broadcaster and community advocate, leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering service and impactful initiatives. Although he has yet to make a formal announcement, many Miramar residents anticipated Barnes’ retirement, due to his age.

Barnes will turn 77 in June with nearly two decades of service to the city of Miramar, 

Five times re-elected

Over the years, Barnes earned re-election five times, solidifying his reputation as a trusted leader dedicated to the community. Born in Jamaica, Winston Barnes carved out a remarkable career as a broadcast journalist before entering politics. 

Alongside his brothers, Jeff and Ed, he gained prominence as a broadcaster on Jamaican radio, particularly at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, where he worked during the transformative 1970s. His work in media extended to the US, where he became news director at WAVS 1170 AM Radio in Davie/Ft. Lauderdale, a role he has held since 1987. 

In addition to his journalism career, Barnes pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the New York Institute of Technology and a Master of ccience degree from Florida International University.

Caribbean National Weekly reports that his tenure as Miramar commissioner was marked by numerous achievements, including the creation of a scholarship fund in honour of his parents to support tertiary education for local youth.

Barnes also served on advisory boards at the Broward County level and received numerous accolades for his service, including the Order of Distinction (commander class) bestowed by the Jamaican Government in 2018 for “dedication to the Jamaican music industry and media.”

Replacement already identified

As Barnes prepares to step away from public office, he leaves a legacy of dedication and community empowerment that will resonate for years to come. His decision not to run paves the way for Keith “Papa Keith” Walcott, a popular Trinidadian-American radio host and DJ to contest Seat 3. 

Walcott, a long-time Miramar resident and community leader, announced his candidacy in December, emphasiSing his commitment to enhancing safety, fostering business growth, and improving the quality of life in the city.

Walcott wrote in an Instagram post, “s the son of Caribbean immigrants, Miramar became an instant home for me after leaving Brooklyn, New York… While I’ve lived in other places over the years, Miramar has always been home. Now, I’m back, ready to bring my years of trusted leadership in South Florida, my influential voice on the radio, and my long-standing commitment to community service to this role. I’m running to protect our future, a future where Miramar is safe, businesses can thrive, and residents can enjoy a high quality of life.”