Winston Barnes, the Jamaican-American Miramar Commissioner for Seat 3, will not seek reelection in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for March 11, officially bringing an end to his long and distinguished political career.
Sources confirm to Caribbean National Weekly that Barnes did not file his candidacy by the January 9 deadline, marking the conclusion of his tenure that began in 2003. At 76, Barnes, a seasoned broadcaster and community advocate, leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering service and impactful initiatives.
Although Barnes has yet to make a formal announcement, many Miramar residents anticipated his retirement due to his age (Barnes will turn 77 in June) and his nearly two decades of service. Over the years, Barnes earned reelection five times, solidifying his reputation as a trusted leader dedicated to the community.
A storied career in media and public service
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 (JBC), where he worked during the transformative 1970s. His work in media extended to the U.S., 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 Science degree from Florida International University.
His tenure as Miramar Commissioner was marked by numerous achievements, including the creation of a scholarship fund in honor 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 Jamaican Government’s Order of Distinction, Commander Class, in 2018 for “dedication to the Jamaican music industry and media.”
A new era for Miramar
Barnes’ 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, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing safety, fostering business growth, and improving the quality of life in the city.
“As 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,” Walcott wrote in a post on Instagram.
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.
