The long-time mayor of Wabana is stepping down from the position he’s held for the last 35 years.

Gary Gosine first offered himself for council back in 1990 and since that time has seen some major changes on his beloved Bell Island.

From the cod moratorium to the loss of the fish plant, reopening of the Bell Island mines as a major tourism attraction, residents’ struggles with mental health and addictions, to the ongoing struggles related to the ferry service, Gosine has been front and centre for the past three-plus decades.

But he’s also suffered a number of major health setbacks over the years, adding he recognized that now was a good time to hand over the reins.

“I took sick last November, and I was finding it difficult getting around and that,” says Gosine, “and I made the decision, I done what I have done for the community, I’ve done my best, and I thought it was time to step down and devote more time to my family and grandchildren.”

Gosine considers the reopening of the mines for tourism attraction among the highlights of his time as mayor and says he believes Bell Island’s future success will be as a desirable retirement community and tourist destination.