A significant political confrontation is emerging in the Bahamas as both major parties position themselves to contest the newly established St James constituency in western New Providence. The electoral battleground, formally recommended by the Constituency Boundaries Commission and presented to the House of Assembly, has already attracted attention from prominent political figures.
On the governing Progressive Liberal Party side, legal professional Owen Wells has emerged as a potential candidate. The accomplished attorney, partner at McKinney, Turner & Co and chairman of Bahamix Limited, resides within the proposed constituency boundaries and recently participated in the PLP’s aspirants’ training module. Wells brings substantial legal credentials, having earned his LLB with Upper Second Class honours from England’s University of Buckingham and subsequent qualifications from the College of Law in Bloomsbury.
Opposing him will likely be Free National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, the current MP for St Barnabas. Notably, Cartwright served on the very Boundaries Commission that recommended creating the St James seat. Tribune sources indicate the FNM is expected to ratify Cartwright for this new constituency.
The political maneuvering occurs amid background concerns from some St Barnabas constituents who have expressed dissatisfaction with Cartwright’s perceived reduced visibility following his elevation within the FNM leadership. Critics have cited decreased constituency meetings and difficulties in securing appointments, though Cartwright has vigorously denied allegations of neglect, pointing to ongoing community initiatives including feeding programs, agricultural projects, and seasonal outreach events.
This early jockeying for position signals both parties recognize the strategic importance of the newly drawn constituency as the next general election approaches.