The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has officially designated its electoral contenders for Abaco’s constituencies in the approaching general election, positioning incumbent representative Kirk Cornish and emerging political figure Bradley Fox Jr. to champion the party’s campaign. Verified reports indicate Cornish will pursue the North Abaco nomination, while Fox, who currently chairs the PLP’s branch for Central and South Abaco, will compete for that respective seat. These determinations emerged following rigorous evaluations conducted by the PLP’s candidate selection committee earlier this month, with formal ratification anticipated in the coming weeks.
The nomination process witnessed competitive challenges, as Bryant Lowe, chairman of Progressive Young Liberals, contested Cornish for the North Abaco candidacy. Meanwhile, Bradley Fox Jr. faced opposition from Donald Rolle, the Acting Director of Local Government. Political observers noted intensified interest in the Central and South Abaco seat after Rolle asserted substantial branch support—a claim that reportedly astonished party insiders, given Fox’s established leadership role within the same branch.
This electoral restructuring follows the departure of incumbent John Pinder from Central and South Abaco, who previously announced he would not seek re-election. Pinder expressed his belief that he could effect greater change operating behind the scenes rather than through frontline politics. His decision comes amid mixed evaluations of his legislative performance, though Pinder has consistently emphasized achievements in Abaco’s economic regeneration and post-disaster recovery, citing completed public works projects and infrastructure enhancements in areas like Pelican Road and Moore’s Island.
Despite Cornish’s renomination, some PLP constituents have voiced criticisms regarding his attention to local infrastructure concerns and community responsiveness. Nevertheless, Anastasia Dawkins, chair of the North Abaco PLP branch, affirmed the branch’s support for Cornish once his nomination is formalized, expressing confidence in his ability to secure the seat.
The Free National Movement (FNM), the main opposition party, has already ratified its candidates: Jeremy Sweeting for Central and South Abaco and Terrece Bootle-Laing for North Abaco, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in the region.