In a significant political development, Tribune president Robert Dupuch-Carron has voluntarily withdrawn his application for the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination in the MICAL constituency, citing potential conflicts of interest related to his business ventures. The decision received commendation from Prime Minister Philip Davis, who characterized the move as “honorable” during remarks at the 2026 Bahamas Business Outlook conference at Baha Mar.
Dupuch-Carron formally communicated his withdrawal in a letter to PLP chairman Fred Mitchell, explaining that his leadership role at The Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) – a company he founded – created unavoidable ethical considerations. This concern stems particularly from BACSWN’s substantial $400 million Heads of Agreement with the Bahamian government signed last year, which could present perceived or actual conflicts during legislative and governmental processes.
Prime Minister Davis revealed that Dupuch-Carron had been the front-running candidate for the nomination before this decision. Despite stepping aside from electoral politics, Dupuch-Carron reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the PLP’s eventual candidate and continuing his service to the southern Bahamas communities through his professional work with BACSWN.
The MICAL constituency (Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay) became available following sitting MP Basil McIntosh’s announcement last year that he would not seek re-election. With Dupuch-Carron’s withdrawal, party insiders now identify Ronnell Armbrister as the likely front-runner for the PLP nomination in this strategically important constituency.