标签： Bahamas

The Bahamas government has firmly rejected opposition calls for the resignation of ZNS General Manager Clint Watson, who continues to lead the state-owned broadcaster while pursuing political candidacy. Public Services Minister Pia Glover-Rolle has invoked General Order 949 to defend Mr. Watson’s position, stating that public officers are not required to resign during political activities until formally ratified as candidates.

The controversy centers on Mr. Watson’s dual role as head of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and his aspirations to represent the Progressive Liberal Party in Southern Shores. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) contends this arrangement compromises the impartiality of the national broadcaster and undermines public trust.

The debate intensified following the resignation of ZNS sports reporter Jay Phillipe, who stepped down from his position at the organization’s Grand Bahama station to pursue nomination for the FNM in Bain and Grants Town. Mr. Phillipe stated his resignation was necessary to avoid any perceived conflict of interest while seeking political office.

FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands has challenged the government’s position, arguing that Mr. Watson’s continued leadership creates legitimate concerns about institutional neutrality. Dr. Sands maintains that the appearance of impartiality is essential for a national broadcaster, and that public confidence diminishes when its chief executive engages in partisan political activities.

Mr. Watson has previously committed to resigning if formally nominated as a PLP candidate, but opposition leaders consider this position inadequate to address immediate concerns about neutrality and the integrity of public broadcasting.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis conducted an inspection tour of the Blue Hills Solar Project, a significant renewable energy initiative developed by Madeleine Solar Power Limited. The high-profile visit underscored the government’s commitment to transitioning from theoretical energy planning to tangible implementation of sustainable power solutions.

During the site visit, Minister Coleby-Davis emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating: ‘The Blue Hills Solar plant demonstrates how renewable energy concepts are materializing into physical infrastructure—effectively converting abundant sunlight into sustainable electricity generation while creating enduring economic opportunities for Bahamian communities.’

The Energy and Transport Ministry reaffirmed its strategic approach to advancing The Bahamas’ energy transformation through collaborative partnerships and measured policy implementation. This operational framework prioritizes the development of a more environmentally conscious and structurally robust energy grid capable of meeting the nation’s future power requirements while reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels.

Veteran Bahamian politician Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Member of Parliament for Fox Hill, has announced he likely will not seek reelection for the party’s chairmanship, signaling what may be the final chapter of his extensive political career. Mitchell revealed to The Tribune that he anticipates having “one campaign left” focused solely on securing reelection in his Fox Hill constituency.

The declaration comes amid intensified pre-election preparations by both major political parties. The PLP faces internal deliberations about whether to conduct a full-scale convention ahead of the upcoming general election, while the opposition Free National Movement (FNM) is organizing a non-voting convention to solidify its campaign strategy.

Mitchell, who faced a contested chairmanship race in 2023 with backing from Prime Minister Philip Davis, characterized that bid as potentially the “penultimate” campaign of his career. When questioned about definitive plans, Mitchell maintained characteristic political pragmatism: “The only reason I’m not saying it definitively is because you never say never in politics.”

Within PLP ranks, deputy national election coordinator Valentine Grimes expressed reservations about holding a divisive internal convention immediately before a general election. “The internal fight is sometimes more vicious than the external fight,” Grimes noted, emphasizing concerns that such contests could prove counterproductive despite recognizing the value of unifying party members.

Meanwhile, FNM leader Michael Pintard confirmed plans for a business-focused convention without internal elections. Chairman Duane Sands indicated this gathering would address constitutional adjustments and recognize party contributors while maintaining election readiness. Sands issued a challenge to the governing party: “Let him ring the bell. Let him fool around and find out,” referencing uncertainty about when Prime Minister Davis might call the election.

Both parties acknowledge the competitive landscape ahead, with Grimes conceding victory wouldn’t be guaranteed despite confidence in the Davis administration’s performance. The political environment remains dynamic as Bahamian parties position themselves for an election whose timing remains uncertain.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) solidified its electoral strategy on Thursday evening by officially endorsing its second cohort of candidates for the upcoming general election. The ratification ceremony, held at the party’s headquarters, attracted an enthusiastic assembly of supporters who demonstrated their allegiance despite intermittent rainfall.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis delivered a poignant address to party members, directly acknowledging the inevitable disappointments that accompany candidate selection processes. Drawing from his personal political journey, Mr. Davis recounted his own experiences with electoral setbacks and emphasized the critical importance of party loyalty. ‘I know what it feels like to fall short,’ he confessed to the gathered crowd. ‘I know what it feels like to be counted out. I know what it feels like to hear ‘no’ when your heart was set on ‘yes’.’

The Prime Minister’s speech served as both a recognition of internal dissent and a powerful call for unity, urging supporters to prioritize national interests over individual preferences. ‘I understood that when the PLP wins, Bahamas wins,’ he stated, framing the upcoming election as a matter of national significance.

Fifteen candidates received official ratification during the event, comprising twelve incumbents and three newcomers. The endorsed politicians include Ronnell Ambrister for MICAL, who became emotional during her acceptance speech while expressing gratitude to both the party and future constituents. Other notable ratifications included North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish, Leonardo Lightbourne (North Andros), Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), and Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town).

The event featured more elaborate production values than the party’s first ratification, complete with candidate tents, large screens, and professional lighting. Two guest artists performed for the crowd while each ratified candidate briefly addressed attendees, outlining their backgrounds and constituency development plans.