标签： Bahamas

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.

Member of Parliament for Southern Shores Leroy Major has publicly suggested the possibility of running as an independent candidate in Bahamas’ upcoming general election, creating uncertainty about his future with the ruling Progressive Liberal Party. When pressed about rumors regarding an independent bid, Major remained deliberately ambiguous, stating only that “nothing is off the table” and that “time will tell,” while repeatedly urging observers to “watch the road.”

The political speculation intensified following Major’s conspicuous absence from recent PLP candidate interviews for Southern Shores aspirants at the party headquarters. When questioned about whether he had been advised to step aside, the MP again declined to provide clear answers, maintaining his cryptic “watch the road” response.

Major first garnered national attention last year after publicly criticizing what he characterized as unequal resource distribution and expressing frustration with the treatment of backbenchers in an interview with The Tribune. Although he subsequently attempted to retract these statements in the House of Assembly, claiming his comments had been misrepresented, the newspaper maintained the accuracy of its reporting.

As the PLP moves closer to selecting its candidate for Southern Shores, interest in the constituency has significantly intensified. Deputy chairman Obie Roberts and ZNS General Manager Clint Watson have both expressed interest in the nomination and were recently interviewed by the party’s Candidates Committee.

When asked about his preferred candidate for the nomination, Major avoided direct engagement, instead questioning whether he had ever made formal public statements regarding Southern Shores. Regarding growing tensions between supporters of Roberts and Watson, Major dismissed the issue as being “beyond my pay grade,” emphasizing that his focus remains on serving his constituents.

The MP concluded by stating his intention to meet with constituents to inform them “what time it is,” adding a challenge to any potential candidate: “Whoever they put in Southern Shores, tell them go bring their boss.”

The House of Assembly witnessed escalating tensions as opposition lawmakers confronted the Davis administration regarding its recently implemented VAT reduction policy. Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader of the FREE National Movement, spearheaded the challenge by demanding precise clarification on the actual financial benefits Bahamian households should anticipate from the value-added tax removal on unprepared food items.

During heated parliamentary debates, Cartwright emphasized the government’s apparent failure to communicate concrete details about the policy’s practical implications for citizens experiencing economic pressures. The discourse centered on whether the measure would generate substantial relief for families grappling with persistent financial constraints.

Cartwright referenced a Nassau Guardian analysis projecting approximate monthly savings of $11 per household, translating to roughly $127 annually. This calculation derived from distributing the government’s estimated $15 million revenue shortfall across the national household count—a methodology subsequently disputed by the Office of the Prime Minister.

The St. Barnabas representative characterized these projected savings as ‘shameful,’ particularly questioning the significance of such an amount for a typical four-person family unit.

Government MP Zane Lightbourne countered these assertions, arguing that quantifying savings with a universal figure fundamentally misrepresents the VAT relief mechanism. Lightbourne stressed that individual savings would inherently vary based on income disparities and distinct consumption patterns, making standardized estimates impractical.

Prime Minister Philip Davis defended the policy’s timing, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and asserting that international financial institutions had previously advised against premature tax reductions. Davis indicated that current economic conditions finally permitted the implementation of this relief measure.

Opposition members, including East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, maintained that the policy lacked transparency, thorough analysis, and accountability. Thompson noted that despite growing dependence on non-profit assistance organizations, the government’s approach seemed more focused on headline-driven announcements than evidence-based policy-making.

The Progressive Liberal Party’s internal nomination contest for the Freetown constituency intensified dramatically on Thursday as challenger Ormanique Bowe publicly declared her intention to protest the anticipated ratification of incumbent MP Wayne Munroe. The political confrontation has evolved into a deeply personal exchange between the two party members, revealing significant tensions within the ruling party’s candidate selection process.

Ms. Bowe, who previously contested the nomination in the last election cycle, launched pointed criticisms against Minister Munroe, who currently holds both the National Security portfolio and the Freetown parliamentary seat. She characterized his recent remarks about her candidacy as ‘petty and selective’ while asserting her strong grassroots support and qualifications to represent the constituency effectively.

‘Freetown’s residents deserve leadership that’s present and accountable,’ Bowe stated, directly addressing the incumbent minister. ‘This I have been displaying, and reaching out to you to follow suit.’ She emphasized the need for genuine engagement despite their shared party affiliation, noting that ‘we can speak many words, and in many ways but they must be coming genuinely from the heart.’

Minister Munroe, when questioned earlier about Bowe’s renewed nomination bid, maintained a diplomatic stance regarding the internal challenge. He acknowledged their previous political history and highlighted his professional cooperation with Bowe following the last election, including sponsoring her application to become a justice of the peace and appointing her to the Rehabilitation Offenders Committee within his ministry.

‘I work with whoever I have to work with. That’s just the nature of the business,’ Munroe remarked, downplaying the personal dimensions of the competition. ‘It is not something that you should get personal over.’ He characterized such internal challenges as a normal aspect of party politics.

Bowe, however, rejected any implications of ingratitude regarding these appointments while questioning their substantive value. She particularly noted that the Rehabilitation of Offender Board stipend amounted to merely $300 monthly, suggesting this demonstrated insufficient commitment to meaningful community engagement.

‘The people’s support and the skills to make a difference remain with me,’ Bowe asserted, reinforcing her credibility as a viable alternative to the incumbent.

The unfolding drama occurs alongside the planned ratification of approximately fourteen PLP candidates scheduled for Thursday evening. The extensive list includes Kirk Cornish (North Abaco), Bradley Fox (Central and South Abaco), Leonardo Lightbourne (North Andros), Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town), Sylvanus Petty (North Eleuthera), Clay Sweeting (Central and South Eleuthera), Lisa Rahming (Marathon), Ronell Armbrister (MICAL), Michael Halkitis (St. Barnabas), Owen Wells (St. James), Dr. Michael Darville (Tall Pines), and Zane Lightbourne (Yamacraw). This broad ratification indicates significant party mobilization ahead of upcoming electoral contests, though the Freetown situation reveals underlying tensions that may affect party unity.

The Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate selection process entered a vigorous phase yesterday as eleven aspirants presented their cases before the party’s Candidates Committee, signaling intense internal competition ahead of the upcoming general election. The PLP headquarters transformed into a vibrant political arena with dozens of supporters creating a festive atmosphere through music, Junkanoo rushes, and enthusiastic chanting while adorned in party regalia.

In the Freetown constituency, a notable contest emerged between incumbent MP Wayne Munroe and long-time party member Ormanique Bowe, who arrived with substantial supporter presence. Ms. Bowe, a local business owner, emphasized her role as a maternal figure for the constituency, expressing strong confidence in her nomination prospects. Mr. Munroe responded to the challenge with philosophical acceptance, acknowledging competition as a sign of party strength while maintaining his belief in being the optimal candidate.

The St. Anne’s constituency witnessed three contenders—Keno Wong, Latorna McPhee, and Chris Saunders—vying for nomination. Mr. Wong, former chairman of the National Neighbourhood Watch Council, cited community encouragement as his motivation, while Mr. Saunders, a veteran journalist, referenced the unexpected political shift in Georgia as inspiration for potential change despite previous electoral setbacks.

Former Senator Robyn Lynes adopted a strategic approach by expressing openness to any available constituency rather than challenging sitting MPs, emphasizing her decision emerged from financial stability, family preparedness, and spiritual guidance rather than personal ambition. Meanwhile, Tasha Bullard-Hamilton presented her vision for Bimini and The Berry Islands, highlighting ancestral connections and presenting comprehensive development plans addressing healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Several incumbent MPs including Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Zane Lightbourne (Yamacraw), Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town), and Lisa Rahming (Marathon) also underwent the committee review process. The party announced intentions to ratify its second candidate batch on Thursday, expected to include Sylvanus Petty, Kirk Cornish, Clay Sweeting, and Bradley Fox Jr.