标签： Bahamas

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.

Residents of the Berry Islands are mounting a vigorous campaign for autonomous parliamentary representation as the Boundaries Commission prepares to present its electoral reform report to Parliament. The archipelago, currently paired with North Andros, faces potential reunification with Bimini under proposed constituency revisions—a move locals fear would perpetuate their political marginalization.

Multiple residents expressed profound frustration to The Tribune regarding historical neglect under combined constituencies. Erica Knowles revealed her astonishment at learning about proposed boundary changes through media channels rather than official consultation. ‘They consistently implement changes without engaging constituents,’ she noted, emphasizing that past administrative partnerships have yielded minimal benefits for island development.

Infrastructure deficiencies form a central pillar of resident grievances. Telecommunications services remain virtually nonexistent since BTC’s closure over two years ago due to mold infestation, with unreliable connections disrupting daily communications. Banking services are restricted to a single credit union facing operational challenges due to low transaction volume.

Road construction projects have languished for three years with intermittent progress, while educational institutions suffer teacher shortages and inadequate facilities. Alexandria Moss highlighted disproportionate revenue contribution from Great Harbour Cay compared to infrastructure investment, stating: ‘We require entirely new educational facilities rather than temporary patches.’

Despite these challenges, economic development continues through cruise industry investments. Great Stirrup Cay is nearing completion of its ‘Pleasure Island’ project, which will establish dual cruise ports alongside Little Stirrup Cay’s existing Coco Cay facility.

Emergency services present additional concerns. VJ Reckley described telecommunications as ‘deplorable’ and noted the absence of public ambulance services, forcing medical transports via private vehicles. Social services are similarly constrained, with a shared social worker visiting quarterly from North Andros.

Residents unanimously contend that independent parliamentary representation would ensure dedicated advocacy for their unique needs. As boundary decisions undergo parliamentary review, Berry Islanders emphasize that geographic isolation and distinct developmental requirements justify autonomous political representation.

A contentious internal meeting within the Progressive Liberal Party’s Southern Shores branch has ignited significant debate regarding procedural legitimacy and factional influence. Deputy Chairman Obie Roberts secured a decisive 40-0 victory over contender Clint Watson, the ZNS General Manager, in what was termed an ‘opinion poll’ conducted on Monday evening. Despite the numerical outcome, party insiders emphasize this vote holds no formal authority, as the ultimate selection of constituency candidates rests solely with the party’s candidate committee.

The meeting, held at PLP headquarters, grew increasingly tense, with reports indicating that the situation nearly escalated into physical confrontations following its conclusion. Serious allegations have emerged regarding the conduct of the branch, including claims of ‘ineligible’ or ‘fake’ members being present and accusations that the branch election was organized outside its proper constituency. Numerous attendees were reportedly turned away for not appearing on the official registry, leading critics to denounce the group as an unrepresentative ‘kangaroo branch.’

Further compounding the controversy, many participants stated they had been informed the gathering was a routine branch meeting intended for discussion, not a predetermined vote. The surprise nature of the poll and the stipulation that only ‘financial’ members could participate were cited as particularly unfair, especially given historical branch disputes and a recent exodus of members. Supporters of Mr. Watson largely abstained or walked out, protesting what they perceived as a rigged and fundamentally flawed process designed to disenfranchise legitimate constituency voters. The incident has exposed deeper competing factions within the PLP leadership, highlighting a struggle between those backing Mr. Roberts and allies of Mr. Watson.

Political tensions reached a boiling point outside the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters as members of the Southern Shores branch convened for a contentious meeting to evaluate potential election candidates Clint Watson and Obie Roberts. The gathering, which excluded media representatives, nearly descended into physical confrontation upon its conclusion, requiring repeated intervention to prevent violent outbreaks among supporters.

The atmosphere grew increasingly volatile as attendees exited the building, with heated verbal exchanges quickly replacing what had initially been complaints about meeting procedures. Despite the visible division, multiple voices called for party unity, emphasizing their shared affiliation with the PLP.

According to participants, both candidates presented their visions for the constituency during the meeting, though the absence of a question-and-answer session drew criticism. Merbin Darling, a Watson supporter, praised Watson’s ‘effective living agenda’ focused on aiding disadvantaged communities, establishing homework centers, and addressing crime and security issues. However, Darling alleged significant irregularities within the branch, including the presence of ineligible members and branch elections conducted outside the constituency boundaries.

These claims were vehemently disputed by Roberts supporters. Wellington Porter emphasized that only financially current members were eligible to participate, while Tevin Ferguson highlighted Roberts’ extensive track record within the party structure and his adherence to constitutional procedures.

Notable figures including professional boxer Tureano Johnson expressed concerns about the ethical implications of the selection process, noting that proper protocol adherence reflects a political party’s morality. Both candidates declined to comment following the event, and PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell did not respond to media inquiries.