Mitchell & Wilchcombe set to battle for chairmanship today.
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis and PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper have retained the top two posts in the party, after there was no challenge to the leader and deputy leader during nomination at the PLP’s national convention yesterday.
However, a showdown is set between incumbent PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell and former Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe who have both put their names in the hat for chairman.
Speaking to the upcoming contest, Mitchell asked, “What can you say?
“Your work speaks for you and that’s all that you can do.
“I think that with a fair poll, I think I will succeed.”
Meanwhile, Wilchcombe told Eyewitness News, “When you challenge an incumbent there will be a battle, but I am very confident that our people, who have asked me to run, are out there working and determined to make this happen.”
Wilchcombe ran for chairman at the party’s October 2017 convention, but lost to Mitchell.
The vote is set for tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In an interview with the media following nomination, Davis, who has called for a unified convention, said he was humbled by the confidence reposed in him by PLPs.
“I’ve been re-elected unopposed and I am humbled, and gratified by the confidence that they have put in me,” the PLP leader said.
“I welcome the challenge and I will not let my people down.”
His team includes, Cooper for deputy leader, Mitchell for chairman, and Robyn Lynes for deputy chairman.
Lynes will also run unopposed.
In a separate interview, Cooper said he is prepared for the work ahead alongside the leader as they steer the PLP to victory in the next general election.
“I’m intrigued by the opportunity to serve as deputy leader again, having been nominated with no other candidate in the race,” Cooper said.
“I am humbled by it and looking forward to work as a passionate servant leader heading into the next election.”
Davis and Cooper represent familiar, staple faces to the party.
Yesterday, the deputy leader said the PLP will soon introduce new faces and new ideas.
“We are going to have a plan and a platform that will bring new ideas and new life to the country,” Cooper said.
“We are going to have a cadre of new faces that represents the future of The Bahamas and the future of the PLP, and all of that begins right now.”
Quinton Lightbourne, former national vice chairman of the PLP, noted that the party’s rejuvenation is in motion.
“One of the things that the last election showed — a 35 to four defeat — that the public at large wants to see a rebranding and resolve of the PLP,” he said.
“Myself and a few others show that we are in the process of doing that.
“Rome was not built in a day, but we are doing what it takes to rebrand and re-enthuse the party back in the eyes of the Bahamian public.”
More than 2,500 delegates have registered for the PLP’s convention as of yesterday afternoon.
Registration was extended until 6 p.m.
The two-day convention is being held at the Melia Nassau Beach resort on West Bay Street.
