Wilchcombe to seek PLP nomination

Wilchcombe to seek PLP nomination
Former West End and Bimini Member of Parliament (MP) Obie Wilchcombe.

Former minister says PLP must become a party of the “common man” to win

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Former Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said he plans to seek a nomination from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to run in the next general election for the West End and Bimini seat, a constituency he represented before losing his re-election bid in May 2017.

Wilchcombe, who challenged incumbent PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell at the party’s national convention last week, lost.

Of the defeat, he told Eyewitness News Online that he excepts the wishes of supporters and will move forward.

As it relates to the party rebranding itself to appeal to the electorate, Wilchcombe said it is important to get the PLP to re-focus on being a party of the common man.

He said it must also empower and lift up the Bahamian people.

“I think we have gotten to the trickle-down world that was perpetuated by the other side (Free National Movement),” Wilchcombe said.

“I’d like to see us go back to the ordinary people and that is when we will be able to get our base back. That’s when we will be able to inspire the young people. That’s when we will be able to look at the new citizens of our country and get them all believing in the PLP.”

Asked why he did not run for leader of the PLP at convention, Wilchcombe responded, “We have a party leader and I am not in the House of Assembly.”

Ahead of two-day convention, Wilchcombe said he supported PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis and PLP Deputy Leader Chester Cooper, both of whom ran unopposed.

“I think that the party should be led by the members in the House because they have direct access to Parliament every day and they are speaking to the issues on a daily basis from Parliament,” he said.

“I think there is a big difference when you are on the outside and when you are seeking to lead the brothers and sisters who are in the inside. I think those who are on the inside are in a better position.”

Wilchcombe ran for deputy leader in 2009 and lost to Davis, who became leader of the party after former Prime Minister Perry Christie resigned after the last general election.

The PLP was crushed at the polls in the 2017 election, capturing four seats in the House to the FNM’s 35.

About Theo Sealy

Theo Sealy is an award-winning journalist who serves as senior broadcast reporter and weekend TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. He has achieved several career milestones, including his work as a field contributor with CNN, his coverage of four consecutive general elections, his production of several docuseries and his Bahamas Press Club Awards win for “Best Television News Story” in 2018.