The Candidates Committee of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) met last evening to consider a
number of applicants to contest the West End and Bimini constituency. The selection of the
nominee created great consternation throughout the country with PLP supporters, due to the
exchange of words between party Chairman Fred Mitchell and one of the contestants, former
Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson.
It was clearly obvious, from sentiments expressed by Mr. Mitchell, that Gibson does not enjoy
the support of many in the leadership of the PLP. However, Mr. Gibson claims that he is the
people’s choice and has received the support of a number of supporters in West End, Grand
Bahama. It was not clear the level of support he enjoys. However, he was joined by a small
number of party supporters who accompanied him to the grave of the late Cabinet Minister Obie
Wilchcombe, who was laid to rest last Saturday.
The Journal can reveal that there are many in the leadership of the party who are supporting
Kingsley Smith, chief passport officer. Mr. Smith was believed to be Prime Minister Davis’
choice in the last General Election, but he lost out to Wilchcombe, who was believed to receive
the support through written petitions from the party in West End and Bimini.
At the time, Wilchcombe was not supported by Mr. Davis, but had won the support of former
Prime Minister Perry Christie and went on to win the election. Gibson, on the other hand, did
not contest a seat in 2021 and has since been embattled over a case in the Supreme Court in
which he was acquitted. Since then, he has openly expressed interest in regaining a seat in the
House of Assembly. He has canvassed the MICAL constituency for the last year, much to the
chagrin of many party faithfuls. They were taken by surprise when he shifted his interest upon
the death of Mr. Wilchombe.
Others interested in the nomination in the PLP include Caleb Outten, Samuel Brown,
N. Edmond Munroe, Robert Grant, Parkco R. Deal, Keith Russell, Lynden Maycock and
Calarita Walker-Saunders. An insider in the PLP says that all of these persons will be
interviewed and a decision will be made sometime next week and communicated to the National
General Council of the party for a final decision.
Meantime, all of these contestants are canvassing for the support in the constituency.