Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe announced that he is prepared to become the next Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Earlier this week, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts announced that the PLP will be holding its mandated annual convention in October for the first time in six years.

Mr. Roberts said at the convention, numerous matters will be discussed and leadership and other positions will be contested.

It has been rumored that a few Cabinet ministers are vying for the title of leader of the PLP.

Yesterday, Minister Wilchcombe, who already expressed interest in the position, said although he will never try to “push out” Prime Minister Perry Christie, he is considering the position and is well prepared to lead.

“I along with the other ministers support Prime Minister Christie,” he said.

“We will stay with him. But when the time comes, if he decides that he wants to move on, you would hope that your work speaks for you and that your job as a minister and as a citizen was done to the best of your ability for further progression. I will never try to push out the prime minister. He taught my colleague and I many of the things that I know.”

When asked by reporters what he would be able to contribute to The Bahamas, Minister Wilchcombe named a number of things including sectors he believes should be fixed.

“I have great leadership and provision,” said the minister.

“I believe I have the vision that would seek to cause our country to be a greater nation. I have a vision that will cause our country to appreciate that we can move and take a political place internationally. We can use our islands to create independent stable sectors whether it’s agriculture or fisheries and whether it’s causing Grand Bahama to become the center of business and trade in the world community. We can become the Switzerland of the Western World in terms of our proximity to the world.”

The tourism minister said he has a lot to offer the country including great leadership, experience, honourable principles, and what he says, is one of the most important components of all, love for the Bahamian people.

“I think that I can bring trust back into this country,” he said.

“I think I can cause our country to appreciate how great our nation can be and I believe that I can also disseminate love. I believe in one simple thing, you cannot lead a people if you don’t love a people. You cannot bring service to a people that you don’t believe in it yourself. I do believe in Bahamians and my goal is to always give service, not to be served.”
Minister Wilchcombe said he respects the prime minister and he thanked him personally for his training.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis seems to be on the same page as the minister of tourism.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Davis said the prime minister has made no indication as to whether he will be stepping down from his post; however, he too is ready for the job.