National

8 New Faces On the PLP Candidates’ List

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The political chess game with the Progressive Liberal Party played out at the historic gambier house headquarters Sunday, ending months of jockeying and saber rattling – ratifying its remaining 13 candidates.

Published

5 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Jerome Sawyer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The political chess game with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) played out at the historic gambier house headquarters Sunday, ending months of jockeying and saber rattling.

Getting top billing was the Southern Shores race.

The battle for the nomination between Obie Roberts – son of political giant, the late Bradley Roberts and media boss at ZNS, Clint Watson, will no doubt leave some scars in the party with Roberts’ nomination.

Hon. Philip Davis – Prime Minister & PLP Party Leader

“That’s the Candidates Committee’s decision that they recommend to the council, and council accepted that recommendation. And Clint, there are a lot of roles to be played in governance. Clint Watson will be a prominent player in those roles going forward.

Obie Roberts – PLP Candidate, Southern Shores

“You’re gonna have some persons who have some emotions to decisions made. You can’t please everyone, but PLP’s are PLP’s, they will remain home. They will remain faithful to the party granted if they are disappointed or not.”

A position further cemented in this statement by Englerston incumbant and political veteran Glenys Hanna-Martin.

Glenys Hanna-Martin – PLP Candidate, Englerston

“Its not about us, it ain’t about us. It’s about how we take our people forward.”

8 of the 13 candidates getting the nod are new faces on the election contest.

For party well-knowns like former senator and party officer Robyn Lynes, who is heading into the Free National Movement (FNM) stronghold of Killarney; her experience has no doubt given rise to much needed confidence, as she faces a potential 4-way race, including a former prime minister on the ballot.

Robyn Lynes – PLP Candidate, Killarney

“And when you’re going int a strong area you send a strong woman.”

“When we count the votes, Lynes is going to be in the winning column anyway you slice it.”

Another party well-known, Sentaor Randy Rolle joins political newcomer Owen Wells on the ballot in two brand-new constituencies.

Rolle for Bimini and the Berry Islands, and Wells in St. James.

Randy Rolle – PLP Candidate, Bimini & Berry Islands

“Well, the work is large and there’s lots to be done. What I want to say to the people of Bimini and the Berry Islands is this time is ours.“

Owen Wells – PLP Candidate, St. James

“Infrastructure, first of all lighting, they have go hand-in-hand. Opportunities for the youth. Overall the infrastructure right now.”

The PLP has also stacked mainly new faces on the ballot for the five seats now held by the opposition except Reneika Knowles.

Knowles was unsuccessful in the last race in Killarney, but she’s back on the ballot for Long Island.

Grand Bahama will also have three new faces – Parkco Deal for Central Grand Bahama, Edward Whann in Marco City, and Dr. Monique Pratt in East Grand Bahama.

Keno Wong is also tossing his hat as a first-timer in the FNM strong hold – St Anne’s.

Keno Wong – PLP Candidate, St Anne’s

“This is like David & goliath. There is a time in essence that change will come. St Anne’s is not the community it was 40, 50, 60 years ago.”

With this part of the process done, the PLP is now in full re-election campaign mode.

Now, the question is when will an election date be called?

With the election date solely in the prime minister’s portfolio, Sunday’s confirmation of now all 41 candidates is the first real indicator of an immanent election date.