National

PLP Candidates Face Questions Over the Sale of the Grand Lucayan

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For an island that is historically a Free National Movement (FNM) stronghold, the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) may be in for an uphill battle in Grand Bahama again this election cycle.

Published

4 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Jerome Sawyer

Despite the government’s continued insistence on job creation and billions in investments there, and the stalled progress to redevelop Grand Lucyan as the island’s anchor hotel property – the constituency remains an achilles heel for the PLP.

Philip Davis – Prime Minister

“The hotel has been sold, and the owner is working his plans and we’re waiting for him to come back to with those plans.”

Even as some party insiders fear it could be too little too late, there were no signs of any such sentiments on Sunday, as the party ratified its remaining 13 candidates to include 2 incumbents, and 3 new comers for Grand Bahama.

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey renominated for Pineridge, and Kingsley Smith – who won the west end seat in a by-election 2 years ago, faced media questions on the hotel sale, signed over 6 months ago.

Ginger Moxey – PLP Candidate, Pineridge

“The project is moving, progress is being made, but we have to remember how we got here. So the FNM administration acquired that property for double the appraised value. We went in right away to rectify the situation and work on behalf of the people.”

Kingsley Smith – PLP Candidate, West End

“People might say [no progress] just because the transaction did not happen at this time. Progress is moving at the airport: they would use that as if nothing is happening, but we all know when it comes to business dealings things can happen.”

“Things can fail. Obviously, we looking at investor money and not the government money, so this government has made a commitment to the people of Grand Bahama to turn the economy around.”

The political novices, looking to unseat 2 incumbent FNM’s and a former FNM turned coalition of independents, have their work cut of for them, now that they’ve made it through nomination.

Edward Whann – PLP Candidate, Marco City

“We know it’s been a long road, I live there. Born and raised and never left. I know we are going to get it back together, give us a chance, give us the time, give us another term. I promise we gat this.”

Parkco Deal – PLP Candidate, Central Grand Bahama

“I am a son of the soil of Grand Bahama, I am known throughout Grand Bahama, and I think that I am capable of bringing it home for Central Grand Bahama.”

With an economy still on life support, the PLP has its work cut out in Grand Bahama.

The island has given the FNM it’s current leader Micheal Pintard, and former leader the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield.

It has also given heavy support to the PLP in the past, with half of the seats in their column under the Perry Christie administration.

However in next election, it will be the battle ground cluster of constituencies to watch, as novices and incumbents clash for election supremacy at the close of the polls, whenever that might be.