Union Chiefs Split on Whether Unionists Should Publicly Support Political Parties

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The 2026 General Election may be behind us, but support for political parties is still going strong for some supporters.

Over the last few months leading up to Election Day, there were political events and rallies across the country, with thousands of supporters attending.

Among them were some prominent members of local unions, but does their open support jeopardize their message?

Bahamas National Alliance Trade Union Congress President Belinda Wilson thinks so.

Belinda Wilson – President, BNATUC

“It’s my personal belief that you’re compromising yourself because you have members that support all. So, as much as I would like to probably go to my pom-pom and shake my hip too and put on a shirt, I don’t have the liberty to do that as a leader because I lead persons who support all of the bodies. So my word would be that each man has to decide based on their own conscience.”

Wilson was among several unionists who participated in the Sir Randol Fawkes Labour Day Solidarity Service held at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute last night.

Also weighing in on the topic of politics was Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union President Sherry Benjamin.

She says while she agrees to a certain point, where do you draw the line?

Sherry Benjamin – President

“You cannot police someone when it comes down to two things. I do not argue politics and I don’t argue religion. If you is a PLP, you is a FNM, if you is a COI.”

But President of the University of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas, Daniel Thompson, had a different view.

Thompson, an unapologetic Progressive Liberal Party supporter, has not been shy about his political views.

He says there’s nothing wrong with showing support, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rights of workers.

Daniel Thompson – President

“What we did at UTEB, in which I preside over, we, in our industrial agreement, added a political independence clause, which states that members are free to be a part of and pursue legislative and political roles in any government or any Parliament and remain members of the union, as long as their representation and service do not interfere with their teaching requirements.”