National

Christie: He was More Than a Colleague, He was a Friend

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Former Prime Minister Perry Christie reflects on the life and legacy of the late Obie Wilchcombe.

Published

1 year ago

September 27, 2023

Italia Hall

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – That’s former Prime Minister Perry Christie reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Obie Wilchcombe. He’s known him for more than three decades, first recognizing his talent as a radio personality.

He says it was former prime minister, the late Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling who saw a future in Wilchcombe as Wilchcombe was able to articulate any speech made by Pindling.

Christie says Wilchcombe was committed to the Progressive Liberal Party and he was not only his colleague but a friend that he shared many conversations with.

Christie revealing that Wilchcombe played an integral role in helping to reshape the PLP before the 2002 elections.

He says after the party won in 2002 he appointed Wilchcombe as minister of tourism.

Wilchcombe led the tourism industry for a decade and was instrumental in developing many projects like, Winding Bay and Bakers Bay in Abaco, the third phase of Atlantis, Sunwing in Freeport, Ginn in West End and Bimini Bay.

Christie says he and Wilchcombe also worked together to introduce sports and religious tourism to the country.

He says following major hurricanes, Wilchcombe helped to coordinate relief efforts for the people of Grand Bahama, West End in particular.

Christie recalling his last moments with Wilchcombe last week Friday.

He believes that Wilchcombe should be remembered by the government in an effective and meaningful way in western Grand Bahama.