Obie Wilchombe Dies At 64

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – This year the country lost a giant of a man, Obie Wilchcombe.

News of his death sent shockwaves across the nation, especially in the West End and Bimini.

On the morning of September 25th, Social Services Minister Obie Wilchombe was found unresponsive in Grand Bahama.

Immediately crowds gathered outside the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport.

The prime minister and his cabinet colleagues soon touched down visiting the hospital and then on to the PLP headquarters in Freeport where an emotional press conference was held.

The nation’s leader recalling how Wilchombe became rooted in politics through his parents. Formally joining politics as a PLP senator in 1994, he wore many hats in his political career holding titles like party chairman, senator, cabinet minister and leader of government business in the house.

Wilchcombe was also credited with bringing the film industry to The Bahamas. His party and parliamentary colleagues calling him an extraordinary nationalist.

The Free National Movement also took the opportunity to honor him.

The community of West Grand Bahama also in deep shock upon learning the news.

Over in Bimini mourners gathered at the PLP headquarters to remember his life and legacy.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie says Wilchcombe was more than a colleague but a friend who contributed greatly to the tourism industry.

Wilchcombe’s daughter, Adida Isaacs describing her father’s passing as almost unfair in some respects.

There were lots of calls for the government to ensure Wilchcombe was memorialized in a meaningful way and that government did with a state funeral in the nation’s capital at Christ Church Cathedral and a funeral at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King in Grand Bahama back in October.