National

A Closer Look At Wilchcombe’s Legacy

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The former journalist started in the industry in 1975, joining the Broadcasting Corporation, assigned to cover then-Prime Minister Pindling.

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The former journalist started in the news industry back in 1975 when he joined the Broadcasting Corporation and was assigned to cover then-Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling, covering many local and regional events.

While at ZNS he served as deputy news director, news director, and assistant general manager.

He also won national awards for writing and producing the television documentary Base Street.

In 1999, he began hosting the radio show The Bahamas today on More 94FM.

A year later, he was sentenced to four days for refusing to reveal where he got a suicide note which he read live on air. The note is alleged to have been written by convicted murderer John Higgs Jr.

1994 saw Wilchcombe’s entrance to politics when he was appointed a senator by former Prime Minister Pindling and again in 1995 by PLP Leader Perry Christie.

In 2002 he defeated Free National Movement candidate David Wallace to win the West End and Bimini seat.

The PLP won that election and Pindling was appointed Minister of Tourism with responsibility for the Broadcasting Corporation.

During his tenure, he set record-breaking arrivals and tourism expenditures. He introduced new airlift services including Jetblue, Spirit, Westjet, and Virgin Airlines.

He was again appointed tourism minister in 2012. It was during that tenure when – among other things – the gaming industry was regularized.

He was also a part of the deal-making process for the Baha Mar resort.

However following the 2017 General Election, Wilchcombe lost his seat like many of his colleagues.

Still, Wilchcombe stayed loyal to his party and threw his hat in the race for chairman at the PLP’s 2019 convention.

While he was unsuccessful, he remained loyal to the PLP.

In 2021 he returned to run again in his home in West End and Bimini with an overwhelming show of support.

Wilchcombe went on to win that seat and was appointed minister of social services and urban development. He was recently made Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting.

Hours before his passing, Wilchcombe addressed a PLP Women’s Association Branch meeting in Grand Bahama.