National

He Had A Passion For People, Politics And Proper Broadcasting

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Grand Bahamians, political colleagues and opponents, and an unending stream of mourners and friends turned up in Grand Bahama today at the final memorial for the late Obie Wilchombe.

Published

7 months ago

October 14, 2023

Sasha Lightbourne

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Grand Bahamians, political colleagues and opponents, party officers and supporters, and an unending stream of mourners and friends turned up in Grand Bahama today in the final memorial for an iconic broadcaster, three-time minister, political giant, and beloved member of parliament now, “The late” Obie Wilchombe.

It was now Grand Bahama’s turn to say farewell.

Two days after his state funeral in Nassau’s Christ Church Cathedral, the doors of the Pro Cathedral of Christ the King in Freeport, welcomed an overflow crowd Saturday morning to funeralize their native son – Social Services and former Tourism Minister – Obie Wilchombe.

Crowds packed the church hall and Bishop Michael Eldon school auditorium.

As the “Bahamian flag draped casket” made the journey from police headquarters – in the care of police and defence force officers.

His two-time cabinet boss and friend former Prime Minister Perry Christie unapologetically referencing him as the best tourism minister the country has seen.

A nation builder, a man to whom his country is forever indebted – are phrases used by Canon Norman Lightbourne in describing Whilchome and his loyal service.

Among the mourners in Grand Bahama Saturday were two of Wilchcombe’s political colleagues – David Wallace and Leslie Miller, a testament to the respect within both political camps.

Saturday’s service, the final in a series of memorials and public expressions of grief, a few miles away Wilchombe was laid to rest in his beloved Westend community next to his late father.