Kingsley Smith Wins West Grand Bahama and Bimini Seat

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Following the death of Obie Wilchcombe on September 25, what followed was weeks of fast-paced preparation for an impending by-election in less than two months.

Rumors swirled about who the Free National Movement’s candidate would be. For Our News,  we heard one name; that announcement came on October 19th.

The Progressive Liberal Party had more of a challenge.

Once the PLP’s nomination process closed on October 18, there were ten names: Shane Gibson, Samuel Brown, N. Edmond Munroe, Kingsley Smith, Robert Grant, Paco Deal, Keith Russell, Caleb Outten, Calaritta Walker-Saunders and Lynden Maycock.

The PLP’s General Council met on October 20th.

A writ of election was issued on October 26 by Governor General Cynthia Pratt.

Nomination day was held on November 6 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Russell Town, Grand Bahama.

The FNM’s Bishop Ricardo Grant was the first, followed by the PLP’s Kingsley Smith.

Independent candidate Ternielle Burrows followed, then Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain and lastly independent candidate Daquan Swain.

The advanced poll was held on November 15 in Grand Bahama, but the weather posed a challenge. Over in Bimini, it was smooth sailing.

Then came the highly anticipated by-election day on November 22.

Kingsley Smith would be declared the unofficial winner receiving 2,150 votes to the FNM’s 1,276 for Bishop Ricardo Grant. His initial reaction?

Smith was officially sworn in during his first session in the House of Assembly which took place on November 29.