National

Protest To Remove GB Councillor After Voicenote Resurfaces

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS- Grand Bahamian and protest organizer, Richard Johnson, says protesters are demanding the Chief Councillor step down as they believe comments made in that voice note are disparaging and disrespectful to Bahamian women.

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

Megan Shepherd

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A heated scene outside the City of Freeport Local Government Office this morning, as a small group gathered to protest against recently sworn-in Chief Councillor, Kendal Culmer Jr. The crowd demanded Culmer’s resignation after a voice note, reportedly from four years ago, was recently leaked.

Grand Bahamian and protest organizer, Richard Johnson, says protesters are demanding the Chief Councillor step down as they believe comments made in that voice note are disparaging and disrespectful to Bahamian women.

And here’s a part of that voice note that sparked the protest.

Since making its rounds, Culmer has made two apologies online and resigned as an executive member of the FNM’s Marco City Association. Part of his response reads, (quote) “Four years ago, in response to verbal attacks on my wife, who I was dating at the time, I made an unacceptable and deeply hurtful remark. Even though I was seeking to respond to those who attacked her, it was disrespectful and hurtful to them and all other Bahamian women, including my wife.”

Johnson still contends Culmer must resign.

Protesters say they chose to stand up for all Bahamian women and believe that under no circumstances were Culmer’s comments acceptable.

However, businessman and resident Vernal Colebrooke says he believes Culmer deserves a second chance, noting that since the voice note was originally made some four years ago, Culmer remained a local government councillor. He is questioning the motives and timing of the release.