Bimini & the Berry Islands: A new seat, an unpredictable fight
For the first time in Bahamian politics, Bimini and the Berry Islands will vote as a single constituency, and it could become a competitive battleground in the May 12 election.
Formed following the January 2026 Constituencies Commission report, the new seat redraws familiar political lines. The Berry Islands have been separated from North Andros, while Bimini is no longer tied to West Grand Bahama.
It is now a constituency with no voting history.
Three candidates are now testing that ground: Carlton Bowleg for the Free National Movement, Randy Rolle for the Progressive Liberal Party and Hyram Rolle for the Coalition of Independents.
Bowleg has the strongest footing. He previously won the North Andros and Berry Islands seat in 2017 before losing it in 2021, giving him both name recognition and campaign experience in parts of the new constituency.
Randy Rolle, a former senator, is less tested at the polls, but backed by the governing party’s machinery. His challenge will be connecting across the two islands.
Hyram Rolle, running under the Coalition of Independents banner, faces the hurdles typical of third-party candidates with limited organization, and a system that historically favors the two major parties. His path to victory is narrow.
