bainandgrantstown

The Bain and Grants Town constituency is heading into the election with a three-way race. It may be one of the most challenged communities, but it could also be one of the most unpredictable.

Sitting MP Wade Watson will defend the seat for the Progressive Liberal Party. The Free National Movement ratified Jay Philippe, and the Coalition of Independents is represented by Antonio Bain as its standard bearer.

Bain and Grants Town is one of the country’s most historic and complex communities.

It is an over-the-hill constituency, with rich history but burdened by long-standing challenges—high unemployment, economic vulnerability, and persistent gaps in education and skills.

For generations, residents have heard promises of renewal and opportunities, often without seeing change.

The constituency swings to both major political parties, the majority voting for PLP Bernard Nottage in 2012 then FNM Travis Robertson in 2017.

Watson won the seat in 2021, riding the PLP’s momentum. As the sitting MP, he has the advantage of incumbency, but voters will expect more from him. For many voters, this election can come down to representation and visibility, whether or not life improved to justify another term.

Philippe, a sports broadcaster from Grand Bahama, is of Haitian descent but grew up in Bain and Grants Town, where his family still lives. Some may identify with him in a community shaped by migration.

For the FNM, Philippe represents a fresh face and a personal connection to the area.

“This community raised me, supported me, and taught me the importance of hard work, faith, and looking out for one another, ” Philippe said on Wednesday following his ratification. “I’ve seen both the strengths and the struggles of our people, and I believe real leadership starts with understanding lived experiences, not from a distance, but from within.”

Bain’s presence complicates the race. Third-party candidates rarely win in constituencies like Bain and Grants Town, where voters have strong political ties to major parties. But even without winning, Bain can disrupt the numbers, pulling protest votes, younger voters, or residents frustrated with the two major parties.

A split vote, a close margin, or even a shift in voter turnout could decide the results.

Bain and Grants Town Member of Parliament Travis Robinson said he is disappointed in the House of Assembly after he said he was prevented from contributing to the Bail and Jury Acts, which were passed in the House on Wednesday afternoon.

So, Robinson took to social media to express his disappointment and to read the intended speech.

Robinson said he feels, “stifled” and “hindered,” calling it “an attack on democracy.”

Members of Parliament Elsworth Johnson, Lanisha Rolle, Marvin Dames, Philip Davis, Reece Chipman all contributed to the bill.

What Travis Robinson said happened?

Robinson said he was expected to debate the Bail and Jury Acts on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30, according to an HOA speaking list.

Instead, Robinson said the HOA moved to the third reading and passage of the bill at 2 pm, not giving him notice that he will be unable to speak.

What should have happened?

Robinson said he should have been notified.

Instances like this, Robinson said the parliamentarian is called to indicate that the House will move to the afternoon session and he or she is told that they should make their way to the House in a specified period of time.

What will happen next?

Robinson said he is looking forward to what is to come since airing the issue on social media, adding that he does not know what the end result will be.

But Robinson said he will not allow anyone to disrespect his constituents, whom he represents.

Robinson admonished young people to demand respect and not allow anyone to disrespect them because of age.

“I will not lie down and play dead…If you disrespect Travis Robinson, I don’t care. But you will not disrespect Bain and Grant’s Town,” he said.

Featured Picture: Tribune

Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson forewarned that a 7-day lockdown is likely after passage of the impending storm on the weekend.

In a Facebook post, that is now deleted, Robinson encouraged residents to prepare with grocery items and medical supplies.

“Get the much needed groceries and medical supplies as necessary. A pending storm is headed for the Bahamas and is expected to make landfall by Sunday or Monday. It is my expectation that after the storm passes depending on its impact,  new 7 day complete lockdown will be imposed.”

This alert by Robinson comes after Prime Minister Hubert Minnis reversed the 7-day full lockdown after he imposed the new order “with immediate effect.”

The next day, Minnis reopened grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies after many complaints that he did not grant sufficient time to prepare for the full lockdown.

Dr. Minnis acknowledged that he received complaints from the public about the immediacy of the lockdown and lifted it so that residents can prepare for a weather system that expected to reach the Bahamas by Sunday.

Robinson continued, “We are still at war with COVID-19, so we must remain cautious and follow the medical health protocols. We are in this fight together.”

It remains to be seen if or when Dr. Minnis will  implement a full lockdown.