darronpickstock

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Golden Isles, Darron Pickstock, officially took his seat in the House of Assembly today following his by-election victory.

Sitting on the government’s backbench with members of his family in the gallery, Pickstock used his first address to express gratitude and to outline his commitment to the constituency.

“I will work hard for Golden Isles, harder than anyone has ever worked. I will be present. I will listen. And I will act,” he said.

Pickstock also pledged to support entrepreneurship in the community, promising to be “a partner, not a barrier,” and outlined his vision of “a golden future for Golden Isles” rooted in “inclusivity, equity and shared progress.”

Reflecting on his early years, Pickstock spoke about the lessons learned from hard work and perseverance.

“I packed bags, bussed tables and cleaned floors as a teen, working nights to pay for day classes. If you want a better life, you have to be prepared to put in the work,” he said. “I come from a working family, raised on modest means, but with high expectations.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis praised Pickstock’s journey, calling him a symbol of what ordinary Bahamians can achieve.

“You asked the people for a chance. Now prove them right and go beyond their expectations,” Davis said. He also hailed the by-election result as a major victory for the Progressive Liberal Party.

“PLP is an unbeatable machine, once we get rolling, we take up everything in its wake.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard formally congratulated Pickstock and expressed hope that Golden Isles would see meaningful transformation under his leadership.

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has suggested the Free National Movement (FNM) should never have contested the Golden Isles by-election, sparking debate over the party’s resources, confidence, and strategy heading toward the next general election.

“I stayed quiet throughout the whole process, but I agreed with Ingraham,” Minnis told The Nassau Guardian, referencing former party leader Hubert Ingraham’s earlier claim that he advised against Brian Brown running in the contest.

“One seat would not have made a difference…I did not feel that they could win,” Minnis added.

On the surface, the statement sounds like political hindsight.

He said he is not optimistic about the FNM’s chances going into the general election.

“Now, you are going into the real battle where the government has all its ammunition stockpiled and ready for you, and you are coming in limping,” he said.

“I don’t need to say what the result will be.”

The big picture

In The Bahamas, by-elections — like many around the world — tend to favour the governing party.

Government machinery often tilts the odds in its direction.

Still, opposition parties traditionally contest these races for one reason: perception.

By-elections are not simply about filling vacant seats. They are seen as political temperature checks — moments that reflect public mood, momentum, and party strength.

Golden Isles became a measuring stick for all parties.

Had the FNM followed Minnis’ recommendation to stay out, it may have signalled something far more damaging than a loss–a lack of confidence. Voters and observers could have interpreted such a move as surrender, division, or fear of rejection.

A closer look at the numbers

Despite losing the seat, the FNM captured 9 of the 17 polling divisions — more than half of the ballots cast across the constituency.

Brian Brown lost by just over 200 votes, turning what some may label a defeat into a razor-thin, highly competitive race in a swing constituency.

That is not a political wipeout. That is a warning and an opportunity.

The results suggest, the FNM still holds a strong base in Golden Isles. Low voter turnout likely hurt more than helped and a general election could easily tilt it in the Opposition’s favor.

Minnis’ comments may rest in emotions more than sound political strategy.

What’s at stake

If opposition parties shy away from electoral contests, FNM voters may feel abandoned or disconnected. Independent or fringe candidates could gain a greater footing, and voter apathy may worsen.

Political analysts warn that a democracy without competition is a fragile one, and a democracy where opposition retreats is an endangered one.

Low voter turnout is no longer just a Bahamian political problem— it is now a global phenomenon. From the recent Golden Isles by-election to polls in the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States, millions of eligible citizens are choosing not to vote.

The big picture

Across democracies, voter participation continues to decline. In countries like the United States, France, and Australia, turnout typically ranges between 50 to 70 percent, and in by-elections, that number often drops to 30 percent or lower.

In the Bahamas, the Golden Isles by-election mirrored that troubling trend. Out of 7,926 registered voters, only 3,873 people turned out—a turnout of just 49 percent.

This follows a wider pattern. In the 2021 General Election, the Progressive Liberal Party formed the government with the support of only 34 percent of the total voting population.

Why it matters

When citizens do not take part in the democratic process, the power of decision-making is left in the hands of a smaller group. This can lead to governments being elected by a minority while the majority remains silent.

Low turnout weakens accountability, reduces representation, and raises questions about whether elected officials truly reflect the will of the people.

In essence, democracy still functions, but with reduced participation.

Several factors fuel this global decline:

• Voter apathy and disillusionment
• Broken political promises
• Distrust in institutions due to corruption
• Confusing voting systems
• Economic and time pressures
• Election fatigue
• Digital engagement replacing real-life action
• Younger generations feeling unheard

Political analysts warn that without reforms, such as easier registration, early voting options, better education, and stronger community engagement, the problem will become worse.

What’s at stake

The continued decline in voter engagement has serious consequences:

• Legitimacy of elected leaders comes into question
• Policies may not reflect the majority’s interests
• Organized groups may gain disproportionate power
• Public trust in democracy weakens
• Young people become more disconnected from leadership and governance

The bottom line

Voting is more than a right, it is a responsibility.

Low turnout is not just about people staying home, it is a reflection of broken trust, lack of motivation, and a growing feeling that leadership no longer connects with the people it serves.

For the Bahamas and democracies around the world, the real question is how do we get people to care enough to show up at the polls?

Featured Images: The Nassau Guardian

Darron Pickstock’s win in the Golden Isles by-election highlights a strong moment for the PLP and raises questions for the FNM as both parties look ahead to the next general election.

Click here to watch Darron Pickstock’s victory speech.

The big picture

The by-election, held after the death of former MP Vaughn Miller, was regarded as a litmus test for the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Pickstock secured 1,842 votes to Brian Brown of the Free National Movement’s (FNM) 1,629, giving him a margin of about 213 votes. Turnout was low.

Pickstock, a former senator, campaigned on a detailed 10-point plan focused on infrastructure, community development and youth programs.

What it means

The win gives validation for the PLP, giving them momentum ahead of the general election.

His ten-point plan directly addressed Golden Isles’ needs — roads, drainage, transport, youth engagement — which suggests voters responded to his concrete promises.

Pickstock’s win was narrow, which shows Brian Brown for the FNM remains competitive in the constituency. For the FNM, this loss could be a sign that more work is needed in strategy and messaging.

What’s at stake

Both parties will use this by-election as a gauge. Pickstock’s win strengthens the PLP, and Brown’s loss puts more pressure on its leadership team to deliver.

Pickstock now faces the challenge of meeting his promises. If he does not deliver, the FNM could reclaim ground.

Mobilising voters remains a major factor. How each party activates its base in Golden Isles will matter going forward.

What the Opposition is saying

Brown said he will continue the work in the community, and his office will remain open, feeding five hundred people for Thanksgiving.

“Thank you, Golden Isles,” he said with hands in the air.

Michael Pintard called the loss “a journey” and “a setback”, but the party will go on.

“This was a close race, and we fell just a bit short…There is a lot more work to be done in this country. This is but one leg to provide better governance for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The finish line is in sight. FNMs do not fold; we don’t faint. We will reevaluate, refocus, retool. We will be ready for the big dance, for the general election.”

He committed to inspiring voters who did not show up at the polls, highlighting corruption in government, the dire state of the healthcare system and rising crime.

Quoting the line of a popular song, Pintard said to FNMs, “Don’t worry about a thing because everything will be alright.”

The bottom line

Pickstock’s win boosts the PLP, perhaps, strengthens their mandate, and puts pressure on the FNM to recalibrate ahead of the general election, which could be called early.

Pickstock now has to deliver on his promises, and both parties must stay deeply engaged in Golden Isles if they want to maintain or change the political landscape.

With the Golden Isles by-election taking place on Monday, voters are not just choosing a candidate, but they are choosing between four very different political directions.

Brian Brown

On the Free National Movement side is Brian Brown, a familiar and deeply rooted candidate in the constituency. Brown previously served as campaign chair to the late Vaughn Miller, ran on the FNM ticket in 2021 and lost. But he kept his constituency office open and continued working on the ground.

Now, his candidacy has the full backing of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

Brown’s strongest appeal is his long-term presence and consistency. Supporters argue that he has already been serving the people, even without holding the seat.

Darron Pickstock

On the Progressive Liberal Party side is newcomer Darron Pickstock, who is campaigning on promises of upgrades to infrastructure, investment, and development. A PLP victory in Golden Isles would be seen as a strong public endorsement of Prime Minister Philip Davis’ leadership.

However, many critics question the timing of these promises, asking whether they came too late, and whether they would last beyond the campaign period.

Brian Rolle

Representing the Coalition of Independents (COI) is Brian Rolle, who is appealing to voters frustrated with the traditional two-party system. His message is rooted in empowerment, arguing that this election should be about returning power to the people, not political parties.

Karen Butler

Another independent candidate in the race is attorney Karen Butler, who is delivering a strong message about personal and economic independence. Butler said that no one’s livelihood should be tied to a political party, that Bahamians should not “eat when their party wins and starve when it loses.” Her message may resonate with voters who want fairness, and independence from party control.

So, who has the edge?

If voters prioritise history, familiarity, and loyalty to the constituency, Brian Brown appears strong.

If they lean towards governing power and future investment, Pickstock and the PLP could prevail.

If they want something different from the traditional political system, Rolle or Butler may prove to be the surprise and winning factor.

Voter turnout will certainly decide who wins.

After Monday’s chaotic close to the advance poll, we saw blocked exits, shouting matches, party lawyers stepping in, accusations of secrecy, and the Returning Officer Neil Campbell insisting everything was done ‘by the book.’

It is possible the chaos could spill over to by-election day on November 24.

Here’s what you need to know:

The tension was a result of mistrust in the system and due to confusion over procedures. There were disagreements about the transport and storage of ballots, claims about who was allowed to accompany the ballots, and confusion about where the ballots would be stored. If these matters aren’t clarified publicly before Monday, the same blow-ups may happen again, this time with more people involved.

That mistrust won’t magically disappear in seven days. It likely will intensify when the stakes are higher, and by-election day is as high as it gets.

Both the FNM and COI have already said things were handled incorrectly. And Campbell said everything was handled properly and they obliged when the parties disagreed.

That means each side will walk into November 24 with their own version of what ‘fairness’ and ‘trust’ look like. When varied expectations clash without the same rulebook, conflict is almost guaranteed to happen.

This isn’t just about ballots anymore. It plays on voter trust.

When voters see political parties blocking cars and arguing with police, it raises a deeper question: Will the final result — no matter who wins — be accepted as legitimate? If that doubt grows, the by-election becomes even more volatile.

What happened at the advance poll can spill over into November 24, because of mistrust, confusion, and the high political temperature.

Can the Parliamentary Department restore confidence before it’s too late?

Featured Image: Our News

In the run‑up to the November 24 by‑election for the Golden Isles seat, the three main candidates have filed their financial disclosures as required and the numbers show significant differences in declared wealth.

Among them, Brian Brown of the Free National Movement (FNM) emerges as the wealthiest contender.

• Brown declared total assets of $2,627,657, an annual income of $139,000 and liabilities of $235,000, placing his net worth at approximately $2.39 million. His holdings include about $1.7 million in securities and investments, $780,000 in real estate and $50,000 in personal property.
• Darron Pickstock of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), filing jointly with his wife, reported $1.72 million in total assets, $430,000 in combined income and $425,000 in liabilities, for a net worth of about $1.29 million. His disclosures include two properties valued at about $850,000 and securities around $200,000.
• Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents (COI) declared total assets of $602,000, income of $37,000 and no liabilities, giving a net worth of $602,000. His assets include $65,000 in savings, a vehicle valued at $25,000, and personal property valued at $500,000.
• Independent candidate Karen Kim Butler reported assets of $477,000, income of $54,500 and liabilities of $160,000 — resulting in a net worth of around $531,340. The filing lists two properties totaling $450,000, a motor vehicle valued at $20,000, and life insurance valued at $7,000.

These disclosures were made under the Parliamentary Elections Act ahead of the by‑election triggered by the death of the sitting MP, Vaughn Miller.

These numbers give voters a clear snapshot of the candidates’ financial positions, as the campaign intensifies in Golden Isles.

The financial disclosure is just one factor in the election.

Some political observers, according to The Nassau Guardian, say Darron Pickstock’s message of neglect in Golden Isles might actually hurt the Progressive Liberal Party and even cast a shadow on his late colleague, Vaughn Miller.

Here’s why:

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate Darron Pickstock has made “real progress” his campaign theme, saying residents of Golden Isles have been “ignored and neglected” for years. But the problem is, his party has been in power since 2021, and the previous Member of Parliament, Vaughn Miller, was also a PLP member.

When Pickstock criticizes the lack of progress, he is implying that the PLP government and Miller didn’t deliver enough for the people of Golden Isles.

Why it’s a ‘poor reflection’

Miller served as the sitting MP until his death in September. By saying the constituency was “ignored,” Pickstock risks suggesting Miller did not do his job as the member of parliament, even though Miller had recently crossed over from the FNM to the PLP before winning the seat a second time in 2021. Some residents believed Miller was not an effective member of parliament and did very little for the area.

Prime Minister Philip Davis’ government has the resources and authority to fix roads, streetlights, and parks. If those issues remained unfixed after three years in power, voters will ask: Why didn’t your government do something about the problems in the area?

The dilemma is that he is running as a government candidate, but talking like an opposition one.

Pickstock, appearing to be seen as a fresh, action-driven candidate, may be seeking to connect with frustrated voters, but he is also putting his party in an awkward position. His criticism suggests that the PLP has not done enough for the very community it represents.

The bottom line

By highlighting neglect of this government, Pickstock’s message can be seen as a self-inflicted wound, a campaign reminder of what the PLP has not delivered for Golden Isles.

Senator Darron Pickstock has resigned from the Upper Chamber (the Senate) to contest the Golden Isles by-election on November 24, setting aside the stability of his Senate seat for the uncertainty of the campaign trail.

Pickstock’s move comes after the sudden death of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament Vaughn Miller, which left the seat vacant. Now, the PLP has placed its confidence and campaign machinery behind Pickstock, hoping he can hold onto a constituency that could signal the country’s political mood heading into the 2026 General Election.

A risky move

Pickstock’s resignation was perhaps a necessary step in that direction.

His decision to step down underscores the ethical and political tightrope that comes with running for elected office while holding an appointed position. But it also leaves him without a guaranteed position in government.

If he loses, he will have no seat in Parliament and may be offered a government position in the background or return to being a lawyer and businessman, stalling his political rise.

This move shows confidence and ambition, and also reveals the high stakes surrounding the by-election.

Why it matters

By-elections in The Bahamas are rare and can act as mini referendums on the ruling party’s performance.

The PLP, led by Prime Minister Philip Davis, has held office since 2021, and the Golden Isles race can be seen as a measure of whether voters still support the government’s leadership or if momentum is shifting toward the Free National Movement (FNM).

Pickstock will face Brian Brown of the FNM, a familiar face who has worked in the constituency since 2010, and Brian Rolle of the third party, Coalition of Independents (COI).

A win for Pickstock would strengthen the PLP politically and possibly raise his profile within the party. A loss, however, would not only put a dent in the government’s confidence but could also sideline him.

The bigger picture

Golden Isles is considered a swing constituency. Voters supported the FNM in 2017, but shifted to the PLP in 2021 after Miller switched parties.

This makes this by-election more than just who replaces Miller— it’s a temperature check on national sentiment.

The PLP is investing money and resources heavily in Pickstock’s campaign, viewing him as a test of the party’s strength and its ability to connect with voters.

The bottom line

Darron Pickstock’s decision to leave the safety of the Senate for a shot in Golden Isles is a political risk that could define his career.

If he wins, he joins the House of Assembly as a rising star in the PLP. If he loses, he fades away.

A November 24^th date has been set for the anticipated Golden Isles by-election following the death of Vaughn Miller.

Three contenders are on the ticket—Brian Brown for the Free National Movement; Senator Darron Pickstock for the Progressive Liberal Party; and Brian Rolle for the Coalition of Independents.

Brown ran in the area last election but lost to Miller, who crossed the aisle to the PLP, criticizing the FNM’s leadership at the time. Brown, served as the FNM’s Golden Isle association chair from 2010 and has been canvassing the area for some time, according to supporters.

However, it still remains to be seen if the FNM will contest the seat since a general election looms in a few months.

Pickstock was introduced to the area this week, following his ratification last Thursday.

Rolle, representing a third party, is reported to be a resident of Golden Isles.

The race could serve as a mid term report for the PLP, testing their popularity following public frustrations and the high cost of living, and the FNM’s ability to reconnect with voters in a key swing seat.

Golden Isles has shifted between parties in the two elections, and could set a trend for the 2026 General Election.

The outcome could signal voter sentiment and set the tone until the election, which could be called by May.