democraticnationalalliance

When the Democratic National Alliance announced last September that it was “back by popular demand,” the announcement suggested that another third party was preparing to re-enter the political landscape.

Months later, however, that return has yet to materialize.

The party, founded by Branville McCartney, once positioned itself as a major alternative in Bahamian politics. It contested the 2012 general election with significant momentum and remained active in the 2017 and 2021 elections. But after former leader Arinthia Komolafe resigned several years ago, the party largely faded from public view.

Last year’s announcement appeared to signal a revival for the party.

In a press statement at the time, the DNA said it intended to regroup, reorganize and reenergize, promising pragmatic and fact-based solutions to issues such as the cost of living, corruption, crime, job creation, and other social concerns ahead of the 2026 election season.

The party also indicated that it planned to hold a convention to elect new officers and chart its path forward.

But since that declaration, there has been no public activity.

There have been no major candidate ratifications, no campaign messaging, and few public statements outlining how the party plans to compete in the upcoming election cycle.

The party did briefly reappear during the Golden Isles by-election in November, when executive member Rudolph Dean announced that the DNA would support independent candidate Karen Butler. Dean said Butler’s views aligned closely with the party’s values, though he stopped short of confirming whether she would run under the DNA banner in the next general election.

Butler ultimately received just 16 votes.

Following that outcome, Dean argued that the results still underscored the need for another political option in the country. He pointed to low voter turnout, voter apathy, and what he described as a wait-and-see attitude among voters ahead of the next general election.

For now, however, the question remains unresolved: If the DNA is back, when will Bahamians actually see it on the political stage again?

Following the “suspicious” death of former Democratic National Alliance’s Interim Leader Chris Mortimer on Thursday, tributes poured in for the successful businessman and former political candidate.

Arinthia Komolafe, who once served as Mortimer’s deputy and eventually obtained leadership of the third party in 2019, said she too was shocked at his death but remembered him for his passion to serve.

“He was kindhearted and a gentle soul who wanted the best for our country.

“I remember spending several hours in a meeting with him and other nation builders discussing ways to bring positive change to our beloved Bahamaland. It was a privilege to serve with and alongside Chris as he sought to make his contribution to national interest.”

The 53-year-old was the former president of the Galleria Cinemas and the popular restaurant Outback Steakhouse, preparing to open another dine-in Red Lobster in the Bahamas. But his attempts with to succeed at the polls as a third party proved futile as the party failed to gain traction and movement.

Andrew Wilson, who served as Chairman during former leader Branville McCartney and Mortimer’s tenure, remembered him as a “very decent human being and my best friend.”

Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death after he was found pinned to a chain link fence after he allegedly got out of his vehicle. His black Ford Escape was found in reverse gear.

Members of the party still hoping to keep the party alive after Komolafe resigned last year, expressed deep regret at his death.

“He was a fine leader that contributed to the DNA and was a fighter for change in our nation. We remember him as a light to our nation,” a party statement read.

A former lawyer and once an adviser to the party Fayne Thompson said, “I will miss your friendship and kind demeanor.”

Police are investigating the circumstances that led to his death.

Executive members of the Democratic National Alliance scrambled on Monday to contain the fallout from reports that a physical altercation occurred at its latest internal meeting.

In a series of social media posts, the party members sought to quiet the tensions and praise Komolafe’s leadership as it seeks to defend the DNA’s run for the next General Election.

President of the DNA’s Women’s Alliance, Marsha Thompson said, “It is disappointing to see those persons going out there and trying to bring down our leader, a leader who would have embraced them, a leader who went beyond the call of duty in trying to encourage them… I know within my heart, that God has called this leader for such a time as this,” she said.

The party’s Vice Chairman Jeffery Deleveaux said conflict within political parties should be expected.

“…as with any party, you will have expressions of pain, hurt [and] resentment, but we also have love, understanding, and unity. The DNA party stands committed in unity behind the capable leadership of Mrs. Komolafe….

“…The party is still a young party. Growing pains [are] inevitable,” he said.

The party’s newly elected Deputy Leader Stephen Nesbitt who took the post after Buscheme Armbrister stepped down for ‘personal reasons’ stated, “ I would like to endorse Mrs. Arinthia Komolafe as the next prime minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. She will make the Bahamian people proud. She will be the envy of the region, and ultimately, the envy of this world.

“I have seen under her leadership, the party grow from strength to strength.”

What happened

A former lawyer and advisor to the party Fayne Thompson and DNA’s candidate for Garden Hills Boyd Smith appeared on Beyond the Headlines hosted by Clint Watson on Friday evening, to tell their side of the story after the alleged physical assault was made public.

Both men stated that they were grieved with the party’s electoral process that saw the election of Nesbitt and Derek Smith as deputy leader and chairman, respectively.

Smith said, “There were major issues with the election process. It was not transparent and in violations of the resolutions passed in a meeting on July 1^st. I wanted to bring that to the essential body and that was struck to be addressed.”

Thompson said he defended Smith’s position and was subsequently attacked by the party’s Communication Director Dietrich Carroll, “who literally, physically drove me into the wall because that was his means by which he displayed his displeasure taking issue in which the meeting was going on.”

Thompson said he then told Komolafe, “Control this body.”

Smith said he began recording the physical assault with his cell phone and was asked to stop by Komolafe’s husband, Emmanuel.

Mrs Komolafe then asked for his phone which he resisted. Smith said she took it out of his pocket and threw it to the ground, destroying the device.

“I tried to escape away from her in the corner where I was by the podium. Mrs Komolafe’s right hand, Armbrister charged toward me and pushed me into a chair. I got up and was protected by the security officer in the room.

“I really believe I was not going to survive if folks weren’t there to protect me,” Smith said.

Former FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner said the questioning of DNA leader Arinthia Komolafe by the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Monday morning infringes on the democratic rights of Bahamians.

Standing outside of the Central Police Station, Butler along with PLP MP for Englerston Glennys Hanna-Martin said they stand in support of Komolafe and the equal rights of women.

The big picture

Komolafe and 10 other members of her party were called in for questioning at 9:30 am on Monday morning for recently assembling and protesting in Parliament Square without a permit. The protest is reported to have occurred three weeks ago.

What Butler-Turner said

Initially, Butler drove by the station questioning the activity near the station as a group of DNA supporters assembled on the outside.

After getting an update on the situation, Butler spoke to reporters from her vehicle. She said, “This is crazy. Tell them we should let Bahamians go. We don’t live in a military state.”

Butler later returned, standing on the steps of the station continuing the protest of Komolafe’s detention.

“Why is a woman being bullied?

“We talk about equality. Why is this woman being detained?

“It appears to be political victimization. It’s a disrespect to Bahamian women everywhere.

“Let her go,” Butler shouted.

What Hanna-Martin said

Hanna-Martin said she supports women in leadership as she stood with DNA supporters as Komolafe remained inside the station.

When asked what role she plays in the events of the day, Hanna Martin said she is apart of Komolafe’s “legal, woman and citizen team.”

“She is a strong woman.

“…Fact is, she is a woman who cannot be overlooked.”

The Democratic National Alliance Chairman Omar Smith call on the government to implement proper COVID-19 protocols and administer sufficient equipment for doctors and nurses, after they walked off the job Tuesday morning.

His party assembled at the Princess Margaret Hospital to join hospital staff.

“This is unacceptable. At the beginning of a two week lockdown, those who at the front tine to protect us from this deadly disease, the government has saw fit to abandon and leave vulnerable. We believe this must be fixed immediately. We call on the competent authority to get the needed equipment to these doctors immediately and institute the proper protocols,” Smith said.

Bahamas Doctor Union President Dr. Melisande Bassett said the walkout is “not a sickout,” saying while helping the Bahamian people, doctors and nurses must do so “safely and sensibly.”

She said staff will not put itself in harm’s way as it waits for the situation to be addressed.