fredmitchell

In the Bahamas, the power to call a general election does not rest with a party chairman. That authority belongs to the prime minister, who advises the governor general on when parliament should be dissolved.

So when Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, told supporters in a voice note that the country will face a general election “in the next few weeks,” it immediately raised a political question: Why is the party chairman talking about election timing before the prime minister does?

Under the Constitution, the decision ultimately belongs to Philip Davis, who leads the government and would determine when voters return to the polls.

Mitchell’s comment could be interpreted in several ways:

One possibility is that the statement is simply part of the PLP’s political messaging. Party officials often warn supporters that an election could come at any time to mobilize and energize the base and prepare candidates for a sudden campaign.

Another explanation is strategic signalling. By publicly suggesting that an election may be near, as party chairman, he can help shape the national conversation, forcing political opponents—The Free National Movement, the third-party Coalition of Independents and the media to begin speculating about timing and readiness.

There is also the possibility that Mitchell was reflecting confidence within the PLP that preparations are nearing completion. Campaign infrastructure, including candidate ratifications, fundraising and messaging, typically intensifies before these signals are stated publicly.

However, speaking about election timing before Davis can carry risks. It may appear as though Mitchell is pre-empting the authority of the prime minister, or creating expectations about a timeline that has not been formally announced.

The comment may not necessarily reveal when the election will be called, but it does suggest that the PLP believes the campaign season will intensify.

Whether the election is truly “weeks away” remains a decision that only Davis can make.

Member of Parliament for Southern Shores Leroy Major has said very little, but what he has said is loud. After confirming that he wrote to the Progressive Liberal Party seeking renomination and was declined, Major made it clear that he is not stepping quietly back. Asked whether he would run as an independent, his response was: “Watch the road.”

His statement does not suggest healthy political “competition,” as Mitchell stated of the tension in the party. It suggests unresolved conflict.

The PLP is weighing two aspirants for Southern Shores–ZNS General Manager Clint Watson and PLP Vice Chairman Obie Roberts, while the sitting MP, Major, remains public and seemingly defiant. Major said openly to reporters that he supports Watson, and warned that if the party goes another direction, “they have to face me.”

That is not the language of a settled internal process.

Party Chairman Fred Mitchell has sought to calm concerns, framing the situation in Southern Shore as ordinary competition within the party. However, Major’s recent statement further complicates this message. Supporters of both Watson and Roberts nearly came to blows outside a party meeting, a clear sign of conflict that clashes with Mitchell’s careful wording.

Major repeatedly declined to clarify his political future to reporters, avoided direct answers about his political decision, and emphasized his loyalty only to the people of Southern Shores. He has pointed to ongoing constituency work, including distributing food assistance, as proof that he has not turned his back on residents. It’s possible he could run independently.

With the PLP expected to ratify candidates, Southern Shores could be a measure of party loyalty and unity.

Whether Mitchell calls it competition or not, these signs point to a division.

As the country moves closer to a general election, the Progressive Liberal Party wants to appear organized and united, based on comments from PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell.

Two weeks ago, reports surfaced about tension within the PLP over candidate selections, particularly in Southern Shores. Clint Watson and Obie Roberts are seeking the nomination, and it’s attracted public attention after a rowdy group nearly fought after a meeting, as each side contended for their candidate to represent the area.

The situation, as reported by the Tribune, several men had to step in repeatedly prevent a fight from unfolding and calm supporters.

Watch here the conflict at the Southern Shore constituency meeting.

Tempers remain raw as supporters await the party’s final decision after Watson and Roberts met with the candidate committee. Other reports have also surfaced regarding conflicts within the party as official candidates are nominated for the general election.

Mitchell’s response on Monday regarding the conflict was firm, stating there is no division. What the public viewed as discord, he described as “competition,” saying it is simply part of politics.

“Politics is about competition for power,” he told reporters. “It brings with it passions and energy, and, you know, people say things that they should or shouldn’t say, but that’s just part of the game.”

Mitchell calling the disagreement “competition” is narrative control. He knows that his words shape how the public sees what is happening, especially in an election year. When voters hear “division,” they think of disunity and instability. When they hear “competition,” they think energy, choices, friendship and political game.

Political parties often face internal battles in the lead-up to elections. By framing internal disputes as normal and healthy, Mitchell is attempting to protect the PLP’s image as a united party ready to govern a second term.

The PLP has ratified only part of its candidate slate, with more nominations expected soon, Mitchell said. The tension in Southern Shores could happen in other constituencies.

For voters, it remains to be seen whether everyone falls in line once the final decisions are made.

As election season approaches, expect careful language, more framing, and efforts to control the narrative.

Eight members of the Cabinet were sworn in on Monday afternoon to serve as ministers in the Davis-led administration.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said they will “deliver the party’s promise of a new day.”

1. Fred Mitchell–Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is an outspoken member of the PLP and was party chairman. He served in the Perry Christie administration in the same position in 2012. When the PLP lost in 2017, he lost his seat but was appointed PLP senator.
2. Glennys Hanna-Martin–Minister of Education and Vocational Training. She has been a longtime member of the PLP, having served in the Christie administration in 2012 as Minister of Transport and Aviation. The party lost in 2017, but she retained her seat and was one of four PLPs who returned to the Parliament as the opposition.
3. Michael Darville–Minister of Health. He was the MP for Pineridge and Minister of Grand Bahama in 2012 in the Christie administration. When his party lost, he became a PLP senator.
4. Michael Halkitis–Minister of Economic Affairs and Leader of Government Business in the Senate. He lost to the FNM in the 2021 election. He served in the Christie administration as the Minister of State for Finance in 2012.
5. Clay Sweeting–Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs. He ran against FNM MP Ricky Martin in 2017 and lost. The fisherman was then appointed a PLP senator in the Upper Chamber.
6. Alfred Sears–Minister of Works and Utilities. He was the Member of Parliament for Fort Charlotte from 2000 to 2012 and served in the Christie administration. He lost his seat to the FNM in 2017. He once served as Minister of Education and as Attorney General in the Christie administration.
7. Wayne Munroe–Minister of National Security. He is a prominent lawyer. He ran in 2017 for the PLP but lost to the FNM. He was also a former DNA member.
8. Jomo Campbell–Minister of State for Legal Affairs. He is new to politics and is believed to be a lawyer in Wayne Munroe’s office.

Davis said his Cabinet “will move with urgency, that this moment requires.”

Governor-General C.A Smith asked that the country “set aside differences until next five years.” He added, “Don’t worry about tomorrow. Let’s unite and together make a better Bahamas.”

Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party Fred Mitchell condemned the government corporation Bahamas Power and Light for shutting-off power to thousands of homes for failure to pay overdue bills.

The big picture

Bahamas Power and Light disconnected 8,741 residents in New Providence and Family Islands for non-payments. The corporation says it is ‘strap for cash’ as it struggles to pay its staff, fuel, and equipment in the middle of a pandemic.

Why it matters

Thousands of people have been unemployed since the onset of the pandemic, which means many families cannot afford to pay electricity bills. When the electricity is shut-off, children in the home are unable to attend virtual school.

The PLP’s reaction

Fred Mitchell, the opposition’s chairman said the corporation’s decision to disconnect electricity from thousands of homes is unjustifiable. In a press statement, he called on the government-run corporation to stop disconnections.

“How could they in good conscience with the following facts before them countenance and justify such actions by a public corporation: covid is rampant; unemployment is at record levels – near 50 percent; children are at home who can’t go to school with many attending school on the government’s virtual platform; money is in short supply; NIB assistance has been reduced, and the little food that people get must be protected from being spoiled.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis says he gave permission for a wedding to held in Harbour Island on Saturday, where more than 5 people were in attendance, not adhering to COVID-19 protocols. 

The Progressive Liberal Party is calling on Prime Minister Hubert Minnis to resign after he admitted that he gave permission for a “preplanned wedding with more than five in attendance,” over the weekend in Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell said Dr. Minnis should resign like Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands who was accused of breaching protocol.

Mitchell said, “If the Prime Minister were to be judged by the standard that he projected in his speech to his new Ministers in May of 2017, it then stands to reason that he has lost the moral authority to continue to lead on COVID-19 and must resign just as former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands resigned under very similar circumstances.”

On Friday, Dr. Minnis imposed a weekend lock down, stating among other measures that, weddings that were planned for that weekend were permitted but with only a maximum number of five people including the officiant, in attendance.

A video circulated on social media showcasing a destination wedding on Harbour Island where more than five people were in attendance and guests did not wear masks nor were they practicing social distancing.

Dr. Minnis responded that he gave permission for the wedding to be held “provided that proper COVID-19 mitigation protocols were adhered to,” and has since requested a police investigation into reports that the protocols were not obeyed.

To this, Mitchell said, “The PLP finds it extraordinary and inexplicable that the Competent Authority, the Prime Minister, has taken responsibility by publicly admitting to violating protocols of his own Emergency Orders when he granted permission for not one, but two weddings to take place this weekend.”

Mitchell calls the permission granted by the prime minister, a “display of rank and ‘in your face’ double standards.”

He said Bahamians had to cancel social events planned and scheduled for the weekend at considerable cost while Dr. Minnis gave others “a privileged and free pass.”  He said Dr. Minnis has one set of rules for ordinary Bahamians and another set of rules for “the whims and conveniences of party insiders and the well connected.”