glenyshannamartin

For decades, Englerston has been firmly in the hands of the Progressive Liberal Party, with Glenys Hanna-Martin serving as its standard bearer since 2002. The constituency has long been considered one of the PLP’s safest seats, a political stronghold built on loyalty and consistent electoral wins.

But the 2026 race introduces a different dynamic.

Hanna-Martin now faces a new and fresh challenger, Heather McDonald of the Free National Movement, alongside Faith Percentie representing the Coalition of Independents and Ali McIntosh of the Bahamas Constitution Party. Neither opposition party has historically come close to unseating the PLP in Englerston.

In 2021, Hanna-Martin secured a commanding victory with 2,249 votes, while the FNM candidate trailed significantly with just under 500. Percentie, also in that race, received an estimated 160 votes, with a smaller share going to a Democratic National Alliance candidate.

On paper, the number of votes appears insurmountable, but elections are shaped by the mood of the country and the message. And this time, the broader political climate is shifting. Rising voter frustration, particularly around immigration, cost of living and governance, is becoming a defining feature of the national conversation.

For McDonald, the path may seem narrow, but not impossible. Englerston may still lean PLP, but in this election cycle, even safe seats could be tested.

Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed anger after a young girl found partially clothed with a cloth tied tightly around her neck, was discovered dead in bushes Faith Avenue South.

“We are going to turn this country upside down to find the criminal who did this and bring him to justice,” he said in an X post.

His comment followed Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin’s grief. “This tragedy is an outrage of the worst kind and is felt by the entire nation. We pray the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice.”

Free National Movement Chairman Duane Sands said he was “horrified” by reports of the discovery and “cannot imagine what pain her family is experiencing.”

“This unfortunately is another example of just how important it is for not only elected leaders but the country in general to redouble our collective efforts to restore safety in our nation.”

The girl believed to be a 12-year-old student of Anatol Rodgers Junior High, Adriel Moxey, disappeared on Monday when she did not return home after a Junkanoo practice.

Friends said she was expected to arrive home by 6 pm the day she vanished. When she did not arrive home, the family became suspicious and reported the matter to the police.

Her mother Sasha Moxey told Eye Witness News on Wednesday that it is not unusual for Adriel to make her way home by 7 pm after attending Junkanoo practice or track meet after school.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said the area where the girl’s body was discovered is the area she frequents to make her way home.

He believes police are close to finding the suspect.

The mother was on scene and could be heard sobbing loudly.

If you have any information to help detectives, you are asked to contact CID at 502-9991/2.

Principal Olivia Daxon went on vacation as teachers at Thelma Gibson Primary School continue to lobby for her dismissal.

In a press statement, Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the ministry consented to Daxon’s request for vacation leave.

The big story

Thelma Gibson Primary School was thrust into the spotlight following a conflict between Daxon and a teacher who alleged Daxon attacked her.

Since then other teachers have protested Daxon’s presence at the school, demonstrating in front of the Prime Minister’s Office and garnering 402 votes from parents to remove Daxon as principal. President of the Bahamas Union of Teachers Belinda Wilson says Daxon’s ‘leadership style, behavior and conduct’ breed contention.

Daxon was transferred from Carlton E Francis Primary School following tension with staff.

Why it matters

Teachers have refused to show up for work and Friday’s emergency meeting at the school was held to prompt teachers to go back to work. However, the meeting turned chaotic when Daxon’s children showed up and a brawl erupted.

What happens next?

The Minister of Education Glenys Hanna Martin has not made it clear what her ministry will do when Daxon returns from vacation. Will she continue as principal?

It remains to be seen how teachers will react to Daxon’s absence.

Picture credit: Facebook

The seventh Governor-General of the Bahamas, Arthur Dion Hanna died on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis remembered him as a Bahamian giant who fought for all.

“As a boy and then as a young man growing up, I will remember A.D. Hanna, especially his belief in the talents and gifts of Bahamians.  He possessed a progressive soul and spirit.

“I remember him constantly fighting for opportunities for all Bahamians in every sector of society.

“This fight for opportunity continues.  We are grateful for his service and for his enduring example.

Who was A.D Hanna

• He served as GG from 2006 to 2012.
• He helped to form the first majority rule government in 1967.
• Hanna was known as one of the Founding Fathers of the nation helping to fight for equality and social justice throughout his life.
• Hanna served in the Cabinet as Finance, Education, Home Affairs and Trade and Industry ministers.
• He was Deputy Prime Minister for many years during successive administrations of Sir Lynden Pindling.
• He was an attorney and joined the Progressive Liberal Party after returning from law school in the United Kingdom.
• He served as the PLP’s Deputy Leader for many years.
• He was a Member of Parliament for 32 years and Government Leader in the House of Assembly from 1967 to 1984, and a member of the House from 1960 to 1992, serving Anne’s Town Constituency.
• He fought for majority rule and independence and Bahamianization.
• Hanna loved boating, fishing and farming.
• He was the father of Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin.

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.”