The Fort Charlotte constituency is already being described by some as a battle of David versus Goliath.
On one side is Sebas Bastian, a well-known businessman and owner of a media company, making his first entry into frontline politics under the Progressive Liberal Party. He steps into the race following the departure of longtime MP Alfred Sears, who opted not to seek re-election.
On the other is Travis Robinson, a familiar political figure and former MP, now making his third attempt to reclaim the seat he once held after winning it in 2017 and losing it in 2021.
Also in the race is Daphaney Johnson, representing the Coalition of Independents and adding a third dimension to the contest.
The framing of this race as “David versus Goliath” is based on perception, since Bastian has business influence and capital.
Robinson brings political experience and name recognition.
Fort Charlotte has traditionally leaned toward the Progressive Liberal Party, with the Free National Movement only capturing the seat in 2007 and 2017.
In the last general election, the PLP secured a commanding 2,077 votes. The FNM trailed with 910 votes and the Coalition of Independents received 154 votes.
That margin suggests a strong PLP base, but history also shows the seat can flip under the right conditions.
At its core, this race may come down to which candidate can mobilize voters on election day.
As the 2026 election campaign intensifies, two names, absent from the ballot, have begun circulating in the political conversation — Malcolm Goodman and Adrian Fox.
Neither is seeking office. Both, however, are business associates of candidates representing opposing parties.
Goodman’s story unfolded at sea.
U.S. authorities intercepted a 45-foot vessel near Florida and reported discovering roughly 200 kilograms of cocaine onboard. Goodman, identified as the vessel’s captain, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute and importation of a controlled substance.
Before his arrest, Goodman was known as an experienced Bahamian A-Class captain and certified diver, offering chartered experiences on open water.
In 2024, he entered into a business arrangement with former National Security Minister and Mount Moriah candidate for the Free National Movement Marvin Dames. When news of the arrest broke, Dames publicly acknowledged the partnership but swiftly distanced himself, stating that neither he nor his wife had knowledge of or involvement in any alleged unlawful activity.
Goodman has taken responsibility.
Dames has not been accused of wrongdoing.
While Goodman’s case proceeds through the American court system, another name resurfaced in public discussion.
Adrian Fox, businessman and co-founder of Island Luck, had past U.S. legal matters and references in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. Fox is the business partner of Ambassador and Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Fort Charlotte, Sebas Bastian.
Both men were named in documents containing allegations of human and firearms trafficking — allegations they have denied.
Years earlier, Fox faced human trafficking charges in the United States connected to vessel operations in American waters. He ultimately entered a plea agreement tied to operating a vessel in a grossly negligent manner.
In 2021, Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed he wrote to a U.S. judge on Fox’s behalf, describing him as his client and friend, and someone who had reordered his life and contributed positively to his community, urging a light, non-custodial sentence.
Character references were also submitted by Cabinet ministers Jomo Campbell and Alfred Sears, former ministers Shane Gibson and Leslie Miller, Sea Breeze MP Leslia Miller, and her husband Leander Brice, owner of the Asure Win web shop chain.
Davis said if he had to do it again, he would.
Neither Goodman nor Fox is campaigning, but as the election intensifies, their stories have become part of the season, where even association carries weight.
Two high-profile candidates from opposite political parties are feeling the political pressure because of who and what they have been connected to.
In Mount Moriah, Free National Movement Marvin Dames is trying to win back his seat after losing in 2021. A former National Security Minister and Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Dames has built his reputation on law and order.
But his campaign hit turbulence after a business associate Malcolm Goodman was arrested near Florida on a 45-foot boat allegedly carrying about 200 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. authorities made the arrest, and the associate has taken responsibility.
Dames has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
He quickly distanced himself, saying neither he nor his wife had knowledge of or involvement in any illegal activity and that they would cooperate fully with any investigation.
“We have a country to fix, and we will remain steadfast in that mission,” he said.
Legally, that should settle it, but politically, that rarely settles it.
His connection to something like this raises eyebrows. Fair or not, voters start asking questions about association and trust.
The party’s leader, Michael Pintard on talk radio said he trust Dames’ integrity but would gather the facts and monitor the situation.
Across the aisle, in Fort Charlotte, Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sebas Bastian, an ambassador and well-known businessman, CEO of Island Luck with co-founder and business partner Adrian Fox, faced his own wave of scrutiny after his name appeared in FBI interview summaries connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Among those claims were statements that Bastian “moved arms and women” and Epstein “controlled governments.”
Bastian strongly denied any involvement. “We have a country to build, and I’m focused on helping with that,” he said.
Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly backed him, saying he was not persuaded by the claims and did not believe the matter would hurt the party’s campaign.
No charges or findings for either man.
Both are political candidates asking voters for trust at a time when public scepticism is high.
One built his reputation on enforcing the law, while the other holds a diplomatic rank and significant business influence.
They are of different parties and different situations, but the same political reality.
The recent release of millions of documents connected to the late, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has reignited global attention on one of the most disturbing criminal cases. Among the vast trove of material are references to several individuals, including some well-known Bahamians. Authorities however, have stressed that appearing in these files does not imply criminal conduct or wrongdoing.
The disclosure, commonly referred to as the Epstein Files, was made public on January 30 following the implementation of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in the United States. The legislation, signed into law by President Donald Trump in November, mandated the full release of Epstein-related records held by federal agencies.
The release includes approximately three million pages, 180,000 images, and thousands of videos gathered over years of investigation.
Among the names mentioned are Island Luck CEO Sebas Bastian, Fox Foundation Founder Adrian Fox, FML Founder Craig Flowers, and former National Security Minister Marvin Dames. There is no allegation or finding that these individuals were involved in Epstein’s criminal activities, and the documents themselves vary widely in reliability, context, and evidence.
These are excerpts lifted from the original FBI release and are not necessarily in the correct order. The black shows name redaction.
Marvin Dames
Marvin Dames (identified as Marvin James) is referenced in relation to claims that he turned over an informant to the U.S. Embassy.
Dames confirmed to the Tribune that this element of the report was accurate but challenged the authenticity of the document itself.
Sebas Bastian
The files also contain claims alleging that Sebas Bastian and Adrian Fox were involved in moving “women and arms.” Both men have strongly denied these allegations.
“I don’t do fool. In fact, the closest I come to Epstein, Jepstein, or any Stein is the stain on my shirt.”
He further expressed support for justice for Epstein’s victims and accountability for those proven to have committed crimes.
“I pray that the victims of Jeffery Epstein get justice, and that everyone who was involved in his crimes are punished without prejudice, and to the full extent of the law. No matter who they are or what power they think they have.”
Adrian Fox
Fox, in a statement to the Nassau Guardian, categorically denied ever meeting or associating with Epstein and rejected claims of any illegal activity. He warned against the spread of misinformation and echoed calls for justice grounded in evidence, not speculation.
“I want to categorically state that I have never had any personal interaction with him, nor have I engaged in any activities that could be construed as illegal, including the sale or trafficking of firearms or women.”
Craig Flowers
Craig Flowers is referenced in the files with an allegation that he “partners with Russians.”
According to the Tribune, Flowers had not commented on the matter up to press time.
As these records continue to be examined, readers should exercise caution. Documentation alone does not equal guilt, and due process remains essential, especially in cases where reputations and public trust are at stake.
CEO of Verizon Media Group, the parent company of Eyewitness News Gershan Major rushed to defend the media house amidst public trust and credibility concerns after its owner Sebas Bastian was nominated to pursue his political ambitions.
Major said Bastian does not have “any direct operational oversight or involvement in the day-to-day operations of the company,” adding that the organisation’s tenets remain based on “facts, accuracy, and balance.”
Why it matters
Even without direct involvement, his ownership still shapes perception, coverage, and credibility.
Journalistic ethics dictate that journalists are expected to be objective and impartial in reporting the news.
Though Major argues that Bastian is not involved in the media house’s decision-making, as an owner of the media house, the question of Bastian’s influence arises.
The big story
Bastian has been ratified as the Progressive Liberal Party’s pick for Fort Charlotte, after rumours that he was entering frontline politics. In the wake of his entrance into politics, another owner of a competing media Wendall Jones spoke out, warning that a media executive mixing in politics should resign.
Bastian is not the only one blurring the lines between journalism and politics this election cycle. Robert Dupuch, president of The Tribune, and Clint Watson, former journalist turned press secretary and now general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas, are joining Bastian on the PLP ticket.
State of play
Can journalists at Eye Witness News, The Tribune and ZNS stay impartial when their bosses enter the political arena? And, can Bastian, Dupuch and Watson, if elected, also be trusted as policy makers?
Experts say key ethical safeguards should be followed if a journalist wants to pursue politics: Senior journalists and media executives should step down from their media roles to avoid any appearance of any conflict of interest. And, publicly declare any perceived conflicts of interest related to their political ambition.
The Progressive Liberal Party has officially selected the famed gaming businessman and ambassador Sebas Bastian to run on its Fort Charlotte ticket in the upcoming general election— a move that could be seen as a strategic play by the governing party.
Last week, Thursday, Sebas Bastian was seen with supporters following an interview with the Progressive Liberal Party Candidate Committee | The Nassau Guardian
Here are 5 things Sebas Bastian brings to the PLP ticket—some of which could strengthen the party and stir backlash:
Money
Bastian is one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, making most of his wealth from gaming.
As the owner of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming companies, and other business ventures, he brings deep financial resources that could supercharge the PLP’s campaign operations, making Fort Charlotte one of the most competitive constituencies in the next election.
Media Influence
Bastian controls a popular private media outlet– Eyewitness News.
That gives him an audience, visibility, narrative control, and influence that few to no candidates possess.
Youth
At 40, Bastian represents a perceived new generation of leadership within the PLP, one that could resemble what Bahamians have been calling for, rather than the party’s old guard.
He can be perceived as a fresh face with new ideas, possibly expanding the party’s base beyond traditional supporters.
A brand as an innovator
Bastian has branded himself as a modern, innovative entrepreneur with investments in various ventures and constantly holds motivational conferences under the banner OWN Talks.
His inclusion on the PLP ticket could help the party appeal to younger, business-minded voters, which is a persuasion that the party is shifting toward innovation within its political circle.
A controversial gaming connection
While his gaming business empire brings him success, it also carries baggage.
The gaming industry remains controversial among religious and conservative communities in the Bahamas, which have long opposed its legalization and increase.
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Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, a veteran politician and Cabinet minister, has publicly endorsed businessman and Ambassador Sebas Bastian as his favored successor in the next general election.
His name has long floated around the Progressive Liberal Party’s circles.
Though the PLP has not yet nominated Bastian, the endorsement has sparked discussion about which direction the party appears to be heading and the blurred line between the acquisition of wealth, media influence, and political power in the Bahamas.
Who is Sebas Bastian?
Bastian is the owner of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming businesses, and is also the owner of Eyewitness News.
He also serves as a Non-resident Ambassador to South America and has built a reputation as a technology-minded entrepreneur.
If he officially enters frontline politics, he would bring significant resources, media reach, and youth appeal. However, it would raise questions about the crossing of the controversial gaming industry and power.
What this could mean for the PLP
Inside the party, his nomination could energize young people and attract the youth and other like-minded technology-based entrepreneurs.
But it will also draw criticism from the religious sector of society, which is wary of the gambling ties with politics.
What happens next
Bastian would still need to be formally nominated by the PLP’s Candidates Committee, and it is not known when the party will announce its list of candidates for the upcoming general election.
The Free National Movement has already nominated Travis Robinson as its official candidate for the area and has been working in the community for some time.
Sears served consecutively for two terms in Fort Charlotte. The Free National Movement’s Mark Humes won the seat in 2017 before Sears came back to win it for the PLP, serving a third term.
Featured pictures: ZNS and Facebook
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