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As the country heads toward the May 12 general election, the historic victories of Reece Chipman and Travis Robinson remain two of the clearest reminders that no constituency is entirely ‘safe’.

In 2017, Chipman delivered one of the most dramatic upsets in modern Bahamian politics. Contesting Centreville, long considered a stronghold of the Progressive Liberal Party, he defeated former Prime Minister Perry Christie by just four votes, 1,909 to 1,905.

The margin was razor-thin, but the implications were enormous. A seat labelled PLP for decades was suddenly redefined as competitive.

That same election produced another shock. In Bain and Grants Town, Robinson unseated veteran PLP parliamentarian Bernard Nottage, a senior figure who had served as Minister of National Security and Leader of Government Business.

Robinson secured 1,392 votes to Nottage’s 896—a result that highlighted how strong political figures could be vulnerable under the right conditions.

Together, these results challenged an assumption in Bahamian politics that “safe seats” are permanently secure.

Both races unfolded in a political climate of voter dissatisfaction. Turnout, strong campaign and the appeal for change all played a role. Both Chipman and Robinson entered their races as challengers without the advantages of incumbency, yet were able to turn the opportunity into victories at the polls.

As the Free National Movement again fields candidates in traditionally PLP strong constituencies like Englerston, Centerville, Cat Island, Exuma and South Andros and Mangrove Cay, these precedents carry strategic weight, suggesting that while history shapes our expectations, it does not guarantee wins for the PLP.

For the Progressive Liberal Party, the lesson is equally clear—entrenched support cannot be taken for granted. Even long-held seats can become competitive when voters become dissatisfied.

Bain and Grants Town Member of Parliament Travis Robinson said he is disappointed in the House of Assembly after he said he was prevented from contributing to the Bail and Jury Acts, which were passed in the House on Wednesday afternoon.

So, Robinson took to social media to express his disappointment and to read the intended speech.

Robinson said he feels, “stifled” and “hindered,” calling it “an attack on democracy.”

Members of Parliament Elsworth Johnson, Lanisha Rolle, Marvin Dames, Philip Davis, Reece Chipman all contributed to the bill.

What Travis Robinson said happened?

Robinson said he was expected to debate the Bail and Jury Acts on Wednesday afternoon at 3:30, according to an HOA speaking list.

Instead, Robinson said the HOA moved to the third reading and passage of the bill at 2 pm, not giving him notice that he will be unable to speak.

What should have happened?

Robinson said he should have been notified.

Instances like this, Robinson said the parliamentarian is called to indicate that the House will move to the afternoon session and he or she is told that they should make their way to the House in a specified period of time.

What will happen next?

Robinson said he is looking forward to what is to come since airing the issue on social media, adding that he does not know what the end result will be.

But Robinson said he will not allow anyone to disrespect his constituents, whom he represents.

Robinson admonished young people to demand respect and not allow anyone to disrespect them because of age.

“I will not lie down and play dead…If you disrespect Travis Robinson, I don’t care. But you will not disrespect Bain and Grant’s Town,” he said.

Featured Picture: Tribune

Bain and Grants Town MP Travis Robinson forewarned that a 7-day lockdown is likely after passage of the impending storm on the weekend.

In a Facebook post, that is now deleted, Robinson encouraged residents to prepare with grocery items and medical supplies.

“Get the much needed groceries and medical supplies as necessary. A pending storm is headed for the Bahamas and is expected to make landfall by Sunday or Monday. It is my expectation that after the storm passes depending on its impact,  new 7 day complete lockdown will be imposed.”

This alert by Robinson comes after Prime Minister Hubert Minnis reversed the 7-day full lockdown after he imposed the new order “with immediate effect.”

The next day, Minnis reopened grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies after many complaints that he did not grant sufficient time to prepare for the full lockdown.

Dr. Minnis acknowledged that he received complaints from the public about the immediacy of the lockdown and lifted it so that residents can prepare for a weather system that expected to reach the Bahamas by Sunday.

Robinson continued, “We are still at war with COVID-19, so we must remain cautious and follow the medical health protocols. We are in this fight together.”

It remains to be seen if or when Dr. Minnis will  implement a full lockdown.