wealth

In the run‑up to the November 24 by‑election for the Golden Isles seat, the three main candidates have filed their financial disclosures as required and the numbers show significant differences in declared wealth.

Among them, Brian Brown of the Free National Movement (FNM) emerges as the wealthiest contender.

• Brown declared total assets of $2,627,657, an annual income of $139,000 and liabilities of $235,000, placing his net worth at approximately $2.39 million. His holdings include about $1.7 million in securities and investments, $780,000 in real estate and $50,000 in personal property.
• Darron Pickstock of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), filing jointly with his wife, reported $1.72 million in total assets, $430,000 in combined income and $425,000 in liabilities, for a net worth of about $1.29 million. His disclosures include two properties valued at about $850,000 and securities around $200,000.
• Brian Rolle of the Coalition of Independents (COI) declared total assets of $602,000, income of $37,000 and no liabilities, giving a net worth of $602,000. His assets include $65,000 in savings, a vehicle valued at $25,000, and personal property valued at $500,000.
• Independent candidate Karen Kim Butler reported assets of $477,000, income of $54,500 and liabilities of $160,000 — resulting in a net worth of around $531,340. The filing lists two properties totaling $450,000, a motor vehicle valued at $20,000, and life insurance valued at $7,000.

These disclosures were made under the Parliamentary Elections Act ahead of the by‑election triggered by the death of the sitting MP, Vaughn Miller.

These numbers give voters a clear snapshot of the candidates’ financial positions, as the campaign intensifies in Golden Isles.

The financial disclosure is just one factor in the election.

Dubai, the United Emirates has become a topic of discussion in the Bahamas, ever since Prime Minister Philip Davis and nearly 160 delegates left the country for the oil-rich middle eastern city.

Though the Bahamas is a country based on Christian beliefs, many Bahamians have taken a keen interest in the city where Islam is the official religion.

Here are the reasons why so many people wish to visit Dubai:

1. Its reputation of wealth has become the envy of the world.

Dubai is known for its ultra-rich residents, but most of the wealthy residents have migrated there. Only 15 percent are natives of Dubai.

A report shows that more than 2,000 wealthy people moved there in the first six months of 2021.

2. Mega malls have become great entertainment.

Dubai is known for mega malls and is home to the ‘Dubai Mall’ dubbed the biggest shopping center in the world. It has 1200 shops. People travel from all around the world indulge in the city’s shopping centers.

Dubai holds a month-long shopping festival in January with concerts and giveaways where shoppers win cars and gold.

3. It has a thriving food scene.

There are a variety of foods available—at, Arab, Persian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, French, Japanese, Chinese, British, and American restaurants from low-end to high-end. Pop-up eateries are common.

4. It’s the modern art and design capital of the Middle East.

Art districts are littered throughout Dubai and some have sprouted up in the industrial Al Quoz area. Dubai has a diverse art scene. Art and design festivals like Art Dubai and Design Days are always taking place.

5. The Desert Safari experience is on most people’s bucket list.

The famous Liwa Desert is just miles and miles of red sand stretching endlessly into the horizon. A Liwa Desert Safari takes you deep into the true Arabian Desert, miles away from civilization and toward the Saudi border.

A cadre of politicians running in the General Election disclosed financial statements in the millions.

According to the financial disclosure submitted to the Parliamentary Registration Department, East Grand Bahama candidate Kevin King of the Kingdom Government Movement, Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, Progressive Liberal Party’s Deputy Leader Chester Cooper and Independent candidate for Centerville Arrie Percentie, rank highest on the list of millionaires running for office.

It’s worth noting, the financial claims were not verified.

Here are the top 10 wealthiest politicians in the country

1. Kevin King

Networth $53,129,820

King is the East Grand Bahama hopeful of the Kingdom Government Movement. The herbalist and newcomer to politics said although his total income is $38,500, his assets include $35m in securities and $8m in real estate.

2. Dionisio D’Aguilar

Networth $37,951,803

Tourism Minister D’Aguilar is a business eexcutive and owner of Superwash brand. He has annual income of $1,467,988 and liabilities of $345,013. Among his assets, D’Aguilar has more than $32m in investments and nearly $3m in real estate.

3. Chester Cooper

Networth $14.8m 

The incumbent Exuma and Ragged Island candidate is the Progressive Liberal Party’s deputy leader. Cooper has an income of $370,000. He is a businessman and the bulk of wealth is $11m in investments and $3m in real estate.

4. Dr Hubert Minnis

Networth $14,048,902

Prime Minister Minnis is the MP for the Killarney constituency and is reported to be the wealthiest leader of a major political party. He is seeking his fourth term as parliamentarian. Minnis is a physician and businessman. In 2017, he was worth $12.6m and in 2012, he was worth $10.9m.

5. Arrie Percentie

Networth $14m

Percentie is running as an independent candidate for the Centerville constituency. He is a contractor.

6. Rollington Cooper Jr

Networth $13.4m

Cooper is running in Central Grand Bahama for the Kingdom Government Movement. Cooper is a businessman. The bulk of his assets which is $13.9m, is in real estate. His total income is $500 with $588,000 in liabilities.

7. Dr Duane Sands

Networth $6,958,000

Sands is the former Minister of Health. He is a physician turned politician and the incumbent for the Elizabeth constituency.

8. Stephen Greenslade

Networth $5,743,959

Greenslade is running for Garden Hills. He is a former policeman and is presently the owner of a security firm ICS of the Bahamas Company Ltd.

9. Basil McIntosh 

Networth $4,989,037

McIntosh is the MICAL candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party.

10. Dr Michael Darville

Networth $4,665,000

The Tall Pines candidate is not a newcomer to politics. He was the former PLP Minister of State for Grand Bahama. Darville is was a medical doctor in the Ministry of Health and has since established his private practice in family medicine.

Leader of the Opposition Philip Davis comes in at eleventh.

Networth $4,100,237

Davis is the incumbent for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador. He is a Queen’s Counsel and prominent lawyer. Declarations filed in 2017, showed his net worth at $4.3m.