Obediah (Obie) Wilchcombe (1959 - 25 September 2023) was a Bahamian politician from the Progressive Liberal Party.
Obie Wilchcombe | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Parliament of the Bahamas for West Grand Bahama and Bimini | |
| In office 2002 – 25 September 2023 | |
| Succeeded by | Kingsley Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1959 |
| Died | 25 September 2023 (aged 64) |
| Political party | Progressive Liberal Party |
| Education | Queen's College, Nassau |
Career
editIn 1975, Wilchcombe joined the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas as a journalist.[1] Wilchcombe was first elected to office in 2002 as the MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.[2] He served as minister of tourism in the two governments of Perry Christie.[3]
In 2004, he survived Hurricane Frances reportedly saved many people.[4]
Wilchcombe was a close friend of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and was accused of extortion following their sons death in 2009.[5]
Following the death of Elizabeth II in 2022, Wilchcombe expressed his desire for the nation to reject the British monarchy.[6]
Until his death he was Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Minister.[7] Wilchcombe was the third minister to die in office in The Bahamas in the last 50 years.[8] The by-election was won by Kingsley Smith.[9][10]
References
edit- ^ BAHAMAS, ZNS (2023-09-25). "The Life and Legacy of The Late Hon. Obie Wilchcombe". ZNS BAHAMAS. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "Obituary: Obie Wilchcombe, longtime Caribbean tourism leader". www.travelweekly.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "Shock and tears at death of Obie Wilchcombe". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ Joseph B. Treaster (September 5, 2004). "Hurricane Frances: The Bahamas; Damage is Mostly Light as Storm Pelts Island Chain". The New York Times. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
- ^ Harlow, John (January 25, 2009). "Senator 'tried to extort cash' from Travolta over son's death". The Sunday Times. UK. Retrieved January 25, 2009.
- ^ Ward, Jasper (12 September 2022). "Davis willing to put republic move to referendum". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
- ^ "BREAKING: Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe dies". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ Dames, Candia (2023-09-26). "In 50 years, Wilchcombe third minister to die in office". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "SWORN IN: Kingsley Smith Jr sworn in as MP for West Grand Bahama and Bimini". Eye Witness News. 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ Brown, Krystel (2023-11-22). "Smith wins West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
 | This article about a Bahamian politician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |