The Progressive Liberal Party held a meeting of its National General Council on Sunday afternoon where its final group of candidates were ratified to represent the party in the 2026 general election.
The group of thirteen included Prime Minister and Party Leader, the Hon. Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader, the Hon. Chester Cooper, Member of Parliament for Englerston, the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin and other incumbents and newcomers to frontline politics.
Mr. Davis shared his enthusiasm with reporters following the event. He said, “I’m happy with the slate of candidates we have selected. They are ready to serve. They are energetic and ready to carry forward the progress that we have started.”
Cooper told reporters he is delighted that the full slate is now complete and ready for the road.
Among the newcomers were Edward Whann for Marco City, Dr. Monique Pratt for East Grand Bahama, Parkco Deal for Central Grand Bahama, former senator Robyn Lynes for Killarney, Sen. Hon. Randy Rolle for Bimini and the Berry Islands, Obie Roberts for Southern Shores, and Keno Wong for St. Anne’s. Reneika Knowles was named to run in the Long Island seat. She previously ran for the PLP in Killarney in 2017.
Dr. Pratt told reporters, “this is a wonderful moment. It’s such an honor and privilege just to be selected. It was rigorous but it was a wonderful experience and I’m so happy got selected.”
Lynes shared her confidence in winning the Killarney seat where she will face former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis. She said, “when we count the votes Lynes is gonna be in the winning column.”
Candidate for Central Grand Bahama, Parkco Deal is a noted attorney on that island. He said, “I’m looking forward to being a part of the continued process in the development and the redevelopment of the economy of Grand Bahama.”
Keno Wong also expressed confidence telling reporters the Progressive Liberal Party will make history in St. Anne’s, a seat not usually counted in the winning column for the party.
The most watched of the races for nomination was in the constituency of Southern Shores where Obie Roberts and ZNS General Manager, Clint Watson both waged a fierce battle for the party’s nod to contest the seat in the next general election.
In the end it was Roberts who was ratified. Roberts said, “with regard of being selected it was in the hands of the candidates committee. Like our leader said today, you know, many of the candidate who offered themselves all presented very great qualities for us to win but the candidates committee selected me perhaps because of my work, my service, my dedication to the party in various capacities in which now I serve as Deputy Chair.”
Grand Bahama incumbent for West Grand Bahama and Bimini Kingsley Smith was ratified to contest the West Grand Bahama seat and Ginger Moxey will vie for re-election in the Pineridge constituency.
