Obediah (Obie) Hercules Wilchcombe (14 November 1958 - 25 September 2023) was a Bahamian journalist, politician, and Cabinet Minister.
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 |
Early life and education
editWilchcombe was born in Grand Bahama on 14 November 1958[1][2], the son of Jackson and Mary (née Arthur) Wilchcombe.[3] He attended Queen's College high school in Nassau, Bahamas.
Career
editJournalism
editWilchcombe began his career in 1975 when he joined the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas as a journalist.[1]
He became a nationally-known journalist, rising through the ranks to hold senior positions, serving as Deputy Director of News, News Director, and from 1990 as Assistant General Manager.[1] He worked for the network for 25 years.[1]
At one point, he was jailed for contempt when he refused to reveal a source to the Court.[1]
Politics
editWilchcombe was appointed to the Senate of the Bahamas in 1994.[4] In 1995, he became Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).[4]
In 2002, Wilchcombe was first elected to office as the Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.[5] He served as Minister of Tourism in two Christie governments.[6] During his ministry, the country saw a record rise in tourists and tourist dollars and four new airline partnerships.[4]
In 2004, he survived Hurricane Frances reportedly saved many people.[7] In 2017, Wilchcombe lost his seat but he was re-elected in 2021.[1] He served as the Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting from 2021 until his death in 2023.[1][8]
Controversies
editWilchcombe was a close friend of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and was accused of extortion following their son's death in the Bahamas in 2009.[9]
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Wilchcombe expressed his desire for the nation to reject the British monarchy.[10]
Death
editWilchcombe died on 25 September 2023 in Grand Bahama.[1] He was 64.[1] He became only the third Minister to die in office in the Bahamas in the 50 years since Independence.[11] A by-election was held for his vacated seat, which was won by successor, Kingsley Smith.[12][13]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i BAHAMAS, ZNS (2023-09-25). "The Life and Legacy of The Late Hon. Obie Wilchcombe". ZNS BAHAMAS. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ "Death Notice for the Hon. Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe". The Nassau Guardian. 2023-09-29. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "Birth record for Obadiah Hercules Arthur". Family Search. Bahamas, Civil Registration Records, 1850-1959. 1958. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ a b c "Obie Wilchcombe dies at 64: Political leaders unite in mourning sitting Cabinet Minister's passing". Eye Witness News. 2023-09-25. Retrieved 2025-01-10.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "BREAKING: Social Services Minister Obie Wilchcombe dies". www.tribune242.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
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