UPDATED:

Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis has paid tribute to Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Minister Obie Wilchcombe after the news of his death.

Mr Davis, who flew to Grand Bahama to the Rand Memorial Hospital after the announcement of Mr Wilchcombe's death, has released a statement, saying: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that, along with my wife, Ann Marie, I offer heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all the loved ones of our colleague, Hon Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe, or as we knew him, ‘Obie’,

"During the past two years, he served with great distinction as Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini and Minister of Social Services and Urban Renewal. He was recently appointed to take on the additional portfolio of Information and Broadcasting.

"Obie’s untimely passing is very shocking and very sad. Even though he has achieved much in his many years of public service, he still had so much more to offer.

"In 1975, he started his career as a journalist with the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. We remember well his many innovations, such as being the first to report a story, not from behind a desk, but walking and talking to the camera. This personal touch reflected the easy, intimate style with which he addressed everyone. Over 25 years, he rose through the ranks, holding various positions including Deputy Director of News, News Director, and Assistant General Manager.

"He was resolute and courageous in his reporting and his defence of the Fourth Estate. He is perhaps the only journalist in the country to have been sent to prison for refusing to reveal his sources, an episode that continued to traumatise him many years later.

"Although he formally began his political career in 1994, his political roots ran much deeper. His parents helped to establish the PLP branch in Grand Bahama, and he cut his teeth writing speeches for the Father of the Nation, Sir Lynden Pindling. His relationship with Sir Lynden was one which he treasured and which continued to inspire him throughout his life.

"In politics, he held many senior offices, both within the Progressive Liberal Party and within the government: Party Chairman, Senator, Cabinet Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House. He will likely be remembered most for his two stints as Minister of Tourism, where his visionary initiatives, such as the introduction of Sports, Religious, and African-American Tourism, significantly enhanced the tourism product of The Bahamas.

"His contribution to the development of the film industry was exemplary, and the success of this policy was evident when two of the top three films of 2006 were shot in our beautiful nation.

"Beyond his professional commitments, Obie was a spirited sportsman and a former President of the Grand Bahama Basketball Association and the Commonwealth American Football League (CAFL).

"Obie was a stalwart of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and his voice resonated as a beacon of progressiveness within the party. He was funny and thoughtful, with a great sense of our place in history. His articulate discourse and thoughtful insights were profound and often shocked the conscience of the Progressive Liberal Party, leading to meaningful deliberations and impactful resolutions.

"His favourite phrase, 'One Love', exemplified his worldview, symbolising unity, compassion, and a deep love for humanity.

"Ann Marie and I mourn the loss of a true patriot, a visionary leader, and a cherished friend along with the entire nation. We will miss him. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find solace in the love and support of the people whose lives he touched profoundly."

UPDATED:

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune News Editor

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SOCIAL Services, Information and Broadcasting Minister Obie Wilchcombe has died, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mr Wilchcombe was first elected to office in 2002 as the representative for West End Grand Bahama and Bimini. He served as Minister of Tourism in the Christie administrations. Before entering politics, he was a journalist who joined the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas in 1975.

In addition to his current ministerial profile, Mr Whilchcombe was the leader of government business in the House of Assembly.

Those familiar with his activities said his death was shocking, not least because it came after he continued to maintain a robust public profile. On Thursday, he attended the relaunch of ZNS. On Friday, he attended George Smith's memorial in Exuma. He spoke at a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) women's branch meeting in Grand Bahama on Sunday. People who saw him reportedly said he seemed fine.

A former PLP chairman, he unsuccessfully challenged Fred Mitchell for the chairman position in 2019.

His death will trigger a by-election in his constituency.

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell said in a statement: “The prime minister and leader of the party was informed this morning that the Minister for Social Services the Hon Obadiah Wilchcombe passed away overnight. This is a shocking development for a dedicated, energetic and vibrant public servant.

“Our party is reeling this morning.

“The prime minister has issued a statement of condolences on behalf of the Government.

“The party joins in those expressions. We have a deep sense of loss from one we have known over the decades of public life.

“I have reached out to his beloved constituents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini. This is a very sad time for them as well.

“On behalf of the PLP, our leader and the entire team, supporters and friends, we extend condolences to his family.

“May he rest in peace.”

On Facebook, Free National Movement St Anne’s MP Adrian White praised Mr Wilchcombe.

“Hon Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe was a mentor to me in the House of Assembly, as he was the senior leader of business for the Govt and I was the young Opposition business leader,” he said. His presentations were always commanding, his defense of his govt was unforgiving at times but he was undoubtedly always professional and well spoken when on his feet. He will certainly be missed. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Office of the Prime Minister issued a statement early on Monday morning, saying: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cabinet Minister Obediah Wilchombe, who served as Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly; Minister Wilchombe dedicated his life to public service and made significant contributions to our nation.

"Prime Minister Hon Philip Edward Davis KC MP will be releasing a formal statement shortly to honour Minister Wilchombe’s legacy. The Prime Minister is en route to Grand Bahama to pay his respects and offer condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time."

UPDATE:

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has paid tribute to Mr Wilchcombe, calling his death "a profound loss to our nation".

He said: "It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that I, Dr. Hubert Minnis, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, extend my most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the Honorable Obediah Wilchcombe, who served our great nation with unwavering dedication and passion.

"The passing of Minister Wilchcombe is a profound loss to our nation. His invaluable contributions to the betterment of The Bahamas will forever be remembered and appreciated. As a devoted public servant, he worked tirelessly to enhance the lives of our citizens, first in the area of broadcast and journalism, and secondly as Member of Parliament and as a Cabinet Minister, leaving an indelible mark on our country's history.

"During his tenure in government, serving most recently as Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, Minister Wilchcombe exhibited exemplary leadership and a deep commitment to the well-being of our people. As a Parliamentary colleague I enjoyed our political interactions and vigorous debates throughout the years. His dedication to the betterment of our nation, his passion for public service, and his tireless efforts to foster unity within our society will be remembered as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

"In this time of grief, may the family, friends, and the people of West End and Bimini find solace in the knowledge that his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all Bahamians. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult moment, and we share in your loss."

Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey also offered her condolenes to the Mr Wilchcombe's family, adding: "Minister Wilchcombe was a long-serving parliamentarian in the Cabinet of The Bahamas, who dedicated his life to public service and made significant contributions to the development of our nation. He believed in the fundamental principles of a progressive cause that endeavored to empower Bahamians to hold their heads up high with dignity and respect.

"On behalf of the Ministry for Grand Bahama, the residents of Pineridge and my immediate family, I offer condolences to the family, and the residents of West Grand Bahama and Bimini. May God protect, guide and keep you, as you cherish the beautiful memories of our beloved brother.

"We pray that you are comforted, during this most difficult time."

UPDATE:

FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright added his condolences, saying: "My relationship with Minister Wilchcombe has extended over 30 plus years as a former colleague of my father at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas and most recently as my parliamentary colleague in the House of Assembly. It was truly an enriching and valuable experience to know Minister Wilchcombe who never passed on an opportunity to impart knowledge, wisdom and a deeper understanding of our history, our people and everything that embodies the greatness of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

"He will be remembered as one who lived a life of service that was immersed in the journalistic, sporting, social, political and cultural fiber of our nation. The diversity of his life’s work was a testament that he believed that each of us in our own unique way could make The Bahamas an even greater place."

UPDATE:

FNM leader Michael Pintard hailed Mr Wilchcombe as a "consummate professional" who was "passionate and committed".

He said: "My first recollection of Minister Wilchcombe was during his tenure as a journalist with ZNS, where he demonstrated dedication to his craft. He was passionate and committed and he become a model for his profession.

"Obie's talents placed him in the rare category of journalists privileged to cover the nation's first prime minister, Sir Lynden Pindling. His talents and abilities enabled him to transition seamlessly into the realm of frontline politics, becoming an enduring fixture in our nation's political landscape.

"One of Minister Wilchcombe's most notable attributes was his incredible ability to speak extemporaneously on a wide array of subjects. He had an unparalleled skill for placing topics in a historical context, weaving in his personal connection while at the same time touching the hearts of his listeners. He was a formidable opponent and everyone knew it.

"Minister Wilchcombe was a consumate professional known for his signature smile. Even amidst the heat of passionate exchanges, he conveyed his goodwill through his warm smile or an unmistakable laugh, reassuring everyone that, on his end, all was well.

"I vividly recall the last time we conversed. It was not in the context of political combat but in the spirit of fellowship while we both attended the installation service for Rev Dr Philip McPhee as the President of the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention. As usual, we were sitting near each other. We followed the preacher's instruction to turn to our neighbor and exchange a greeting. Little did I know that this would be our final interaction, in a place where divisions are bridged, and the essence of what truly matters becomes crystal clear.

"We remember Minister Obie Wilchcombe, not only as a formidable political force, but as a cherished colleague and friend. His legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him."