Wednesday, July 9, 2025
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Chief Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
TRAVIS Robinson, the frontrunner for the FNM’s nomination in Fort Charlotte, says he’s unfazed by talk that prominent businessman Sebas Bastian may enter the race—but openly questioned his motives.
“What more does he want?” Mr Robinson asked.
“Certainly, there are a number of roles to play. I think he have done well to play many roles in society, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall,”
His remarks came after former Fort Charlotte MP and PLP trustee Valentine Grimes Sr confirmed Mr Bastian’s interest in frontline politics. While Mr Grimes didn’t link Mr Bastian to any specific constituency, he noted the businessman lived in Fort Charlotte for many years and called him as a top-tier candidate already gaining traction within the party.
Mr Robinson said he is prepared for any challenge.
He noted that his team has been working in the Fort Charlotte community for over three years.
“We are making a connection, talking with the people,” he said. “We’re excited about the responses we’re getting and our vision, our plan for the community and the country.”
Mr Bastian, The Bahamas’ non-resident ambassador to Central America, has built a sprawling business empire across gaming, media, real estate, construction, and electric vehicles. He is best known as the co-founder of Island Luck, one of the country’s largest gaming operations.
His possible entry into politics has sparked debate over the values tied to the gambling industry, with some questioning whether a figure so closely linked to web shop operations reflects the ethical standards expected of national leaders.
Reverend Dr Philip A Stubbs, senior minister at St Michael’s Methodist Church and a Fort Charlotte resident, acknowledged such concerns but said Mr Bastian should not be disqualified based solely on his industry ties.
“Clearly, Mr Bastian is an excellent leader, a proven entrepreneur and a corporate citizen whose benevolence is well known,” he said yesterday. “If he enters frontline politics, I think the Bahamian electorate is mature and wise enough to weigh all of the factors, his web shop ownership and the potential good he can do for the country.”
“We all need to be careful not to become fatigued over the issue of Mr Bastian while neglecting the more germane ethical issues that are affecting our society.”
Former Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Simeon Hall also said he sees no issue with Mr Bastian entering politics.
“That doesn’t mean I support people wasting their money,” he added.
Still, he said Mr Bastian is a “legitimate, licenced” businessman and should be free to serve the country in whatever way he chooses.
Comments
Sickened says...
The religious leaders sound like they already got their 'support me money'. Sucking up and supporting any immoral person who gives them cash.
I truly believe that they would support Satan if he offered them $$$. Distgusting!!!
Posted 9 July 2025, 11:21 a.m. Suggest removal
tetelestai says...
Well, that's why we have a democracy and elections. Sebas is free to enter the race; let's see if Bahamians will elect him.
Posted 10 July 2025, 3:33 a.m. Suggest removal
bahamianson says...
So if a billionaire satanist becomes a Bahamian and buys food and clothing for our kids when schools open , do we want him to run for politic? Just because someone donates money doesn’t mean that we should not have standards. So we have a lot of high school girls and boys still around. You give them money and they give you the cookie. It is no different being an adult and being bought. What ya say, Pastors?
Posted 9 July 2025, 12:42 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
When messenger sounds too sketchy! -- What plus–minus (BGT) reimaged version will come Fort Charlotte this election cycle, when come this 21 September-being 4 full years since Comrade Travis Davis, was still rockin' n' rollin' wit thee doc's (minus Pintard) ' offered the constituents' of Bain and Grants Town (BGT) a gooda **to come than before** redshirts' government. -- Can't just make this sh#t up - make up. -- Victims of that same Redshirts' govt, does remain unaccounted for. -- Are members the popoulaces', more likeliest fall deaded or just disappear-under Redshirts' --- Yes?
Posted 9 July 2025, 2:46 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
The pastors show their real selves.
They've already been bought and paid for.
Just like the rest of those who think philanthropy = good public policy.
So, do we see real intelligent and moral leaders entering the dirty fray of Bahamian politics?
Or, is this more of the same old, same old, nasty All-for-Me party affiliation?
I got my answer.
Posted 10 July 2025, 8:03 a.m. Suggest removal
screwedbahamian says...
The numbers boys have blessed many churches and individuals with monies and titles/honors and will look for blessings in return. ( no such thing as a "Free Lunch")
Many Individuals from Numbers boys Cartel, knowing of the workings of the politician's corruption ways, but elected repeatedly as law makers and (Law Enforcers)?? will seek opportunities.
A Notorious Columbian Cartel personality also cashed in on his questionable wealth and philanthropy to attain public office and become a government official and leader of the cartel in order to further the success of the Cartel.
Cartels do not like to pay taxes, Cartels do not like competition, official or otherwise, Cartels always strives to legalize all operations.
Every Bahamian Citizen has the right to seek public office, and the past always tell the future.
Posted 10 July 2025, 9:14 a.m. Suggest removal
LastManStanding says...
> Former Bahamas Christian Council president Bishop Simeon Hall also said he sees no issue with Mr Bastian entering politics. “That doesn’t mean I support people wasting their money,” he added. Still, he said Mr Bastian is a “legitimate, licenced” businessman and should be free to serve the country in whatever way he chooses.
Guess if government legalizes drug dispensaries and whorehouses we should elect the owners of those businesses to public office right? These people are an embarrassment to Christ and I say that a religious man myself. They will be the same ones who thought they did so much for Christ only to have Him tell them to "depart from ye workers of iniquity".
Posted 10 July 2025, 8:51 p.m. Suggest removal
Log in to comment