By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Doctors Hospital chief executive Charles Sealy will not offer himself as a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate in the upcoming general election, despite previously expressing interest in frontline politics.

In a statement released over the weekend, Mr Sealy said his decision was made after much reflection and prayer and guided by “abiding respect for decency, fairness, and what is best for the common good.”

His announcement comes just weeks after he attended the PLP’s mandatory training module for aspiring candidates.

Interest in Mr Sealy also grew after his name surfaced as a possible contender for the PLP’s nomination in Golden Isles — a seat that will no longer be contested by sitting MP Vaughn Miller.

Mr Miller, who earlier this year announced his intention to seek re-election, told The Nassau Guardian that he had long informed Prime Minister Philip Davis and the constituency branch of his decision to step aside.

However, Golden Isles branch chairman Henrico Ellis told The Tribune last week that he had not received confirmation from Mr Miller but expected the matter to be addressed at an upcoming branch meeting.

It remains unclear who will emerge as the PLP’s frontrunner for the constituency, but Mr Sealy expressed gratitude to those who supported his potential candidacy.

He insisted that his ambition to enter Parliament has not changed, saying the question is not “when” but not “if.”

Still, he stressed that nation-building is not confined to politics, but also takes place in churches, schools and other parts of society.

He added: “I believe there are many men and women who have worked tirelessly and faithfully in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and for our country over the years. They deserve the opportunity to step forward and to serve the Bahamian people in this capacity. My time will come; well deserved and most appropriately and I am prepared to serve my party in other capacities.”

“I am deeply grateful for the encouragement and support I have received from so many along my life’s journey. I remain committed to being a nation builder, and I will continue to do my part to strengthen our communities and help build a better Bahama land for future generations.”