Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe
By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
A day after saying he would not contest the leadership post of the PLP if Prime Minister Perry Christie sought a re-election bid, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe suggested that if he were to become the nation’s leader he would work to restore the “gross national happiness” of Bahamians.
When asked yesterday what he would bring to the post of prime minister if elected, Mr Wilchcombe stated firmly that Bahamians could expect leadership and vision.
He said: “A vision that will seek to cause our country to be a greater nation. A vision that will cause our country to appreciate that we can move and take a formidable place in the world community. We can use our islands to create independent sustainable sectors; whether it’s agriculture, whether it’s fisheries, whether it’s causing Grand Bahama to become the centre of business and trade in the world community or whether we cause for an international centre to be set up in Grand Bahama that deals with technology, which I think we can.
“We can become the Switzerland of the western world in terms of trade. We can become a fulfilment centre for countries like China offering things out to the world. We can focus more heavily on our children becoming more educated – we should not ever have to accept the failing averages that we have now and I say the minister (of education) is working hard to resolve that.
He added: “For instance, everyday after school at three, four o’clock we should have centres set up where children can go and dance if they wish, play music if they wish and participate in sport. All intended to be a part of a programme that allows you to cause for their development.”
Mr Wilchcombe said it is imperative for people to have that “feel good factor”.
He added: “It’s the gross national happiness that I am after.”
“I think I can bring the trust to the country, I think I can cause people to appreciate how great our nation can be.
“And I believe that I can also disseminate love. I believe in one simple thing, that you cannot lead a people if you don’t love a people and you cannot bring service to a people if you don’t believe in it yourself and I do believe in it. I always wish to give service, not to be served.”
However, the West End and Bimini MP yesterday affirmed his support for Mr Christie, insisting that no one in the PLP will “push him out – when he leaves it is going to be his decision.”
Mr Christie has not said if he will offer himself for re-election.
“Truth is we support Perry Gladstone Christie who is our leader right now, he has been in politics going on his 41st consecutive year. He has led (the) nation well and I am very loyal to Perry Christie. I will never challenge Perry Christie,” said Mr Wilchcombe.
On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he is ready to become prime minister, once the job becomes available. He added that his plans depend on whether Mr Christie decides to step aside.
The PLP’s convention will be held the last week in October. All party positions will be up to be contested at that time.
Comments
Sickened 9 years, 4 months ago
"I will make people happy"? Is he planning on dying soon?
ohdrap4 9 years, 4 months ago
i am sure there are some cronies who will be very happy.
but 5 more years of PGC will make many more cronies happy.
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 4 months ago
Perry "Vomit" Christie, Obie "Wannabe" Wilchcombe, Allyson Maynard-Gibson (aka Wicked Witch of the West) and Pudgy "Sticky Fingered" Davis are all about making the racketeering criminals behind the gambling web shops happy!
asiseeit 9 years, 4 months ago
It would make me happy to live in a country where ALL citizens had the same rules to live by. Where all citizens had the same opportunity to make something of themselves. Where corrupt officials where arrested and put in jail. Where public funds where used for the benefit of all, not just the party faithful. Where our public servants where held accountable. Where laws where enforced across the board no matter who you are. Some basic stuff but I know our leaders are far to immature and childlike to ever see how this could even benefit them and theirs!
baddog 9 years, 4 months ago
Here Here!
baddog 9 years, 4 months ago
Here,here.
DillyTree 9 years, 4 months ago
"Gross national happiness" is what got us into this mess to begin with. People spending money they don't have to do things they can't afford to make them happy without any regard for fiscal responsibility during a worldwide recession and wonton spending and poor decisions.
How, pray tell, does Mr. Wilchcombe suggest we accomplish "happy" when the nation is suffering under the very government he represents. Maybe he'll send us all off on all-expense paid tourism junkets around the world....
Zakary 9 years, 4 months ago
“And I believe that I can also decimate love...
Ha! I caught that too! But the tourism minister is talking too much for his own good. He probably meant to say disseminate, or whoever typed up this article really oopsed a word.
ohdrap4 9 years, 4 months ago
disseminating love...
who does he think he is? Bob Marley?
jusscool 9 years, 4 months ago
He need to find a woman first!
banker 9 years, 4 months ago
I was once in the Anglican cathedral by accident. The woman that I was with, wanted to see if she could convert the heathenish me into God-fearing man suitable for marriage. We tried to sit in the far left at the back, but that didn't work. The celebrant, noticing the fresh meat, pointed us out to the sparse crowd and made a point to velcome us. And thank goodness just at that moment, Obie pops in. Late. Enough of a distraction to make the priest forget about us. He takes a seat in pews across from us. Looks at me and sorta nods.
Then came the part of the service where God wants your money. The ushers come by, and Obie pulls out a wad of cash big enough to choke a horse -- maybe three of the pathetic surrey horses. He drops what looks like a hundred into the plate, or basket or whatever. I'm thinking "Dayum -- a salary of $28,000 a year and he can afford to drop a C note to impress Jesus". However, that wasn't the disturbing part. I swear that the man was wearing lip gloss.
It was a little disturbing.
Sickened 9 years, 4 months ago
Wearing lip gloss... It maybe that he didn't apply lip gloss but rather just finished kissing a young boy who was.
duppyVAT 9 years, 4 months ago
Lets look at Obie's track record: he is a journalist spin doctor, he is a single man with no known opposite-sex affairs, he adores Pindling, he likes to hookup with monied foreigners/stars, he has been indicted on clandestine FDI deals, he is comfortable dealing with gamblers, he dismisses environmentalists, he loves win-lose politics, he throws his colleagues under the bus ............... not PM material
TalRussell 9 years, 4 months ago
Comrades allow me introduce you to da adorable "Little Happy Obediah." Enjoy!
...............///https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdcuaeYV9oM
SP 9 years, 4 months ago
........................................ Will Someone PLEASE Shut This Idiot Up ..............................
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2015…
abacogrouper 9 years, 4 months ago
This was so funny... kml
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 4 months ago
If any of them have the potential to be worse than Perry it's definitely Obie. This man has never done a thing but read news.... Why in God's name would ANYONE even consider him for PM?!?!?!?
TalRussell 9 years, 4 months ago
Comrades close call, if da award for "Imprimatur For Sticking They's Damn Noses Into Other People's Sexual Preferences, should go to Comrade Banker, Proudloudandfnm or SP? Time treat all people's da same okay.
SP 9 years, 4 months ago
.................................... Get Your Story Right ........... For Once .........................................
SP couldn't give a silent puppy fart about anyones sexual preference. That's between them and their GOD!
pablojay 9 years, 4 months ago
I read awhile back where Obie said that Sir Lynden made him promise to never oppose Perry. Sir Lynden was many things, but one thing he was not: dumb. He realised that if Obie and Perry were to be at war, it would be a catfight and all his business would come out.
jackbnimble 9 years, 4 months ago
Astute? Yes. PM Material? No.
Reality_Check 9 years, 4 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
duppyVAT 9 years, 4 months ago
Code: Will Obie make gay (same-sex) marriage legal in The Bahamas ??????#gay=happy
Greentea 9 years, 4 months ago
Obie need to tell us his source for this super weed he smoking because he must have been dead high when he said these things. Keep this narcissist away from any further "public dis-service." The best one of the PLP bunch is apparently gay and personally I don't think it is anybody's business- He ain't no hypocrite and there are far too much hypocrites in this country- especially the one trying to spread love here. We ain't forget Pleasant and that Travolta scandal. u threw her under da bus in that sharp white suit. Your supposed best friend- the former PM of T and C - in jail- guilty by association- IMO. Some folks say you owe BOB- of course your actual name aint on the actual loan- but we know how that go- wink wink; others say you have a penchant for all expense trips on the government- thinly disguised as tourism business; u went into government as poor as a church mouse and according to sources overheard over the weekend (yes this like third hand info) you now own shares in several prime drinking spots located downtown. The tourism minister with interest in establishments with prime sites in downtown to cater to the tourism market? mmmmm. What a co-oincidence! Obie we see you as part of the problem and to top it off you delusional too. Stand down ma man. Stand down.
ted4bz 9 years, 4 months ago
These guys think like children, they are thinking about us like we are children! "I will make people happy"? Like I say I don't want you'll do nothing for me. If my happiness depends on you guys, i choose otherwise. Don't be such an idiot.
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