The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A BIMINI man was airlifted to New Providence after allegedly being shot during an argument with Progressive Liberal Party supporters shortly after a Free National Movement rally on the island.

Police said officers of the Alice Town Police station received a report shortly after 9pm on Monday about a shooting incident in Bailey Town.

When officers arrived at the scene, they observed clothing items on the ground covered in apparent blood stains and learned that the victim had been taken to the Bimini Community Clinic with a suspected gunshot injury to his left thigh.

“Officers also visited the Bimini Community Clinic, where attempts were made to speak with the victim, who at the time appeared to be heavily intoxicated and refused to give any information,” police said.

“The victim was seen and examined by a doctor, who listed his injury as serious and potentially fatal. The victim was later flown into New Providence to seek further medical attention.”

The Tribune understands the victim was leaving an FNM rally when he passed PLP supporters. An exchange of words led to a physical argument, with a PLP supporter allegedly shooting the man in his thigh.

Up to press time yesterday, the victim was said to still be uncooperative with police over the incident and has not said who shot him. He was with his adult son at the time of the incident. According to a source, when police questioned his son, the man told his son to keep quiet.

The PLP’s candidate for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, said he was campaigning in Bimini yesterday.

“Violence like this can never be condoned by anyone,” he said. “The mobility of firearms is just not acceptable.”