Obie Wilchcombe
Obediah (Obie) Hercules Wilchcombe (14 November 1958 - 25 September 2023) was a Bahamian journalist, politician, and Cabinet Minister. Early life and educationWilchcombe was born in Grand Bahama on 14 November 1958[1][2], the son of Jackson and Mary (née Arthur) Wilchcombe.[3] He attended Queen's College high school in Nassau, Bahamas. CareerJournalismWilchcombe began his career in 1975 when he joined the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas as a journalist.[1] He became a nationally-known journalist, rising through the ranks to hold senior positions, serving as Deputy Director of News, News Director, and from 1990 as Assistant General Manager.[1] He worked for the network for 25 years.[1] At one point, he was jailed for contempt when he refused to reveal a source to the Court.[1] PoliticsWilchcombe was appointed to the Senate of the Bahamas in 1994.[4] In 1995, he became Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).[4] In 2002, Wilchcombe was first elected to office as the Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.[5] He served as Minister of Tourism in two Christie governments.[6] During his ministry, the country saw a record rise in tourists and tourist dollars and four new airline partnerships.[4] In 2004, he survived Hurricane Frances reportedly saved many people.[7] In 2017, Wilchcombe lost his seat but he was re-elected in 2021.[1] He served as the Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting from 2021 until his death in 2023.[1][8] ControversiesWilchcombe was a close friend of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and was accused of extortion following their son's death in the Bahamas in 2009.[9] Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Wilchcombe expressed his desire for the nation to reject the British monarchy.[10] DeathWilchcombe died on 25 September 2023 in Grand Bahama.[1] He was 64.[1] He became only the third Minister to die in office in the Bahamas in the 50 years since Independence.[11] A by-election was held for his vacated seat, which was won by successor, Kingsley Smith.[12][13] References
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