Kingsley Smith kisses Bimini goodbye

West Grand Bahama and Bimini Member of Parliament Kingsley Smith says he is pleased for residents of Bimini following the long-anticipated split of the constituency, which will now be known as Bimini and the Berry Islands.

Speaking on the change, Smith acknowledged that Bimini residents had lobbied for years to be separated from West Grand Bahama, arguing that their community often received less attention and fewer resources under the former constituency arrangement.

Smith said he understands those concerns and believes the new configuration will allow Bimini and the Berry Islands to receive more focused representation.

He noted that the change marks an important step forward for residents who felt they were “getting the short end of the stick” while being paired with the much larger West Grand Bahama district.

With the constituency now officially divided, Smith said his attention will be fully focused on the people of West Grand Bahama, whom he continues to represent in Parliament.

At the same time, Smith confirmed that there is already political chatter surrounding who may contest the newly created Bimini and Berry Islands seat on behalf of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

According to Smith, several names are floating around as possible candidates, though no official announcement has yet been made.

Smith won the former West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat in a by-election following the death of Minister Obie Wilchcombe, who had represented the constituency prior to his passing.

Wilchcombe’s death prompted the by-election that brought Smith into Parliament.