The Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) Kingsley Smith won the West Grand Bahama and Bimini by-election yesterday, easily defeating a crowded field of four other candidates.

Smith secured 2,150 votes, taking 57 percent of the total votes cast.

The Free National Movement’s (FNM) candidate, Bishop Ricardo Grant, got 1,276 votes.

Coalition of Independents candidate Lincoln Bain received 307 votes; independent candidate Daquan Swain received 28 votes and the second independent candidate, Terneille Burrows, got four votes.

Based on The Nassau Guardian’s calculations, voter turnout was 62 percent. There are 6,079 registered voters in the constituency. 

Polls closed at 6 p.m. and the results began trickling in by 6:27 p.m. Half an hour later, it was clear that Smith had won.

Eight weeks ago, the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat was vacated when the PLP’s Obie Wilchcombe died suddenly.

The PLP pledged to win the election for Wilchcombe and adopted his personal mantra, “one love” as its theme.

Once it was clear that Smith won the seat, jubilant PLP supporters took to the streets in Eight Mile Rock and throughout the constituency, partying and shouting “PLP”.

At PLP headquarters in New Providence, Prime Minister Philip Davis and PLP supporters danced to Bob Marley’s “One Love”.

Big screens were set up showing the events playing out in the constituency.

At a celebratory event in Seagrapes, Grand Bahama, Smith thanked voters.

“I appreciate each and every one of you,” he said on the rally stage, surrounded by members of the Cabinet.

“Without you, I would not be here. To the voters who turned out today, thank you very much. I appreciate you.”

The piercing shouts of “PLP” echoed throughout the community. 

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said work must begin in West Grand Bahama and Bimini immediately.

“This is a validation of the work we have been doing for you,” Cooper said on the rally stage.

“It’s a confirmation that our country is going in the right direction and an acknowledgement that the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini know good talent when you see it.”

He added, “The work starts tomorrow. We are going to continue to work. We are going to finish the job.”

Smith told The Nassau Guardian last night that his first priority will be to help people with home repairs.

“That’s a must,” he said. “That is the single biggest thing that needs to happen.”

He said there must also be a focus on providing jobs and helping people start their own businesses.

Simultaneously, in New Providence, Davis, who spoke on live TV, said it is now up to his administration to deliver for the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini. 

“People invited us into their homes,” he said. “We heard their stories. We saw many of the challenges they’re dealing with.

“There’s a comfort in knowing that many of the seeds we’ve planted in Grand Bahama and Bimini will bring significant new opportunities. 

“New investments and upgrades to infrastructure will make a real difference. But in the meantime, life is still far too challenging for too many. It’s on us to make sure that we deliver relief, farther and wider.”

A major issue that emerged on the campaign trail was the neglect of the West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency. 

At two recent rallies, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the PLP neglected the area. Davis shot back and said the PLP did more for the area than the FNM.

Regardless of whose fault it is, many voters told The Nassau Guardian yesterday they hope change is on the way. 

FNM Leader Michael Pintard last night thanked supporters for turning out and said the party will not abandon the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini. 

“Let me serve notice, we will not miss a day in terms of holding this government accountable for the commitments that they made, not only to the people of West Grand Bahama and Bimini, but they’ve made to all of the Bahamian people,” he said. 

“We maintain that the results of this election [are] no reflection on their capacity to govern and their willingness to work for the Bahamian people. 

“We appreciate all of you who invited us into your homes. We will not abandon West Grand Bahama and Bimini as we will not abandon any community in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”