NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas Press Club is deeply saddened over the death of the veteran noted journalist, Cabinet Minister, and Member of Parliament the Hon Obediah Wilchcombe, who died Monday, September 25, 2023. He was 64-years-old.
In a statement released today, Bahamas Press Club President Anthony Capron noted that before “transitioning into the political arena, Minister Wilchcombe was first a broadcast journalist, who cast a long shadow with his dedication to journalistic ethics.”
“He will forever be remembered for his four-day stint in Fox Hill Prison, rather than giving up his source of information,” Capron recalled.
Mr Capron noted that Mr. Wilchcombe was “a strong supporter of The Bahamas Press Club, lending his time, and presence to various activities and the media awards.”
The Bahamas Press Club statement added: “Mr Wilchcombe was first elected to the House of Assembly in 2002 as the representative for West End, Grand Bahama, and Bimini. He served as Minister of Tourism in the Christie administration. Before entering politics, he was a journalist who joined the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (ZNS) in 1975.
His last post in the Davis Administration was that of Minister of Social Services & Urban Development. He also had responsibility for Information and Broadcasting. In addition to his current ministerial profile, he was the leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly.
A former PLP chairman, Mr Wilchcombe had unsuccessfully challenged Fred Mitchell for the chairman position of the PLP in 2019.
Mr Wilchcombe’s death comes on the heels of veteran journalist Nathalee Martinborough of the ZNS Northern Station, who lost her battle to cancer on September 21 2023.
The Bahamas Press Club extends condolences to his family, Cabinet colleagues and fellow journalists, and other media practitioners. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
