WEST GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas - Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey says the legacy of Obadiah H. Wilchcombe will live on in the hearts of the people of West End and Bimini.

“From West End to East End, to Bimini and other islands of The Bahamas, he is truly someone we will continue to admire and celebrate,” Minister Moxey added in her remarks just before the start of a gospel concert in memory of Wilchcombe.

“We know that Obie has done so much for this community, has done so much to ensure that people’s lives were positively impacted.”

In spite of the inclement weather scores of people from throughout Grand Bahama and even from other islands of The Bahamas gathered at the Eight Mile Rock Gymnasium on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, to be a part of the One Love Gospel Concert that was held in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the death of former Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Obadiah Wilchcombe.

In reflecting on those moments when she received the phone call that Obie had passed, Minister Moxey said it was a call that would change her life, her family’s life and the lives of those living in West End and Bimini. She described it as a sinking feeling, a pain she feels will only diminish over time.

“Obie envisioned a better Bahamas for all Bahamians,” she added. “He empowered and inspired people. His loved ones, friends, constituents and everyone he met were left 'the better' after being around him. He was a consummate journalist and broadcaster. He was a veteran politician as a senator, Member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister and leader of Government business in the House of Assembly.

“So, on behalf of our Prime Minister and the Government of The Bahamas, we honor the memory of a true patriot, and the champion for the people of Grand Bahama.  Tonight, as we lift our voices in praise, let’s remember the good times we shared with our friend.  Let us give thanks to God for the life of Obadiah Wilchcombe and the commitment he had made to this country.

“I want us to continue to ensure that his legacy lives on and that [his] legacy would inspire future generations.”

The concert featured the Cooling Waters, Simeon Outten, Shabach, West End Primary School, Holmes’ Rock Primary and the Eight Mile Rock High School.

Also bringing brief remarks before the start of the concert, was Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini, Kingsley Smith, who admitted that it would be almost impossible to forget Obie and the work he did in his constituency.

“The people of West End and Bimini will not let me forget Obie,” said Smith. “Although I’m in my own shoes, I still feel an obligation to try and walk in the footsteps of Obie and that’s a tough act to follow.”

Smith noted that Wilchcombe was more than just an MP, but a pillar in the constituency of West End and Bimini, a warrior leader and a great example of leadership. He pointed out that the former MP and Cabinet Minister was someone who epitomized leadership, someone who’s life reflected a heart of service and commitment to faith, family, friends and the entire country.

“He had a self-sacrificial, others-oriented love, both as an individual and as a politician.”

Quoting from the famous “love chapter” in the Bible (Book of 1 Corinthians 13), Smith noted that the verses adequately described the former Member of Parliament. He said the scriptures reflected the power of 'one love' and working together, which was a theme of Obie’s life.

“One love is what propelled people like Obie to succeed and constantly give their best in service to others,” Smith added. “He was about building and not breaking; he believed in the best and wanted the best for others. He chose to give more in his time on this earth, than what he took. The way he responded to external and internal challenges, spoke volumes. He was resilient and he preserved. He had self-discipline.  We all saw these qualities in Obie and that’s why so many of us can gather here to celebrate his memory.”