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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


DNA Ratifies Nine Candidates
Jan 13, 2017 - 5:32:28 AM

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Nassau, Bahamas  - On January 11, 2017 the Democratic National Alliance ratified 9 candidates. They are:

DNA Sea Breeze - Chris Mortimer
DNA Yamacraw - Charlis Robins
DNA Pinewood - Lincoln Bain
DNA Central & South Eleuthera - Derek Smith
DNA Killarney - Arinthia Komolafe
DNA Mangrove Cay & South Andros - Cyril Miller
DNA South Abaco - Ruth Flowers
DNA Nassau Village - Wallace Rolle
and DNA Bamboo Town - Branville McCartney

Read full bios and acceptance speeches below:

Christopher Mortimer (at top) – Sea Breeze

Born Christopher Andre Mortimer, March 24, 1970 on the island of New Providence, Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Mortimer's mother, Mary Louise and father, Christopher Alexander (deceased) both grew up in time of significant change and transition for the Bahamas. His parents instilled in him the powerful desire to strive for his dreams with persistence, passion and dedication rooted in love of God and country, faith and humility.

Christopher obtained his primary education at Xavier’s Lower School and his secondary education at St Augustine's College in Nassau, Bahamas. After high school, Mr. Mortimer furthered his education at Xavier University of Louisiana from 1987 to 1992 where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. From 1992 to 1994 he attended the University of Miami where he obtained his Master's Degree in Music Business and Industry.

After achieving his graduate degree, Mr. Mortimer returned home and entered the public service as an officer at the Ministry of Youth Sports And Culture. During his five year tenure, he was charged with many duties, most notable of which was his assistance in the drafting of the current Copyright Act of the Bahamas, the administration of the Junkanoo parades and other cultural events and television programs.

In 1999, following his dream of motion pictures and film, Mr. Mortimer formed the independent movie theater company Galleria Cinemas. In 2001, he led the buyout of Grand Bahama Theaters to enter the Freeport Market. Three years later, in 2004, Mr. Mortimer led the consolidation of the film industry through the buyout of RND Cinemas.

In 2008, Mr. Mortimer expanded his pursuits to the casual dining area of the restaurant business with the opening of Bennigans Grill and Tavern at the Mall at Marathon.

Mr. Mortimer is involved in many pursuits with the express goal of creating opportunities for Bahamian content creators in the fields of film and music to make their mark on the world stage. Through his directorships on two Los Angeles Based recorded music affiliations , he has helped many talented Bahamians access international distribution through the world’s number one distribution company, Universal Music and Video Distribution. He has also served as Executive Producer on the first Bahamian film to Premier at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, “Rain” which was written and directed by a young Bahamian woman.

Mr. Mortimer is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He has served as President of the Parish Council and is the organist and director of the Junior Choir.

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Charlis Robins - Yamacraw

1 Corinthians 9: 22a
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

With a mantle for service, Charlis Robins was born in Nassau Bahamas to Edith Burns nee Seymour of South Caicos and Charles Softly Robins of Bimini Bahamas.  She attended primary school in Grand Bahama and graduated from St. Augustine's College in Nassau, Bahamas.

Charlis was awarded an athletic scholarship to attend Palm Beach Community College and completed her Professional Degree in Occupational Therapy at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida. She received additional training in paediatric treatment from City Kids in Chicago, Illinois.

Charlis has worked as an advocate for Occupational Therapy in the Bahamas since 2001 and has served as a professional mentor to many young Rehabilitation Professionals.  With experience in Mental Health, Geriatrics, Paediatrics, Acute Care, Home Health Care, Clinic Based Services and Leadership and Management, she has developed a passion for service.

Spending most of her professional career as a civil servant, Charlis was groomed early for leadership and management.  Early in her career she attained the position of Deputy Director of Rehabilitation Services which made her the first within the Public Hospitals Authority to hold that post.  During her tenure as a civil servant, she was active in the establishment of the National Allied Health Cadet Program, she played an active role in the Public Hospital’s Authority Compensation Study, assisted with the development of the “2010 – 2020 Bahamas National Health Plan”, and implemented and managed programs for Employee Engagement, Rehabilitation Serviced Data Analysis, and Employee Training Programs for non-skilled workers.  She also played an important role in the “Bahamas Rehabilitation Services Needs Analysis”.

Coupled with her wealth of knowledge, experience and exposure in Occupational Therapy, Charlis has a passion for the things of God. Her charismatic nature and strong desire to see young women fulfil divine purpose led her to begin a mentorship ministry, Ladies of Virtue Emerging. Although, no longer an active member, she still remains in close contact with those that are keeping the ministry running. She also fulfils her passion for community service as a member of Theta Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.


Charlis attributes her success to wonderful mentorship, Christian values and amazing family dynamics. Her greatest success to date is parenting. She is the mother of an avid drummer, Keitho Johnson Jr., who she affectionately calls Her “Junkanoo Genius”.  Charlis is also a writer for an online women’s devotional Journey242.com.

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Lincoln Bain – Pinewood

Lincoln is an author, talk show host, award winning singer and song writer, local activist, motivational speaker, business consultant, and entrepreneur. He is a passionate advocate for helping everyday people ‘unlock their true identity and purpose,’ a message that resonates throughout his internationally-released, transformational book, “Identity Crisis.” Mr. Bain studied Computer Science at Florida Memorial University and Law (LLB) at The University of Buckingham in England.

He is a serial entrepreneur who lives for the thrill and fulfillment of bringing a vision into reality. He was the co-creator and host of “Controversy TV,” the number one television and internet-based show in the Bahamas. He is the host of the live radio talk show, “Real Talk Re-loaded.” He uses this platform to inspire and empower everyday Bahamians to fulfill their dreams of business ownership. In furtherance of this mission Mr. Bain founded the Bahamas Business Boot Camp in November 2016. He partnered with successful entrepreneurs and speakers from myriad industries across the country to hold this powerful seminar that attracted hundreds of Bahamian entrepreneurs.

Throughout his life, Lincoln has travelled the world ministering in song and word. He is a member of the acclaimed Gospel group “Vision,” known for the hit remake of “Brand New World,” an original song written and performed by Dr. Myles Munroe. As a member of Vision, he has traveled extensively with Dr. Munroe, opening at conferences, seminars and major events across the Globe, including Europe, North & South America, and The Caribbean. Lincoln has also opened for, or sung onstage with some of the music industry’s greatest names including Michael Jackson, BB Wynans, Yolanda Adams and Shirley Caesar.

Lincoln is a motivational speaker and business consultant on a mission to inspire self-discovery and the activation of purpose. He has spoken at seminars and conferences and to schools, churches, the prison, the Ministry of Education, entrepreneurial, political and civic groups. He is married to Yolanda Pawar-Bain.

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Derek Smith – South Eleuthera

Derek John Smith is a father, businessman, educator, athlete, sportsman & coach. A philanthropist and a law enforcer, Smith has served as a Reservist stationed at the Central Detective Unit and other International Law enforcement agencies for many years and has been instrumental in the fight to make the Bahamas a safer place.
The son of Captain John Smith, a sea farer from Seymour’s Long Island and Brenieva Colebroke Fowler, a homemaker and entrepreneur from Mastic Point Andros, Smith was born on October 27th, 1956 at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Over the past many years, Smith has dedicated his life to his one true passion: Teaching. Both in, and out of the classroom setting, Smith has worked to impart valuable life lessons to his students including how to apply knowledge with Godly wisdom. Having served as both teacher and principal at several schools within the public and private sector locally – including New Providence, Cat Island and Eleuthera – his skills as an educator also took him to the United States where he taught nationwide as a certified Driving Instructor in the State of New York.

Smith has proven himself equally passionate about the country’s number one industry as well. In the hospitality industry, Mr. Smith held the position of Assistant Manager at Comfort Suites hotel on Paradise Island for eight (8) years where he contributing to the hotel's success as consistently having the highest percentage occupancy rate in the country. His commitment to the industry made him the recipient of numerous awards including the Choice Hotel's International Above and Beyond Award Medal, the Choice Hotels Hero’s Award and the Prime Minister's DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN IN TOURISM AWARD.

After parting ways with Comfort Suites, Smith parlayed his years of knowledge about the industry into the launch and operation of a successful bed and breakfast enterprise on the island of Eleuthera where he uses the principals of the Bahamas People to People programme and simple good old Bahamian hospitality.

In addition to his work as an educator and hospitality professional, Smith has also made a name for himself as a community builder and organizer particularly in the areas of sports and community service clubs. An avid sportsman and certified member of various internationally governed sporting associations, Smith has been actively involved in the local sports community, playing on the Bahamas National Men's Soccer/ Football team. He would soon turn his talents to coaching and successfully led many different teams to national championship victory before being appointed as a coach to the Bahamas Junior CARIFTA team. Smith is also credited as the builder and originator of many sports team and organizations on the island of Eleuthera – specifically women’s sporting – and was instrumental as the head coach and organizer of inter settlement sports.

A true investor and visionary in his own right, Mr. Smith has made and continues to make various developmental investments; and supports many philanthropic, sporting, civic and charitable organizations throughout his community and worldwide.

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Arinthia S. Komolafe - Killarney

Mrs. Arinthia S. Komolafe is an experienced professional with a successful career in law, banking, policy making and corporate administration seeking the DNA nomination for the constituency of Killarney. A goal-oriented leader with great interpersonal and communication skills, Mrs. Komolafe possesses an analytical mind that provokes progressive conversations in the national interest.
A nationalist to the core, Mrs. Komolafe is a weekly columnist for The Nassau Guardian and has espoused policies and solutions in diverse essays relating to issues affecting the Bahamian people and the nation at large. She is a disciplined and organized Bahamian professional with a proven track record of achieving results and driving positive change.

Mrs. Komolafe is the 2nd of five children born to Bradley and Jenniffer Braynen in the Farm Road constituency. She attended St. John’s Native Baptist pre-school and the Willard Patton Primary School in Bain and Grants Town. A ‘1997’ graduate of C.R. Walker Secondary School, Mrs. Komolafe studied Accounting & Finance at the College of The Bahamas and the American Intercontinental University in London, England. She obtained her Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons) from the University of Buckingham and completed postgraduate studies at BPP Law School in London. She was called to the Bar of England & Wales and The Bahamas Bar in 2003 and is a member of the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. In the same year she was licensed as a Notary Public.

Besides being a corporate lawyer by profession, Mrs. Komolafe is a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners in the UK and has participated in a number of working groups of the Bahamas Financial Services Board. She has worked for institutions such as Lloyds Bank, MeesPierson Fund Services, Credit Suisse, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and Lombard Odier both in The Bahamas and Switzerland.

In her most recent role, Mrs. Komolafe served initially as consultant to and the Managing Director of the Bahamas Development Bank; a post she held for almost 4 years. Prior to returning to the private sector, she spearheaded the restructuring of the bank and cleaning up of its loan portfolio. She also participated in high level meetings involving the United Nations, Inter-American Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, Caribbean Export Development Agency and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture among others.

Mrs. Komolafe has served in multiple senior positions at the Party level in Bahamian politics and was instrumental in modernizing the governing structure and processes in specific arms of the Party. She currently serves as a Board member, Human Resource Committee Chair, member of the Audit committee and member of the Review Panel of the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. Mrs. Komolafe is an active advocate for the rights of Bahamians via membership of the National Women’s Advisory Council and the Bureau of Women’s Affairs with an annual commitment to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women meetings held in New York as a part of the Government delegation. She is a founder and director of the Komolafe Foundation, a family non-profit organization geared toward the education and scholarship of Bahamian youth.

In 2014, Mrs. Komolafe was nominated for the US State Department’s Global Leadership Mentoring Program for being a strong example of leadership that has made a difference in building The Bahamas. She speaks conversational French and basic Spanish and is currently the senior partner of Komolafe Law Chambers as well as a licensed corporate service provider with specific focus on small business creation and development, estate planning and regulatory compliance. Mrs. Komolafe worships at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican church and is married to Emmanuel O. Komolafe. They are proud parents of three children, Morgan Elizabeth, Alexandria Grace and Joshua Oluseyi.

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Cyril Miller – South Andros

On March 18, 1987, Mrs. Angela Miller and Cyril  Miller Sr. added a new member of their of their family, Cyril Miller Jr. Cyril Jr was born and raised in  Mangrove cay, Andros where he attended Burnt rock and obtained his primary education later advancing to Mangrove Cay High for his secondary education. 
      
              
At Mangrove Cay High, Cyril took a keen interest in woodwork and technical drawing.  These vocational skills became his passion not knowing they would help him in the future. Cyril graduated with a diploma along with B.J.Cs (Bahamas Junior Certificate) and B.G.C.S.E (Bahamas General Certificate for Secondary Education).

                     
After graduation Cyril used his passion that he obtained and furthered his education in becoming a licensed contractor where he took on many projects. He recently built and financed a church by the name of United Christian Fellowship in 2013 on Andros.   
    
However, a contractor is not all Cyril set to accomplish. After his graduation. On October 22nd 2007, Cyril Miller Jr entered the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (R.B.D.F). As a part of his duty in the R.B.D.F he completed many tasks. He was then selected to work in commando squadron at Government House. In addition, Mr. Miller also served as the Ranger Instructor in the Royal Bahamas Defense Force Rangers. In 2004 Mr. Miller gladly accepted yet another promotion as Able seaman. Within two years he worked with B.M.T (Base Maintenance Team) building. Cyril also accomplished awards and certification for the R.B.D.F in Officer boarding course, S.T.C.W course, Combat life Saver course, Rangers instructor and G.G.Y.A Instructor Course.
                 
 
When Cyril is not dedicating his time to his family or to his job, he dedicates it to the community. He is a member of New Birth Church. Being the youth leader Cyril is the Founder and President of Flourished Again Youth club. This program is dedicated to disciplining children in the primary school.. He is also the C.E.O OF MILLER General Store.
       
          
Family man, Cyril is married to Shenique Miller nee Sweeting and is the father of three boys.

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Ruth Naomi Flowers – South Abaco
Ruth Naomi Flowers was born on the 20th of May, 1954 to Lawerence and Viola Roker (Deceased) of Sandy Point Abaco.  This humble servant of the people is no stranger to public life.  For thirty two years she served with excellence within the Department of Local Government.  She presently serves as Manager of The Passport Office within The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on the Island of Abaco from October 2014 to the present.

In 2007 she graduated from Success Training College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration.  In that same year, she earned a certificate from the Institute of Professional Managers as a certified manager.

Ruth is passionate about her civic obligations and is resolute in only her all.  She serves as a member on the Abaco Christmas Festival Committee, a member of the Marsh Harbour Beautification Committee, a member of Woman Against Violence, Secretary for The Marsh Harbour/Spring City Township and a member Of the Rotary Club.

Ruth has also been one of Abaco's shining corporate citizens where she owned and operated her own business "JUST RUTH FABRICS AND NOTIONS" for twelve years.  Not only is Ruth passionate to her civic duties, but she believes life is lived at its best when it strikes a balance.  This humble servant of the people was ordained as an evangelist in the gospel ministry in May of 2014.

She is a prominent and vibrant member of the Historic Mt. Zion Native Baptist Church in Sandy Point, Abaco.  She is a former Youth Pastor and currently serves as a Youth Overseer within her church.

Ruth is adamant in the preaching of The Gospel and is frequently heard on her television program "Fiery Road Ministries".

Her living motto is "AS THERE REMAINETH BREATH, THERE REMAINETH HOPE".

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Wallace Rolle – Nassau Village

Wallace Isaac Rolle was born on Delectable Bay, Acklins to Bishop Carroll E. Rolle and Mrs. Sylvia Rolle (deceased).

He is a 1979 graduate of the R.M. Bailey Senior High School. After completing his high school education, he enlisted with the Royal Bahamas Police Force where he spent approximately 5 years.   Wallace then attended the Fort Valley State University where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Political Science.  He later attended the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws Degree and completed his studies with his Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica.  

Mr. Rolle served as a Prosecutor in the Office of the Attorney General. In 2000 Mr. Rolle started his own law Firm WALLACE ROLLE & CO which was later incorporated into ROLLE & ROLLE, Counsel and Attorneys at Law,  when his wife Krystal Dianne Rolle joined the practice. 

His hobbies include fishing, travelling and sports.

A Baptist, Mr. Rolle is married to Krystal Dianne Rolle (nee Russell) a noted Attorney-at-Law.  He has two (2) children Stephan J. Rolle and Wallis Meghan Rolle.

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W. A. Branville McCartney – Bamboo Town

William Arthur Branville McCartney was born to William and Marina McCartney on the 6th May 1967. Raised in a loving and nurturing home allowed him the opportunity to experience firsthand the joys of family-life; as he, his parents and siblings share a very close bond. Now a God-fearing family man in his own right, Branville – along with his wife Lisa and his three children, Kasia Tai and Khail – enjoys the simple pleasures of family life and has long had a love of nature and the outdoors.

An ardent learner, Bran’s academic pursuits challenged him to make learning a life long journey. Upon graduating from Kingsway Academy in 1985 Branville matriculated to Holborn Law Tutors in London, England where he read law and earned his LLB Honors Degree and graduated in 1989. He is a Barrister of the Inner Temple and in 1990 was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales as well as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. On the 13th June 2010 W.A. Branville McCartney was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate Degree (Doctor of Human Letters) from Sojourner-Douglas College.

McCartney began his legal career at Dupuch & Turnquest later moving to the law firm of Harry B. Sands & Co. where he excelled to the rank of partner. His love of the law would eventually take him beyond the halls of law chambers and into the courtroom and the classroom. Later still, he would become successful and dynamic entrepreneur and serve in various capacities both in and out of the legal realm including as a Director of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and a Chairman of the Chamber’s Crime Prevention Committee.

In the year 2000, McCartney established his own law firm – Halsbury Chambers. In 2003, just three years after the law firm’s inception, Halsbury Chambers achieved membership with the International Lawyers Network (ILN), an association of 91 high-quality, full-service law firms with over 5,000 lawyers worldwide spanning 66 countries on six continents. Halsbury Chambers is the only law firm in the Bahamas with ILN membership and prides itself on being the largest black owned and operated law firm in the country. Since its inception Halsbury Chamber has worked to educate and empower Bahamians regarding various aspects of the law, hosting an annual free clinic offering sound legal advice to the public.

McCartney’s desire to empower and assist eventually led him to the political arena. In 2007, he was elected Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town and he was subsequently appointed by the Prime Minister as Minister of State for Tourism & Aviation. The following year, on the 1st July 2008, Mr. McCartney was appointed Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he became instrumental in addressing long standing challenges within that department. On March 1, 2010 he resigned from the latter post instead committing himself to representing the interests of his constituents on the controversial sale of BTC. His convictions on the issue eventually led him to resign from the FNM as well.

His departure from the FNM ushered in the birth of a new political party; again distinguishing McCartney as a visionary and pioneering leader.  Elected as Leader of The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), on May 12, 2011, the party emerged as an alternative government for the citizens of The Bahamas and though unsuccessful in becoming the government, captured a significant portion of the electoral vote during the 2012 election cycle. Since then and under McCartney’s leadership, the party has continued to grow leaps and bounds offering true opposition and a viable alternative for the voting public. 

Blessed with a passion for learning and healthy ambition Branville enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures but is a firm believer that no culture surpasses our own.




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