Latrae Rahming, The Right Choice for PLP Chairman: Capability Over Popularity

As speculation swirls around the soon-to-be vacant position of Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), one name has already begun to dominate political chatter: Latrae Rahming. With excitement building and convention talk heating up, the party now faces a defining question—will it choose the most capable leader for the job, or simply the crowd favourite?

Fuelling this moment is a notable signal from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Fox Hill, Fred Mitchell, who has hinted that this may be his “last rodeo.” Mitchell, who has also served as PLP Chairman, appears to be preparing to exit the stage. His departure would leave open one of the party’s most critical and high-profile positions.

The chairmanship is no ceremonial post. It is the frontline role responsible for defending the party locally, articulating its policies, and shaping its public image. The chairman must possess popular appeal, yes—but more importantly, deep knowledge of the party’s history, ideological grounding, and the proven ability to sell the PLP’s message to the Bahamian public. This is not a role for experimentation or sentimentality. It demands competence, discipline, and political maturity.

By those standards, there is no one more adequately qualified—or more tested—than Latrae Rahming.

Rahming has consistently demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively, defend party policy under pressure, and connect the PLP’s legacy to present-day realities. At a time when political narratives move fast and public scrutiny is relentless, the PLP cannot afford a chairman who is learning on the job.

The case for Rahming has now gained significant reinforcement.

Former PLP Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson has publicly endorsed Rahming for the chairmanship, stating that if the party holds a convention, Rahming has his full support. Speaking to The Tribune, Gibson described Rahming as his choice to replace Fred Mitchell.

That endorsement carries weight. Gibson was once widely expected to challenge Mitchell for the chairmanship himself. His decision to back Rahming instead signals more than preference—it reflects a recognition that the party requires fresh organisational leadership grounded in experience and capability.

This development adds fresh heat to convention speculation and sharpens focus on who could emerge as the PLP’s next Chairman should a vote be called.

Ultimately, this decision must not be driven by popularity contests or internal hype. The chairmanship must be held by the most capable individual—someone who can defend, explain, and advance the PLP’s vision with clarity and conviction.

In that equation, Latrae Rahming stands out—not as the loudest name in the room, but as the strongest.

And at this moment in the party’s evolution, strength matters more than applause.

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