Politics

The Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) was established in Nassau, Bahamas, by a group of young visionaries who sought to address gaps in political representation.

The party was formally introduced to the public, marking its entry into Bahamian politics with a focus on youth empowerment.

The founding members included Cassius Stuart, Howard R. Johnson, Dario Roberts, George Carey, and several students from the College of the Bahamas (now University of the Bahamas). Their collaboration stemmed from a collective passion for reform.

The BDM was created based on the founders’ conviction that Caribbean governments, particularly in the Bahamas, had systematically excluded individuals under 30 from governmental decision-making. This perspective was reinforced by demographics at the time, where more than 60% of the Bahamian population was under 30 years old, highlighting the need for greater youth involvement in policy and governance.

Less than a year after the party’s inception, a division occurred. Howard R. Johnson, George Carey, Dario Roberts, and other members exited the BDM due to fundamental disagreements on operational methods and strategies with Cassius Stuart.

Following their departure from the BDM, Johnson, Carey, Roberts, and associates aligned themselves with the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR), an alternative political entity aimed at similar reform goals.

Dario Roberts became part of the CDR, which focused on democratic advancements in the Bahamas. However, the party faced a swift downfall when its leader defected back to their original political affiliation, resulting in a leadership vacuum.

Without a viable leader, the Coalition for Democratic Reform was disbanded shortly after Roberts and others joined, underscoring the challenges of sustaining new political movements in the region.