Jump to content

Arinthia Komolafe: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Added two clean-up tags - overly detailed and advert.
General clean up - addressed two issues (overly detailed, reads like advertisement). Note, however, "see also" section could still use work.
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Advert|date=October 2024}}{{Overly detailed|article|date=October 2024}}{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Arinthia S. Komolafe
| name = Arinthia S. Komolafe
| image = Arinthia Komolafe 2019.png
| image = Arinthia Komolafe 2019.png
Line 23: Line 23:
}}
}}


'''Arinthia Santina Komolafe''' ([[née]] '''Braynen''', born 30 June 1980) is a Bahamian politician who was elected the Leader of the [[Democratic National Alliance (Bahamas)|Democratic National Alliance]] (DNA), one of the three main political parties in the [[The Bahamas|Commonwealth of The Bahamas]], on 24 October 2017.<ref name="bn">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=node/9217|title=DNA names new leader & deputy|date=2017-10-25|website=www.bahamasnational.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> She succeeded Christopher Mortimer, who was appointed as Interim Leader of the DNA on 24 October 2017.<ref name="de">{{Cite news|url=http://www.diveexuma.com/dnas-special-meetingelections/|title=DNA's Special Meeting/Elections|date=2017-10-25|work=Dive Exuma|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327090622/http://www.diveexuma.com/dnas-special-meetingelections/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mortimer was appointed Interim Leader following the DNA's defeat in The Bahamas' General Elections on 10 May 2017, when the Party failed to win a parliamentary seat out of the 39 possible parliamentary seats in the House of Assembly.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2017/plp-defeated-in-fnm-landslide/|title=The Bahamas Investor|website=www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2017/plp-defeated-in-fnm-landslide/}}</ref> Founder and inaugural leader of the DNA, [[Branville McCartney]] announced his intention to resign from the Party and front-line politics following the defeat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.caribbean360.com/news/founder-bahamas-political-party-walking-away-leadership|title=Founder of Political Party in The Bahamas Walking Away from Leadership|date=2017-10-11|work=Caribbean360|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en-US|archive-date=2019-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091044/http://www.caribbean360.com/news/founder-bahamas-political-party-walking-away-leadership|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/oct/06/branville-mccartney-step-down-dna-leader/|title=Branville McCartney to step down as DNA leader|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref> Komolafe is the first female leader of the DNA political party and other females such as [[Cynthia A. Pratt|Cynthia Pratt]], former Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and [[Loretta Butler-Turner]], former Deputy Leader of the [[Free National Movement]].
'''Arinthia Santina Komolafe''' ([[née]] '''Braynen''', born 30 June 1980) is a Bahamian politician who was elected the Leader of the [[Democratic National Alliance (Bahamas)|Democratic National Alliance]] (DNA), one of the three main political parties in the [[The Bahamas|Bahamas]], on 24 October 2017.<ref name="bn">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=node/9217|title=DNA names new leader & deputy|date=2017-10-25|website=www.bahamasnational.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Komolafe was born Arinthia Santina Braynen on 30 June 1980 at Princess Margaret Hospital in [[Nassau, Bahamas|Nassau]], [[New Providence]], The Bahamas, in the Farm Road community.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2012/01/26/the-bahamian-dream-ii/|title=The Bahamian Dream II – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Her parents are Bradley Arthur Braynen, a civil servant, and Jenniffer Elaine Braynen (née Harvey) a retired banker, turned protocol and immigration consultant. She is oldest of her parents' four surviving children, two brothers, Anton and Marcus Braynen, and one sister, Anthinear Carroll.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thenassauguardian/obituary.aspx?n=brandon-bradley-braynen-the-grill-master&pid=180741671&fhid=15690|title=Brandon Bradley "The Grill Master" Braynen's Obituary on The Nassau Guardian|website=The Nassau Guardian|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Her eldest brother, Brandon Bradley Braynen, died at the age of 39 on 11 July 2016, following complications after surgery.<ref name="auto2"/>
Komolafe was born on 30 June 1980 at Princess Margaret Hospital in [[Nassau, Bahamas|Nassau]], Bahamas.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2012/01/26/the-bahamian-dream-ii/|title=The Bahamian Dream II – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Her parents are Bradley Arthur Braynen, a civil servant, and Jenniffer Elaine Braynen (née Harvey) a retired banker, turned protocol and immigration consultant. the of .


Komolafe was educated in the Bain & Grants Town community at Willard Patton Primary School and C.R. Walker Secondary High School.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="thebahamasweekly.com">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 October 2013|title=Bahamas Development Bank Welcomes Mrs. Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930050338/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> Komolafe has pursued studies in Accounting, Finance and Law. She received her Bachelors of Law from the University of Buckingham.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 October 2013|title=The Bahams Development Bank Welcomes Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930050338/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> She successfully completed all the diplomas for the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) program in 2010.<ref name="auto3" />
Komolafe was educated at Willard Patton Primary School and C.R. Walker Secondary High School.<ref name="auto1" /><ref name="thebahamasweekly.com">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 October 2013|title=Bahamas Development Bank Welcomes Mrs. Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930050338/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> Bachelors of Law from the University of Buckingham<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 October 2013|title=The Bahams Development Bank Welcomes Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930050338/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/Bahamas_Development_Bank_welcomes_Mrs_Arinthia_S_Komolafe_as_Managing_Director30765.shtml |archive-date=2013-09-30 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> successfully completed the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) program in 2010.<ref name="auto3" />


== Marriage, family and faith ==
== ==
⚫
In September 2013, Komolafe became the first female Managing Director at the Bahamas Development Bank.<ref name="thebahamasweekly.com"/> She served in the post up to March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 March 2016|title=Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404095459/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml |archive-date=2016-04-04 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> During her tenure, Komolafe presided over a "no sacred cows" policy which ensured that political cronies and beneficiaries of nepotism were not spared from being pursued for funds owed to the bank.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 March 2016|title=Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404095459/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml |archive-date=2016-04-04 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>
In 2005, she married Emmanuel Komolafe, whom she met at the [[University of Buckingham]], England, in 2001. The couple were married at Mount Tabor Full Gospel Baptist Church. Their union has produced three children, two daughters and one son: Morgan, Alexandria and Joshua.<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2013/09/30/bahamas-development-bank-appoints-first-female-managing-director/|title=Bahamas Development Bank appoints first female managing director – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|date=2013-09-30|access-date=2018-01-11|archive-date=2018-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165834/https://thenassauguardian.com/2013/09/30/bahamas-development-bank-appoints-first-female-managing-director/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Arinthia Komolafe is a Christian and was christened and baptized at St. John's Native Baptist Church on New Providence, Bahamas. She and her family worship at the parish of St. Mary's The Virgin Anglican Church.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://komolafeforkillarney.com/about/biography/|title=Biography|date=2017-03-10|work=Komolafe For Killarney|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111224036/http://komolafeforkillarney.com/about/biography/|archive-date=2018-01-11|url-status=dead}}</ref>


⚫
Komolafe was for the U.S. State's Department Global Leadership Mentorship Program .<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/U_S_Embassy_Honors_Andrea_Archer_as_The_Bahamas_printer.shtml|title= thebahamasweekly.com - U.S. Embassy Honors Andrea Archer as The Bahamas' 2014 International Woman of Courage Award Recipient'|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|date= 2014-04-03|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>
⚫
According to the declared financial declarations, Arinthia Komolafe has assets worth more than one million US dollars (2021).<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/caribbean-breaking-news-featured/bahamas-millionaires/| title = At Least 55 Millionaires Want Seats in Bahamas Parliament - Caribbean News}} </ref>

== Professional career ==
⚫
In September 2013, Komolafe became the first female Managing Director at the Bahamas Development Bank.<ref name="thebahamasweekly.com"/> She served in the post up to March 2016 when she submitted her resignation to the then Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Perry Gladstone Christie.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 March 2016|title=Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404095459/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml |archive-date=2016-04-04 |access-date=|website=The Bahamas Weekly}}</ref> During her tenure, Komolafe presided over a "no sacred cows" policy which ensured that political cronies and beneficiaries of nepotism were not spared from being pursued for funds owed to the bank.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 March 2016|title=Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404095459/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/Arinthia_Komolafe_Resigns_as_Managing_Director_Bahamas_Development_Bank47426.shtml |archive-date=2016-04-04 |access-date=|website=}}</ref> Other accomplishments she listed as achievements was preparing a strategic plan for the forward movement of the Bank, proposing a corporate governance framework and implementing a robust provisioning policies among other things.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

⚫
In April 2014, Komolafe was recognised by U.S. Chargé d'Affaires to The Bahamas, John L. Armstrong for her nomination of the U.S. State's Department Global Leadership Mentorship Program. .<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/new-providence-bahamas/U_S_Embassy_Honors_Andrea_Archer_as_The_Bahamas_printer.shtml|title= thebahamasweekly.com - U.S. Embassy Honors Andrea Archer as The Bahamas' 2014 International Woman of Courage Award Recipient'|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|date= 2014-04-03|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>


== Political career ==
== Political career ==
⚫
In 2012, Komolafe was elected as the Chairperson of the New Providence Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party. She previously served as the Secretary of the Women's Branch under the Chairmanship of Manita Wisdom who she succeeded. During her tenure, Komolafe led a delegation of women to their first meeting at the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women meeting at the United Nations in March 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/68493/PLP_Womens_Branch_attends_UNs_57th_Session_on_the_Commission_on_the_Status_of_Women.html|title=PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women {{!}} Bahamas Local News|last=BahamasLocal.com|website=www.bahamaslocal.com|language=en|date= 2013-03-14|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/PLP_Women_s_Branch_attends_UN_s_57th_Session_on_the_Commission_on_the_Status_of_Women_printer.shtml|title=PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|date=2013-03-13 |access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>


=== Chairperson of the Women's Branch ===
⚫
In January 2017, Komolafe was ratified as a candidate for the [[Democratic National Alliance (Bahamas)|Democratic National Alliance]] in the [[Killarney (Bahamas Parliament constituency)|Killarney]] constituency and served as the Spokesperson for Financial Services, Trade and Industry and National Insurance in the DNA's shadow cabinet.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/apr/06/dna-would-have-13-member-cabinet-if-elected/|title=DNA 'would have 13-member Cabinet' if elected|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=node/7313|title=DNA ratifies 9 candidates|date=2017-01-13|website=www.bahamasnational.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2017/01/12/bain-among-nine-new-candidates-named-by-dna/|title=Bain among nine new candidates named by DNA – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|date= 2017-01-12|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> She was one of thirteen women on the Party's ticket.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamian-politics/DNA_Women_urge_more_female_participation_at_the_Cabinet_level54024.shtml|title=thebahamasweekly.com - DNA Women urge more female participation at the Cabinet level|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/may/09/women-making-their-mark-polls/|first=Jeffarah|last=Gibson|title=Women making their mark at the polls|date=2017-05-09|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://magneticmediatv.com/2017/04/race-to-the-polls-female-candidates-vs-male-candidates/|title=Race to the Polls: Female Candidates vs Male Candidates – Magnetic Media|first=Deandrea |last=Hamilton|website=magneticmediatv.com|language=en-US|date=2017-04-28|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Her candidacy was opposite the leader of the [[Free National Movement]], Dr. [[Hubert Minnis]]. Komolafe, Minnis and Reneika Knowles, candidate for the Progressive Liberal Party, were officially nominated as candidates for the Killarney constituency for the 2017 General Elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2017/04/21/minnis-knowles-and-komolafe-nominate-for-killarney/|title=Minnis, Knowles and Komolafe nominate for Killarney – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> As the incumbent, Hubert Minnis won the seat for a third consecutive time, securing 4,163 votes, and went on to become the fourth [[Prime minister|Prime Minister]] of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/may/11/plp-feel-heat-fnm-landslide-win/|title=Dr Hubert Minnis sworn in as Prime Minister of the Bahamas|work=Tribune242|date=2017-05-12|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Dr_Hubert_Minnis_Sworn_In_as_Fourth_Prime_Minister_of_The_Bahamas53893.shtml|title= Dr. Hubert Minnis Sworn In as Fourth Prime Minister of The Bahamas|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Komolafe secured 422 votes after only four months on the campaign trail - the highest of all the DNA female candidates and the third highest of DNA candidates of the 35 candidates fielded by the DNA. The top two votes went to former leader of the DNA, [[Branville McCartney]] in the Bamboo Town Constituency (604 votes), and Stephen Greenslade (544 votes), the DNA's candidate for the constituency of Golden Isles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf|title=General Elections Results|website=www.elections.gov.bs/archives/26592}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bahamaslocal.com/showlisting/20265/Bahamas_General_Election_2017.html|title=Bahamas General Election 2017 - Nassau|last=BahamasLocal.com|website=www.bahamaslocal.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>
⚫
In 2012, Komolafe was elected as the Chairperson of the New Providence Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party previously served as the Secretary of the Women's Branch. During her tenure, Komolafe led a delegation of women to their first meeting at the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women meeting at the United Nations in March 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem/68493/PLP_Womens_Branch_attends_UNs_57th_Session_on_the_Commission_on_the_Status_of_Women.html|title=PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women {{!}} Bahamas Local News|last=BahamasLocal.com|website=www.bahamaslocal.com|language=en|date= 2013-03-14|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/community/PLP_Women_s_Branch_attends_UN_s_57th_Session_on_the_Commission_on_the_Status_of_Women_printer.shtml|title=PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|date=2013-03-13 |access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>


=== 2017 General Election ===
⚫
At a special meeting held on 24 October 2017, Arinthia Komolafe was elected as Deputy Leader of the Democratic National Alliance. She succeeded Christopher Mortimer, who was appointed as the Interim Leader on 24 October 2017.<ref name="de" /><ref name="bn" /> She announced her intention to seek the Leadership of the DNA via Facebook on 19 February 2019, and went on to defeat fellow challenger Kendal Smith by a decisive 6:1 margin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/arinthia.komolafe/posts/2117192015033511|title=Arinthia S. Komolafe|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>
⚫
In January 2017, Komolafe was ratified as a candidate for the [[Democratic National Alliance (Bahamas)|Democratic National Alliance]] in the [[Killarney (Bahamas Parliament constituency)|Killarney]] constituency and served as the Spokesperson for Financial Services, Trade and Industry and National Insurance in the DNA's shadow cabinet.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/apr/06/dna-would-have-13-member-cabinet-if-elected/|title=DNA 'would have 13-member Cabinet' if elected|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bahamasnational.com/?q=node/7313|title=DNA ratifies 9 candidates|date=2017-01-13|website=www.bahamasnational.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2017/01/12/bain-among-nine-new-candidates-named-by-dna/|title=Bain among nine new candidates named by DNA – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|date= 2017-01-12|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> She was one of thirteen women on the Party's ticket.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamian-politics/DNA_Women_urge_more_female_participation_at_the_Cabinet_level54024.shtml|title=thebahamasweekly.com - DNA Women urge more female participation at the Cabinet level|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/may/09/women-making-their-mark-polls/|first=Jeffarah|last=Gibson|title=Women making their mark at the polls|date=2017-05-09|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://magneticmediatv.com/2017/04/race-to-the-polls-female-candidates-vs-male-candidates/|title=Race to the Polls: Female Candidates vs Male Candidates – Magnetic Media|first=Deandrea |last=Hamilton|website=magneticmediatv.com|language=en-US|date=2017-04-28|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> was the candidate for the Killarney constituency for the 2017 General Elections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenassauguardian.com/2017/04/21/minnis-knowles-and-komolafe-nominate-for-killarney/|title=Minnis, Knowles and Komolafe nominate for Killarney – The Nassau Guardian|website=thenassauguardian.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> the the [[ ]] Dr. Hubert Minnis]].


Minnis won the seat for a third consecutive time, securing 4,163 votes, and went on to become the fourth [[Prime minister|Prime Minister]] of the Bahamas.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=The Bahamas Investor |url=http://www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2017/plp-defeated-in-fnm-landslide/ |website=www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2017/plp-defeated-in-fnm-landslide/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/may/11/plp-feel-heat-fnm-landslide-win/|title=Dr Hubert Minnis sworn in as Prime Minister of the Bahamas|work=Tribune242|date=2017-05-12|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Dr_Hubert_Minnis_Sworn_In_as_Fourth_Prime_Minister_of_The_Bahamas53893.shtml|title= Dr. Hubert Minnis Sworn In as Fourth Prime Minister of The Bahamas|website=www.thebahamasweekly.com|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref> Komolafe secured 422 votes after only four months on the campaign trail - the highest of all the DNA female candidates and the third highest of DNA candidates of the 35 candidates fielded by the DNA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf|title=General Elections Results|website=www.elections.gov.bs/archives/26592}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bahamaslocal.com/showlisting/20265/Bahamas_General_Election_2017.html|title=Bahamas General Election 2017 - Nassau|last=BahamasLocal.com|website=www.bahamaslocal.com|language=en|access-date=2018-01-11}}</ref>
⚫
== Selected writings ==
⚫
Arinthia Komolafe wrote a weekly column in the ''Nassau Guardian'' for five years, from 2012 to 2017. The articles addressed political and socio-economic issues facing The Bahamas.


⚫
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
* [https://thenassauguardian.com/2012/01/20/the-bahamian-dream-pt1/ "The Bahamian Dream pt.1"], ''The Nassau Guardian'', 20 January 2012.
⚫
|+[[Killarney (Bahamas Parliament constituency)|Killarney]] Constituency 2017 General Elections Results<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf |website=www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf}}</ref>
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/The_Bahamian20109.shtml "The Bahamian Dream: Part 2"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 9 February 2012.
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Self-Imposed_Austerity_Meaures_Advisable_for_Next_Government19670.shtml "Self-Imposed Austerity Measures Advisable for Next Government"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 11 January 2012.
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamian-politics/A_call_to_national_conscience21800.shtml "A Call to National Conscience"], The Bahamas Weekly, 4 May 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Bahamian_Governance_The_Age_of_Prudence26468.shtml "Bahamian Governance: The Age of Prudence"], The Bahamas Weekly, 5 February 2013
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Bahamian_Governance_The_Age_of_Prudence26468.shtml "The Changing of the Guard"], The Bahamas Weekly, 30 April 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/No_Cross_No_Crown_The_Cost_of_Leadership21307.shtml "No Cross No Crown - The Cost of Leadership"], The Bahamas Weekly 12 April 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Jamaican_Elections_2011_A_prediction_of_what_to_expect_in_The_Bahamas_in_201219527.shtml "Jamaican Elections 2011: A prediction of what to expect in The Bahamas in 2012"], The Bahamas Weekly 2 January 2012

⚫
== See also ==
⚫
In 2014, Arinthia S. Komolafe served as one of the featured speakers in the 2nd Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook (EBO) on April 24, 2014:<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 April 2014|title=Chamber Chief Optimistic About Eleuthera's Economic Future|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420000959/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com:80/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml |archive-date=2014-04-20 |access-date=|website=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 April 2014|title=Eleuthera Business Outlook Set for April 24|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Eleuthera_Business_Outlook_Set_For_April_2434278.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429034043/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com:80/publish/local/Eleuthera_Business_Outlook_Set_For_April_2434278.shtml |archive-date=2014-04-29 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml "Chamber Chief Optimistic About Eleuthera's Economic Future"], The Bahamas Weekly, 16 April 2014:
⚫
In 2018, Komolafe was selected to participate in the U.S. State Department exchange program in 2018, focusing on the U.S. electoral process:
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/international/Bahamian_Female_Politician_Selected_to_Participate_in_U_S_State_Department_Exchange_Focused_on_the_U_S_Electoral_Process59983.shtml "Bahamian politician selected to participate in U.S. State Department Exchange program"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 8 November 2018:

⚫
{| class="wikitable"
⚫
|+[[Killarney (Bahamas Parliament constituency)|Killarney]] Constituency 2017 General Elections Results<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf|title=Parliamentary Registration Department|website=www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf}}</ref>
!Party
!Party
!Candidate
!Candidate
Line 87: Line 67:
|73
|73
|}
|}

=== Party Leadership ===
⚫
At a special meeting held on 24 October 2017, Arinthia Komolafe was elected as Deputy Leader of the Democratic National Alliance. She succeeded Christopher Mortimer, who appointed Interim Leader <ref name="de" /><ref name="" /> She announced her intention to seek the Leadership of the DNA on 19 February 2019, and went on to defeat fellow challenger Kendal Smith by a decisive 6:1 margin.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/arinthia.komolafe/posts/2117192015033511|title=Arinthia S. Komolafe|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In 2005, Arinthia married Emmanuel Komolafe, whom she had met at the University of Buckingham in 2001. The couple have two daughters and one son.<ref name="auto3" /> Her elder brother, Brandon, died in 2016.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Brandon Bradley "The Grill Master" Braynen's Obituary on The Nassau Guardian |url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thenassauguardian/obituary.aspx?n=brandon-bradley-braynen-the-grill-master&pid=180741671&fhid=15690 |access-date=2018-01-11 |website=The Nassau Guardian}}</ref>

⚫
According to financial declarations, Arinthia Komolafe has assets worth more than one million US dollars (2021).<ref>{{cite web |title=At Least 55 Millionaires Want Seats in Bahamas Parliament - Caribbean News}} </ref>

⚫
== Selected writings ==
⚫
Arinthia Komolafe wrote a weekly column in the ''Nassau Guardian'' for five years, from 2012 to 2017. The articles addressed political and socio-economic issues facing Bahamas

⚫
* [https://thenassauguardian.com/2012/01/20/the-bahamian-dream-pt1/ "The Bahamian Dream pt.1"], ''The Nassau Guardian'', 20 January 2012.
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/The_Bahamian20109.shtml "The Bahamian Dream: Part 2"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 9 February 2012.
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Self-Imposed_Austerity_Meaures_Advisable_for_Next_Government19670.shtml "Self-Imposed Austerity Measures Advisable for Next Government"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 11 January 2012.
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamian-politics/A_call_to_national_conscience21800.shtml "A Call to National Conscience"], The Bahamas Weekly, 4 May 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Bahamian_Governance_The_Age_of_Prudence26468.shtml "Bahamian Governance: The Age of Prudence"], The Bahamas Weekly, 5 February 2013
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Bahamian_Governance_The_Age_of_Prudence26468.shtml "The Changing of the Guard"], The Bahamas Weekly, 30 April 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/No_Cross_No_Crown_The_Cost_of_Leadership21307.shtml "No Cross No Crown - The Cost of Leadership"], The Bahamas Weekly 12 April 2012
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/columns/Jamaican_Elections_2011_A_prediction_of_what_to_expect_in_The_Bahamas_in_201219527.shtml "Jamaican Elections 2011: A prediction of what to expect in The Bahamas in 2012"], The Bahamas Weekly 2 January 2012

⚫
== See also ==
⚫
In 2014, Arinthia S. Komolafe served as one of the featured speakers in the 2nd Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook (EBO) on April 24, 2014:<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 April 2014|title=Chamber Chief Optimistic About Eleuthera's Economic Future|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420000959/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com:80/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml |archive-date=2014-04-20 |access-date=|website=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=16 April 2014|title=Eleuthera Business Outlook Set for April 24|url=http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Eleuthera_Business_Outlook_Set_For_April_2434278.shtml|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429034043/http://www.thebahamasweekly.com:80/publish/local/Eleuthera_Business_Outlook_Set_For_April_2434278.shtml |archive-date=2014-04-29 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/local/Chamber_Chief_Optimistic_About_Eleuthera_s_Economic_Future34435.shtml "Chamber Chief Optimistic About Eleuthera's Economic Future"], The Bahamas Weekly, 16 April 2014:
⚫
In 2018, Komolafe was selected to participate in the U.S. State Department exchange program in 2018, focusing on the U.S. electoral process:
⚫
* [http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/international/Bahamian_Female_Politician_Selected_to_Participate_in_U_S_State_Department_Exchange_Focused_on_the_U_S_Electoral_Process59983.shtml "Bahamian politician selected to participate in U.S. State Department Exchange program"], ''The Bahamas Weekly'', 8 November 2018:


== References ==
== References ==

Latest revision as of 02:44, 7 October 2024

Arinthia S. Komolafe
3rd Leader of the Democratic National Alliance
Incumbent
Assumed office
22 February 2019
DeputyBuscheme (Busch) Armbrister
Preceded byW. A. Branville McCartney
Christopher A. Mortimer
Personal details
Born
Arinthia Santina Braynen

(1980-06-30) 30 June 1980 (age 44)
Nassau, Bahamas
CitizenshipThe Bahamas
Political partyDemocratic National Alliance
SpouseEmmanuel Komolafe (m. 2005)
ChildrenMorgan, Alexandria, Joshua
ParentBradley Braynen & Jenniffer Braynen (nee Harvey)
EducationC.R. Walker Secondary School
Alma materUniversity of Buckingham
ProfessionAttorney; banker; consultant; politician
Websiteaskomolafe.com

Arinthia Santina Komolafe (née Braynen, born 30 June 1980) is a Bahamian politician who was elected the Leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), one of the three main political parties in the Bahamas, on 24 October 2017.[1]

Early life and education

[edit]

Komolafe was born on 30 June 1980 at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas.[2] Her parents are Bradley Arthur Braynen, a civil servant, and Jenniffer Elaine Braynen (née Harvey) a retired banker, turned protocol and immigration consultant. Komolafe was the second of five children.

Komolafe was educated at Willard Patton Primary School and C.R. Walker Secondary High School.[2][3] She earned a Bachelors of Law from the University of Buckingham in England[4] and successfully completed the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) program in 2010.[5]

Business career

[edit]

In September 2013, Komolafe became the first female Managing Director at the Bahamas Development Bank.[3] She served in the post up to March 2016.[6] During her tenure, Komolafe presided over a "no sacred cows" policy which ensured that political cronies and beneficiaries of nepotism were not spared from being pursued for funds owed to the bank.[7]

Komolafe was nominated for the U.S. State's Department Global Leadership Mentorship Program for leadership that made a difference to the Bahamas.[8]

Political career

[edit]

Chairperson of the Women's Branch

[edit]

In 2012, Komolafe was elected as the Chairperson of the New Providence Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party, having previously served as the Secretary of the Women's Branch. During her tenure, Komolafe led a delegation of women to their first meeting at the 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women meeting at the United Nations in March 2013.[9][10]

2017 General Election

[edit]

In January 2017, Komolafe was ratified as a candidate for the Democratic National Alliance in the Killarney constituency and served as the Spokesperson for Financial Services, Trade and Industry and National Insurance in the DNA's shadow cabinet.[11][12][13] She was one of thirteen women on the Party's ticket.[14][15][16] She was nominated as the candidate for the Killarney constituency for the 2017 General Elections.[17] She ran opposite the leader of the Free National Movement, Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Minnis won the seat for a third consecutive time, securing 4,163 votes, and went on to become the fourth Prime Minister of the Bahamas.[18][19][20] Komolafe secured 422 votes after only four months on the campaign trail - the highest of all the DNA female candidates and the third highest of DNA candidates of the 35 candidates fielded by the DNA.[21][22]

Killarney Constituency 2017 General Elections Results[23]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic National Alliance Arinthia S. Komolafe 422 7
Progressive Liberal Party Reneika D. Knowles 1087 19
Free National Movement Dr. Hubert A. Minnis 4163 73

Party Leadership

[edit]

At a special meeting held on 24 October 2017, Arinthia Komolafe was elected as Deputy Leader of the Democratic National Alliance. She succeeded Christopher Mortimer, who had been appointed Interim Leader.[1][24] following the DNA's defeat in the 2017 General Election in which the Party failed to win a single seat in the House of Assembly.[18] She announced her intention to seek the Leadership of the DNA on 19 February 2019, and went on to defeat fellow challenger Kendal Smith by a decisive 6:1 margin.[25] In doing so, Komolafe became the first female leader of the DNA political party, joining other prominent female leaders, such as such as Cynthia Pratt, former Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Loretta Butler-Turner, former Deputy Leader of the Free National Movement.

Personal life

[edit]

In 2005, Arinthia married Emmanuel Komolafe, whom she had met at the University of Buckingham in 2001. The couple have two daughters and one son.[5] Her elder brother, Brandon, died in 2016.[26]

According to financial declarations, Arinthia Komolafe has assets worth more than one million US dollars (2021).[27]

Selected writings

[edit]

Arinthia Komolafe wrote a weekly column in the Nassau Guardian for five years, from 2012 to 2017. The articles, which addressed political and socio-economic issues facing the Bahamas, included:

See also

[edit]

In 2014, Arinthia S. Komolafe served as one of the featured speakers in the 2nd Annual Eleuthera Business Outlook (EBO) on April 24, 2014:[28][29]

In 2018, Komolafe was selected to participate in the U.S. State Department exchange program in 2018, focusing on the U.S. electoral process:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "DNA names new leader & deputy". www.bahamasnational.com. 2017-10-25. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  2. ^ a b "The Bahamian Dream II – The Nassau Guardian". thenassauguardian.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  3. ^ a b "Bahamas Development Bank Welcomes Mrs. Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director". The Bahamas Weekly. 3 October 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-09-30.
  4. ^ "The Bahams Development Bank Welcomes Arinthia S. Komolafe as Managing Director". The Bahamas Weekly. 3 October 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-09-30.
  5. ^ a b "Bahamas Development Bank appoints first female managing director – The Nassau Guardian". thenassauguardian.com. 2013-09-30. Archived from the original on 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  6. ^ "Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign". The Bahamas Weekly. 25 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-04-04.
  7. ^ "Bahamas Development Bank's Managing Director to resign". 25 March 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-04-04.
  8. ^ "thebahamasweekly.com - U.S. Embassy Honors Andrea Archer as The Bahamas' 2014 International Woman of Courage Award Recipient'". www.thebahamasweekly.com. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  9. ^ BahamasLocal.com (2013-03-14). "PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women | Bahamas Local News". www.bahamaslocal.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  10. ^ "PLP Women's Branch attends UN's 57th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women". www.thebahamasweekly.com. 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  11. ^ "DNA 'would have 13-member Cabinet' if elected". Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  12. ^ "DNA ratifies 9 candidates". www.bahamasnational.com. 2017-01-13. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  13. ^ "Bain among nine new candidates named by DNA – The Nassau Guardian". thenassauguardian.com. 2017-01-12. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  14. ^ "thebahamasweekly.com - DNA Women urge more female participation at the Cabinet level". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  15. ^ Gibson, Jeffarah (2017-05-09). "Women making their mark at the polls". Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  16. ^ Hamilton, Deandrea (2017-04-28). "Race to the Polls: Female Candidates vs Male Candidates – Magnetic Media". magneticmediatv.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  17. ^ "Minnis, Knowles and Komolafe nominate for Killarney – The Nassau Guardian". thenassauguardian.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  18. ^ a b "The Bahamas Investor". www.thebahamasinvestor.com/2017/plp-defeated-in-fnm-landslide/.
  19. ^ "Dr Hubert Minnis sworn in as Prime Minister of the Bahamas". Tribune242. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  20. ^ "Dr. Hubert Minnis Sworn In as Fourth Prime Minister of The Bahamas". www.thebahamasweekly.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  21. ^ "General Elections Results" (PDF). www.elections.gov.bs/archives/26592.
  22. ^ BahamasLocal.com. "Bahamas General Election 2017 - Nassau". www.bahamaslocal.com. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  23. ^ "Parliamentary Registration Department" (PDF). www.elections.gov.bs/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-General-Elections-Results.pdf.
  24. ^ "DNA's Special Meeting/Elections". Dive Exuma. 2017-10-25. Archived from the original on 2019-03-27. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  25. ^ "Arinthia S. Komolafe". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2019-03-26.
  26. ^ "Brandon Bradley "The Grill Master" Braynen's Obituary on The Nassau Guardian". The Nassau Guardian. Retrieved 2018-01-11.
  27. ^ "At Least 55 Millionaires Want Seats in Bahamas Parliament - Caribbean News".
  28. ^ "Chamber Chief Optimistic About Eleuthera's Economic Future". 16 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-04-20.
  29. ^ "Eleuthera Business Outlook Set for April 24". 16 April 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-04-29.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arinthia_Komolafe&oldid=1249835060"