Since the Loyalist years in the late 1700s, which changed the balance of power in the Bahamas, the direct descendants of Loyalist Adam Chrystie, Esq. and Colonial Secretary, have been associated with one of the leading commercial families in the Bahamas.
Frank Christie, according to the book “The Early Settlers of the Bahamas abs Colonists of North America” by A. Talbot Bethell first published in 1930, was part of the Christie Brothers political dynasty.
Frank Christie was a Member of the House of Assembly for Abaco and at one time Cat Island.
His brother Percy Christie was a Member of the House of Assembly for the Western District in New Providence. Percy Christie was the proprietor of the Family Shoe Store and the Labour Leader of the House of Assembly.
And third brother, Harold G. Christie, also sat in the House of Assembly at the same time as his brothers, was a Member representing Cat Island.
Frank Christie was “associated with his brother Harold G. Christie in the real estate business, and is the Manager of the Finance Company, the largest Loan Company in the Bahamas.”
In July 1956, Frank Christie was accused of 12 counts of bribery and corruption in connection with elections held in Abaco in June 1956.
Frank Christie was forced to resign his position in the House of Assembly as Deputy Speaker.
(The Palm Beach Post, Sunday 22 July 1956)
THE PLP (Progressive Liberal Party) EARLY NEGRO POLITICAL PARTY PROTEST OUTSIDE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Frank Christie was forced to resign his Deputy Speaker position after demonstrations held by a new predominantly negro party, the PLP (Progressive Liberal Party. Demonstrators picketed outside the House of Assembly building in Rawson Square when it was discovered that a select few were holding secret Assembly meetings to try to quickly and quietly quell the allegations against Frank Christie.
The PLP Party held demonstrations on Monday July 16, 1956. Frank Christie was forced to resign the Deputy Speaker chair a few days later.
(The Palm Beach Post, Sunday 22 July 1956)
MAGISTRATE MAXWELL THOMPSON DISMISSES CHARGES AGAINST FRANK CHRISTIE ON INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
Just days after Frank Christie was forced to resign his Deputy Speaker position, the case went to the Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Maxwell Thompson decided that there was insufficient evidence to move the case to the higher court. Magistrate Maxwell dismissed the 12 counts of election bribery and corruption against Christie.
