FNM Chairman Dr Duane Sands speaks during an FNM Carmichael Constituency Association meeting at Gerald Cash Primary School on February 25, 2025. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS
Tribune Staff Reporter
lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
The Free National Movement (FNM) plans to ratify its first 20 general election candidates by May 1.
FNM Chairman Dr Duane Sands outlined the selection process during an appearance on The Rundown with Clint Watson.
The announcement comes amid internal party tensions, following confirmation that former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will not be renominated for Killarney — a decision that has sparked backlash among his supporters.
Dr Sands acknowledged the growing speculation and deferred an official statement to Mr Pintard, but emphasized Dr Minnis’ long-standing service.
“Understand that Dr Minnis has served this country and served this organisation with distinction, and we believe that he should play a very important role in the organisation,” he said, declining to reveal what that role will be but confirming a decision in that regard has been made.
Dr Sands outlined the candidate selection process, noting that applicants must complete a course, submit an application, and undergo vetting, including financial disclosure. Recommendations are made to the party’s Executive Committee and discussed with constituency executives before ratification by the FNM’s Central Council.
Meanwhile, Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis has resigned from the FNM after reportedly concluding he would not be renominated.
Dr Sands said Mr Lewis was not aligned with the direction of the party under Mr Pintard’s leadership and that the message from Mr Lewis’ constituency association was clear — they wanted a different representative.
“The world as we know it, whether you like it or don't like it, is different than it was," Dr Sands said.
"Bahamians are looking for progressive ideas, visionary ideas, and they want appropriate leadership that I believe resides in Michael Pintard and the team that he is putting together.
“I don't believe that Mr Lewis was a good fit for that team. Certainly that was the message that we received from his constituency association and as such, I believe that he, understanding that, decided that it was time to set off a different shore.”
Mr Lewis, who announced he is joining the Coalition of Independents, cited a breakdown in trust, lack of support, and dissatisfaction with the party's direction as reasons for his decision.
Despite the shake-up, Dr Sands said the party is focused on rebuilding in Central Grand Bahama. He highlighted the return of former MP Neko Grant to assist with the campaign, expressing optimism for the FNM’s future in the area.
When asked whether Mr Lewis’ departure was a loss for the party, Dr Sands said: “Let me put it this way, any time you have a divorce, you ask yourself, could things have been different? We wish Mr Lewis well, but the party will rise again, and I believe that under Michael Pintard’s leadership, we will win, with the help of the people of Grand Bahama, the seat of Central Grand Bahama, and I think we will win it resoundingly.”
Comments
whatsup 1 week ago
COME ON FMN's WE CAN EASILY BEAT THIS CORRUPT PLP
IslandWarrior 6 days, 9 hours ago
What you see as the FNM today bears little resemblance to the principled movement it once claimed to be. This version has strayed so far, it belongs in the political wilderness—alongside the other relics of failure, corruption, and empty rhetoric. It's time to retire both the FNM and the PLP. Their decades-long duet of dysfunction has dragged the Bahamas in circles. We need new leadership, new ideas, and new blood—because this PLP/FNM cycle is broken beyond repair.
birdiestrachan 1 week ago
The Devil in all his glory. Locking up poor black young men for going to the pump while opening airports for rich people then toggie and boggie. Sorry Mr Pintard is not a bright light they will get rid of him remember Papa what he did to Turnquest?? That crew do not care for the poor.
TalRussell 6 days, 6 hours ago
Seems the devil works weekends in that meself was just this now hit with a stamped "OFFICIAL AND Limited RedPack Eyes" - has the just first 12 of the Most Targeted as "undesirables to contest in the national or byelections" --- includes the (5) of which I've promised limit to my mentionin' at this time but certainly not just limited to the likes of Dr. Hubert Minnis, Renward Wells, Desmond Bannister, Iran Lewis, Adrian Gibson. -- Yes?
rosiepi 4 days, 11 hours ago
Given the fiscal hole of hell we’ll find ourselves in by the next election the FNM should have a cakewalk to power, but Michael Pintard’s petty arrogance has again muddied the waters. And jettisoning a man like Dr Minnis is not a good look for anyone who ‘humbly’ seeks another’s vote!
The former PM was not a perfect leader, but who amongst us dares to even think that Davis&Co could have ably steered this country successfully through the triple disasters of the legacy of Christie&Davis’ corrupt governance, Hurricane Dorian and a global pandemic?
Davis&Co have literally been branded criminals by the US gov’t, and now their tariffs loom before us. In 2021 our debt had increased to $10B, one third way to the fourth year hence and it’s over $13B, and yet the only disaster visited upon us was self inflicted.
Dr Minnis should be honoured for his service to this country and it’s citizens.
birdiestrachan 4 days, 10 hours ago
The US government banding criminals child please the uncle Tom's in the Bahamas say yes MASSA
bogart 4 days, 10 hours ago
In all fairness to former Prime Minister Dr. Minnis, people should remember that he had to deal with one of the worst medical epidemic the world faced, Covid.
the Bahamas has had its share of having to deal with critical disastrous illnesses going back a century and has sometime in 1880's having to quarantine people to Athol island across from Montagu and having them try to fend and die with Diphtheria, Yellow Fever and others. Cases of the wealthy Smith family is documented with them left on the island with a few days food and their little daughter died.
In having the epidemic starting to appear in Nassau it takes a exceedingly strong measures to start handling the spread on a small island and having to deny the rights of its citizens to gather and spread the deadly disease. No one likes their rights and freedoms to be taken away.
Dr. Minnis and his medical team Dr. Dahl, Dr. McMillan, Dr. Forbes entire medical staff, doctors, nurses, technicians and volunteers were at the front line of battle, internationally people dying by the seconds worldwide, as experimental cures were still being studied for effectiveness and having were against huge challenges in isolating people and preventions to fight the deadly Covid.
In the Bahamas --- some 850 people died, --- some 38,000 were Covid cases, --- some 36,000 recovered and there are protocols and measures in place.
Dr. Minnis needs some credit and both sides of the politicians need to recognise the huge task of Dr. Minnis and the entire Medical team in bringing this beloved Bahamaland through the Covid epidemic crisis, instead of throwing stones at him for having to take on the deadly Covid which needed immediate and harsh measures to control and stop people dying.
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