The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has narrowed down its list of Senate hopefuls to Dr Duane Sands and Michael Pintard, The Tribune understands.

According to sources the men, both former senators, are the front runners to replace ousted Senator John Bostwick.

FNM sources told The Tribune that the majority of the party’s council is leaning toward Dr Sands, but FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis would prefer Michael Pintard.

“The decision has pretty much been made. The party wants Dr Sands to be the newest Senator, but he is being blocked by Dr Minnis because the two don’t really get along,” the source said.

“So Dr Minnis is stalling and trying to get the council to see things his way. Even though the decision is ultimately his, one does not just ignore advice from the council.”

When contacted by The Tribune, Dr Minnis said: “I will make my announcement soon.”

Last month, Dr Minnis said the party will likely choose its Senate replacement for Mr Bostwick from the same list of candidates who were under consideration following the resignation of Zhivargo Laing from the Upper Chamber last year.

When Mr Laing resigned, Dr Minnis revealed that Pakiesha Parker-Edgecombe, Michael Pintard, Winsome Miller, Carl Bethel, Mr Bostwick and Michael Foulkes were six of 11 potential candidates for the post.

When contacted for comment, Dr Sands refused to confirm or deny whether he was up for the post. Mr Pintard was not available for comment.

Mr Bostwick’s Senate seat was vacated after Dr Minnis revoked his appointment “with immediate effect” in May when, on legal advice, he declined to resign after a charge of ammunition possession was brought against him.

Mr Bostwick was charged in Magistrate’s Court a week ago Monday with possession of ammunition. He pleaded not guilty and was granted $9,000 bail.

Mr Bostwick was sworn in as a senator in February 2013.