The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

LESS than a week after the Free National Movement’s Bain and Grants Town ticket became vacant, party member Howard Johnson announced that he was withdrawing as the FNM’s South Beach candidate, pointing to “personal and private family matters” as his reasons for dropping out of the race.

Mr Johnson said despite these matters, which required his constant presence and attention, he remained committed to the party and pledged to assist the FNM in any way possible to win the next election.

The announcement, through a press statement, came amid speculation from party insiders that he was bowing out of the race after reportedly experiencing financial challenges sparked by an inability to pin down steady employment in the country. It also followed a report in The Nassau Guardian that he planned to soon end his campaign.

Asked about speculation about financial challenges, FNM Chairman Sidney Collie denied the claims, adding that the party fully supported Mr Johnson’s decision.

“That is not true, it is a personal family matter involving his son and the United States. It’s a decision that the FNM supports and understands,” Mr Collie said.

Mr Johnson’s statement read: “Today, I informed the Leader of the Free National Movement Dr Hubert Minnis of my official withdrawal from candidacy as the standard bearer for the South Beach constituency in the 2017 general election.

“This withdrawal from active politics is due to personal and private family matters requiring my constant presence and attention.

“Since entering front-line politics in 2012, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and befriending thousands of Bahamians across the archipelago who came to know me and embrace me as ‘Mr Bamboozle’.

“I wish to thank each and everyone of you for pouring into my spirit and encouraging and supporting me in my political endeavours. To all of you, black and white, rich and poor, PLP and FNM, Bahamian and foreigner, I am eternally grateful and appreciate you more than words can ever state.

“I also wish to publicly thank FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and his wife Mrs Patricia Minnis for the kindness and assistance they extended to me and my family during my candidacy. I will be forever grateful. Special thanks are also extended to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for recognising my talent and pushing me into the forefront of FNM politics.”

Mr Johnson went on to thank the FNM South Beach association executives for the confidence they reposed in him by selecting him as their 2017 candidate.

“I must also thank the 2017 FNM South Beach campaign team, South Beach residents who welcomed me into their homes, Central and South Eleuthera executives and association for selecting me in 2012 as their standard bearer, the 2012 FNM Central and South Eleuthera campaign team and the 1,326 Central and South Eleuthera voters who supported me in the 2012 general election.”

While supporters on Facebook expressed shock at this decision, as Mr Johnson had just two days ago refuted reports that he was leaving the party, FNM insiders insisted that it was long speculated that he was preparing to make this move.

Mr Johnson was ratified by the party in May. He ran on the FNM’s ticket in the 2012 general election in the Central and South Eleuthera constituency, losing to the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate Damian Gomez.

Last week, FNM member Leonard Sands announced that he was officially ending his candidacy for the Bain and Grants Town constituency.

It came more than a month after he announced that he was suspending his campaign.

Mr Sands posted on his Facebook page: “There are times in life when we have to evaluate what is really most important at that time.

“As I arrive at this place in my political life many will have much to say about my decision and many will be disappointed. I must, however, remind those persons that many are the plans of man, but it is the Lord’s will that shall prevail.”

“My fellow Bahamians, I have decided to officially end my candidacy for the Bain and Grants Town Constituency effective August 30, 2016. While there are significant personal reasons that have led me to this decision there are other reasons that are not so personal that contribute to this decision as well.

“Finally, as I end my leg of the race I am certain that there will be another to take my place in the coming months and to that person I offer my unwavering support and encouragement as the FNM seek to become the next government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” Mr Sands said.

In July, Mr Sands told The Tribune that the continued “infighting” within the FNM as well as “personal considerations” forced him to suspend his campaign. His comments came weeks before the FNM’s contentious convention.

At the time, Mr Sands denied rumours that he suspended his campaign because of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ leadership style.

That same month, a well-placed source in the FNM, who did not want to be named, told The Tribune that Mr Sands allegedly had problems financing his campaign, which was part of the reason for his decision. The source claimed Mr Sands had been promised campaign funding from the party.

This follows confirmation by North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly last week that he will not be seeking re-nomination for the 2017 general elections.