The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman and past Senator Johnley Ferguson died yesterday morning. He was 69-years-old.

Mr Ferguson was appointed senator in May 2007 and was elected vice-president of the Senate. He resigned from the upper chamber in early 2011.

Born in Acklins, the former educator served as a principal in several schools throughout the country and for several years as an island administrator.

He was a candidate for the FNM in two general elections, contesting the MICAL seat in 2002, and South Eleuthera in 2007.

Current FNM Chairman Carl Culmer said he and Mr Ferguson were close friends and he would often spend time at his home in Eleuthera.

“In fact, I spoke to his son yesterday when he was in hospital…. He told me that Johnley was sick and you know we could expect anything,” Mr Culmer revealed.

“I also was with him when he was sick and was down here. He and I had many conversations and I would talk to him over the telephone many times.

“We would talk about different strategies and he would give me ideas on how to do certain things.”

He said Mr Ferguson was one of those people that worked closely with all of the prime ministers including former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Progessive Liberal Party Chairman Fred Mitchell released a statement yesterday noting Mr Ferguson’s accomplishments, calling him a “worthy opponent”.

“He was an educator by profession; he made his mark there before entering front line politics. He made his legislative contributions to The Bahamas as a senator. We considered him a worthy opponent. Mr Ferguson clearly loved The Bahamas and gave of his talents to facilitate its advancement. We thank him for his public service.”

Mr Ferguson leaves behind a wife, Carnetta Ferguson and four children.