The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard welcomed Dame Janet Bostwick’s call for the FNM to unite to defeat the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the next general election.

The FNM has struggled with internal divisions, particularly in relation to former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Dame Janet reportedly told The Nassau Guardian last week: “We are not benefiting because we are not showing a united front and we are not showing a sort of causation and a fixed position where people can put their teeth into it and say ‘this is what I am standing for and this is what I’m fighting for.”

 Mr Pintard responded yesterday: “Why would it upset me? It’s a wonderful thing to continue to call for sister and brethren to dwell together in unity. That’s a wonderful thing. We love Dame Bostwick, and we take her advice, and so no, not at all. It doesn’t upset me.”

 Mr Pintard downplayed concerns about a lack of unity within the party.

“I understand the nature of politics, and so at the end of the day, we are strong as an organisation,” he said. “We will continue to improve as an organisation, and we fully expect to be the government this year if the election is called, or next year.”

 He acknowledged that discontent with the PLP does not automatically translate into support for the FNM, adding that Bahamians are frustrated with traditional politics and want change.

 Mr Pintard said the party remains on track to announce candidates by the first quarter of 2025, emphasising that the FNM’s leadership will look different in the next election.

 He said the party is moving away from the traditional mould of candidates like doctors and lawyers, instead fielding individuals with backgrounds in the orange economy, agriculture, and community activism.

 He stressed that these candidates would not be tied to the usual power networks but would include people from Over-the-Hill and the Family Islands, bringing a fresh approach to national politics.