FNM ratifies eight more incumbents

The Free National Movement (FNM) last night ratified an additional eight candidates, all incumbents. 

The incumbents ratified were Frankie Campbell (Southern Shores); Michael Pintard (Marco City); Iram Lewis (Central Grand Bahama); Adrian Gibson (Long Island); Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (West Grand Bahama and Bimini); Rickey Mackey (North Eleuthera); Reuben Rahming (Pinewood) and Shanendon Cartwright (St. Barnabas). 

So far, the FNM has ratified 25 candidates for the next general election — 19 incumbents and six newcomers. 

In a statement last night, the FNM said the incumbents will help advance the party’s agenda, which, at its core, will ensure the continued building of a better Bahamas.

“These are the leaders who can be trusted to take all Bahamians into a better, stronger Bahamas,” the FNM said.

The party added, “These public servants have demonstrated their love for country through their unwavering commitment to its advancement in their respective areas of work in government and their communities.

“They will be among those at the forefront with the leader of our party, the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, in promoting world-class education for future generations of Bahamians and revamping infrastructure to support additional industry and investment, which will ultimately lead to more new jobs and opportunities for Bahamians.

“This, coupled with challenging the status quo through transparency and accountability, as well as the diversification of our economy, are paramount to ensuring a better future for our country. Plans for diversification [have] already begun under the FNM, and this team will continue the work we have started.”

The FNM said, “While we must remain vigilant amid the ongoing global pandemic, our government’s proactive response is allowing our country to maintain relatively low case numbers, while enabling our economy to gradually and safely reopen.

“This is due in large part to the leadership and hard work of our team of committed leaders in the FNM, as well as our collaboration with and the direction of our health professionals.

“What is most unfortunate is that those on the opposing side of the aisle have adopted a different approach, using this serious health crisis as an opportunity to sow division and launch partisan attacks.”

The FNM accused the PLP of seeking to “turn back the clock”.

“…Our FNM government is proud to ratify a diverse mix of young leaders and trusted incumbents who continue to work tirelessly to create a prosperous future for the next generation of Bahamians,” the FNM said.

The prime minister announced on February 7, that the party was “well advanced in the process of evaluating potential candidates for the remaining constituencies”.

“These decisions are based on careful consultation and the need for ongoing renewal of the FNM,” he said.

“In 2017, the FNM ran a diverse and dynamic group of candidates. These men and women led us to victory at the general election. They helped remove a PLP administration that was ruining our country.

“As we evaluate the remaining candidates, there will be a mix of new entrants and incumbents. Some people who ran in 2017, will not run in the next general election.”

Although the governing party is quickly moving to ratify candidates, Minnis continues to shrug off speculation that an early election will be called. 

On Friday, while visiting Grand Bahama, the prime minister was asked when residents on that island can expect to see the ratification of the FNM’s candidates.

Minnis replied, “Oh, I don’t know yet. I don’t even know when’s the election. Election is officially due May 2022.”

He was asked about the possibility of a snap election.

The prime minister replied, “Oh, I haven’t heard it.”

The post FNM ratifies eight more incumbents appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/fnm-ratifies-eight-more-incumbents/