The Progressive Liberal Party’s internal nomination contest for the Freetown constituency intensified dramatically on Thursday as challenger Ormanique Bowe publicly declared her intention to protest the anticipated ratification of incumbent MP Wayne Munroe. The political confrontation has evolved into a deeply personal exchange between the two party members, revealing significant tensions within the ruling party’s candidate selection process.
Ms. Bowe, who previously contested the nomination in the last election cycle, launched pointed criticisms against Minister Munroe, who currently holds both the National Security portfolio and the Freetown parliamentary seat. She characterized his recent remarks about her candidacy as ‘petty and selective’ while asserting her strong grassroots support and qualifications to represent the constituency effectively.
‘Freetown’s residents deserve leadership that’s present and accountable,’ Bowe stated, directly addressing the incumbent minister. ‘This I have been displaying, and reaching out to you to follow suit.’ She emphasized the need for genuine engagement despite their shared party affiliation, noting that ‘we can speak many words, and in many ways but they must be coming genuinely from the heart.’
Minister Munroe, when questioned earlier about Bowe’s renewed nomination bid, maintained a diplomatic stance regarding the internal challenge. He acknowledged their previous political history and highlighted his professional cooperation with Bowe following the last election, including sponsoring her application to become a justice of the peace and appointing her to the Rehabilitation Offenders Committee within his ministry.
‘I work with whoever I have to work with. That’s just the nature of the business,’ Munroe remarked, downplaying the personal dimensions of the competition. ‘It is not something that you should get personal over.’ He characterized such internal challenges as a normal aspect of party politics.
Bowe, however, rejected any implications of ingratitude regarding these appointments while questioning their substantive value. She particularly noted that the Rehabilitation of Offender Board stipend amounted to merely $300 monthly, suggesting this demonstrated insufficient commitment to meaningful community engagement.
‘The people’s support and the skills to make a difference remain with me,’ Bowe asserted, reinforcing her credibility as a viable alternative to the incumbent.
The unfolding drama occurs alongside the planned ratification of approximately fourteen PLP candidates scheduled for Thursday evening. The extensive list includes Kirk Cornish (North Abaco), Bradley Fox (Central and South Abaco), Leonardo Lightbourne (North Andros), Wayde Watson (Bain and Grants Town), Patricia Deveaux (Bamboo Town), Sylvanus Petty (North Eleuthera), Clay Sweeting (Central and South Eleuthera), Lisa Rahming (Marathon), Ronell Armbrister (MICAL), Michael Halkitis (St. Barnabas), Owen Wells (St. James), Dr. Michael Darville (Tall Pines), and Zane Lightbourne (Yamacraw). This broad ratification indicates significant party mobilization ahead of upcoming electoral contests, though the Freetown situation reveals underlying tensions that may affect party unity.