A significant political schism has emerged within the Free National Movement (FNM) on Long Island, where senior constituency association members are openly advocating for sitting MP Adrian Gibson to run as an independent candidate. This development follows the party leadership’s controversial decision to deny Gibson ratification in favor of Dr. Andre Rollins as their official candidate for the upcoming general election.
Maurice Minnis, a council representative for the Long Island Constituency Association, revealed that local supporters are actively encouraging Gibson to contest the election outside the party structure. They argue the leadership’s decision disregarded both their unanimous endorsement of Gibson and established party protocols that allow constituency groups to submit preferred candidates.
The constituency association had formally endorsed Gibson months earlier through a letter signed by numerous senior officers and prominent party figures, including former Director of Education Iris Pinder and former MPs Lawrence Cartwright and Sylvia Scriven. The signatories cited Gibson’s record of advocacy and representation as justification for their support.
Ms. Pinder, who served as Gibson’s campaign manager in two previous elections, characterized the ratification process as fundamentally flawed and potentially predetermined. She noted that during candidate presentations, Rollins failed to specifically mention Long Island in his remarks, while other prospective candidates presented detailed plans for the constituency.
The controversy is further complicated by Gibson’s ongoing legal situation. He has faced criminal charges since 2022, with the case remaining unresolved in the courts. While party leadership appears to view this as an electoral liability, Gibson’s supporters maintain the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ should prevail, especially given the four-year duration without resolution.
Contrasting perspectives emerged regarding local support. While Minnis claimed overwhelming backing for Gibson at public meetings, Long Island Chief Councillor Ian Knowles suggested many residents actually support Dr. Rollins. Knowles acknowledged Gibson’s past performance but emphasized the unresolved court case presents a significant obstacle to his candidacy.
The deepening rift threatens to split the FNM vote on Long Island, potentially altering the electoral dynamics in the constituency. Both factions appear entrenched in their positions, setting the stage for a potentially divisive political battle that could have implications beyond this single constituency.