标签： Bahamas

In a significant political realignment, Karen Shepherd, a longstanding Free National Movement (FNM) figure, has publicly severed ties with her party of 33 years to pledge allegiance to Prime Minister Philip Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). The formal induction ceremony occurred at PLP headquarters on Farrington Road, where she received her membership credentials alongside senior officials including party chairman Fred Mitchell.

Shepherd, who previously held multiple leadership roles including three terms as president of the FNM’s Women’s Association and party trustee, attributed her defection to fundamental philosophical disagreements. She asserted the FNM has deviated from its foundational principles, noting a disconnect between the party’s rhetoric and its operational conduct. “Their words are saying one thing, yet their actions show another,” she observed, referencing the erosion of the FNM’s traditional ‘all together’ motto.

The former Englerston candidate revealed that FNM leader Michael Pintard failed to initiate contact following her resignation announcement. She described a party experiencing substantial grassroots erosion while focusing disproportionately on visible leadership positions, metaphorically noting that while “the party was filling their spaces from the front, the back is hemorrhaging.”

Shepherd detailed how her decision crystallized during constituency canvassing, where she repeatedly encountered dissatisfied supporters whose concerns were systematically ignored by party leadership. She framed her move as ethically motivated rather than opportunistic, emphasizing her commitment to national interest through “holy courage” and clear conscience.

Citing her political heritage as the daughter of late PLP MP James Shepherd, she invoked historical continuity by referencing her father’s advocacy for price controls, housing initiatives, urban renewal, and labor reforms during the transformative 1967 general election. She specifically highlighted his role as the first House of Assembly Whip and his association with former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.

Shepherd concluded with an explicit endorsement of Prime Minister Davis’s reelection bid, urging undecided voters to “join me on the winning team” committed to Bahamian service. PLP leadership welcomed her as a valuable organizational asset, with Women’s Branch chairwoman Calverna Small recognizing her as a formidable campaign operative.

The Free National Movement’s ratification of former NBA star Rick Fox as its Garden Hills candidate has ignited significant internal dissent within the party ranks, exposing deep divisions regarding leadership decisions and candidate selection processes. Prominent party figures have publicly condemned the move, characterizing it as symptomatic of the organization’s broader decline under current leadership.

Ricardo Rolle, a former constituency chairman and nine-year president of the Garden Hills association during the Ingraham administration, delivered scathing criticism of both the party hierarchy and Fox’s nomination. The veteran FNM supporter, who has maintained party allegiance since 1985, asserted that the decision to bypass established political figures like former MPs Dr. Hubert Minnis and Renward Wells in favor of a political newcomer represents a fundamental misjudgment that has disillusioned long-standing members.

‘This constitutes the most poorly managed period in FNM’s history,’ Rolle declared to The Tribune, emphasizing Fox’s lack of local political knowledge. ‘He cannot even delineate Garden Hills’ boundaries despite seeking to represent the constituency.’

The controversy emerges amid revelations that this year’s general election will mark Fox’s first-ever electoral participation in The Bahamas, a fact that has raised eyebrows among party traditionalists who expected longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson to secure the nomination after extensive campaigning.

Kendal Culmer, an FNM meritorious council member, echoed these concerns, noting the absence of proper consultation regarding Fox’s selection. Culmer questioned whether Fox’s celebrity status and financial success qualified him for political office, criticizing party leader Michael Pintard’s communication on the matter.

Despite the substantial opposition, some party voices have expressed support for Fox’s candidacy. Former area MP Brensil Rolle endorsed the decision, describing Fox as a qualified Bahamian who merits opportunity and predicting that Garden Hills voters would prioritize performance over political rhetoric in their electoral decisions.

In a striking political development, former Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has publicly criticized members of his former party, the Free National Movement (FNM), for abandoning their original constituencies to seek election in different electoral districts. The remarks came during his Monday appearance on ‘Beyond the Headlines with Shenique Miller,’ where he simultaneously confirmed his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election from his long-held Killarney constituency.

Dr. Minnis drew sharp contrasts between his own consistent representation of Killarney since 2007 and what he characterized as politically opportunistic movements by fellow FNM members. ‘Regardless of how they cut it, I’m staying in Killarney unlike many others who have ran from one constituency to another,’ he stated during the broadcast interview.

When pressed to identify specific individuals, the former Prime Minister declined to name names but pointed to extensive media coverage of these constituency changes. He suggested psychological motivations behind these electoral moves, remarking, ‘I don’t know if individuals are running. They must be afraid of something. So they’d have to inform us what that fear is all about, but I’m not afraid of it.’

The phenomenon appears widespread within FNM ranks. Dr. Duane Sands, the party chairman and former Elizabeth constituency representative who lost to Progressive Liberal Party’s JoBeth Coleby-Davis in 2021, is now seeking nomination in Bamboo Town. Similarly, Travis Robinson, who previously represented Bain and Grants Town from 2017-2021 before losing his seat, is now pursuing the Fort Charlotte constituency. Even FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright, currently representing St Barnabas, has been officially ratified as the party’s candidate for the newly created St James constituency.

This public criticism from the former party leader signals deepening fractures within FNM leadership and highlights the strategic repositioning occurring within Bahamian politics ahead of the next general election.

In a significant political realignment, former Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has declared his intention to contest the Killarney constituency as an independent candidate in the upcoming general election. The announcement, made during a televised appearance on ‘Beyond The Headlines with Shenique Miller,’ marks a definitive rupture with the Free National Movement (FNM), the party he once led. This decision automatically severs his formal membership with the FNM following a period of public discord with the current party leadership under Michael Pintard.

Dr. Minnis sought to frame his departure not as an abandonment of principle but as a return to the FNM’s foundational values. ‘I will be running as an independent candidate. However, I still hold on to the core values and principles of the Free National Movement, as put down by our forefathers, by Cecil Wallace Whitfield and others,’ he stated. He emphasized a commitment to leading with ‘respect, integrity, honesty, and inclusion,’ drawing parallels between his approach and the inclusive politics of the party’s historical figures.

The move sets the stage for a fiercely contested three-way race in Killarney. Dr. Minnis will face the FNM’s ratified candidate, Senator Michaela Barnett Ellis, and Robyn Lynes, the former Senator representing the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). Expressing confidence in his deep-rooted connection to the constituency, Dr. Minnis contrasted his longstanding residency with what he implied was a more transient political approach by others. He directly addressed potential voter skepticism toward independent candidates, arguing that his proven track record and personal relationship with constituents were his greatest assets.

In a pointed critique of his PLP opponent, Dr. Minnis admitted unfamiliarity with Ms. Lynes, remarking that he wouldn’t recognize her if she stood before him. He quipped that while the PLP is ‘excellent at glitz and glamor,’ his campaign would focus on substantive leadership. Furthermore, Dr. Minnis revealed that constituent dissatisfaction with both major parties is so profound that some residents have considered abstaining from voting altogether.

In a separate commentary to Tribune Business, the former Prime Minister also took a firm stance on national sovereignty, asserting that his administration would never have consented to the terms of the China Export-Import Bank funding agreement, which stipulates that any legal disputes be resolved under Chinese law in Beijing.

Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition of Independents, faces escalating legal enforcement actions regarding an outstanding $90,000 civil judgment, nearly six months after the UK Privy Council rejected his final appeal in a long-running financial dispute. The Supreme Court has summoned Bain to appear before Registrar Renaldo Toote on March 12, 2026, following the publication of a legal notice in The Tribune.

The enforcement initiative gains particular significance given Bain’s recent declarations of substantial wealth during the 2023 by-election campaigns. His filed asset disclosures indicated a net worth approximating $1.8 million, including significant securities and real estate holdings, alongside savings exceeding $40,000—all reportedly without declared liabilities.

Central to the litigation is a claim initiated by Zinnia Rolle, who secured a Supreme Court ruling in December 2021 compelling Bain and his associated company to repay $64,000. This verdict was subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal. In October 2025, Rolle received an additional $26,000 costs award following the Privy Council’s refusal to hear Bain’s appeal.

The recently published notice encompasses two critical documents: a September 2025 order from Pyfrom Farrington Chambers mandating comprehensive financial disclosure, and a November 2025 demand from Rolle’s attorneys requiring full payment within fourteen days. The court order explicitly warns of potential arrest and imprisonment for contempt should Bain fail to comply with disclosure requirements.

Bain has publicly dismissed the enforcement actions as politically motivated theater, asserting that his legal representative had been engaged in settlement negotiations. He maintains that the matter constitutes a private commercial dispute between businesspersons, drawing parallels to civil cases involving other Bahamian politicians including Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and opposition leader Michael Pintard.

The case returns to judicial scrutiny next month as authorities determine whether additional enforcement measures will be necessary to resolve the protracted legal battle.

Nearly a decade after its parliamentary approval, The Bahamas’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) remains inoperative, with transparency advocates pointing to governmental reluctance as the primary impediment. Matt Aubry, Executive Director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG), suggests that successive administrations have deliberately avoided implementing the legislation due to perceptions that transparency lacks ‘political value’ and could potentially disrupt established power dynamics.

The recent unsealing of Jeffrey Epstein-related court documents in the United States has reignited discussions about government transparency and public access to information within The Bahamas. While these particular documents were released through judicial rather than FOIA mechanisms, they have stimulated broader conversations about the public’s right to information.

Aubry contends that governments historically view information as power and fear that widespread access could be ‘used in a challenging or disruptive way.’ This perspective persists despite Bahamian citizens’ frequent demands for equitable opportunities, increased governmental trust, and elimination of politically-biased information access.

Globally, over 120 nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Jamaica have established functional freedom of information laws that empower citizens to request government records. The Bahamas’ legislation, if implemented, would enable citizens to access information held by public authorities, significantly enhancing governmental accountability.

Despite these international precedents, The Bahamas’ FOIA has languished through multiple administrations. The Ingraham government passed the act shortly before the 2012 general election without establishing an implementation date. The subsequent Christie administration revised the legislation but never enacted its provisions. In 2021, the Minnis administration appointed the nation’s first FOIA commissioner, though the office remains critically underfunded.

Most recently, Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis confirmed in June 2025 that fully funding FOIA implementation and other anti-corruption mechanisms was not a current priority for his administration.

Aubry emphasizes that the true value of FOIA extends beyond sensational revelations, serving instead to level the informational playing field between citizens and the state. He notes that while the government does publish financial documents like budget reports, more comprehensive efforts are needed to educate citizens about interpreting these materials and understanding their impact on daily life.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Newly appointed Senator Nicole Martin has firmly rejected suggestions that her selection for the upper legislative chamber represents a mere consolation prize following her unsuccessful bid for the Free National Movement’s nomination in Nassau Village.

In her first public remarks after being sworn into office, Senator Martin addressed journalists with a metaphor-rich rebuttal: ‘Throughout our lives, we’ve received numerous tokens without rejection. This appointment, however, transcends symbolic gesture territory. I interpret this as the party’s strategic recognition of necessary strengths, talents, and resources – all being appropriately deployed where most needed.’

The former President of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union assumes the Senate seat vacated by Maxine Seymour, who resigned last week after four years of service. Seymour’s departure followed her earlier announcement that she would not seek re-election under the FNM banner, though she maintained her party loyalty.

Martin’s political trajectory shows resilience – having previously contested Nassau Village as the FNM candidate during the last general election, where Progressive Liberal Party’s Jamahl Strachan emerged victorious. Her Senate appointment gains particular significance with another general election approaching.

When questioned about the potential brevity of her parliamentary tenure, Senator Martin displayed philosophical determination: ‘Even if this appointment lasted merely twenty-four hours, I would dedicate my entire being to the most pressing and relevant issues before me. I anticipate vigorous debate on forthcoming legislation and effectively presenting my party’s case to the Bahamian public.’

Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard endorsed the selection as strategically vital, characterizing Martin as an ‘exceptional trade unionist’ whose presence would strengthen labor representation within Bahamian governance. Pintard highlighted Martin’s documented advocacy for workers’ rights, workplace responsibilities, and productivity enhancement throughout her career.

The Free National Movement (FNM) has maintained its staunch opposition to the proposed $268 million specialty hospital in New Providence, with party chairman Dr. Duane Sands refusing to commit to canceling the controversial project if elected. Instead, Sands emphasized that an FNM administration would prioritize fixing existing healthcare infrastructure and ensuring medical staff receive proper compensation.

Speaking to reporters, Sands declined to make definitive policy declarations, stating: “I am not going to make policy on the fly. What I am going to say is that we are going to fix the existing health infrastructure, and we’re going to pay the staff.” The FNM has consistently argued that constructing another hospital in New Providence would not address the country’s fundamental healthcare challenges, advocating instead for comprehensive redevelopment of Princess Margaret Hospital.

The hospital project has become embroiled in international tensions following comments from US Ambassador Herschel Walker, who criticized the financing terms from China Export-Import Bank covering 72.8% of the project’s funding. Walker characterized the $195 million Chinese loan arrangements as not being “in the best interests” of The Bahamas and suggested the Trump administration could help secure better terms through financing options that “adhere to international norms.

China has vigorously defended its position, with its embassy in New Providence describing the hospital as a “livelihood project” requested by the Bahamian government and financed through highly preferential loan terms aimed at improving healthcare and population well-being.

When questioned about the growing US-China tensions surrounding the project, Sands redirected focus to local concerns: “We made it very clear that this is an ill-advised project to begin with. It’s poorly planned, it’s poorly conceived. It’s a dumb idea. So, when you double down now and start talking about the unusual financing arrangements for a dumb idea, it’s still a dumb idea.”

The opposition leader highlighted the critical state of Bahamas’ healthcare system, describing it as the worst in 20 years. He pointed to urgent repair needs at Princess Margaret Hospital, where patients sometimes wait days for treatment, and raised concerns about conditions at Rand Memorial Hospital and mini-hospitals in Abaco and Exuma.

While the current Davis administration has argued that fixing existing facilities would be equivalent to placing a bandage on a major wound, Sands questioned the timeline for constructing a new hospital and what solutions would address immediate healthcare needs during construction.