Bahamas News
Free National Movement Announces First Round of Ratified Candidates for Upcoming General Elections
The Bahamas, June 28, 2025 – The Free National Movement (FNM) this week announced its first round of 17 ratified candidates who will represent the party in the next General Election, reaffirming its commitment to proven leadership, integrity, and service to the Bahamian people. Together, the team represents the future of The Bahamas, united in their readiness to restore trust and transparency in government.
“The Bahamian people are tired of recycled promises and political pageantry. They deserve leadership that’s grounded in truth, driven by purpose, and ready to act. This is our first wave of candidates. These are the standard-bearers of the Free National Movement. They are community-rooted, credible, committed, and reflect the spirit and strength of the Bahamian people.”
“Together, they represent the next chapter of bold, people-centered leadership in The Bahamas.”
The first round of ratified FNM Candidates includes:
- Adrian R. White – St. Annes
Adrian White is an accomplished attorney and sitting Member of Parliament with a track record of principled leadership and legislative action. As Shadow Minister for Legal Affairs, Works, and Family Island Affairs, he has championed transparency, environmental safeguards, and better planning systems. A 14th-generation Bahamian and lifelong FNM member, Adrian is committed to restoring integrity in government and improving life for every Bahamian.
- Arinthia S. Komolafe – Carmichael
Arinthia Komolafe is a seasoned attorney, Chartered Banker, and former Managing Director of the Bahamas Development Bank, where she led groundbreaking reforms to modernize public finance. With a career spanning law, economic development, and global representation, she brings bold, visionary leadership to the national stage. Committed to empowering women, youth, and small businesses, Arinthia is running to deliver real opportunity and inclusive growth for all Bahamians.
- Brian Brown – Golden Isles
Brian Brown is a longtime community leader, mentor, and public servant with over 30 years of experience in youth development and the insurance industry. As the founder of Camp Golden Isles and a recipient of the British Empire Medal, he has been a tireless advocate for families and young people. As a trusted FNM leader in Golden Isles, Brian is running to deliver steady, accountable representation and real results for his community.
- Carlton Bowleg – North Andros and The Berry Islands
Carlton Bowleg is a veteran public servant and community leader with over 20 years of experience in government, business, and youth advocacy. As the sitting MP and former Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources, he has championed Family Island development and educational support. Deeply rooted in North Andros, Carlton is running to continue delivering real results with honest, hardworking leadership.
- Darren Henfield – South Beach
Darren Henfield is a former Cabinet Minister, Defence Force officer, and seasoned attorney who brings decades of experience in national security, foreign affairs, and public service. Now serving as Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, he has represented The Bahamas on the world stage and helped lead critical reforms at home. With steady, principled leadership, Darren is committed to serving with strength, integrity, and purpose in these defining times.
- Debra Moxey-Rolle – The Exumas & Ragged Island
A lifelong servant of Exuma, Debra Moxey-Rolle brings over 30 years of leadership in local government, banking, and community development. As a former Family Island Administrator for Exuma, Ragged Island, and Mayaguana, she has delivered real results from new infrastructure to expanded economic opportunity. A proud FNM member and community advocate, she’s running to build a stronger, more united Exuma for the next generation.
- Elsworth N. Johnson – Yammacraw
Elsworth Johnson is a former Cabinet Minister, Bar Association President, and police officer with decades of experience in law, public service, and national advocacy. Known for his work defending workers’ rights and expanding access to justice, he has helped shape major reforms with integrity and impact. Elsworth is running to restore trust in government and lead with courage, fairness, and service to the Bahamian people.
- Kwasi Thompson – East Grand Bahama
Kwasi Thompson is a seasoned lawmaker, former Cabinet Minister, and current MP for East Grand Bahama with over 20 years of public service. From digital transformation to hurricane recovery and small business growth, he has delivered real results that impact lives. With a strong legal foundation and a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility, Kwasi is running to secure a stronger economic future for Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.
- Dr. Jacqueline Penn-Knowles – Marathon
Dr. Jaqueline Penn-Knowles is a respected physician and healthcare pioneer with over 30 years of experience serving Bahamian families. As a leader in women’s health and fertility care, she has broken barriers in medicine and expanded access to critical services. Her record reflects the FNM’s commitment to people-first leadership and real solutions for better healthcare.
- Jeremy Sweeting – Central & South Abaco
Born and raised in Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, Jeremy Sweeting has dedicated nearly 20 years to public service as Chief Councillor of the Hope Town District. A committed community advocate and proud family man, he brings proven grassroots leadership, deep faith, and a passion for serving the Bahamian people.
- Marvin Dames – Mt. Moriah
Marvin Dames is a seasoned public servant with more than two decades of leadership in law enforcement and national security. A former Deputy Commissioner of Police and recipient of the Queen’s Police Medal, he brings unmatched experience in public safety, international policing, and crisis management. Dames has also served as Vice President of Security at Baha Mar and as Minister of National Security, where he championed reforms to modernize and professionalize The Bahamas’ security forces. With academic credentials from The Ohio State University, University of Leicester, and leadership programs at Yale and the University of Chicago, Dames is equipped to deliver strong, results-driven leadership for the Bahamian people.
- Michael A. Foulkes – Golden Gates
Michael A. Foulkes is a former Member of Parliament, legal and financial professional, and public servant with more than 20 years of experience in law, policy, and economic development. As Chairman of the BAIC, he led national upgrades with a focus on transparency and community benefit. Michael is running to expand opportunity, empower youth, and bring principled leadership back to public service.
- Dr. Nicholas Fox – Fox Hill
Dr. Nicholas Fox is a veteran medical professional, cancer survivor, and co-owner of The Medi-Center Group Clinics. With decades of service in healthcare and deep roots in the Fox Hill community, he brings a strong record of compassion, resilience, and public advocacy. As a candidate for the Free National Movement, Dr. Fox is committed to delivering better healthcare access and stronger community support for all Bahamians.
- Omar A. Isaacs – West Grand Bahama & Bimini
Omar A. Isaacs is a public servant, entrepreneur, and policy professional with deep roots in West Grand Bahama and Bimini and a vision for sustainable, community-driven growth. With experience at the Ministry of Tourism, Bahamas Investment Authority, and the Office of the Prime Minister, he has helped modernize investment processes and empower local businesses. A proud FNM legacy-bearer, Omar is running to deliver forward-looking leadership that creates real opportunities for families and the next generation of leaders.
- Philippa Kelly – Central & South Eleuthera
Philippa Kelly is a civic leader, business manager, and former Local Government Chairperson with over 15 years of experience serving the people of Eleuthera. From hospitality to development, she has championed local growth, empowered youth, and earned the trust of her community. Philippa is running to bring strong, compassionate leadership and real results to Central and South Eleuthera.
- Rickey Mackey – North Eleuthera
A lifelong resident of Harbour Island, Rickey Mackey has built a strong record of community service, serving as a District Council Member, Justice of the Peace, and Chair of key local committees including the Licensing Authority, Junkanoo, and North Eleuthera Regatta. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to culture, governance, and public trust.
- Terrece Bootle – North Abaco
Terrece Bootle is an educator, an award-winning public servant, and the first woman from Abaco appointed as a Family Island
Administrator, with decades of experience across local governance and national recovery. From leading classrooms to coordinating hurricane response in North Abaco, San Salvador, and Long Island, she has earned a reputation for resilience, service, and results. Terrece is running to bring strong, informed, and compassionate leadership home to North Abaco.
“This unveiling marks the beginning of a national campaign focused on the real issues affecting Bahamian families, including rising costs and inflation, youth unemployment, stalled healthcare and housing systems, threats to public safety, economic exclusion, and the erosion of public trust and accountability.”
“The FNM is inviting Bahamians to build and believe – to join a movement grounded in courage, competence and a commitment to deliver real progress, not empty promises.”
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – With the 2026 Bahamian general election set for May 12, the country’s major political parties have now formally placed their plans before the electorate, offering competing visions for governance, growth and relief.
The governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Philip Davis, launched its “Blueprint for Progress 2026” on April 8, 2026, outlining a
46-page plan focused on long-term development and systems reform. The document places heavy emphasis on energy transition, digital government, workforce training and food security, positioning the party as one seeking continuity following its first term. The full plan is publicly available online through official PLP platforms for voters to review.
Just days later, on Sunday, April 12, the opposition Free National Movement (FNM), under Michael Pintard, unveiled its 2026 Manifesto at a major event in Nassau. Spanning 54 pages, the document centers on cost-of-living relief, tax reform, healthcare expansion and housing, offering what the party describes as a more immediate response to economic pressures facing Bahamian families. The FNM has also made its manifesto accessible online.
Beyond the two major parties, the Coalition of Independents (COI) had already entered the policy space earlier, formally unveiling its long-range Vision 2030 framework on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Fusion Superplex in Nassau during a packed national launch led by party leader Lincoln Bain. That framework has since been complemented by a 100-day action plan released in late March/early April 2026, adding a short-term policy layer to its long-range proposals.
These policy rollouts come as the country prepares for a pivotal vote, with the Parliamentary Registration Department confirming a voters’ register of approximately 203,000 eligible voters, one of the largest in the nation’s history. Key dates are now set, with Nomination Day on April 16, followed by advance polls on April 30, ahead of General Election Day on May 12.
With platforms now in the public domain and the timeline locked in, the focus shifts squarely to the electorate—who must now weigh the promises, examine the plans and decide the country’s direction at the polls.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, April 14, 2026 – At its core, the $65 million water security project is designed to strengthen the reliability, safety and resilience of the water supply across The Bahamas.
If implemented as planned, the investment is expected to improve water quality, reduce contamination risks and support public health,
while increasing supply reliability and limiting service disruptions during droughts or system failures. The project also aims to expand and upgrade infrastructure, including wellfields, pumping stations and storage capacity, and to protect freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion—an increasing threat for low-lying islands. In practical terms, that could mean cleaner, more consistent and more dependable access to water for residents across the country.
The project was first conceptualised in 2019 under the previous administration, when a proposal was submitted to the Green Climate Fund to strengthen the resilience of the country’s water systems. That early work came just months before Hurricane Dorian exposed the vulnerability of national infrastructure, including critical water and sanitation systems, particularly in the northern Bahamas.
The initial phase focused on developing the concept, identifying priority areas and engaging regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Development Bank, to support the design and preparation of a full funding proposal.
Following the change in government in 2021, the project advanced into its most technical and demanding stages. The current administration oversaw the completion of key requirements, including feasibility studies, environmental and social assessments, and detailed financing negotiations with international partners—steps necessary to move the proposal from concept to approval.
That multi-year process has now culminated in approval of a $65 million financing package, combining grant funding with concessional loans to support long-term upgrades to the country’s water infrastructure.
While the project brings significant international support, it is not entirely free money. The package is structured as a blended financing arrangement, combining grant funding with concessional loans—meaning a portion of the funding will ultimately need to be repaid. Based on information released by the Caribbean Development Bank, approximately $25 million of the total package is tied to loan financing, with the remaining portion provided as grant support.
Concessional loans typically carry more favourable terms than commercial borrowing, including lower interest rates and longer repayment
periods. However, they still represent debt obligations that will be borne over time.
Notably, detailed terms of the loan components—including interest rates, repayment schedules and any associated conditions—were not disclosed in the initial announcement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (Bahamas). Those details are expected to be outlined in formal financing agreements, but have not yet been made public.
For Bahamians, the project represents both investment and obligation. While the grant funding provides a significant boost to infrastructure development, the loan component adds to the country’s long-term financial commitments—making transparency around terms and implementation timelines especially important.
While the approval marks a significant milestone, the timeline for delivery remains a critical factor. Based on information available from project partners, implementation is not expected to begin immediately. The initiative is anticipated to move into its execution phase later in 2026, following finalisation of financing agreements and completion of preparatory requirements.
From there, the project is projected to unfold over several years, with estimates suggesting a multi-year implementation period of up to seven years to fully deliver the planned upgrades to water infrastructure across The Bahamas.
This means that while the funding has now been approved, the benefits will be realised gradually rather than all at once. A definitive completion date has not been publicly outlined, and detailed timelines tied to specific islands or phases of work have yet to be disclosed.
For Bahamians, the question now shifts from approval to execution—when funds are drawn down, when construction begins, and how consistently the project moves from plan to delivery.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
NASSAU, Bahamas — What should be a simple five-minute drive is fast becoming an expensive, hour-long ordeal, as rising fuel prices collide with worsening traffic congestion across New Providence.
As of early April 2026, gasoline prices across The Bahamas have climbed sharply, with motorists now paying an estimated $5.50 to over
$6.50 per gallon, depending on the station and grade. The increases, seen at major retailers including Esso, Rubis and Shell, reflect a volatile global oil market driven by escalating geopolitical tensions.
The latest spike — in some cases jumping more than 50 cents per gallon within days — is being driven by uncertainty surrounding escalating tensions involving Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a direct ultimatum, warning that the United States could launch aggressive strikes on Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and key facilities, if demands are not met. While he has also expressed hope for a swift resolution, the threat of rapid escalation is already rattling global oil markets — and The Bahamas, heavily dependent on imported fuel, is feeling the impact almost immediately.
At the pumps, the frustration is real.
Drivers are now paying significantly more just to sit in traffic. Commutes that once took minutes are stretching into hour-long crawls, burning fuel with little movement and compounding the financial strain. For many residents, the issue isn’t just the price per gallon — it’s how quickly that gallon disappears.
Industry players are also bracing for impact. Higher diesel prices are expected to ripple across key sectors, including trucking, construction,
and shipping — all of which ultimately feed into the cost of goods and services. In short, this is not just a fuel story; it’s an inflation story in the making.
Despite the surge, the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association has moved to calm fears, confirming that there is no fuel shortage. Supply remains stable, but consumers are being urged to adjust behavior — from maintaining proper tyre pressure to considering carpooling — small measures that could stretch every dollar a bit further.
Retailers, however, are not offering much comfort on price relief. While fluctuations are expected, insiders say the days of sudden price drops are unlikely in the immediate term. The “shock” increases may level off, but a meaningful decline hinges on global stability — something that currently feels out of reach.
For Bahamians, the reality is tightening: higher fuel costs, longer commutes, and a growing sense that relief isn’t coming anytime soon.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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