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Free National Movement Announces First Round of Ratified Candidates for Upcoming General Elections

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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.”

Bahamas News

More Bahamians Accessing HIV, STI Care Through NHI

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NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.

NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.

“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.

The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”

The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.

NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.

Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.

This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.

The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.

The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.

“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.

“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”

The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.

Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.

Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice.  Monument is made to celebrate, visit  www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.

CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.

Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.

“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.

“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.

Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.

“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top.  In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla.  Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.

For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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