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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

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

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CBC Supports Opportunities for Young Bahamian Basketball Players

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.

The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium.  Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.

During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.

During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.

CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.

Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.

“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.

Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.

They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.

After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.

“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.

For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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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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