Bahamas News
Pintard Stays On As FNM Leader After Heavy Election Loss
The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Despite a national election result many political observers view as a clear rejection of the Free National Movement as an alternative government, Michael Pintard will remain leader of the party — at least for now.
Just one day after the General Election, the FNM announced Pintard had been unanimously endorsed to continue as leader and would be
sworn in as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition on Monday, May 18.
In its official statement, the party said: “Michael C. Pintard will be sworn in as Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition.”
The FNM also insisted the decision followed: “a transparent and democratic consultation process with multiple bodies of the Free National Movement.”
According to the statement, the consultations involved: “the elected officers of the FNM, the Executive Committee, the Central Council and newly elected FNM members.”
The party further stated that Pintard was: “unanimously endorsed to remain in this post.”
But the speed of the endorsement and the absence of any broader delegate consultation is already fueling questions internally and externally about whether the party’s wider membership was truly consulted before the decision was finalized.
The FNM won eight seats in the country’s expanded 41-seat Parliament, while the Progressive Liberal Party secured a commanding 33-seat victory.
Numerically, the FNM did not dramatically lose ground compared to the previous election cycle. But politically, many analysts say the outcome was far more damaging than the seat count alone suggests.
The PLP not only returned to office comfortably but saw nearly every incumbent candidate re-elected — a rare feat for a governing administration during a period marked globally by voter frustration over inflation, migration pressures and economic strain.
For many observers, the result signaled that while portions of the electorate may have desired change, a significant number of Bahamians still did not see the Pintard-led FNM as the preferred vehicle for that change.
Instead, many voters either stayed home, supported the Coalition of Independents, or remained with the Davis administration’s “progress” mandate.
Unofficial turnout estimates suggest national voter participation may have fallen near 58 percent — potentially the lowest turnout in modern Bahamian election history if confirmed.
Inside the FNM, concerns are now swirling over the future direction of the party and whether Pintard remaining at the helm delays deeper renewal efforts.
Magnetic Media has been made aware of internal discussions and circulating voice notes suggesting fractures within sections of the party following the election result.
The concerns appear centered around whether the party moved too quickly to settle leadership questions before broader consultation with delegates and supporters could take place.
The FNM, however, insists a broader review is coming.
In its statement, the party said: “The renewal process of the Free National Movement will be democratic, disciplined and deliberate.”
It also pledged: “a fulsome post-mortem that engages even more of our members, supporters, and the wider Bahamian public.”
The statement added that the review process: “will rightly include a full national party convention.”
Still, critics note the irony surrounding Pintard’s decision to remain.
During his rise to leadership, Pintard had sharply criticized former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis for refusing to step aside quickly after the FNM’s 2021 election defeat.
Now, some political observers argue Pintard is facing similar criticism himself following another disappointing national result for the party.
The issue has also become ammunition for the governing PLP.
PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell publicly suggested the FNM is in disarray, pointing to the defeat of Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright, who lost his parliamentary seat in St Barnabas.
Notably, Cartwright was not appointed to the Senate, meaning he currently has no parliamentary role as the party attempts to regroup and rebuild.
That omission has triggered additional speculation about internal dynamics within the opposition.
Meanwhile, Pintard and the remaining FNM MPs are preparing to return to Parliament as a significantly outnumbered opposition facing a strengthened PLP government and one of the largest Cabinets in Bahamian history.
Whether the FNM ultimately rallies around Pintard or whether deeper internal divisions emerge in the months ahead may determine how viable the party remains heading toward the next general election.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
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
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.
