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.
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.
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.
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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