National

A Fight For the Big Yard

ANDROS, BAHAMAS – Traditionally seats for the Progressive Liberal Party, the “Big Yard”(Andros) may become a battleground to closely watch in the 2026 General Election – with North Andros now standing by itself.

Published

4 months ago

February 5, 2026

Jerome Sawyer

ANDROS, BAHAMAS – Traditionally a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) seat, Andros at one time held three constituencies by three cabinet ministers – including the late prime minister Sir Lynden Pindling.

However, a second party defeat, and Sir Lynden’s retirement in 1997 force a by-election, putting South Andros in the Free National Movement’s (FNM) win column for the first time.

Successive elections have made the island a battle ground with the now 2 seats generally going the way of the government – but will a shift in boundaries make a difference, at least in the north?

Well, Nurse Janice Oliver is coming in on a promise to address some nagging issues.

Janice Oliver – FNM candidate, North Andros

“Infrastructure in North Andros is a serious issue, there are some interventions that need to take place. We’ve been without a fire engine for quite some time. As you would have seen, we had a fire a few weeks ago on the beach. Persons have lost all their stalls.”

Carlton Bowleg, who sources confirm was working in the constituency in the hopes of taking that nomination, will now have to switch his focus to a newly created constituency – Bimini and the Berry Islands.

The Berries once formed part of that North Andros seat.

Bowleg told reporters he welcomes the new assignment, but not before touting some successes.

Carlton Bowleg – FNM Candidate, Bimini & Berry Islands

“Let me first also thank the people of North Andros for the work that we have accomplished, for the bridges to the road, to the water lines, to renaming a school.”

In South Andros, a well-known voice and face is seeking to give the FNM that seat once again.

Former ZNS sportscaster Julian Gibson got the official nod after seeking the nomination from the last go round.

Julian Gibson – FNM Candidate, South Andros

“This is for the people, for South Central and Mangrove cay. I just their face, [but] anytime I go in the House of Assembly, I will take their ideas, their suggestions and make it better.”

Family island seats are critical to an election, and can often deliver the government when a party loses ground in New Providence, but just like some Nassau seats, these islands are sometimes bastains of party support, giving rise to hotly contested races as elections now loom closer than ever.