Deputy Leader, Two Broadcasters and a Returning Candidate Ratified For FNM

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – While the Rick Fox factor may have captured the spotlight, there was a lot more election excitement to go around at FNM Headquarters Tuesday night.

Among the 12 chosen was Dr. Andre Rollins, making a comeback to frontline politics after a two term hiatus.

Rollins crossed the floor from the PLP in a Christie administration to the FNM in 2015, but fell out of grace with the party after publicly opposing then opposition leader Dr. Hubert Minnis, hinting he was pushed out of politics earlier than he would have liked.

However, Rollins says he’s back to serve Long Islanders.

Dr. Andre Rollins – FNM Candidate, Long Island

“I always fought for the people. I did things that people thought were countered to my interest as a politician. – somebody who was [to] look after my own political career, and it was never about that for me.”

In another political plot twist, current MP for St.Barnabas , Shanendon Cartwright, was ratified for the newly formed St. James constituency, ending speculation that he would be taking the seat.

He rejects claims of neglect in that area, promising to bring the same level of representation to the Western New Providence seat.

Shanendon Cartwright – FNM Candidate, St. James

“We’ve been very, very proud of the representation that we’ve given the people…the staple programs that we ran – from after school tutoring to a lot of business community projects and so forth we are very, very happy of the legacy that we’ve left in Saint Barnabas.”

Jamal Moss, a former senator and current employee with ZNS is replacing him in that seat.

He also plans on resigning after getting the official nod.

Jamal Moss – FNM Candidate, St. Barnabas

“Jamal Moss is here for service. It doesn’t matter where I’m in – Southern Shores, Tall Pines, South Beach, Bamboo Town. At the end of the day if my party, which has approached me to be a candidate for St Barnabas, [I will] put myself forward because I’m about the people.”

Another broadcaster from ZNS’ Northern Service, Jay Philippe, got the nod for his hometown – Bain and Grants Town.

He resigned ahead of the actual announcement saying it’s the right thing to do.

Jay Phillipe – FNM Candidate, Bain and Grants Town

“I wanted to be transparent to people…I knew if I wanted to commit myself [to] front line politics, I cannot have one foot in communications and one foot out. I wanted to [be a person they can trust.]”