National

Drama Brewing Over FNM Bamboo Town Candidate Choice

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The drama is ramping up within yet another FNM association, and it has to do with who will be chosen as a candidate in the Bamboo Town constituency.

Published

5 months ago

July 21, 2025

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The drama is ramping up within yet another FNM association, and it has to do with who will be chosen as a candidate in the Bamboo Town constituency.

Monique Seymour – Chairman, FNM Bamboo Town Association
“They are afraid of Mr. Renward Wells, he is very powerful. He has a lot to offer. He has great initiatives and ideas. He knows what to do, how to do it, and when to do it and that’s what they are afraid of. Anybody who they think is outspoken, that’s who they are afraid of.”

The party has allegedly rejected former Health Minister Renward Wells as its candidate for Bamboo Town in the upcoming general election. However, the party’s association is not taking the decision lightly.

It has also been alleged that former Senator Heather Hunt is expected to get the nod instead.

Monique Seymour – Chairman, FNM Bamboo Town Association
“To this date, not one of those persons answered their email, and every time I send the leader or Dr. Sands some information, you only get bluetick, there is no answer. You’re not important in their lives.”

FNM Bamboo Town Association Chairman Monique Seymour believes Wells was denied because of his allegiance to former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

Seymour says they were misled into believing Wells would be nominated. Seymour also says only one out of the 18 members of the executive team has committed to supporting Hunt should she get the official green light.

Wells served as MP first in 2012 under the Christie administration, crossed the floor to join the FNM, and was re-elected in 2017 under the Minnis administration. He was a visible supporter of Dr. Minnis during both his bids for party leader.

Seymour says they sent formal emails of approval to party Chairman Dr. Duane Sands and others but got no response.

This latest spat adds to ongoing tension between the party and multiple constituency branches. The Killarney, South Beach, and Abaco constituencies have all raised concern over candidate options.

Party leader Michael Pintard declined to comment today. Chairman Dr. Duane Sands denied claims of political targeting in The Tribune newspaper, saying the candidate selection process has been objective and thorough. He insisted no one is being punished for past affiliations.

The group has been canvassing the area and says the support is there for Wells. At a meeting this past Friday with the party, Seymour says Pintard informed them that he previously said he would not nominate Renward Wells.

She’s accusing him of making a fool of the association, which has already been working the area for Wells.

Monique Seymour – Chairman, FNM Bamboo Town Association
“I spoke to him at the church service, and he said Mr. Wells would get the nomination, and you come and say that you didn’t say it? You’re trying to make a fool out of me? One like me, when you try to make a fool out of me, I will surely bring you down to your knees and make a fool out of you. That’s just me.”