FNM Celebrates 50 Years Amid Uncertainty

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Free National Movement is celebrating a major milestone today.  

Jillian Gray tells us more. 

The FNM celebrates its 50th anniversary as the party prepares to elect a new leader on the heels of a disappointing defeat at the polls.

Party Chairman Carl Culmer said members are looking for a leader who can unify the FNM.

Despite its defeat, Culmer said the party is proud of its accomplishments over the years.

He pointed to freedom of the airways and local government under the Ingraham administration as well as infrastructural upgrades and empowerment for business owners under the Minnis administration.

Moving forward, he said the FNM is rebuilding but it remains strong.

In 1971, the dissident eight, who were desperate for change, formed a new party.

With the late Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield at the helm, the FNM attempted to become the next government but that victory would come two decades and three-party leaders later.

In 2017 the FNM rode into office in a record landslide win but just four and half years later lost the election in a similar fashion.

Former Health Minister Dr. Duane Sands says the party needs to get back to its founding principles.

The party will hold a church service on Sunday to commemorate the milestone and a leadership convention next month to chart the way forward.