FNM Leader Pushes Back as Former PM Hubert Ingraham Questions Party’s Path to Victory

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Hubert Ingraham – Former Prime Minister, Free National Movement

“Your job is to find someone who could win for you, whoever that is.”

Those words from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, delivered before a packed room of Free National Movement supporters recently.

The party gathered at Le Chateau on East Bay Street last week for a mix and mingle, part of its activities marking 34 years since its historic 1992 General Election victory under Ingraham’s leadership.

The night was largely about reflecting on that victory and paying homage to those who helped pave the way.

But Ingraham, a patron of the event, also used the occasion to deliver a message about the party’s future.

He urged the FNM to get back on the ground, reconnect with old supporters, and open the door to new people and fresh ideas.

And his message was clear: if the party wants to win again, it has to give the public something it is prepared to support.

Hubert Ingraham – Former Prime Minister, Free National Movement

“The public did not like what we offered. We may disagree with the public, but they are the ones who made the decision.”

But those remarks strike a very different tone from Ingraham’s message just four months ago, at the FNM’s final rally ahead of the May General Election.

Hubert Ingraham – Former Prime Minister, Free National Movement

“It is my privilege to endorse, to recommend, put forward to the people of The Bahamas, Michael Pintard at your next Prime Minister.”

So, what changed between then and now?

Since that endorsement, the FNM suffered defeat in the 2026 General Election.

And even before that, the party had lost two by-elections under Pintard’s leadership.

FNM candidate Ricardo Grant lost the West Grand Bahama and Bimini seat to the PLP’s Kingsley Smith.

Then, in Golden Isles, the FNM’s Brian Brown lost to the PLP’s Darron Pickstock.

Speaking on Guardian Radio with host Zhivargo Laing, the FNM leader called the former Prime Minister’s remarks inappropriate for the setting.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement

“Had I been a former leader who had won multiple times, who understands the dynamics of politics, and at a ceremony that celebrates me and celebrates the team as accomplished, I would know, and I would not make those comments in that setting, particularly since you had multiple opportunities to say that to an organization.”

Still, Pintard stopped short of dismissing Ingraham’s contribution to the party or the country, saying that whatever their political differences may be, he recognizes the former Prime Minister’s record.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement

“When people ask me about Mr. Ingraham, I say it bluntly. I know he wasn’t good for my political career, but I know he was good for the party.”

And on the central question of whether the FNM needs a leader who can win, Pintard says he doesn’t disagree.

He says that question will ultimately be settled within the party.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement

“The Free National Movement does need a leader that can win, and that’s why we go to convention to make the case on whether or not we are in a position to lead the team to victory. You lay out your case.”