FNM Ratifies Two GB Candidates, Residents React

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The Free National Movement unveiled 17 candidates at its Mackey Street headquarters last night, with two of them representing Grand Bahama.

East Grand Bahama’s incumbent MP, Kwasi Thompson, is seeking re-election. But the FNM is also introducing a new face, Grand Bahama businessman Omar Isaacs.

We caught up with Isaacs this morning as he arrived back home in Grand Bahama, fresh from the candidates’ launch.

Omar Isaacs – FNM Candidate, West Grand Bahama & Bimini
“It’s been a dream come true, but we know that this part of the race is just ending, and the new part of the race is just beginning, so we’re looking forward to knocking on those doors, getting on the ground in a real way to bring forth the transformative and unstoppable change in West GB and Bimini.”

Isaacs’ entry into frontline politics is welcomed news for some…

Roberto Taylor says it’s good to have young people in the forefront like Isaacs, but for this upcoming election, he says action must follow words.

Roberto Taylor – Resident, Grand Bahama
“I think because there is such loyalty to party, there has to be a group of persons that really pay attention to what’s taking place and make decisions on what was done, not party colors, not ‘I favor this particular person.’ Swing voters win elections, because they pay attention and take account of what was done during this period of time, and that influences their vote.”

Grand Bahama has five parliamentary seats, but only two candidates have been named so far. Candidates for Marco City, Central Grand Bahama, and Pineridge are still left to be revealed. And some residents have strong views on what kind of leadership is needed.

Chad Dean – Resident, Grand Bahama
“Leaders should be able to see. Leaders need vision and have foresight.”

Roberto Taylor – Resident, Grand Bahama
“I don’t vote party, I vote for people, personally, for a candidate. If someone shows me their intergalactic (integrity), they have the people at heart, then that’s the person I vote for.”

No official timeline has been given for when the remaining three candidates will be revealed.

Chad Dean – Resident, Grand Bahama
“What I expect from any political party and their selection of candidates is simply that they do right by the people. I’m nonpartisan, so no political bias, and yeah, I believe that the people should consider that and look after the people rather than themselves.”