Free National Movement Reacts To Iram Leaving FNM

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was clear from their shocked reactions, parliamentarians were surprised by the announcement.

Iram Lewis claimed he is concerned about the party’s direction.

FNM leader Michael Pintard, noticeably absent during Lewis’ resignation Wednesday morning, chose to wait until the afternoon session of the House to respond.

Michael Pintard – Leader, Free National Movement
“From this day forward, I will sit as the first Member of Parliament representing the Coalition of the Independent Party. What?”

Later, a statement from the party thanked Lewis for his service but noted that, on more than one occasion, his behavior was called into question, adding that the constituency association recently wrote to the party requesting that Lewis not be renominated.

As Lewis, COI leader Lincoln Bain, and other supporters celebrated outside of Parliament earlier, Deputy FNM Leader Shanendon Cartwright stood, saying there is no malice.

Shanendon Cartwright – Deputy Leader, Free National Movement
“Very sobering, Madam Speaker, because there will be plenty of days of the politics of this… uneven today. The politics of it. But the truth is, Madam Speaker, the member, who I know we all know very well, I have a personal relationship with him, just as I do with members on the opposite side. Meehla democratic decision, decision that he has the right to make.”

While Lewis describes the FNM as divided with internal strife, fellow Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson presented a different view.

Kwasi Thompson – MP, East Grand Bahama
“The Free National Movement that he described is not the Free National Movement that I have known or know today. And it is obvious I disagree, it is his opinion, but I disagree. I have a right to disagree, he has a right to his view, I have a right to my view. That’s all I’m saying.”