Iram Lewis Leaves FNM, Becomes First COI MP

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was an announcement that not even his parliamentary colleagues expected.

Parliamentary session took an unexpected turn, with Central Grand Bahama Member of Parliament Iram Lewis telling the House on April 2nd, 2025, that the FNM is not the party he’s loved, leaving him uneasy and concerned about the party’s direction.

Iram Lewis – MP, Central Grand Bahama
“This spirit of unity and shared purpose that once defined us seems to have been replaced by internal strife and division, which is very unfortunate. As a senior member of the party, I have observed these changes with growing concern.”

The FNM has trod a rocky road since its 2021 election defeat, with a leadership battle resulting in Michael Pintard’s rise to leader.

Lewis credits his decision to join the Coalition of Independents to a lack of party support and uncertainty about his upcoming candidate’s nomination.

His announcement was in front of a packed House gallery of COI supporters, who later joined a larger crowd outside, where party leader Lincoln Bain referred to it as a historic moment.

Lincoln Bain – Leader, Coalition of Independents
“This is history being made today. This is a member of Parliament starting the revolution that this country needs, and there is more to come. I think that more members of Parliament are going to be willing to step away from the old guard, and it’s time for us to move to the new Bahamas.”

Speaking alongside his new leader, Lewis admitted his constituents and his now-former party were blindsided.

Iram Lewis – MP, Central Grand Bahama
“There were some that I was able to confide in, but of course, having that word out there openly. God says sometimes you have to keep things to your chest. Sometimes you can’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing because persons may have had differing opinions.”

The support for Lewis was evident in the crowd reaction outside Parliament.