National

Long Journey To Ratification Worth The Wait

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – After weeks of delay, the Free National Movement has now officially ratified its candidate for MICAL, completing its full slate.

Published

2 months ago

March 19, 2026

Chinasa Outten

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – After weeks of delay, the Free National Movement has now officially ratified its candidate for MICAL, completing its full slate.

Back on February 18, party leader Michael Pintard said the holdup was intentional, meant to protect the pension benefits of government workers interested in running.

That candidate, James Leo Ferguson, now formally enters the race.

The issue sparked political back-and-forth, with party chairman Duane Sands calling it victimization. But Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle pushed back, saying those claims are unfounded.

We asked MICAL candidate James Leo Ferguson about the controversy. Here’s his response.

Now ratified, alongside leader Michael Pintard, Ferguson says the wait was worth it.

At last night’s press conference, his MICAL supporters showed up, rallying behind a man they say represents them—from Mayaguana to Inagua.