National

Nomination Showdown: Controversy to Confirmation in Garden Hills

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In Garden Hills, things turned tense very early at Nomination Day after a dispute over process nearly delayed one candidate from entering the race.

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2026

Chinasa Outten

NASSAU , BAHAMAS – In Garden Hills, things turned tense very early after a dispute over process nearly delayed one candidate from entering the race.

Despite the confusion, all nominations were eventually completed, including a high-profile entry into politics by former NBA star Rick Fox.

Coalition of Independents candidate S. Ayesha Cleare said that she was blocked from nominating despite arriving first.

S. Ayesha Cleare – COI Candidate, Garden Hills

“The time is not 10:15. The time is first come, first served. If everybody, if every party does not agree to a time, you cannot give a time and think that we are supposed to comply.”

Cleare said that she was never informed of a scheduled nomination time and claimed she was even threatened with arrest if she did not comply.

She was later allowed to complete her nomination.

Meanwhile, one of the day’s most watched moments at the S.C. McPherson Junior High School nomination site came as former NBA player and actor, Rick Fox, officially entered the political arena as the Free National Movement’s candidate, shifting from Hollywood and the hardwood into public service.

Rick Fox – FNM Candidate, Garden Hills

“Many people step forward to serve their country. Many people step forward to serve their community. I’m just one of them doing it at this time in my life for our country at a time when we need it most.”

Fox also took a swipe at incumbent Progressive Liberal Party Member of Parliament, Mario Bowleg, suggesting residents have not seen enough of their representative over the past five years.

Rick Fox – FNM Candidate, Garden Hills

“And for someone that grew up in Garden Hills and lives in Gardens, supposedly, the people are still looking for him after five years. We see the potcake around more than we see him.”

Bowleg remained unfazed, by saying he is confident and pointing to what he describes as four-and-a-half years of continuous work in the constituency.

Mario Bowleg – PLP Candidate, Garden Hills

“I’m not even concerned about who’s running against me from any of the other parties. Right now, my focus is on the work I’ve done over the last four and a half years. The people of Garden Hills are a very intelligent electorate. They’ve seen the work I’ve done. At the end of the day, when the count is made after May 12th, I will be victorious.”

As nominations are now set, the focus shifts from controversy to the campaign trail, with all eyes on May 12th.