One-On-One with Michael Pintard

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Four days before the Free National Movement elects a new leader, Marco City MP Michael Pintard says his goal is to unite the party to emerge stronger than ever.

He sat down with Kyle Walkine for his series “Taking up the Torch”.

Heading into the General Election, Michael Pintard says he never imagined he’d be running for leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) months later.

But it’s a challenge he says he has taken head-on.

While his party suffered a crushing defeat at the polls on September 16th, Pintard managed to hold on to more than half of the votes cast in Marco City, becoming the first MP for that area to be re-elected in 20 years.

A husband, father, and community activist, Pintard says he’s always been one to call for positive change- from his earlier calls for his peers to not drink and drive to stiffer penalties for sexual offenders.

During the passage of hurricane Dorian in 2019, as his home flooded with water and his family rushed to the top floor, Pintard said fellow residents were on his mind.

He recalls joining countless others considered heroes on Grand Bahama going out to help whomever they could.

Two years later, Pintard is facing off in a race against two of his fellow Grand Bahama MPs.

While it’s no secret there has been some division within the FNM over the past few years, Pintard says his run is about uniting the party for the betterment of the country.

Over 400 delegates will head to Stapleton Gardens on Saturday for the FNM’s one-day convention with the sole purpose of electing a new leader. Pintard hopes that once the dust settles, he will emerge victorious.