National

PLP Chairman: Wild Statements From Next Door, Are Untested

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The fallout over the release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein continues as the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) says a Free National Movement (FNM) candidate should step aside after being referenced in the controversial documents.

Published

2 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Delvardo Emmanuel

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – The fallout over the release of documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein continues.

The Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) says a Free National Movement (FNM) candidate should step aside urging the public to err on the side of caution, and not buy into what he describes as a false narrative taking shape.

Our Delvardo Emmanuel hears his side, but also reports on the opposition’s take.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ The saga of the Epstein files wants to reach into The Bahamas and The Tribune reports that an F and M candidate is responsible for what is surely a libelous attack on two Bahamian businessmen.The F and M in my view should withdraw that candidate forth as not fit and proper. “

That sharp criticism and call for the removal of a FNM candidate came from PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell Tuesday night in a three-and-a-half minute voice note.

On Wednesday, Mitchell wspoke with Our News by phone, doubles down on his call for the candidates’ withdrawal.

He even went a step further by making this damaging suggestion.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ Those of us who are putting ourselves in a public arena to be true and faithful, and not lend assistance to the cause of sabotaging The Bahamas. And it appears to me from what is in public domain that the F and M itself has to examine whether or not that marker has in fact been crossed of faithfulness and loyalty to The Bahamas.”

Mitchell’s political punch follows the release of controversial documents tied to late financier and child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein last week, which referenced several Bahamians including FNM candidate for Mt. Moriah Marvin Dames and Sebastian Bastian – the PLP’s candidate for Fort Charlotte.

The files also referenced Bahamian Ambassador Adrian Fox and businessman Craig Flowers.

According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report found in the files, Dames, who was referred to as “Marvin James” bought an informant to the United States Embassy in Nassau – where allegations against two web shop bosses were made and recorded.

Mitchell pushed back against what he describes as a pattern of untested claims emerging from the United States.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ Allegations, wild statements about hanging officials, none of which are supported by the facts. But it gives the impression that you have a country that is corrupt and is not operating within the rules. All of which, if you look at the facts, it’s simply not the case.”

When asked if his call for the FNM’s candidate to withdraw should also apply in the case of his party’s candidate, Mitchell replied with this response.

Fred Mitchell – Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party

“ I don’t want to get into names and all of that stuff. I just wanna stick by the principle. I say again, there is a propensity for wild untested statements to come out of that jurisdiction next door, which are untested and prove to be false in many respects, And I’m saying that is the pattern. That is something that we ought to listen to and accept judiciously and not grab onto everything.”

As for the FNM’s take, party chairman Dr. Duane Sands told Our News that Mitchell must not have read the documents.

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“ Or he simply doesn’t understand them, certainly there’s nothing that I have read that would suggest that there’s anything problematic, certainly for Mr. Marvin Dames, which is not the truth for other persons closely connected to the Progressive Liberal Party.
And perhaps he should talk that.”