National

PLP Supporters Face Off Against FNM Protestors Calls for Halkitis to Resign

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Free National Movement staged a protest outside Parliament demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Michael Halkitis over his past affiliation with a company linked to convicted drug trafficker Jonathon Eric Gardiner, while PLP supporters defended the minister.

Published

1 month ago

June 8, 2026

Chinasa Outten

NASSAU , BAHAMAS –

Dr. Duane Sands – Chairman, Free National Movement

“He needs to resign and resign today.”

That was the message from Free National Movement Chairman Dr. Duane Sands as Free National Movement supporters protested outside Parliament, calling for the resignation of Finance Minister Michael Halkitis.

The protest came after it was revealed that Halkitis had been affiliated with a construction company linked to convicted drug trafficker Jonathon Eric “Playa” Gardiner.

FNM Leader Michael Pintard was among those leading the demonstration, accusing the minister of failing to be honest about the extent of his role with the company.

Michael Pintard – Leader of the Opposition

“And for those reasons, he ought to resign. Bad judgment in terms of who he associated himself with.”

But the FNM’s protest was met with a show of support from Progressive Liberal Party backers, who stood firmly behind the finance minister.

Prince Kinlock – Supporter, PLP

“I’m going to continue to support him, Michael, no matter what. He’s a great MP, he’s a great Cabinet minister, and we’ve been supporting him for the last four and a half years. We’re going to continue to support him for the next five years.”

Among Halkitis’ supporters was former PLP MP Leslie Miller, who also dismissed the opposition’s demands.

Leslie Miller – Former MP

“The minister hasn’t done anything. These guys don’t have anything else to do. Aye, this damn sun hot. They come out here talking foolishness.”