The FNM Sends Four Fresh Candidates To Face PLP Incumbents

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – 10 new faces are among the 12 candidates ratified for the Free National Movement (FNM) Tuesday night.

For some, they are facing strong incumbents in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP, in areas known for PLP support.

However as Jerome Sawyer reports, they seem pretty confident despite the odds as more new faces enter races that have shaped the local political landscape.

Dr. Charlene Reid could find herself in a four-way race as the FNM’s candidate for Pineridge, as former FNM Fredrick McAlpine indicates another run as an independent candidate.

Reid like her opponent, Minister for Grand Bahama –PLP incumbent Ginger Moxey, is depending on her connection to the community she resides in.

Charlene Reid – FNM Candidate, Pineridge

“I owe the people of Pineridge a great debt, I have my dental office there, Ive been out in the community, I see what’s happening, I’m on the ground and I know what they need – true leadership, and I want their support.”

For Mike Holmes the race is far more complicated and dare to say harder.

He’s going up against PLP incumbent Prime Minister Philip Davis, representing the FNM in the 3 – island constituency of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

He took a swipe at Davis’ track record as his possible “in.”

Mike Holmes – FNM Candidate, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador

“He was there for now 35 years, he’s still working on some issues. For instance, the clinic 17 years ago, it’s still not yet complete. He started some more work that still not yet completed.”

Back in New Providence, it’s a message of opportunity for party candidate Darvin Russell who has chosen another PLP stronghold – Centerville, as the place he wants to cement his plans.

It took 20 years of waiting, and two pervious runs at a nomination to bring him here.

Darvin Russell – FNM Candidate, Centerville

“One of the things I would like to do is some innovative entrepreneurship programs for free, especially for the young people. We’re moving to an age of AI, and I think we are uniquely positioned to be able to offer classes like that – to introduce young people alternate sources of income.”

Newly ratified Nassau Village candidate Gadville McDonald had a rough road to nomination after he was unsuccessful in a bid for Marathon.

Party insiders say a very narrow vote got him to the finish line, for this round.

Now, he’s focused on the national campaign, including economic opportunities.

Gadville McDonald – FNM Candidate, Nassau Village

“Economic opportunities. When you go in these communities you see that young people’s hopes are dashed, and so we want to restore their hopes in their community and in their country, so I’m offering a unique partnership where we can come together to drive meaningful results on behalf of communities.”

For these newly minted candidates, there is an uphill battle, each in a race with strong incumbents, and strong PLP support.