A second list naming potential candidates and the Grand Bahama constituencies they will contest in the next general election has been circulating on social media. The veracity of the lists have not been proven.
The National Chairmen of both major political parties commented on the lists and preparation for the elections. National Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the Hon. Fred Mitchell said, “the PLP has two seats in Grand Bahama and we’ve pledged to defend those seats. So there’s no candidates as such for those seats although we have an organization which allows people if they wish to challenge incumbents to do so once they follow particular processes. But we’ve pledged to defend the incumbents who are in those seats.”
The current PLP Members of Parliament in Grand Bahama are the Hon. Ginger Moxey in Pineridge and the Hon. Kingsley Smith in West Grand Bahama and Bimini. The PLP Chairman said the party is particularly interested in contesting the Marco City seat currently held by Free National Movement (FNM) Leader, the Hon. Michael Pintard. Mitchell said, “we want to have a targeted campaign against the Leader of the Opposition. We don’t believe that he’s fit to be re-elected in that seat and so we’re looking around for a good candidate for that. I’m advised that someone is very much interested.”
The unsubstantiated list of candidates for the PLP included Dr. Monique Pratt for Marco City, Ginger Moxey for Pineridge, Bryant Lowe for Central Grand Bahama, Kingsley Smith for West Grand Bahama and Bimini and James Turner for East Grand Bahama.
“List can circulate and people can say whatever they want to say,” Mitchell said.
The unsubstantiated list for the FNM included incumbents Michael Pintard for Marco City and Kwasi Thompson for East Grand Bahama. Also listed were Dr. Charlene Reid for Pineridge, Darrin Cooper for Central Grand Bahama and Daquan Swann for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.
FNM National Chairman, Dr. Duane Sands assured the public that his party has not yet ratified any candidates for the next general election. When asked about the announcement of candidates Sands said, “you know we gat a good Bahamian word say ta reckly…ta reckly.”
The next general election is expected to be held in 2026.
