Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama, the Hon. Iram Lewis announced his resignation from the Free National Movement (FNM) to join the Coalition of Independents (COI) in the House Of Assembly on Wednesday.
Lewis told Parliamentarians in a prepared statement that he had decided “painfully yet courageously” to withdraw from the FNM caucus. “From this day forward I will sit as the first Member of Parliament representing the Coalition of Independents party. I will dedicate myself to a bipartisan approach working with all members of this body. Yes, this takes courage. This takes commitment and I’m convinced that I am doing what I have to do,” he said.
The Central Grand Bahama MP lamented about the current state of the FNM, his treatment by members of the party and his lack of confidence in the leadership. Lewis said, “a decision I made in good conscience has seemingly led to situation where my dedication and my service are called into question. With elections looming the uncertainty surrounding my candidacy for Central Grand Bahama, a constituency that I have faithfully served, has become a matter of deep concern. Behind the scenes discussions, whispers and implications have eroded the trust that should exist between the party and its dedicated members.”
During his presentation Lewis also addressed why he decided not to cross the aisle to join the Progressive Liberal Party. “It would be very disingenuous of me having criticized the other side so openly and consistently, I have given credit where credit is due, but it’ll be very disingenuous and hypocritical of me to now join the very forces that I’ve been fighting against.”
In response to Lewis’ announcement Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip Davis said Lewis should be respected for his choice.
Member of Parliament for East Grand Bahama, the Hon. Kwasi Thompson said he celebrates Lewis’ right to make to make the decision.
Iram Lewis became a Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama in 2017. He served as Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture. He announced his bid to become leader of the Free National Movement in October 2021. He received 44 votes at the party’s one day convention held in November of that year.
