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Marco City will be watched closely in the upcoming general election, and at the center of it is Michael Pintard.

The Free National Movement leader is seeking a third consecutive term as Member of Parliament for the Grand Bahama seat, a break from the constituency’s long-standing pattern of turnovers.

This time, the PLP has put forward Edward Whan, a businessman from Freeport, while the Coalition of Independents is represented by Jillian Bartlett. It raises familiar questions about vote splitting and whether third-party candidates can meaningfully disrupt the two-party race.

Historically, Marco City has switched between the FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party every election cycle, making sustained dominance rare.

The seat has moved from Pleasant Bridgewater (PLP) to Zhivargo Laing (FNM), then to Greg Moss (PLP), before Pintard’s back-to-back victories.

Pintard first won the seat in 2017 and held it again in 2021, where he secured 2,340 votes, comfortably ahead of PLP candidate Curt G. Hollingsworth, who received 1,359. Third-party and independent candidates, including those aligned with the Coalition of Independents, collectively drew a smaller but notable share of the vote.

Still, the focus remains on Pintard.

As both incumbent and party leader, his candidacy carries weight beyond the constituency. A third win would solidify his local political strength but also show momentum for the FNM nationally. A loss, however, would raise immediate questions about the party’s path to government.

The Free National Movement is set to officially launch its campaign this Saturday at Baha Mar, a moment that is expected to do more than energize supporters, but it must convince the wider audience that the party is ready to govern.

With a general election looming, which could be called at any time by Prime Minister Philip Davis, the timing raises the stakes. This can be viewed as a test of the party’s readiness to lead, message discipline and national appeal.

FNM Leader Michael Pintard has already signalled what is to come: A clearer picture of the party’s platform and a preview of what a Pintard administration would look like. “The question is what will be done under a Pintard administration?” he said. “We are going to answer that question to a large extent on Saturday and in the weeks that follow.”

That answer will be critical.

The FNM is expected to present its manifesto alongside its 41 ratified candidates, a full slate meant to show the party’s organization and preparedness. But beyond that, voters will be watching for substance.

Three key questions are likely to define the night: Does the FNM offer a clear, compelling plan on issues like cost of living, healthcare, crime and jobs? Do voters believe the party can deliver on its promises? Can its candidates resonate beyond party loyalists?

The challenge for the FNM is not just to excite the room, but to reach those outside, the undecided voters, sceptics, and those disillusioned with both major parties.

In that sense, the campaign launch is more about persuasion.

As Election 2026 approaches, a question is surfacing again: Are members of the Free National Movement judged more harshly in controversy than their Progressive Liberal Party counterparts?

Among some voters, the perception is clear. When allegations or associations emerge, FNM figures often face swift calls for resignation or withdrawal. PLP leaders, critics argue, are more likely to defend, dismiss or outlast controversy.

The difference lies not just in the issue but in the response.

In 2023, when Immigration Minister Keith Bell faced criticism over decisions that some said bypassed senior immigration officials, the FNM called for his resignation. At the time, PLP Chairman Fred Mitchell publicly said he advised Bell not to respond to the controversy, suggesting it would not be beneficial.

The incident showed the PLP’s instinct to contain and stand firm rather than concede ground.

The pattern is being debated again.

After the arrest of Malcolm Goodman in the United States on drug charges, some PLP voices called on the FNM to reconsider Marvin Dames’ nomination for Mt Moriah, despite Dames not being accused of wrongdoing.

Dames acknowledged a past business arrangement with Goodman but denied any knowledge of alleged criminal activity.

At the same time, Sebas Bastian’s name appeared in recently released Jeffrey Epstein-related documents referencing trafficking allegations — allegations he has denied.

There has been no internal campaign within PLP ranks demanding political distance.

Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly stood by Bastian, insisting the claims would not affect the party’s election campaign.

Davis has also publicly stood by businessman Adrian Fox, who previously faced U.S. legal trouble connected to human smuggling allegations before entering a plea to a lesser vessel-related charge.

Davis told reporters Fox was both a client and a friend. He wrote to a U.S. judge urging a lenient sentence and later said that if given the opportunity, he would do it again.

To critics, this posture signals boldness, even defiance, in the face of controversy. To supporters, it reflects loyalty and a belief in second chances.

The broader question remains: Is accountability applied consistently, or through partisan lenses?

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Golden Isles, Darron Pickstock, officially took his seat in the House of Assembly today following his by-election victory.

Sitting on the government’s backbench with members of his family in the gallery, Pickstock used his first address to express gratitude and to outline his commitment to the constituency.

“I will work hard for Golden Isles, harder than anyone has ever worked. I will be present. I will listen. And I will act,” he said.

Pickstock also pledged to support entrepreneurship in the community, promising to be “a partner, not a barrier,” and outlined his vision of “a golden future for Golden Isles” rooted in “inclusivity, equity and shared progress.”

Reflecting on his early years, Pickstock spoke about the lessons learned from hard work and perseverance.

“I packed bags, bussed tables and cleaned floors as a teen, working nights to pay for day classes. If you want a better life, you have to be prepared to put in the work,” he said. “I come from a working family, raised on modest means, but with high expectations.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis praised Pickstock’s journey, calling him a symbol of what ordinary Bahamians can achieve.

“You asked the people for a chance. Now prove them right and go beyond their expectations,” Davis said. He also hailed the by-election result as a major victory for the Progressive Liberal Party.

“PLP is an unbeatable machine, once we get rolling, we take up everything in its wake.”

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard formally congratulated Pickstock and expressed hope that Golden Isles would see meaningful transformation under his leadership.

The Free National Movement has clarified that comments made by its former chairman in the sentencing of notorious convicted felon and disgraced fashion mogul Peter Nygard do not reflect the views of their party.

Why it matters

The trial against Nygard, a permanent resident of the Bahamas, accused of 4 counts of sexual assault in a Canadian court, is wrapping up and the FNM’s former chairman Sidney Collie is one of twenty people who wrote character letters to the judge pleading for leniency.

Canadian prosecutors are seeking a 15-year sentence while Nygard’s defense attorneys are asking for two years and time served.

The big picture

Nygard, a Canadian citizen who once lived in the Bahamas and owned a multimillion-dollar clothing empire, had close ties to the Perry Christie Administration in 2012 and was a major donor to the Progressive Liberal Party.

Women in the Bahamas, Canada and the US, accused him of sexual assault. He was convicted of sexual assault against 4 women in Toronto who said he lured them to his headquarters and attacked them, dating from the 1980s until the mid-2000s. It involved three women who were in their 20s at the time and another who was 16 years old.

No charges have been filed in the Bahamas though allegations have been levied against him.

What the FNM said

Dr. Duane Sands, the National Chairman of the party emphasized the party’s dissociation from Nygard’s deeds, marking a firm stance against the actions of Nygard.

He emphasized that Collie acted in his capacity as a former attorney for Nygard, and Collie’s character reference was made in a professional context and should not be interpreted as reflecting the party’s stance.

State of Play

Nygard was charged with nine counts in New York, including sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and still faces sexual assault charges in Manitoba and Quebec, Canada.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis was seen dancing awkwardly after suffering a humiliating defeat in his party’s leadership race which saw the return of Michael Pintard as leader of the Free National Movement.

Minnis attended the West End Fish Fry at Montague with former Minister of Health Renward Wells and former Bahamas Information Services Director Kevin Harris, who supported his run to regain leadership of the FNM.

With a cup of drink in hand, Minnis dances back and forth as a band plays onstage, hopping on one leg at a time and running back and forth in an open space in front of the podium. And in another instance, he grabs the waist of a woman and enthusiastically gyrates.

“There’s nothing quite like the energy and joy shared with fellow Bahamians. Celebrating unity and connection through every step,” he said in a social media post.

Pintard dealt a heavy blow to Minnis on Saturday at the party’s one-day convention, which was foreseen—456-163. Heavy hitters in the party like Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, former Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette and the majority of Minnis’ former cabinet supported Pintard. In contrast, Wells, former Deputy leader Desmond Bannister and just a few others publicly threw their support behind Minnis.

Approximately 700 delegates voted.

Minnis and his supporters like Bannister caused ramblings in the party, calling for a party convention to replace Pintard, as Minnis underhandedly campaigned at association meetings. He then publicly announced his bid for leadership in May.

After claiming “unfair practices” and “skulduggery” at the convention earlier in the day, he voted but did not attend the convention’s closing ceremony later that evening. He pledged his commitment to the party and congratulated Pintard in a statement posted to social media.

Pintard, in his victory speech, acknowledged Minnis: “Let me say tonight to Dr. Hubert Minnis that this organization has benefited from your leadership when you sat in the Cabinet of Hubert Alexander Ingraham and you distinguished yourself by bringing technology to local constituency canvassing,” Pintard said.

“You played a pivotal role in introducing catastrophic health insurance. In opposition, and God knows that opposition hard, you weathered the storm and together … with no-name face-recognized FNMs we stood in solidarity and brought the system back on board, brought the establishment back on board to support Dr. Minnis.

“You made your contribution in opposition that propelled you to become prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. For the fourth time, the Free National Movement led this country.

“It’s clear to us that there were any number of accomplishments that you’ve achieved that are noteworthy. With your permission, in the fullness of time, this organization wishes to pay tribute to you for your contribution. Thank you, Dr. Minnis.”

By now it is apparent, former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis is not going away gracefully.

He is not a former prime minister and former party leader who would say, “I lost fair and square. I wish the new leader of the Free National Movement, all the best,” and then mean it.

Instead, he is steadfast in battling with his party’s leader, Michael Pintard, acting as the main speaker at the Garden Hills Constituency Association meeting, while Pintard was engaged as speaker in another constituency association meeting in Centerville, both going live on Facebook, simultaneously.

“Mr Pintard is the leader and I respect leadership,” he told reporters on the sidelines, an attempt to downplay his actions.

Well, he should prove it. Everything he has done is in direct contrast to that statement and it has long been speculated that he is attempting a comeback. He appears to be undermining Pintard, which is causing division and tension in the party, he once led.

Minnis lost the early election that he called in 2021. Perhaps, he wants to right his wrongs since major failings were at his feet while he governed, which shows a degree of not listening to his advisors when he was in office. He should be commended though, because he governed at a time when the Bahamas suffered two major crises, of which he had no control–Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 Pandemic. And, he made doing business in the Bahamas, easier.

Former prime ministers fade into statesman-like figures–they are gracious and indicative of the title they held. But Minnis’ style is different. He is rouge and deceptive, and the role of a statesman, he will never adopt.

He will never come to a realization that his tenure as leader is over. He is likely to continue to campaign within constituencies in preparation to run in the next general election. Or, he is satisfied in basking in the allegiance of his supporters.

“I didn’t expect to see so many people here tonight,” he said in the introduction at the Garden Hills event.

Who believes that?

He and his supporters called the meeting. He is in campaign mode. He rallied his supporters behind closed doors. His intent is to show the allegiance of his followers. He wants to continue dividing the party to show the current party leader as weak.

His supporter told the Tribune, “It will be war” if Minnis is not permitted to speak at meetings in what they believe is an attempt to silence him.

Another told the Nassau Guardian, “They (FNM leadership) hate to respect Dr Minnis and all of his accomplishments under the previous administrations.”

If Minnis wishes to align with party goals, he would correct ill behavior or speech, and call for unity from his followers.

Yes, he is a parliamentarian and he has a right to speak to the concerns of his constituents, and his position as former PM gave him insight on national issues. But when his actions are counteractive to the party or may not be in the best interest of the party, or it gives an appearance of conflict, then he should stand down. Demonstrate unity. Use wisdom.

The FNM leadership must now be prepared to manage him and figure out how to counter his strategies.

Photo credit: Nassau Guardian

The government’s attempt to yet again delay the Question period is an attempt to dodge questions.

Wednesday was set aside for the Opposition to ask the government pressing questions as designed for the 2^nd Wednesday of every month. But Leader of Government Business O.B Wilchcombe, decided to go through the motions of laying bills on the table instead, although he promised Opposition members on Tuesday that he would go forward with the session.

His attempt to defer questions to February 20 and Speaker Patricia Deveaux’s attempt to adjourn the House until then, is a brazen dodge to be held accountable.

“Let’s stay in the House and do the people’s work,” a fiery Pintard protested.

“Why waste time? Why are you not honoring your word?” he questioned from the other side of the House.

Opposition members have been seeking answers to questions for some time now, and were hoping to put forth questions on Wednesday during the Question period. Among the questions were:

1. Will the government provide all expenses, receipts, and donations toward the trip to Bermuda that was made by Prime Minister Davis and the delegation to attend the convention of the Progressive Labour Party?
2. Can the Minister with responsibility for Housing confirm the purpose why Bahamians were evicted from the domes in Abaco?
3. When will the government disclose the amounts paid out to the Financial Secretary and others to settle cases of matters related to administrative leave and redeployment?

The House of Assembly rang out with chants of “Answer the questions” as Pintard and opposition members banged on the desk and held up a folder containing eight pages of questions prepared for the session.

Deputy Leader Chester Cooper though, proceeded with tabling the government’s bills amidst the commotion and protest as Deveaux led the charge before the House was adjourned to Feb 20^th.

The ‘Question and Answer Period’ holds the government accountable and the government must commit to being answerable to the people.

The exercise is to glean information that the executive may not want to reveal to the public.

It should be a key part of our parliamentary democracy.

The government should be moving toward more transparency and accountability. We demand accountability from our elected officials. Knowing what our legislators are doing in our name is a cornerstone of our democracy.

The government needs to stop trying to skirt and hide its actions from the public.

Photo credit: The Tribune

Long Island MP Adrian Gibson was among six people charged in the Magistrates Court on Monday. He faced multiple charges of bribery, which come as no surprise following weeks of questioning by the Central Detective Unit.

The Free National Movement Member of Parliament was the former Chairman of the Water and Sewage Corporation under the Minnis-led administration. Gibson was a constant critic of Progressive Liberal Party Leader Philip Davis, who served as Minister of Works with responsibility for the water company under the Christie-led administration.

Though the FNM was ousted at the polls, Gibson managed to hold on to his seat in a constituency known for its support for the party. After the Progressive Liberal Party was elected, questions arose about Gibson’s conduct and affairs at the corporation.

An audit of the corporations revealed that questionable contracts were issued and Ministry of Works Minister Alfred Sears revealed that the matter was turned over to the police.

What are the charges against Gibson?

Adrian Gibson faces 56 charges. These include:

• One count of false declaration which allegedly occurred on August 23, 2021
• Conspiracy to commit bribery which allegedly occurred between June 23, 2020 and July 7, 2021
• Dishonestly receiving more than $1.2 million for a landscaping contract issued to Elite Maintenance
• Multiple counts of money laundering with a cousin and his campaign manager.
  • 5 counts of conspiracy to commit bribery
  • 6 counts of money laundering with cousin Rashae Gibson
  • 16 counts of money laundering with Campaign Manager Joan Knowles, among others.

Bail was granted at $150,000. He and the others will return to court on September 14 for the Service of a Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

What the FNM says after the charges

Leader of the Free National Movement Michael Pintard says his party stands with Gibson who remains in “good standing” with the party and is “an active and important member of our parliamentary caucus.”

Pintard says Gibson is innocent until he is proven guilty and the party will ensure his rights are not abused. “We remain resolute in our position that at the end of this process, justice and truth shall prevail.”