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Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard has publicly declared his readiness to disclose the party’s campaign donors, which comes as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party.

Why it matters

The Bahamas has no campaign finance reform and political parties have never revealed the names and numbers of individuals making contributions to their party. By making public the sources of campaign funding, political leaders can alleviate concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the influence of money on policy decisions.

The big picture

As the government wrangles with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), Davis has accused Pintard of siding with the GBPA and receiving millions of dollars in campaign funds.

The issue of campaign finance is a longstanding one, with both major parties, the FNM and PLP, having benefited from donations by entities such as the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).

What Michael Pintard says

Pintard asked Davis, “Are you willing to lay your [donor] list on the table?” He questioned the current administration’s financial engagements, pushing for details on public-private partnerships and their implications for the Bahamian people.

Addressing claims of substantial donations made to the FNM, Pintard dismissed them as fabrications, stating, “It is an absolute lie — not five million, not four million, not three million.”

He attributes these allegations to a meme he believes was propagated by PLP operatives.

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.”

Marco City MP Michael Pintard won the leadership position of the Free National Movement following its one-day convention that saw three candidates go head-to-head to vie for the post.

In an exuberant gathering at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Saturday, hundreds of delegates convened to cast their vote.

At the end, Pintard was declared the winner. In his victory speech, he expressed gratitude to former prime ministers and his supporters.

“…By the will of God, we will be back on 2026.”

To former parliamentarians, he encouraged, “It’s about the journey, make connections and change the course of people’s lives.”

Pintard promised that as leader of the Opposition, he will be careful in his deliberation. “We will speak in a measured way to get the result we need.”

Pintard, the favourite to win the post, competed with Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson.

Pintard won with 297 of the votes. Thompson received 103 votes and Lewis got 44 votes.

The three Grand Bahama parliamentarians made up the seven parliamentarians who retained their seats in the early election in September.

Pintard garnered support from former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and former St Anne’s MP Brent Symonette, and some of his former parliamentarians and Cabinet members in the Hubert Minnis led administration.

Minnis did not reveal who he voted for but said he will support the winner, in hopes that the party regain its footing to win the next general election.