iramlewis

When Iram Lewis walked away from the Free National Movement, a major political party, and aligned himself with the Coalition of Independents, a third-party movement, it was a gamble.

Now, he faces his biggest political test.

Running in Central Grand Bahama, a constituency long considered an FNM stronghold, Lewis is asking voters to choose him without the FNM party label that helped carry him to victory in 2021. Standing against him are Frazette Gibson for the FNM and Parkco Deal for the PLP—both backed by the major parties and machineries.

For decades, Bahamian politics has been driven by the two party identities. In stronghold seats especially, voters often align with the party. Lewis is now testing whether voter loyalty can be broken.

As a sitting MP, his move gave the Coalition of Independents presence in Parliament and a degree of legitimacy. But it does not automatically translate to votes at the polls.

If Lewis keeps the seat, it would mean voters are willing to separate Lewis from the FNM, and that his popularity can compete with the FNM political structure.

But if he loses, it reinforces a Bahamian political reality that the party brand still outweighs personality, especially in traditional strongholds.

It would also raise other questions about whether the COI and third parties can really compete for power.

The Free National Movement has nominated Frazette Gibson as its candidate for Central Grand Bahama. This follows former FNM Member of Parliament Iram Lewis sudden exit from the party.

Central Grand Bahama has long been regarded as an FNM stronghold, but his move from the FNM to the COI can trigger new developments in the safe seat and test the party’s strength in the constituency.

Iram Lewis’ exit changed the party dynamic

Iram Lewis, who previously represented Central Grand Bahama under the FNM banner, has since left the party and aligned himself with the Coalition of Independents, a third-party movement positioning candidates for the 2026 General Election.

Lewis is expected to contest Central Grand Bahama under that banner, forming what would typically be a two-party race into a three-way race.

Lewis, as a sitting MP in a traditionally safe constituency, facing the risk of defections, can introduce uncertainty by dividing voters who previously aligned under the FNM banner.

Central Grand Bahama is an FNM stronghold

Although Central Grand Bahama has historically leaned FNM, the party can take no chances.

The introduction of a third-party candidate, can change the dynamics. A stronghold can be weakened by vote-splitting, low turnout, and voter dissatisfaction.

Who is Frazette Gibson?

Gibson is a strong contender in Grand Bahama and was elected twice to local government for Central Grand Bahama, boasting of spearheading major projects in the area.

By nominating Gibson, the FNM appears to be prioritizing continuity and stability to ensure she maintains the stronghold. Gibson can refocus the race on the FNM and constituency priorities.

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.

The nomination process for elections of the next leader of the Free National Movement closed on Thursday with three candidates vying for the top spot.

By Thursday morning, all of the candidates officially filed nomination papers to contest the leadership of the party–Michael Pintard (author of Still Standing which is a collection of poems that focuses on social inequality and injustice); Kwasi Thompson (serves as a head deacon at Calvary Temple Assemblies of God); and Iram Lewis ( a two-time Olympian 4×100 meter relay runner).

Former Cabinet Minister Pintard was the last candidate nominated for the position. He entered the party’s headquarters with scores of supporters which included Former Ambassador and House Speaker Alvin Smith and former members of parliament including Donald Saunders, Miriam Emmanuel and Travis Robinson.

“We are going into our election animated and spirited in competition and we will emerge united and resolve to function as a whole organization, committed to the development of the Bahamian people,” Pintard said.

If he is elected, Pintard said he will repair the dysfunctions in the party, unite supporters, reignite excitement within the party, collaborate with the government when it presents a “sensible” proposal that improves the lives of Bahamians and work with private and religious segments of society.

Pintard said if he is unsuccessful in his bid, he will support, “what’s best for the party.”

The big picture

The party holds a one-day convention on November 27, to fill the leadership post. Only the position of party leader will be contested. Elections for other positions will be in February.

The party was defeated at the polls on September 16 and is looking to replace former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis whom many feel was partly responsible for the party’s loss.

Thompson, the former Minister of State for Finance filed his nomination papers on Tuesday. He is believed to be backed by Minnis.  The party’s founding member Maurice Moore and the wife of FNM’s founding father Cecil Wallace-Whitfield threw their support behind Thompson.

Lewis, former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, filed his nomination papers on Wednesday saying he is in it for the long haul and promised to be a good listener.

Why it matters

The new leader of the party will lead the Opposition in the House and will be responsible for creating a strong team to hold the government accountable.

Unity of the factions within the party depends on who is the newly elected leader, whom supporters trust to lead the party into the next General election.

After the Free National Movement suffered a tumultuous defeat at the electoral poll, the party is seeking new leadership as it transitions into a new phase as the Official Opposition.

A few names have made the rounds including St Barnabas MP Shandendon Cartwright, Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis, Marco City MP Michael Pintard and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson. They are young to middle-aged politicians in their 40’s and 50’s which is quite unusual in Bahamian politics.

Only Lewis has officially announced his bid, stating on Wednesday, that the party’s defeat at the polls last month is a clear sign that “it is time for a change” as the party “needs to rebuild and reconnect to its base.” He is adamant that he is the right man for the job.”

Fifty-six-year-old Lewis is new politics and is currently serving his second term in the House of Assembly, serving as Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture for seven months after the resignation of former Seabreeze MP Laneisha Rolle.

Pintard, a 46-year-old former cabinet minister who has served in two ministries, has said nothing about his bid for the leadership post, but insiders said he is contending for the post as he works to gain support from the 500 delegates.

While on Beyond the Headlines two weeks ago though, Pintard did not deny that he is running but described himself as “collaborative and inclusive,” when asked what qualifies him for the leadership post.

The public awaits his official announcement on his wish to contend the position.

Forty-five-year-old Kwasi Thompson, the former minister of state for finance, is also a possible contender for the FNM leadership post. He is said to be backed by former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, who is seeking to pair him with Senator and former North Abaco MP Darren Henfield for the deputy post if Minnis does not get the support of delegates to run again.

Cartwright was asked by reporters if he will contest for leadership of the party, he told the Nassau Guardian that he was “seriously considering” the position.

“Anytime there is a loss for a political party, there are always conversations about renewal and transition.”

However, he told the Tribune, that the bid for leadership could include a run for other leadership posts.

“Remember, leadership is the leader, the deputy leader, the chairman of the party,” he said.

But reports suggest that Cartwright could be announced as deputy leader to Pintard.

When asked who he will support for party leader, Cartwright said he will make it known at the party convention on November 27.

Cartwright, Lewis, Pintard and Thompson are the four of seven who have won their seats in the snap election on September 16 and are considered as ‘new blood.’

Pintard seems to be the strongest contender in the race.

The Free National Movement will hold a one-day convention on November 27 to choose the party’s next leader. This comes after former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis refused to say whether or not he will accept a nomination for leader of the party at its next convention, if someone moves a motion on the floor.

Why it matters

Following the party’s loss at the polls on September 16, the FNM’s council members voted to keep Minnis as the Opposition Leader until November, when the party can choose a new leader. A date was not finalized until now.

However, in a recent interview with Eye Witness News, Minnis did not emphatically rule out a bid to contest the leadership position at the next convention.

The big picture

The FNM retained only 7 seats in the House of Assembly. The Westminister’s system of governance dictates that a prime minister should resign following his party’s defeat at the electoral polls.

State of play

No one has officially presented themselves for the leadership post, but insiders say Marco City MP Michael Pintard, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson and Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis have shown an interest in the position.

In his new appointment as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Iram Lewis said he commits to further develop sports and the country’s youth since the resignation of former minister Lanisha Rolle.

Why it matters

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis appointed Lewis, a former athlete, to the new ministerial post. Lewis is the former minister of state for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction.

The big picture

Former Sports Minister Rolle resigned yesterday, not giving any reasons for the resignation. But a statement later released by the Cabinet’s Office stated that “certain matters have been brought to the attention of the Prime Minister and are under investigation.”

What Lewis says

“As a former athlete, a constant supporter of our young people and their potential, and as someone committed to our creative cultural communities, I am excited to take on this responsibility.  I look forward to engaging with the cultural and creative arts community in the ongoing development and promotion of Bahamian arts, culture and heritage. Because the development of our young people is at the heart of national development, I will be a champion for Bahamian youth and young adults.

Lewis continued, “I also understand the vital role that sports play in the holistic development of young people and our communities. In keeping with the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, I look forward to the reintroduction of the Bahamas Games.

“I pledge to work in a spirit of respect and courtesy with those in my ministry and the various youth, sports and cultural groups with whom we engage. I will listen to advice. I will work to bring people together to advance causes that help our athletes, young people and cultural groups. The Bahamas is a great little country. Our people have so much talent.

“My focus will be on helping nurture that talent in a spirit of unity and togetherness,” Lewis said.