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For the Free National Movement, James Leo Ferguson’s victory in MICAL was the continuation of a political legacy interrupted more than two decades ago by only four votes.

James Leo Ferguson was unofficially declared the winner of the MICAL constituency—Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins and Long Cay—defeating Ronnell Armbrister of the Progressive Liberal Party.

But behind the result lies a deeper political and emotional story.

In 2002, Ferguson’s late father, former FNM Senator and Chairman Johnlee Ferguson, contested the very same seat for the FNM. He lost to PLP veteran Alfred Gray by just four votes—609 to 613—in one of the narrowest defeats in modern Bahamian politics.

Twenty-four years later, the Ferguson name finally crossed the line in the House of Assembly.

The victory could represent the completion of unfinished family political business and the continuation of a legacy rooted deeply in MICAL.

James Ferguson was also one of the last candidates ratified by the FNM before the election. At the time, he explained he needed to officially retire from the Royal Bahamas Police Force before stepping fully into public political life.

A former assistant superintendent responsible for Inagua, Ferguson entered politics already carrying name recognition because of his father and longstanding Family Island ties.

During the campaign, he repeatedly spoke about reversing MICAL’s decline, particularly population loss among young people.

“MICAL used to be the leader in this country,” Ferguson said during the campaign. “Let’s go back to our roots.” He pointed to airlift, water supply and communication challenges as critical issues affecting the constituency.

Born in Betsy Bay, Mayaguana, with family roots in Acklins through his father, Ferguson’s message centered on identity, restoration and representation.

In many ways, James Ferguson’s win felt like the continuation and completion of a political legacy his father nearly secured a generation earlier.

After promising to appoint a minister to the post of finance minister since the resignation of Peter Turnquest, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said he will continue to serve in the position for the remainder of the term.

Minnis was sworn in as interim minister of finance last week, saying he will make a substantive appointment. However, Sunday during the national address, Minnis says he will remain in the post for longer than expected but will be surrounded by a team of experts.

Minnis’ new post met with opposition by Philip Davis

Opposition Leader Philip Davis issued a statement following Minnis’ announcement on Sunday. Davis doubts that Minnis is suited for the post as minister of finance.

Davis said, “No one in the Bahamas believes that Hubert Minnis is qualified to act as Minister of Finance.

“He has admitted in private that he is no good at figures. The fact that he is choosing to remain as Minister of Finance is an admission that no FNM MP is qualified to occupy that vital position even as the nation faces an extremely serious economic and fiscal crisis,” Davis said.

Minnis to be assisted by a junior finance minister

PM Minnis will be assisted by a team including Senator Kwasi Thompson, who will be the Minister of State for Finance.

Over the past nearly four years Thompson has been Minister of State for Grand Bahama,  promoting digital technology and training.

Minnis said Thompson will now focus on the economic needs and recovery of Grand Bahama, Family Island development, and the ongoing digital transformation of the Bahamas and the government.

Thompson, in a statement, said his areas of focus are the Government’s Digital Transformation, Cashless Initiatives, Ease of Doing Business, Digitizing the Investment process, promoting the Digital Economy, and E-Commerce Development.

He said, “As the new Minister of State, we will continue to consult broadly with business stakeholders, civil society, consumer groups and the general public to ensure the policy positions of the Government reflect the realities on the ground and are responsive to the needs of our citizenry. The public can feel free to write the Ministry and to provide the policy feedback that will be vital as we move towards recovery.”

Featured Image: Bahamas Information Services

Tributes pour in for Former Senator Johnley Ferguson, who passed away today.

Ferguson, described as a “steadfast Bahamian,” having served in many capacities, being appointed as a Senator on May 7, 2007 following the 2007 General Election,  was elected vice-president of the Senate.

He was a former Director of the Bahamas Cooperative League and has served on the Board of the Teachers and Salaried Workers Co-operative Credit Union.

Ferguson has taught at numerous public schools in New Providence and the Family Islands, and has served as school principal, education superintendent, and as a Family Island Administrator.

His son-in-law and Pastor of Life Changers Ministries Valentino Williams acknowledged his death this morning after previous reports indicated that Ferguson died on Friday. In a Facebook post Williams says:

“Johnley Walter Ferguson, 69, transitioned peacefully contrary to preempted media announcements last evening. On behalf of the Ferguson family, we are overwhelmed by the calls, prayers, condolences and expressions of love; we are eternally grateful to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for these expressions. Continue to pray for us as we mourn the loss of this husband, father, grandfather, brother, nation builder, and giant of a man.”

Ferguson was born in Snug Corner, Acklins, on November 12, 1950 to Earnest and Ellamae Ferguson.

He received his early education at Snug Corner All-Age School, and continued his education at San Salvador Teachers College. He also received an MBA degree from Nova University, Florida.

Ferguson is married to Carnetta Ferguson and they have four children.