Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Chairman Dr. Duane Sands announced yesterday he will run for deputy leader at the party's one-day convention next month.
Sands said he hopes to make a difference in the party and in the country.
"I hope that, on November 21, that the delegates of the FNM, after careful deliberation, find that my offer to serve as their deputy leader is consistent with their choice for their party and country," he said at a press conference at his medical office on Hawkins Hill.
"I am prepared to serve."
Sands previously considered running for leader.
So far, FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis and Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner have put their names forward for the leadership race.
When asked why he chose to run for deputy, Sands said, "As you know, I do not currently enjoy a seat in the House of Assembly.
"Historically, the FNM has had a period where the leader of the FNM performed admirably from the Senate, but I think that a better model will be to not try to reinvent that wheel.
"I don't think that there will be any great problem from making a contribution, riding shotgun as opposed to being in the driver's seat."
Tommy Turnquest served as a senator and was the party's leader prior to the return of Hubert Ingraham as leader in 2005.
FNM Chairman Darron Cash has said that he, too, will vie for the deputy leader post.
Sands said it is no secret the party is challenged with internal conflicts.
"I think that Dr. Minnis has strengths, and Dr. Minnis has demonstrated that there is always room for improvement," he said.
"As the leader of the Free National Movement, it's an unbelievably challenging task. So I think what we need to do is build on those strengths and augment them.
"I am not a perfect person. I am not a perfect politician. I have my strengths and I have my weaknesses."
But Sands said the FNM must ask if it can "put together an effective team and a team that resonates in the hearts and minds of the public".
Sands sought the Elizabeth seat in the 2010 by-election .
He lost against the Progressive Liberal Party's Ryan Pinder.
Pinder also defeated Sands in the 2012 general election.
Sands said he expects those two defeats to be used against him, but said he knows what he has to offer to the party.
He has also launched a website, duanesands.com.

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