Several Free National Movement (FNM) candidates expressed excitement over their nominations after being ratified Thursday night, saying the party is fired up for another general election win.
The slate includes a group of newcomers, among them Howard Johnson, who is running in Central and South Eleuthera.
"As the prime minister indicated, the new generation of leaders are emerging," Johnson said.
"The old guard is stepping off the scene so to speak [and] it is time for us new leaders, us young vigorous, passionate and aggressive leaders, to rise up and lead our great party forward.
"I feel very excited and confident about being nominated to serve my party and country and I look forward to being here for many years to come."
Dr. Hubert Minnis, who was renominated in Killarney, said he was elated.
"I feel very good about being renominated.  It shows the party has some confidence in me," he said.
"I've started a lot of work in Killarney to show the Bahamian public we must have a complete system of accountability and as politicians we have a five-year contract with the constituents.
"We are the employees, they are the employers and therefore we must be evaluated, monitored, graded etc. and that's the only way the country can move forward. I'm all about that."
North Eleuthera candidate Theo Neilly, another new face to the party, also expressed excitement, noting it was great to be a part of the FNM team.
"As the prime minister said, it's a party of change [and] as he noted, 25 percent of the members of Parliament have decided not to seek relection and allow some new faces," Neilly said.
"The other key note is we have 25 percent that's female; it's exciting."
Brensil Rolle, the candidate for Garden Hills, indicated that he was grateful to have another opportunity to run in Garden Hills.
"I am humbled by the opportunity and the people of Gardens Hills -- they know of my record. I just got to go out there and win," he said.
Cassius Stuart, candidate for Bamboo Town, said the party is fired up and ready to win.
"I think the enthusiasm [and] the energy now [is] that FNMs all across the country are ready to go. The bell is about to be rung," said Stuart, former leader of the Bahamas Democratic Movement.
Phenton Neymour, who will run in the Exumas & Ragged Island, said he's happy he's going home.
Neymour is currently the MP for South Beach.
 

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