Even after having publicly expressed the desire to run on the Free National Movement's (FNM) ticket in the upcoming election, Eight Mile Rock Member of Parliament (MP) Verna Grant and Senator Frederick McAlpine yesterday said they have no hard feelings about being denied nominations.
"I'm campaigning [with the FNM] until the government is successful at the polls," Grant told The Nassau Guardian.
However, Grant, whose constituency was axed during the recent boundary cuts, previously expressed disappointment that she was not consulted about the changes.
"It would be a disservice to God and my constituency if I stood here and said all is well at Eight Mile Rock at the decision to eliminate this constituency," Grant said during the debate on the Boundaries Commission Report last year.
"We are hurt, we are confused and in most cases we are angry because a formal explanation had not been made earlier and the burden of identifying the truth was unavailable during the process."
At the time, Grant agreed with the Boundaries Commission's reasoning behind axing her seat and said she hoped to run in the new West Grand Bahama and Bimini constituency.
"That didn't happen, but I am quite happy," Grant said.
"The prime minister is our leader and he and I have spoken. I am satisfied that he and I have come to an agreement and I am working with the government to ensure our success at the polls. I am happy whatever our party is en route to."
At the launch of the FNM's slate of candidates for Grand Bahama on Sunday, Ingraham thanked Grant for her "dedicated service" and said he looks forward to her further service in other areas.
"I thank Verna also for the graciousness displayed in the selection of her successor," he said.
Pakesia Parker Edgecombe is the candidate in West Grand Bahama and Bimini.
Grant said her former constituents are receiving Edgecombe well and that she (Grant) will be supporting her in the weeks to come. "Nothing happens unless it's the will of the Lord," Grant said.
McAlpine said he also remains a faithful party supporter.
McAlpine told The Guardian that he was "fine" with the party's decision. "[Ingraham's] the leader and I submit myself to the leadership at this time," he said.
On Sunday, Ingraham also explained why McAlpine was not nominated.
"I want to inform all of you that once the Executive Committee had made its determination to recommend Peter Turnquest for the nomination I wrote to Senator McAlpine and explained that the decision had been influenced by the fact of Peter, a former president of the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce enjoys an especially close relationship with the business community in Grand Bahama," Ingraham said.
"Hence, he is very well placed to advance our aggressive economic and business agenda for Grand Bahama. I also conveyed my personal thanks and appreciation, and that of our party for Mc's energetic support over the years. And I recorded our expectation of his active participation in this campaign."

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