Remarks National Introduction of Free National Movement Candidates Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham Party Leader 29 January 2012

Fellow Bahamians;

F-N-Ms:

It’s nearly time! This voyage is nearly over. Soon we will bring the Bahamian Ship-of-State back to Port.

When we pull into Port here in Nassau some people will have difficulty recognizing the place as the same City from which we set sale on May 4th, 2007. When we disembark we will offer to provide a tour of New Providence for some of the returning crew who have been on this heavy tour-of-duty, working and producing and not necessarily counting many of the accomplishments along the way:

• The first thing they will see is the new Cargo Port at Arawak Cay – operational

• They will look for the old rusted Customs Warehouse – gone and the site landscaped – coconuts blowing in the breeze

• And the water storage operation closed as well? That’s right, now that the R/O plants are up and running no need to barge water from Andros anymore. That’s after doing so for almost 40 years!

• Then they’ll see the largest passenger cruise ships in the world – you know like the Oasis of the Seas – berthed right up at Prince George Dock – the harbour was dredged to permit that.

• They will look for the raggedy tent that housed the straw vendors – gone but in its place a beautiful, magnificent new Straw Market with a clock making the time of day – new time, new day.

• When they disembark and walk into town – new fresh Parliament Square – restored buildings, standing beautifully in the noon day sun.

• Looking westward on Bay Street they will see that the road is freshly paved and recall that under that pavement are new water and other utility pipes – all upgraded.

• And, they will see evidence that the work is continuing going eastward on Bay Street.

• When they get to Shirley St. they will be reminded that they will need to double back to see the rapid progress being made at constructing a new Critical Care Block at what is the first phase in the redevelopment of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

• Then, they’ll get into a vehicle and start driving westward – road works evident on the roads going south – what’s this they’ll think – installing improved water lines Over-the-Hill?! Market St? Baillou Hill Road? And sidewalks on both sides of the street! Over-the-Hill! For little Bahamian children and their parents and neighbours to walk on?

• They’ll continue along West Bay Street and run up on Saunders Beach. They’ll hardly believe it – a sea side park with swings and slides for children – reminding them of Goodman’s Bay and what a dramatic improvement that park made in the 1990s. And they’ll ask – Where is Fitzgerald, the alarmist!?

• What’s this, they’ll say - a four lane highway going southward? The New Providence Highway! They’ll follow it and come to a six legged roundabout. Unbelievable. Not sure they’re still on New Providence. Don’t know which way to go first. • Accept the recommendation to past by COB very quickly.

• Surprise, the new Thomas A. Robinson Stadium greets you and the redevelopment of the Queen Elizabeth Sport Centre is evident.

• New road construction and extension will improve access not just to the stadium but to GHS!

• What a beautiful Harry Moore Library! They’ll “stick a pin” to remind themselves that they must return to visit the inside.

• They return to the six-legged roundabout and discover that it links going south up to the Tonique Williams Darling Highway.

• They decide to check on the new US terminal at the LPIA – oh, yes, that’s new since 2007 as well.

• Another surprise – major road works creating a 4 lane highway from the airport into town.

• That new US Terminal looks better every time they look at it and the new International Terminal seems to be coming along at breakneck speed – on time and on budget, just like the US Terminal.

• Since they are that far west, they’ll decide to have a quick look at Albany. That development is impressive and then there is the new Frank Watson Boulevard. It is true that it’s difficult to keep up with the number of road projects completed over the past 4 and a half years

• From Albany, they’ll head back into town along the Western Road Bay Street forgetting that they had wanted to make a stop at Kelly’s in the Marathon Mall.

• Driving along West Bay they come bang up against the new diverted West Bay Street and the mega 6 resort construction project underway at Baha Mar in Cable Beach.

• What a road deviated West Bay Street is! It has opened up beautiful wetlands to the Bahamian public for the first time.

• Along that drive they’ll notice that work continues on the road extension southward that will link West Bay Street with JFK and Gladstone Road.

• As that road is not open yet, they’ll head back toward the Tonique Williams Highway via Prospect Ridge Road – on the way to Kelly’s again.

• Then they’ll recall that they were told that the new Customs Warehouse off Gladstone Road is almost completed so they’ll decide to divert to Gladstone before heading to Kelly’s.

• They’ll exclaim how they cannot believe the size of the warehouse – and how the facility was elevated to make certain it was above flood level

• Back on Tonique Williams Higway – again on the way to Kelly’s they come to the Blue Hills Roundabout – clear evidence that the roadwork evident at Government House up town comes all the way through what some of those like to call the Black Belt – four lanes going south. Very smart.

• East Street Roundabout looking just as fancy – sidewalks on all sides, four lanes reducing traffic congestion – this place really looking like a developed country now. And the reports about improved water quality and water pressure abounding.

• What is this – 10 lanes at the Marathon/Prince Charles Independence Highway intersection? All this in “Lil Ole Nassau”?

• And the roadwork came all the way along Robinson Road and its continuing up Marathon to Wulff Road – sidewalks everywhere – safety first

• What’s this, they’ll discover the road and utility improvement project continuing all the way up Prince Charles Drive to Fox Hill. Those people in the east going to finally get good water pressure and no more rusty water?

• And they’ll say - Let me make a dash by Montagu, see if there is any fresh fish. What is this? The beach came back to Montagu?

And this is just what happened here on New Providence. This doesn’t include the new Administration buildings in Abaco and Grand Bahama; the new A&E Department and new operating theatres at the Rand Hospital or the new Marsh Harbour Terminal building and the new Central Abaco power plant.

This doesn’t include the new power plants in Harbour Island and in North Eleuthera or the new road works on many other islands in our country. This doesn’t include the new R/O Plant in Tarpum Bay or the expanded plant in Deadman’s Cay and Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera. And it doesn’t include the new school in Freeport.

We don’t have enough time to talk about all we have done in the Family Islands. We’ll say more on the campaign trail.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It has been a busy and productive voyage.

FNMs:

Some of our critically important crew have decided that they will not sign up for full-time service on the next voyage. They have agreed however to remain a part of our land-based team to ensure that the next term is just as productive and just as successful as this last team has been.

As I have told you before my shipmate Brent Symonette will not be signing up for the next voyage. But Brent has agreed to take on the task of leading our preparation team. He will oversee the provisioning of the ship. Brent has been a dedicated and hard-working Deputy. I am grateful for all that he has done for our Party and for our Country – and grateful that he has agreed to continue to serve in other capacities in the years ahead. Thank you, Brent.

Officer Earl Deveaux has also decided that he will sit the next voyage out but Earl, a farmer at heart and committed to ensuring that we protect, respect and conserve our natural resources, has also agreed that he will remain in service to our Party and country in the coming years. The value of your service to our Party and country as a civil servant, as a member of parliament, and of Cabinet has been immeasurable. We look forward to your continuing contribution. Thank you, Earl.

Speaker of the House Alvin Smith, I want to thank you for the Order you have kept and the decorum you fought so valiantly insisted upon notwithstanding the determination of some to mar our parliamentary traditions. Like Earl, your contribution to our party and Nation have been important and stand us in good stead as we move forward to undertake the next voyage. We look forward to your continuing contribution. Thank you, Alvin.

Officer Larry Cartwright, who has masterfully steered our agricultural and marine resources portfolio, is also standing down. Larry is a nationalist, a teacher, farmer and an advocate of environmental sustainability. He is committed to continuing to contribute toward making our Bahamas strong in the years ahead. We look forward to continuing to hear and heed his voice and to continuing to benefit from his service on behalf of the Bahamian people. Thank you, Larry.

Ken Russell will not be offering for re-election this time. Ken has spent three terms in office as the dutiful representative of High Rock. He served his Constituency well. He made a difference, particularly in his last assignment - building and repairing homes, and helping additional numbers of Bahamians become home-owners for the first time. We look forward to Ken’s continued contribution to the life of our Party and our Country. Thank you, Ken.

Vernae Grant, another Grand Bahamian, has been a loyal and committed FNM. She has worked diligently to advance the interests of her constituents and of the wider Grand Bahamian population. Our party is grateful for her service and look forward to continuing to receive her views and to benefit from her participation in our future agenda. Thank you, Vernae.

Kendal Wright is a remarkable FNM; ready to serve when needed, committed to party and country. He became a candidate in the last election at very short notice. His party needed him and he reported to duty. His has been a strong voice for sports in The Bahamas. We look forward to Kendal’s continued active participation in the Party’s future. Thank you, Kendal.

FNMs:

Colour Red is coming; we’re making ready. Today we assemble to show-case our 2012 election team. We have an exciting team; a talented team; a team that is rich in experience, a team that is youthful; a team that is diverse; a team that is professional, energetic and practical; a team that understands one thing above all else: We have 17 brand new candidates and 9 women on our team! We are the FNM and we deliver.

We have an enviable record in Government. We are running on that record.

I am no Perry Christie. And I need not say as he told his Convention two years ago with great passion:

“Let me be the first to admit that in many instances you have every right to feel as you do. I’m sorry if I let you down. I pledge to make it up to you. Next time around, you will be at the head of the line. I have learned my lesson. I will not make the same mistakes again.”

If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you! Clearly, the Bahamas cannot entrust its future to such a man. Once bitten; twice shy.

There is no need to repeat 2002 again. Our children and our country deserve better.

That is why I am asking you to put The Bahamas back into these trusted, proven, loyal and hard-working hands!

F-N-Ms:

We are the party of accountability and transparency. We are the governing Party that the people can trust. We are dedicated to making life better for Bahamians of all walks of life. We are the FNM and we DELIVER.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am happy and proud to introduce to you the approved standard bearers of the Free National Movement for the 2012 General Election.

Each one of them is committed to the principles and philosophy of the Free National Movement; they all believe that the purpose of Government is to serve you, the Bahamian public and our nation; to make life better for everyone.

When we launched in Grand Bahama two weeks ago I thought it was Valentine’s Day. Grand Bahama was the prelude, this is the main event! Colour Red is on the move; Colour Red will sweep the country.

Red as you know is the colour of love and of matters of the heart. Red is the colour of our beloved FNM. This is no coincidence.

The FNM loves you; Papa loves you; and Papa has a Valentine for you too:

Roses are red, The PLP runnin’ scared; Our Bahamas on the right track; They busy lookin’ back.

It is still a matter of trust;

Their promises went bust;

They couldn’t handle the rush.

All they give you is scandal;

Leave the future in trusted hands

The future we can handle;

They greedy for the cookie-jar, Don’t let them get that far! Election Day is near, In 2012 the choice is crystal clear. F-N-M

There’s real love and then there’s pretend love. Real love is about action and delivering what you promise.

Everybody knows what pretend love feels and looks like. Those who oppose us are like a bad date who stands you up on Valentine’s Day. They are the kind of bad date who promises you two dozen red roses, a fancy dinner, and a box of chocolates, and never delivers on any of these promises.

Those who oppose us are counting on you having no memory. They are counting on you having forgotten the shame and scandal that rocked their cabinet – repeatedly. They are counting on your not remembering that they failed to build a single new school; failed to build a single new clinic or hospital; failed to introduce national health; failed to upgrade the infrastructure of our country. One of the closest things they got to do was to hold an elaborate ceremony to rename the broken down Nassau International Airport – they like ceremonies; they like to talk; they do not like to work.

But you are not forgetful.

Bahamians will not be distracted or fooled by ceremonies and flowery speeches, false charm and empty lines like, “Baby, you know I put you first.”

When they come back to you this time looking for love give them some Valentine’s poetry. Tell them: “Love begets love.” Tell them that the FNM and Papa didn’t just talk about love. Tell them that we showed you the love. Tell them that in good and bad times that the FNM is always on your side and forevermore.

Those others’ claims of “We love you” turned out to be a long list of empty I-O-Us. When those I-O-U’s came due-: Bush crack…. They are a very neglectful bunch.

When the FNM say trust us, we want better for you, you can count on it. We put our shoulders to the grind stone and we work to achieve better for you.

When we told our straw vendors we would make life better, those were not just words. It pained us to leave straw vendors in a tent in 2002. We were horrified to find them in that same tent in 2007 – by then a torn and patched and disgraceful tent. Look at where they are now! That’s love. That’s deliverance. FNMs: WE DELIVER.

We love you, they tell our young people. They put posters all over advertising how young people are our future and that we must invest in them. Come again. These are the same young people they failed to support with scholarships. These are the same young people they failed to invest in as young entrepreneurs. This ain’t love. That’s hypocrisy and neglect.

The same people who like to advertise how much they care about people let the infant mortality rate which we reduced to developed world standard between 1992 and 2002 race back up, way up. That’s not love, that’s desertion.

Those who oppose us talk much about love, but they didn’t love the Bahamian people enough to introduce a prescription drug benefit; they didn’t love the Bahamian people enough to secure unemployment benefits for our workforce; and they did love Bahamians enough to institute a national job-readiness and skills training programme.

They didn’t love Bahamians enough to institute a SelfStarter or Jump Start Programme – seems their love did not extend to trusting that young Bahamians could productively use seed money to become independent entrepreneurs.

They say they love you. They say they will put you first. They even say they believe in you. Judge them by their actions. They love only themselves.

Ring ting ting everybody here dis ting;

Perry and dem will promise you erryting.

Dey will promise to ease your pain;

But what you’ll get is shame, shame, shame.

They will promise you a brand new day;

But all you’ll get is late-again and delay.

The Leader of the Opposition has now fixed his mouth to talk about who needs to ask for forgiveness. The man has no shame. He is running on a record of having achieved very little. He is running on a record of bragging that he achieved nothing. He is running on a record which says, we’re thinking on it; we’re planning to address some things; we are engaging some experts – foreign ones like the university students he hired to plan the redevelopment of downtown Nassau and the other foreigner architect he hired to design an extension to the Marsh Harbour Airport terminal.

He should go before the Bahamian people and beg for forgiveness for abandoning them, for neglecting their health care needs, for abandoning their educational and training needs; for deserting their infrastructural needs; for permitting downtown Nassau to become dirty and run down - while he planned with foreigners, what they should be doing for Bahamians.

We don’t go like that.

Look at Bay Street now. Better and getting better every day.

Look at our roads – better and getting better every day.

Look at our water – better and getting better every day. We are banishing orange water. We are improving water pressure daily. We want safe, clean water in your water pipes.

Look at cargo shipping in The Bahamas – once a closely held profitable business for a few – becoming a profitable business for many, many more.

In the FNM, the poor are not a backdrop to political ambitions; they are a reminder of our sacred obligation to care for the most vulnerable among us.

In the FNM, businessmen are not a source of “10% for me baby”; they are respected citizens who are facilitated in their business endeavours through reduced official bureaucracy; business licence fee waivers for the small business, and business incentives – like those available under the City of Nassau Redevelopment Act and other incentives for others.

FNMs:

The election will be about our “Bahamian Story”. Ours is a story of ancestors who struggled to overcome slavery and minority rule to gain freedom and independence, so that we can go forward in this generation to sing redemption songs and chart our own national destiny.

We are all a part of this Bahamian Story. The Bahamian Dream belongs to us all regardless of colour or creed, economic or social status, gender or circumstance of birth.

The Bahamian Dream belongs to the student at R.M. Bailey or C. H. Reeves or any of our Government-operated schools or in our private or church-operated schools who is studying hard in order to qualify for a Government scholarship at the College of the Bahamas in teaching, nursing or the sciences. And that student knows that under the FNM if they have the grades they will get the scholarship. And, their Ma and Pa don’t have to ask or beg any politician for it. Grades equal scholarship at COB for all Bahamians. THE FNM do dat!

This Bahamian dream belongs to those entrepreneurs in SelfStarters and JumpStart who are using their talents to create new businesses for themselves and opportunities for other Bahamians.

I know about this dream. I have lived this Bahamian Story, as have so many of you. I learned to dream because my Mama had a dream of a better life for me.

This is the same dream and vision of a Better Bahamas for all Bahamians that has guided me every day of my life in public office. It is this dream that has pushed this party to make available to every Bahamian child decent schools, good health care, and every opportunity we can afford for them to realize the Bahamian Dream.

In my office at work, are photographs of my children and my grandchildren. But I have an admission to make. It is the pictures of my grands that I look at the most. Let me tell you why.

When you first become a parent, you start thinking in decades. But, when you become a Papa, you start thinking in generations.

The Leader of the Opposition, with his usual grandiose talk says that they have a 20 year plan for the country. He wants us to believe that the same incompetent bunch who accomplished next to nothing in their single term now has plans four times that amount. And, that those who bought our country shame and disgrace want us to believe that they should once again govern us. No, one thousand times, no.

You know the Christie administration has always been bad at math. When they fail at something, they simply repeat and multiply their promises. What they need to do is to do division instead of multiplication. They should divide their promises by zero. For example 20 promises made divided by zero promises kept. The answer of course is zero.

Our vision is: Building a 21st Century Bahamas. We started to implement this vision in 1992, and we have accelerated it over the past five years. During this election we will have much more to say about our vision.

Look at how we have transformed our country. We lost 5 years between 2002 and 2007 but notwithstanding that delay and notwithstanding the worst global economic recession since the Great Depression, we continue to elaborate our plan of making The Bahamas a modern, efficient and effective small country – the best in our region and the envy of the world.

We have a plan and we deliver on that plan. We are tried and tested. We say what we mean and we mean what we say. We want better for Bahamians and we act to ensure that Bahamians achieve better and live better.

Modernized laws and regulations

A 21st century Police Force – equipped and trained

A Defence Force with new sea and aircraft

More and improved schools

More scholarships - $8 nillion last year alone

Improved and upgraded health care

Advanced medical facilities

Broader and more encompassing social assistance programmes

New and improved infrastructure

Modern, state-of-the-art airports

Efficient ports

Increased business and investment opportunities

3,000 young persons participating in our National Jobs Readiness and Skills Training Programme.

You can see and touch our vision. It’s not a dream or a flight of someone’s imagination. We’re not talking about what might be in Mr. Christie’s mind – which may be the only place you’ll find it. I never tire of saying “Vision without action is hallucination”.

The Bahamas has achieved considerable success as a country. But we have even greater potential for national development.

Every successful nation has demonstrated that the path to accelerated success is the establishment of the necessary infrastructure for its future success. So to build on our success and achieve even more your FNM launched the most comprehensive and ambitious infrastructural campaign ever in our country.

In New Providence, we are now placing the final touches on the most modern capital in our region. From the water, electrical and telecommunications infrastructure beneath the new road network throughout New Providence, to the provision of cool, clean, clear running water to many parts of New Providence that never had it before, to the development of the region’s most modern airport at Lynden Pindling International, to accommodating the world largest cruise ships at Prince George Dock, to clearing the way for the redevelopment of Downtown Nassau with the move of the shipping port to Arawak Cay we have provided a shining example of what good governance should deliver in a recession.

In the “new” New Providence, we are creating a new modern capital island which will be the heart of the expansion of commerce throughout the islands of The Bahamas.

But in order to continue to implement our plan, we need the right team. So tonight, we are presenting the team that we believe is the Best for The Bahamas and better for Bahamians.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This is the team that will form the next Government.

This is the team that will continue the FNM’s record of change and renewal.

This is the team that will help to advance the FNM’s vision for a 21st century Bahamas.

And our vision is already advanced since, as you would expect, we are ready to begin implementing our vision for our next term in office on the day after we are re-elected the Government. Manifesto 2012 will encapsulate the blue print for 2012-2017. I can advise now that included in our Manifesto 2012 blueprint are the following:

• The construction of a new maternal and child health wing and a new Emergency Department at the Princess Margaret Hospital

• Doubling the period for NIB unemployment benefits from 13 to 26 weeks

• Expanding the Prescription Drug Plan to cover all workers and their families

• Establishing a catastrophic health insurance scheme

• Improving the relevance of social safety nets and public assistance programs by introducing a system of conditional cash transfers. This will expand coverage, improve targeting and enhance the delivery of transfers to the more vulnerable in our society.

• Implementing a Bahamas Youth Development Corp Programme that enables Bahamians between the ages of 18 to 25 to volunteer their time at home-work centres, after school programmes, assisting the elderly, the disabled and the disadvantaged and earn money towards higher education or entrepreneurship

• Relocating several Government Ministries/Departments to Grand Bahama, including Local Government and Maritime Affairs,

• Implementing additional policies in support of job creation in the private sector and ensuring that increased numbers of Bahamians are trained and prepared to assume those jobs as well as existing jobs now filled by international persons due to the scarcity of trained Bahamians in a particular field.

• Enhancing the focus on crime with programmes targeted to tackle the stubborn causes of crime and to promote additional crime-prevention initiatives.

• Continue and expand policies to increase the number and improve the quality of recreational spaces and sea-side parks available to Bahamians.

• Continuing the expansion of housing developments targeted for low and middle income families

• Continue to accelerate the grant of Crown Lands to Bahamians especially in the Family Islands for the construction of primary residences and for new business or expansion of existing businesses.

That is but a peek at what is to come. We have been busy delivering for you. We have also been busy preparing to continue to deliver for you and your children.

And you know, you can trust us for this is the team that will DELIVER.

FNMs,

The Party’s selection of Team 2012 was based on clear principles and values. We sought:

People of competence who are not afraid of hard work;

People of compassion who show it in their hearts, rather than wear it on their sleeves.

We sought:

Men and women motivated by public service not personal gain;

Men and women who put you first, rather than put their own self-interests front and centre;

Ours is a team of men and women bound by love of country and an unwavering commitment to protect the public purse, the good name of The Bahamas, and the land and other resources of our Bahamian Commonwealth.

Our team is one of an extraordinary diversity of talent and accomplishments, of seasoned and tested hands and youthful energy. This team represents some of the best of the Bahamian Imagination.

Our FNM team will outmatch, outperform and outwork the PLP any and every day when it comes to leadership. And, this is what this election is all about – leadership.

It is about strong leadership over weakness;

It is about competence and performance over massive incompetence and extremely poor performance;

It is about a record of success over a legacy of failure;

It is about accountability and transparency over shady and secret deals;

It is about decisiveness over waffling and wavering;

It is about delivering results, not just delivering speeches.

FNM’s:

Over the past five years we have delivered clean and scandal-free government. Perry Christie cannot match this claim. I again pledge to the Bahamian that if re-elected, we will again deliver honest government.

From some of the people that Perry is running again, we know that the scandals will start from day one, and that Christie will be too weak and to scared to stop the plundering and pillaging of the cookie jar just as he was last time around.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are a safe bet. With the PLP, you’ll be gambling with your future. With the PLP, very few people win. In fact, if they win – you lose.

Listen very carefully. I want to be very clear. The future of our Bahamas is at stake.

When the PLP says Bahamians First, they don’t mean you. What they mean is them and their people.

The PLP’s guiding principle isn’t, “All a we is one family. Their operating principle is, “All for me baby”.

The reason they keep cussing me and cussing the FNM is very simple. We are standing in the way of them raiding the cookie jar, selling-off Bahamian land, and wheeling and dealing.

With God and the Bahamian people as my witness, I promise you from the depths of my heart, that I will use every breath in my body to stand with you. What I need from you in the upcoming election is for you to stand with me.

Your FNM is offering you a record, not rhetoric. Nobody could ever out-talk or out-promise Perry; now when it comes to actually doing something, that’s a different story. Actually, I think the PLP just has some very bad allergy. They are allergic to hard work. They are allergic to honest and clean government. They are allergic to telling the truth.

FNMs:

Bahamians love to shop at Target when they go to the US. At the end of the Target commercials on TV there is that famous tagline: Expect More, Pay Less. The PLP should tweak that tagline.

Their tagline could rightly be: ‘Expect Less And Pay More.’

This is what five years of them would be like. Don’t expect much from them in terms of getting things done or being an efficient and honest government. The same people who brought us Bluewater can’t wait to get their hands on your money. From them you can ‘Expect Less. Pay More’.

As for the other one-man Party; it’s simple – You gat to be a Member of the House and your Party has to have the majority of the seats to achieve the honour of becoming Prime Minister.

Fellow Bahamians; FNM’s:

Our is what public service is all about. It is about delivering to the Bahamian people a better quality of life. Putting people first is a slogan for some people. For the FNM it is solemn commitment. And we have the record to prove it. Bahamians, the FNM that is Best for The Bahamas and Better for Bahamians!

FNMS, MAKE READY!

You have heard from a number of our candidate this afternoon. I will now formally present our full slate of candidates to you.

Our New Providence Candidates:

From the North:

John Bostwick Bain’s Town and Grant’s Town

John acquitted himself very well earlier this afternoon. This energetic son of Janet and Henry Bostwick is determined to continue making his mark in developing Over-the-Hill communities.

Caron Shepherd Englerston

Caron is the former President of the FNM Women’s Assocaition. She is the daughter of the late James ‘Jimmy’ Shepherd, founding Member of the FNM and pioneer in the labour movement. She is a tireless, dedicated FNM who has been a major force in ensuring that the interest of women and children remain in the forefront of the Party’s agenda.

Monique Gomez

Monique is a graduate of the University of London with a Bachelor’s Degree in law and a Masters Degree in law from University College, London. Monique is community minded individual who assists in the St, Agnes after-school programmes and the Legal Aid Clinic. A well-regarded barrister, she is Chairman of the Real Property Tax Appeal Tribunal, a 7 year Member of the Bahamas Bar Council and a member of the Vestry of St. Agnes Church on Baillou Hill Road”

Ella Lewis Centreville

Ella is a graduate of Bethune Cookman College. Ella was the FNM Standard Bearer in Farm Road & Centreville in 2007. She is a trained teacher, has worked In the Ministry of Education’s Department for Family Life. She has served as Coordinator of Urban Renewal Programmes in New Providence and has a long association with programmes concerned with the development of our youth and our elderly.

Zhivargo Laing Ft. Charlotte

Zhivargo, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance has agreed to leave Marco City and come to New Providence to retake the constituency which first sent him to parliament. Zhivargo has a special commitment to fostering business growth very particularly among Bahamians, and still more particularly among Bahamian youth. As such he has been a major force behind both the SelfStarter and Jump Start Programmes

Tommy Turnquest Mt. Moriah

You heard from Tommy, the Minister of National Security earlier this afternoon.

In the South

Cassius Stuart Bamboo Town

You heard for Cassius earlier today; a true force to be reckoned with; Cassius has much to contribute in the development of our people and our country.

Winsome Miller Golden Gates

You also heard from this afternoon. She has spent more than a decade in the political trenches and is an important voice for the interests and concerns of working parents in our country today

Heather Hunt Marathon

And you heard from this UWI graduate who has been busy making her mark in her community and professions as an attorney.

Basil (BJ) Moss Nassau Village

BJ grew up in the Free National Movement beginning as a Torchbearer. He is a consummate entrepreneur, an instructor at BTVI and served as programme manager for the Youth Enterprise Project between 1996 and 2000. BJ has a special commitment to training young Bahamians to successfully meet the unmet needs in our economy thereby providing them with legitimate means of earning a living and supporting their families.

Byran Woodside Pinewood

Byron is Minister of State for Local Government in the Office of the Prime Minister. In that role he overseas Local Government Authorities in the Family Islands and Grand Bahama and has been in the forefront of our Government’s efforts to reform and rectify the difficult land title issues that affect property in The Bahamas. A lawyer by training, he is also a successful businessman. He previously worked as Marketing and Sales manager at Texaco Bahamas Ltd. He has also had a long and active involvement with the Junior Achievement Movement serving as Executive Director of that programme for five years.

From the West

Darron Cash Carmichael

You heard from Darron earlier this afternoon. A successful businessman and Chartered public accountant, Darron has held a keen interest in public affairs since his years as a student at COB.

Brensil Rolle Garden Hills

Brensil is a 34 year resident of Garden Hills Constituency, he has spent more than 31 years in the Public Service of The Bahamas. A former teacher and Controller of Road Traffic, Brensil was born in Black Point, Exuma. First elected to the House of Assembly in 2007, Brensil has served as a Parliamentary Secretary for the past five years. Close to his community, Brensil is an effective advocate for the needs of his constituents.

Charles Maynard Golden Isles

You all heard from this enthusiastic candidate this afternoon. Charlie is Minister of Youth Sports and Culture.

Dr. Hubert Minnis Killarney

Hubert was one the country’s most successful medical doctors before he gave up his practice to enter front line politics. An immensely engaged and popular Member of Parliament, Hubert has a passion for the expansion of Bahamian ownership in the economy. He is a former Consultant at the Princess Margaret Hospital, served as Chairman of the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas, President of the Medical Association of The Bahamas and a member of the Bahamas Medical Council before his election to Parliament. He has served as my Minister of Health throughout this term in office.

Kenyatta Gibson Southern Shores

Kenyatta has been practicing law for more than 15 years. He is a former Chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and is presently the Chairman of the Gaming Board. Kenyatta was a columnist in one of the national newspapers where he regularly set out his views on matters of national importance. With his varied experiences and ‘can do attitude’. Kenyatta is the right man for Southern Shores.

Karen Butler Tall Pines

You heard from this energetic teacher and union activist earlier this afternoon. Karen is one of the 9 female candidates we are proud and priviledged to offer for election on the FNM Slate.

In the East

Duane Sands Elizabeth

You Heard from Dr. Sands earlier today. A renowned surgeon with practices at Doctors Hospital and the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Institute of the Bahamas Ltd Duane currently serves in the Upper Chamber as an FNM Senator.

Shonel Ferguson Fox Hill

You also heard from Shonel this afternoon. We are very pleased to have Shonel on our slate of Candidates, this star athlete and successful entrepreneur is a fitting role model for many young women and indeed, young men interested in pursuing their dreams.

Richard Lightbourne Montagu

Dick is the Senior Partner in the law firm McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes is a leading commercial lawyer in the private sector. A long time supporter of the Free National Movement, Dick brings to our team important perspectives on business.

Carl Bethel Sea Breeze

Our Chairman, Carl Bethel, spoke to you earlier this afternoon and needs no introduction to you.

Hubert Chipman St. Anne’s

And you also heard from Chippie earlier today. Chippie is a successful accountant and Bahamas Country Managing Partner of Ernst & Young.

Mr. Dion Foulkes Yamacraw

Dion, Minister of Labour and Social Development is a lawyer, has been involved in national politics from childhood. He has been a Member of Parliament, a Member of the Senate and a Cabinet Minister. The son of Sir Arthur and Mrs. Naomi Foulkes he brings to the FNM team and the Yamacraw Constituency maturity and insight achieved through years of experience. A former Secretary General and Chairman of the FNM, Dion needs no further introduction.

Our Grand Bahama Candidates were introduced to you two weeks ago but they are here with us today for the national launch. We are happy to have them join us on the platform:

Mr. Peter Turnquest East Grand Bahama

Mr. Neko Grant Central Grand Bahama

Mr. Norris Bain Marco City

Mr. Kwasi Thompson Pineridge

Mrs. Pakesia Edgecombe West Grand Bahama and Bimini,

Our Family Islands Candidates

Sidney Collie MICAL

Sidney is a former teacher in the public school system. He qualified as a lawyer in 1988. Although he has been a practicing lawyer for more than 20 years, Sidney still maintain his commitment to education by serving as a member and later Chairman of the Bahamas Baptist Board of Education. Sidney has served as Deputy Leader of the FNM and as a Cabinet Minister. He is presently the country’s non-resident High Commissioner to Caricom.

Loretta Butler-Turner Long Island

You heard from Loretta Turner, Minister of State for Social Development. The first female mortician in The Bahamas and the granddaughter of the first Bahamian Governor-General in an Independent Bahamas, Loretta needs no introduction to you.

Phenton Neymour Exuma & Ragged Island

Phenton, Minister of State in the Ministry for the Environment, is an engineer by profession and holds a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering. Phenton roots lie in Exuma, an island for which he holds special regard and affection. A former Assistant Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, Phenton’s expertise in environmental engineering makes him an important contributor to the Party’s efforts to raise environmental consciousness and to develop and promote conservation policies particularly in the area of energy.

Michael Pintard Cat Island, Rum Cay & San

Salvador

Michaels is a descendant of Cat Island and San Salvador who draws on the islands’ rich cultural heritage to feed his creativity. He has been especially active in the Cat island community assisting with hurricane reconstruction initiatives following the passage of Hurricane Irene last August. Michael is an accomplished playwright and humorist; a teacher, motivational speaker, writer and a human resource development consultant. As one of the principals in a company engaged in developing housing in urban centres, Michael is keenly in tune with the needs of the small business sector.

Howard Johnson Central & South Eleuthera

You heard from Howard earlier. He is presently completing doctoral studies in Florida, and brings valuable experience to our team in his work with at risk youth and teens, an area of special focus for the Free National Movement

Theo Neilly North Eleuthera

Theo has long been involved in the life of his community. Trained in civil aviation management, he has until recently served as manager for the North Eleuthera Airport. Theo has been an elected member of Local Government North Eleuthera District Council for 7 years. He served as Deputy Chief Councilor between 2008 and 2011 and was elected Chief Councilor in 2011. He is a member of the Bahamas National Trust and of the North Eleuthera Historical Society

Ronald Bosfield Mangrove Cay & South Andros

Ronald hails from Mangrove Cay, Andros. He was educated in Government operated schools in Mangrove Cay and New Providence. After completing studies leading to a teacher’s certificate from The Bahamas Teacher’s College in 1974 he worked in The Bahamas’ public school system until 1984. He then pursued further studies at Queen’s University in Canada leading to the award of a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1984 and subsequently earned a master in business administration degree from the University of Miami in 1987. Ron worked in the banking sector between 1987 and 1997. In that year he was elected to the House of Assembly as the FNM Member of Parliament for the South Andros Constituency. Since 1997 Ron has been self-employed in his company Synergy Investment Holdings Ltd.

Desmond Bannister North Andros & The Berry’s

Desmond, Minister of Education and previously Minister of State in the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, a former Senator and former Chairman of the FNM, Desmond needs no introduction to you.

Edison Key Central and South Abaco and

Edison, incumbent MP for South Abaco, is a successful businessman and one of the founders of Key and Sawyer Farms, the largest exporters of Bahamian produce. Edison has been involved in the political life of Abaco and The Bahamas since 1977. He has served as Chairman of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation and is presently the Chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC). Edison’s acumen as a successful entrepreneur gives him the ability to make a valuable contribution to the party as it develops strategies to expand the economic base of the country and open new opportunities to young Bahamians.

And, yours truly - North Abaco.