FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FREE NATIONAL MOVEMENT ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF RATIFIED CANDIDATES FOR UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION
The Free National Movement (FNM) today announced its second round of several ratified candidates, bringing the Party’s current slate to 24. This next wave of candidates underscores the FNM’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and bold new leadership for The Bahamas.
“The Bahamian people are tired of excuses and recycled promises. They deserve leaders who are honest, focused, and ready to act,” said FNM Leader Hon. Michael C. Pintard. “This team represents the future of The Bahamas. They are educators, entrepreneurs, lawyers, union leaders, and community champions. Each of them has already delivered in their professions and communities, and now they are ready to deliver for the nation.”
With an average age of 34, the candidates unveiled tonight reflect a new generation stepping forward to lead. Nine of the 24 candidates are women, and none have previously sat in the House of Assembly, underscoring the FNM’s commitment to broadening opportunity, elevating fresh voices, and building a team that truly reflects the people it serves.
“These candidates join a growing slate who reflect the spirit, strength, and determination of the Bahamian people. Together, they represent the next chapter of people-centered leadership, fresh ideas, new energy, and a united focus on lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, improving public safety, and restoring trust in government.”
The second round of ratified FNM Candidates include:
Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis, Killarney
Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis is a respected attorney and public servant with nearly two decades of legal and leadership experience. A Partner at GrahamThompson, she has served as Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee and former NIB Board Member. Recognized internationally on the Citywealth IFC Power Women Top 200 list, she is also deeply engaged in community service through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Bahamas AIDS Foundation, and literacy programs. Senator Barnett-Ellis brings integrity, legal expertise, and a strong commitment to human rights and opportunity for all Bahamians.
Trevania D. Clarke-Hall – Seabreeze
Trevania Clarke-Hall is a businesswoman and community advocate with more than 20 years of leadership experience in human resources, finance, and entrepreneurship. A Temple University graduate and owner of VanHall Property Management, she has also served in senior roles at AML Foods and Woodside Brokerage & Insurance. Raised in Englerston and a Seabreeze resident for over two decades, she has dedicated herself to service through the FNM Women’s Branch, the Red Cross, and youth programs. Active in her church and engaged globally in the UN Gender Equality Movement, Trevania is committed to advancing sustainable farming, creating opportunities in manufacturing, and strengthening communities.
Lincoln Deal II – Freetown
Lincoln Deal II is a national award-winning entrepreneur and community leader with more than 18 years of dedicated service to the Free National Movement, including three terms as National Vice Chairman. Deeply rooted in Killarney, he has led youth mentorship, clean-up campaigns, and community programs while building innovative businesses in tourism, agriculture, technology, and hospitality that have created jobs and attracted investment. Recognized for his leadership with awards such as the National Award for Entrepreneurship and Forbes Innovation in Business, Lincoln is committed to driving opportunity, innovation, and growth for Bahamians.
Heather McDonald – Englerston
Heather McDonald is an entrepreneur, educator, and community leader from Grand Bahama with more than 15 years of experience in business, law, and education. As Founder of HWM Corporate Services and Co-Founder of HD Media Bahamas, she has helped grow small businesses and led creative campaigns nationwide. She also serves as a Lecturer at Bahamas Baptist University College and is the founder of the Bold & Beautiful Foundation, mentoring young women. With her background in leadership, innovation, and youth empowerment, Heather brings a proven record of service and vision to represent her community.
Denalee Penn-Mackey – Southern Shores
Denalee Penn-Mackey is an entrepreneur and community advocate best known as the founder of Evergreen Mortuary and co-founder of the Abaco Will Rise initiative. For more than 20 years, she has served Bahamian families with dignity and compassion while leading disaster response efforts and championing transparency, women’s rights, and family empowerment. Her leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian elevated her as a national voice for justice and accountability, and she remains committed to advancing policies rooted in integrity, service, and people-first values.
Travis L. Robinson – Fort Charlotte
Travis L. Robinson is a tourism professional, entrepreneur, and commercial pilot who made history as the youngest elected Member of Parliament in The Bahamas and the Caribbean at age 22. A former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, he has championed youth empowerment through his Rising Star Organization and earned international recognition, including the One Young World Politician of the Year Award. Founder of Consult Tourism Bahamas Ltd. and currently pursuing a master’s degree in aviation management, Captain Robinson brings proven leadership, innovation, and a record of service to his candidacy.
Serfent Rolle – Tall Pines
Serfent Rolle is an attorney, community leader, and lifelong FNM supporter with a distinguished record of service in law, government, and the Party. A graduate of Queen’s College and the University of Sheffield, he was called to the Bar in 2009 and later founded his own law firm. He has served as Secretary General of the FNM, as well as Deputy Chairman of URCA and Chair of the NIB Appeals Tribunal, bringing both legal expertise and leadership experience. Deeply rooted in family and community values, Serfent is committed to public service and building a stronger Bahamas.
“This is not just a slate of candidates. This is a slate of visionaries. This is a slate that represents what the Bahamas must look like,” Pintard added. “We didn’t go looking for loyalists, we found people who have already earned the trust of their communities. People who don’t need instructions to care. They’re not waiting for an election to show up. They’ve been showing up. Every day. In classrooms, clinics, and boardrooms. That’s what leadership looks like.”