The Free National Movement (FNM) is firmly opposed to the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) blatant disregard for good governance and fairness in the public service. Nearly 500 retirees have been confirmed to have been rehired with full pay and pension, all while young, qualified Bahamians are left waiting for opportunities.
This reckless and self-serving practice is not new, but recent revelations have sparked national outrage, reinforcing the public’s growing concern that this government prioritizes political favoritism over fairness, accountability, and upward mobility.
Under a Pintard-led FNM government, the days of double standards and blocked opportunities will come to an end.
Today, we are announcing “Project Fair Play”—a bold reform initiative designed to ensure that merit, transparency, and opportunities for young Bahamians drive the future of the public service.
Project Fair Play: A Commitment to Public Service Reform
1. Reinstating the Young Professional Programme
The FNM will revive and adequately fund the Young Professional Programme under the Ministry of the Public Service, specifically targeting young professionals aged 30 and under for career opportunities in government.
2. Establishing a Succession Planning Strategy
The FNM will implement a structured and transparent succession planning protocol to establish clear career pathways, reinforce management trainee programs, and accelerate the promotion of competent, high-performing Bahamians in the public service. Talented Bahamians will not be locked out of leadership roles in favor of retirees with political connections.
3. Ensuring Transparency in Senior Management Appointments
The FNM will mandate a fair, open selection process for senior government positions, ensuring that every Bahamian with the right skills has a chance to compete.
4. Advancing Young Bahamian Professionals
The FNM will ensure that exceptional young professionals who have proven their capabilities are fast-tracked into leadership roles, injecting fresh ideas and energy into public service.
5. Limiting the Rehiring of Retirees
Only in cases where there are documented, critical skill shortages will retirees be rehired under the FNM, and even then, their roles will be strictly temporary, with a plan for training new talent.
6. Ensuring Public Disclosure of Retiree Hiring
Under a Pintard-led administration, every decision regarding retiree re-engagement will be made public, including the number of retirees hired, the positions they fill, and the duration of their contracts. This transparency measure will slam the door on backroom deals.
7. Ending Double-Dipping on Public Pensions
Any retiree who chooses to return to the public service will be required to forego their public pension for the duration of their re-engagement.
The future of our nation hinges on fairness and opportunity in the public service. The FNM has always believed that public service appointments must be based on merit and equal access.
The Bahamian people deserve a government that prioritizes the empowerment of young professionals and ensures that the most qualified individuals—not just the well-connected—are given the opportunity to lead.
We will fix a broken system.
Hon Michael C Pintard M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement