Oct 31, 2024 | Press Release
October 28th, 2024
As someone who lived on Step Street for over 12 years, the news of a mass shooting
immediately filled me with worry for the people I know and love in that community. I
couldn’t help but wonder who might have been hurt or lost. I reached out to my niece and
other friends who still live there as I prepared to head to the scene.
My heart goes out to the families of the young men murdered in Fox Hill today. For
residents, it wasn’t just the fear they felt as they heard gunshots but the worry of retaliation
and the danger that innocent bystanders might get caught in the crossfire. These
senseless deaths open fresh and old wounds for so many Bahamians still mourning loved
ones lost to violence—many of whose killers have yet to be brought to justice.
The government appears lost, unable to act alone or work with community partners to
stop the violence that’s devastating our communities. Their lack of coordination or
urgency to address these tragedies is only fueling fear and anxiety about what may
happen tomorrow.
This is not the time for paralysis. Now is the time for action.
1. Take A Harder Look At Bail: The government must move with a sense of urgency to
pursue the revocation of bail in cases where the accused is a clear danger to others,
either based on their likely actions or the risk they pose as a serious target.
2. Speed Up Trials: It takes too long to go to trial in serious cases, especially for murder.
Extraordinary measures are needed to make sure justice is served quickly so Bahamians
can start to trust the system again. Nearly 200 accused murderers are out on bail—that’s
a sign of a broken system.
3. Disrupt Illegal Activities: Drug houses, gun hubs, and other illegal operations need to
be disrupted, monitored, and dismantled. These activities are poisoning the minds of
thousands of young, impressionable Bahamians.
4. Come Together Now: This crisis requires urgent collaboration. Churches, civic groups,
businesses, government officials, and private citizens all have a role to play. We must
treat this as the crisis it is.
5. Restore Public Trust: People must be able to trust politicians and law enforcement so
that genuine cooperation can be achieved – to put it bluntly, people don’t want to feel like
they’re wasting their time sharing critical information that can help authorities prevent
crime, or solve incidents after they occur.
Only action will reverse this worrying spiral of violent crime.
Hon Michael C. Pintard M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement
Oct 31, 2024 | Press Release
October 20, 2024
The New York Liberty and Bahamian superstar, Jonquel Jones, made history on Sunday night during game 5 of the WNBA finals.
It proved New York’s first championship in franchise history and Jones’ first title after four trips to the finals during her outstanding professional basketball career.
The championship marks the first for a Bahamian woman at that level and yet another glorious moment in our nation’s rich sports history.
We especially congratulate Jones on being named the championship series’ Most Valuable Player and her Liberty squad for a fantastic victory over the Minnesota Lynx. Bahamians everywhere and basketball fans globally watched our once little girl from Holmes Rock, Grand Bahama, dominate the best players during these championship games as she averaged 18 points and eight rebounds.
Jonquel Jones’ continued accomplishments represent what talented young Bahamians can achieve on the world stage once given the opportunity.
She continues to make us all proud.
END
Oct 31, 2024 | Press Release
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
The Opposition is deeply concerned by the findings in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in relation to its recent judgment in the civil matter involving China Construction America (CCA) and the Izmirlian family concerning the Baha Mar Resort.
In addition to the court ruling in favor of the Izmirlian family for the sum of $1.6 billion, the judgment referenced evidence of troubling allegations about the direct involvement and active support of officials in the then-PLP administration when Prime Minister Davis served as Deputy Leader.
Beginning at section 143, the court judgment reveals that CCA paid over $2 million for undefined purposes to a company owned by the son of a senior government official who was deeply involved in the government’s engagement on the Baha Mar project. According to the court, CCA leveraged this commercial relationship to further its efforts to oust the Izmirlian family from Baha Mar.
This court document presents a compelling case for an immediate investigation by the Bahamian government into potential illegal payments made by foreign actors to Bahamian officials to influence government policy and decisions. Such allegations tarnish the reputation of The Bahamas as a credible and legitimate place to conduct business.
Unfortunately, we have repeatedly witnessed from the Davis administration that its commitment to accountability and justice in public affairs stops short of examining themselves.
Nonetheless, the gravity of this situation demands that the Prime Minister act responsibly and ensure an immediate investigation by credible and independent parties into the claims that officials of the administration—where he served as Deputy Prime Minister— may have been illegally influenced in their decisions and recommendations regarding the Baha Mar matter.
The Prime Minister must rise above his instincts to protect members of the PLP and demonstrate that The Bahamas is a country of laws, where no one is above justice.
Hon Michael C. Pintard
Leader Free National Movement
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
The Free National Movement mourns the loss of a warrior, Pamela Francina Wallace-Miller, who passed away on the afternoon of Saturday, October 19th.
Pamela was a strong and vocal member of the FNM, making her presence felt as an advocate for the causes she held dear. She was a fixture at meetings and events that promoted the party’s philosophy and mission. Pamela sacrificed her time, resources, and physical effort to ensure that the FNM’s presence was felt wherever she went.
Many will recall Pamela’s determination as a member of the Bains and Grant’s Town FNM Association, where she supported the party’s efforts to transform the lives of those in her community. She vigorously fought for greater opportunities for talented Bahamians who just needed a chance. Later, Pamela became a leader in the Fort Charlotte FNM Association, where she held various executive roles and was a prominent figure on the campaign trail.
Pamela was an ardent supporter and member of the FNM Women’s Association, where she took on numerous roles and worked on various projects. The plight of women and the less fortunate was always at the forefront of her political consciousness.
Until recently, Pamela was a member of the Central Council of the Free National Movement. At Council meetings, she was a fearless and vocal participant in debate, offering her opinions with passion. She held strong views and was never afraid to go against the grain. Pamela could agree to disagree and remain an unwavering FNM, no matter the differences.
Pamela was an industrious woman who worked in various roles throughout her life. However, it is her work in our communities as part of the Urban Renewal initiative that many will forever remember. She was a dedicated supporter of those in need and a necessary critic of those who sought to ignore or mistreat the less fortunate.
Pamela was a wife, mother, and grandmother who constantly reminded us of the importance of family ties and relationships. She often pointed out how influential mothers were in the political process.
On behalf of my wife Berlice and the entire FNM family, I extend our sincere condolences to her husband, Glenn, their children Glennardo, Rico, Telcy, Latrice, and Montell, her grandchildren, siblings, and the many other family members and friends who are mourning this tremendous loss. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Hon. Michael C. Pintard, MP
Leader of the Free National Movement
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
The Southern Bahamas (Inagua, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, and Acklins) and the Turks & Caicos Islands are currently under a hurricane warning. The safety of Bahamians is paramount during hurricane season; however, there has been a lack of timely and transparent communication from the Disaster Risk Management Authority regarding Hurricane Oscar’s trajectory, potential impacts, and necessary safety precautions.
We urge the government to prioritize public safety by providing regular updates and clear guidance to all residents. As a community, it is crucial that we remain informed and prepared.
We recommend that all Bahamians take necessary precautions, including securing property, stocking essential supplies, and staying tuned to local news and weather reports. We call on government officials to address this communication gap immediately and ensure that accurate information is disseminated promptly.
Effective communication is essential for community resilience and safety in times of crisis. Our thoughts are with everyone who may be affected by Hurricane Oscar. It is our hope that local disaster committees have been sufficiently resourced
###
October 19,2024
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
Over and Over, Prime Minister Davis insists on breaking his word and on breaking the law.
Seemingly taking over from his Deputy Prime Minister who could not close the deal, the Prime Minister three weeks ago assured the Bahamian people that the Grand Lucayan Hotel would finally, this time for sure, be sold within two weeks. That pledge followed more than two years of similar idle promises from this rudderless PLP regime.
Yet to the surprise of no-one, his earnest deadline has come and gone and still the people of Grand Bahama are left disappointed once again. The Grand Lucayan remains unsold. We recall sadly that this is a hotel that DPM Chester Cooper proclaimed was sold all the way back in May 2022 for an eye popping $100M. More than two years later, the PLP flam continues.
The people of Grand Bahama – and indeed the entire Bahamas – also recall the many promises and pledges and commitments to begin work in earnest on the new Grand Bahama airport. Yet besides some demolition of the interior of the international terminal, nothing is happening. More PLP film and flam. As is standard for the PLP they talk a big game but cannot deliver.
Countless Grand Bahamians continue to be affected by the failed promises and untruths. There are those who aspire to be hired directly by the hotel, others like taxi drivers, musicians, straw vendors and other entrepreneurs who stand ready to give the best in services and products. However, the government continues to tell them one story or another
Worse, this Davis led PLP administration continues to violate the law. After again promising to constitute the Fiscal Responsibility Council, this administration remains in open breach of its own Public Finance Management Act. There remains no functioning Fiscal Responsibility Council. There are thus no legally mandated independent reports on the government’s financial and budgetary performance. By now, we can only conclude that this is deliberate. The PLP do not want the oversight any more than it wants the public to examine its decisions and acts in office under a functioning FOIA.
As Minister of Finance, Prime Minister Davis has not released any monthly budget reports for the current fiscal year beginning July 1st. He is now a full two months behind on these critical public reports. What are they hiding?
As has become practice, the current administration remains in full breech of the accountability and transparency provisions of its own Public Procurement Act. Sizeable contracts are being awarded without competitive bids contrary to the law.
The Government refuses to disclose the details of winning bids for central government and public corporation contracts. They have no excuse because they continue to break the law. The fact that the PLP government does not want its affairs to be subject to public scrutiny tells Bahamians that this administration must have something to hide.
When returned to office, an FNM administration under my leadership will immediately begin to enforce all existing laws related to accountability and transparency and enact new laws, with teeth to ensure that no future government will be able to follow the PLP’s current practice of squandering tax dollars under cover of darkness and silence of the public service.
Hon. Michael C. Pintard, M.P.
Leader
Free National Movement
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
The passing of Mr. Sidney Carroll Jr. has come as a shock to us all, and his absence is profoundly felt within our party and across the nation. Sidney was a nationalist who loved the Bahamas and our people.
He was passionate about nation-building and dedicated his life to sharing ideas and engaging in initiates that could make us better as a people. Mr. Carroll, a proud descendant of Long Island, carried a vision for a self-sustaining Bahamas with unmatched passion. We met as activists addressing a range of national issues sometimes on the same team, others times in separate organizations, but on the same side of the issue.
Our Executive Committee recently had the honour of reinstating Sidney into the FNM, and he was unanimously welcomed into the Candidates Training session in preparation for the upcoming election.
He had a special place in his heart for Long Island and was proud of how industrious his people were and the immense contributions they had made to the development of our country. His desire was to be counted on the list of nation builders who were born in or descended from Long Island.
His dedication to farming and agriculture was more than just a career—it was his life’s purpose. He dreamed of a Bahamas capable of feeding itself and worked tirelessly toward this goal, driven by an enduring commitment to see his nation thrive. He was candid in his advice me when I served as Minister of Agriculture. His interest in frontline politics was about having a chance to put in place legislation and policies that empower farmers, fishers, and entrepreneurs, especially in our family islands.
In the end, he passed away on the island he so dearly loved, surrounded by his beloved wife and church community.
Mr. Carroll’s strong faith in Jesus Christ gives us the assurance that he is now in a better place, resting in the eternal arms of the Almighty. His faith and devotion were sources of strength that he shared with all around him, and we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find solace in the cherished memories you shared together and in knowing the lasting impact of his life’s work and faith.
On behalf of my wife Berlice and the entire Free National Movement family, I extend condolences to his dear wife Valarie and their daughter and other members of his family. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Hon. Michael C. Pintard, MP
Leader of the Free National Movement
Oct 29, 2024 | Press Release
