The Free National Movement
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Who we are

Who we are

The Free National Movement is a renewed political force with a detailed plan for delivering real solutions for the Bahamian people.

We believe in something better: a country where hard work is rewarded, public safety is a priority, and every community has the opportunity to thrive. Our plan lays out clear policies to address the challenges of rising costs, rampant crime, and a failing healthcare system; ensuring that every Bahamian feels protected and valued. We are here to deliver a clear, actionable plan that brings lasting change.

We are not career politicians. We are professionals; community leaders, educators, parents, and business owners who are ready to lead with purpose, not self-interest.

We are united by a simple truth: Bahamians deserve a government that works for the people.

We are a renewed movement with real solutions. We will tackle the cost-of-living crisis head-on, utilise preventative measures to address violent crime with urgency, deal with the state of our healthcare system, and restore honesty and accountability in government.

We will support Bahamian businesses, invest in our youth, and put community safety at the heart of our recovery. This is not about party lines. It’s about protecting your family, your future, and your freedom to live with dignity in your own country.
Together, we can build a safer, fairer, and more affordable Bahamas.

THE Work

CONTINUES

HISTORY OF THE FNM

1971 – Formation

In 1970, after a vote of no confidence in PLP Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling’s leadership, eight parliamentary members, the Dissident Eight, formed a new movement: the Free PLP. A year later, on 20th October 1971, that movement officially became the Free National Movement, led by Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield.

1971

1972-1979 – Growing Pains

After the 1972 general election loss, Sir Kendal G. L. Isaacs, became Leader of the FNM. There was a subsequent period of inter-party turmoil and struggle. Eventually, the FNM regrouped.  The party grew, attracting working-class, independent and middle-income Bahamians.

1972-1979

1980-1990 – Period of Re-Unification & Stability

In 1982, Sir Kendal led the FNM to win 11 seats in the House, its best performance to date. Sir Kendal also led the party in 1987, when the FNM won 16 seats.

1980-1990

1990-2002 – Period of Deliverance & Government in the Sunshine

Hubert A. Ingraham is elected as FNM Leader. He helped reinvigorate the party, growing its base and appeal. In 1992, the FNM won 32 of 49 seats, becoming the government for the first time. This decade was an era of major reform and modernization of The Bahamas, featuring the revitalization of tourism; extraordinary investments in social development and infrastructure; the freeing of the broadcast media; the reform of the public sector and greater equality for women.

In September of 2001, the FNM called a Special Convention to elect a Leader-Designate and Deputy Leader-Designate, following Mr. Ingraham’s pledge that following the 2002 general election he would no longer serve as Party Leader or Prime Minister.

1990-2002 

2002-2007 – Period of Transition & Rebuilding

Following the 2002 defeat, Orville ‘Tommy ‘Turnquest, who had lost his Mount Moriah seat, assumed his elected position as Leader of the FNM on 3 May 2002. He was appointed by the Governor-General as a Member of the Senate and led the Opposition’s business in that chamber. Alvin Smith, the Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, who previously served as Parliamentary Secretary in the FNM Government, was chosen as Leader of the Opposition.

2002-2007

2007-2012 – Ingraham Returns

Hubert Ingraham led the FNM to its third nonconsecutive term in office. Despite a global recession in 2008, the third Ingraham administration executed remarkable modern reforms, investing in critical infrastructure across the country, as well as driving to completion the new Nassau Straw Market, Lynden Pindling International Airport and National Stadium. Despite these feats, the party lost the 2012 election.

2007-2012

2012-2021 – The Minnis Years

On 9th May 2012, the FNM Central Council unanimously elected Dr. Hubert A. Minnis as Leader of the Free National Movement. Despite a rocky road in Opposition, he emerged as Prime Minister after the May 2017 General Elections, and the FNM secured a landslide 38-4 win. 

The Minnis administration made major investments in education, training and improved the ease of starting and doing business. He oversaw the country’s response to its two worst crises in a century: Hurricane Dorian (2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021).

2012-2021

2021-Present – A New Chapter with Pintard

at Following a defeat in the snap election of September 2021, the FNM was once again placed in a season of transition. Marco City MP, Michael C. Pintard, was elected as the party’s new leader in November 2021, and began the work of rebuilding the party with a new generation of leaders.

That work continues today…

2021-Present

HISTORY OF THE FNM

1971 – Formation

In 1970, after a vote of no confidence in PLP Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling’s leadership, eight parliamentary members, the Dissident Eight, formed a new movement: the Free PLP. A year later, on 20th October 1971, that movement officially became the Free National Movement, led by Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield.

1971

1972-1979 – Growing Pains

After the 1972 general election loss, Sir Kendal G. L. Isaacs, became Leader of the FNM. There was a subsequent period of interparty turmoil and struggle. Eventually, the FNM regrouped.  The party grew, attracting working-class, independent and middle-income.

1972-1979

1980-1990 – Period of Re-Unification & Stability

In 1982, Sir Kendal led the FNM to win 11 seats in the House, its best performance to date. Sir Kendal also led the party in 1987, when the FNM won 16 seats.

1980-1990

1990-2002 – Period of Deliverance & Governance

Hubert A. Ingraham is elected as FNM Leader. He helped reinvigorate the party, growing its base and appeal. In 1992, the FNM won 32 of 49 seats, becoming the government for the first time. This 10-period of governance was an era of major reform and modernization of The Bahamas. This included the revitalization of tourism; extraordinary investments in social development and infrastructure; the freeing of the broadcast media; the reform of the public sector and greater equality for women.

In September of 2001, the FNM called a Special Convention to elect a Leader-Designate and Deputy Leader-Designate, following Mr. Ingraham’s pledge that following the 2002 general election he would no longer serve as Party Leader or Prime Minister.

1990-2002 

2002-2007 – Period of Transition & Rebuilding

Tommy Turnquest, who had lost his Mount Moriah seat, assumed his elected position as Leader of the FNM on 3 May 2002. He was appointed by the Governor-General as a Member of the Senate and led the Opposition’s business in that chamber. Alvin Smith, the Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, who previously served as Parliamentary Secretary in the FNM Government, was chosen as Leader of the Opposition.

2002-2007

2007-2012 – Ingraham Returns

Hubert Ingraham led the FNM to its third nonconsecutive term in office. The five years was marked by another unprecedented period of modernization and reform.

2007-2012

2012-2021 – The Minnis Years

On 9th May 2012, the Central Council unanimously elected Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis, MP, as Leader of the Free National Movement. He was re-elected on 21st November 2014. His government made major investments in education, training and small business development. He oversaw the country’s response to Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.

2012-2021

2021-Present – A United Front Under Pintard

In November 2021, Marco City MP, Michael C. Pintard, was elected as the party’s new leader. Pintard set a new direction for the party, pledging to “commit to dedicate myself every day to work tirelessly on behalf of all of you and to listen to and collaborate with you.” Can we find a more compelling quote.

2021-Present

Accomplishments

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