The Tribune

By SANCHESKA DORSETT

Tribune Staff Reporter

sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement will ratify “up to seven” more candidates for the 2017 general election tonight, according to FNM Chairman Sidney Collie.

However, Mr Collie remained tightlipped on who the candidates will be and what constituencies they will be running in.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Collie said the party’s Candidates Committee has been working around the clock to investigate and vet almost 140 potential candidates.

The Tribune understands that businessman Dionisio D’Aguilar has been eyed for the Montagu constituency, the seat currently held by Richard Lightbourn.

Mr Lightbourn’s political career took a catastrophic hit on the second night of the FNM’s July convention. While attempting to offer a solution for the country’s rising crime trends, he proposed state-sponsored sterilisation of unwed women with more than two children.

The FNM quickly distanced itself from the controversial comments and said it was not the party’s official position. Mr Lightbourn has apologised for his remarks.

Last week, Mr Lightbourn said he has no plans at this time to mount an independent run in the next election and is still a member of the FNM.

Well-placed FNM sources have also said that talk show host Jeffrey Lloyd will be ratified for the St Anne’s constituency.

Earlier this month, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman announced that he has withdrawn his name from consideration for renomination in his constituency, saying it is clear FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis no longer wants his contribution.

The Tribune understands that accountant Reece Chipman is being considered for Bain and Grants Town. Leonard Sands was previously announced as the candidate for the area, but withdrew citing “personal reasons”.

Last month, the FNM ratified Long Island MP Loretta Butler Turner, slamming the door on speculation that the party might look to replace her prior to the election.

In addition to Mrs Butler-Turner, the party ratified former Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames for the Mount Moriah constituency, former Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Chairman Mark Humes for the Fort Charlotte constituency and local entrepreneur Walt Saunders for the MICAL constituency.