The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS 

Tribune Staff Reporter 

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FUNERAL director Denalee Penn Mackey, who sought the Progressive Liberal Party’s nomination in North Abaco in the last general election, is seeking the Free National Movement’s nomination in the Southern Shores constituency, citing proximity to her family, business, and a desire to be more accessible to constituents as reasons for her decision.

Ms Mackey said the FNM’s executive approached her about running in Southern Shores after the seat became available.

She told The Tribune the constituency made sense for her because it is in Nassau, where her business is based and where her two daughters still attend school. She added that being physically close to the area would allow her to be more accessible to constituents and that, from a financial standpoint, the decision was also practical.

While she maintains strong ties to Abaco, where she played a role in post-Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts, she said the shift to Southern Shores allows her to remain active in national development while being present for her family and constituents.

Responding to critics who accuse her of switching political allegiances for convenience, she said her decision to align with the PLP during the last election was based on dissatisfaction with the former FNM administration’s handling of Hurricane Dorian. She emphasised that she has always considered herself an FNM supporter and that her decision at the time was guided by a commitment to serve the people, not party politics.

She expressed confidence in the FNM’s current leadership under Michael Pintard and said she would continue to support the party regardless of whether she receives the nomination.

As election season brews, more candidates are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. The FNM said it has completed candidate vetting in all but three constituencies, with more than 75 percent of applicants interviewed. Mr Pintard has said the full slate is expected to be finalised by the end of this week, with public announcements to follow in May.

Mr Pintard also confirmed that former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis will not be renominated in Killarney. He said Dr Minnis had been asked to contribute to the FNM’s future as an elder statesman, helping to guide party strategy and provide policy insight.

He did not confirm reports that Long Island MP Adrian Gibson will not be renominated, saying only that decisions on a number of seats would be revealed at a later date.