The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement formally has launched its general election campaign, outlining a broad set of promises on healthcare, the economy, education and national security as 40 candidates took the stage at Baha Mar.

The party pledged to redevelop Princess Margaret Hospital, increase nurses’ pay, expand National Health Insurance to cover catastrophic care, introduce VAT rebates for first-time homebuyers, grant real property tax relief for seniors, invest $100m in Bahamian entrepreneurs, support affordable housing development, and strengthen crime prevention with tougher bail policies and increased resources for law enforcement.

Progressive Liberal Party insiders, meanwhile, pushed questions about how the opposition would fund the proposals, arguing that the scale of spending and tax concessions outlined by FNM speakers raises serious concerns about feasibility.

Leader Michael Pintard framed the election as a turning point, telling supporters on Saturday evening that the party would govern for all Bahamians and address what he described as deepening inequality and economic strain.

He said the country was at a crossroads and pledged to expand access to opportunity, arguing that too many Bahamians are struggling to get ahead.

On the economy, Carmichael candidate Arinthia Komolafe said the government’s reported surplus masked unpaid obligations and a worsening housing crisis.

“Housing? We have a generation of young Bahamians — talented, hardworking, educated — who cannot afford to buy a home in the country they were born in,” she said. “Rent is consuming half of household income for far too many families.”

She said an FNM administration would raise the real property tax exemption threshold for qualifying seniors and offer a ten-year exemption for developers building apartments for low- and middle-income renters.

East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said the affordability crisis had worsened under the current administration and accused the government of failing to deliver key projects for Grand Bahama, including a new airport, the sale of the Grand Lucayan and a new hospital. He said the FNM would introduce VAT rebates for first-time homebuyers and expand MyGateway.

Centerville candidate Darvin Russell said grocery prices were straining households and proposed allowing Bahamians to use the duty exemption for online purchases to reduce costs.

Healthcare featured prominently, with multiple candidates pointing to challenges in staffing, infrastructure and access.

North Andros candidate Janice Oliver said conditions at Family Island clinics were inadequate, leaving many residents without reliable care.

She said the party would invest in housing, professional development, certification, pay increases and mentoring for nurses, along with technology allowances and housing support to improve retention.

Fox Hill candidate Dr Nicholas Fox said some National Health Insurance providers had not been paid after delivering care and pledged to expand NHI to cover catastrophic care and cancer treatment while moving toward universal coverage.

Long Island candidate Dr Andre Rollins said the party would address doctor and nurse retention and modernise dental regulations, including implementing a Dental Professions Bill and expanding access to dental care.

Former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said Princess Margaret Hospital was facing serious challenges tied to infrastructure and staffing.

“Princess Margaret Hospital is in crisis,” he said. “Not because the staff are failing; they are not. But because they are working extraordinary hours under impossible conditions, and they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.”

He said the FNM would implement a comprehensive health workforce plan and redevelop PMH while upgrading Rand Memorial Hospital.

On education, North Abaco candidate Terrece Bethel said the party would make pre-primary education universal, improve the curriculum and provide housing support for Family Island teachers. She also proposed a phased school bus system allowing uniformed students to ride public buses for free on school days.

Fort Charlotte candidate Travis Robinson said an FNM government would invest $100 million over five years to support Bahamian entrepreneurs, particularly in the cultural sector.

“The incoming FNM Government will provide $100 million over five years to support Bahamian entrepreneurs to ensure they can benefit more fully from our tourist industry,” he said. “By way of tax incentives and subsidies under one umbrella, this will focus on business built on culture like live Bahamian music, one of our proud cultural exports, including rake’n’scrape, calypso, and Junkanoo, alongside cultural revues, theatrical productions, and Bahamian dance for all ages, as well as other Bahamian-owned businesses linked to the orange economy.”

He said the party would refurbish the National Performing Arts Centre and establish a year-round calendar of cultural events.

Killarney candidate Michaela Barnett-Ellis said the FNM would strengthen transparency laws, including introducing anti-corruption legislation and fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act. St Anne’s MP Adrian White said the Act would be implemented within the first 90 days of an FNM administration, alongside stronger whistleblower protections.

Southern Shores candidate Denalee Penn-Mackey said the party would reform VAT and business licence processes to reduce red tape and improve payment timelines, while Free Town candidate Lincoln Deal said the current system favours those with connections and discourages entrepreneurs.

“The red tape in this country is not an accident,” he said. “It is a filter. It keeps the people without connections, without the right last name, without access to the right minister — it keeps them out. And it keeps the opportunities concentrated in the hands of the few.”

Garden Hills candidate Rick Fox said the party would pursue new industries, including green energy and climate technology, to attract investment.

Deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright said the FNM would take a tougher approach to crime, including increasing resources for law enforcement, appealing bail decisions for high-risk offenders and strengthening protections for victims.

“We will put a greater focus on preventing crime before it starts,” he said. “The FNM will separate first-time youth offenders from hardened criminals. And we will treat the protection of women and children as a top priority. We will ensure that survivors of sexual assault are counselled, supported, and protected.”