Editor,
As The Bahamas prepares for its next general election, the Free National Movement must confront its recent history and look to the future. Hubert Minnis’ tenure as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021 was marked by missed opportunities, poor governance, and abysmal leadership, culminating in a decisive national rejection in the 2021 election. It is clear that Minnis no longer represents the future of Killarney, the FNM, or the country.
But the upcoming general election is about more than rejecting Minnis—it’s about choosing a leader who can guide The Bahamas through turbulent times. Michael Pintard, the current leader of the FNM, offers a fresh vision and forward-thinking leadership that not only positions him as a better choice than Minnis but also makes him a more capable and dynamic leader than the current Prime Minister, Philip “Brave” Davis.
It is important to remind the Bahamian populace that in the 2017 general election, Hubert Minnis rode a wave of anti-PLP sentiment to a commanding victory, winning his Killarney seat with 4,186 votes, or 73% of the total vote. Nationally, the FNM swept 35 of 39 seats in a historic landslide. However, by 2021, the situation had completely reversed. Minnis’ vote count in Killarney plummeted to 2,501, a stunning collapse in support – which leads one to think that had he run in any other seat, he, as did the majority of his cabinet, would have lost.
This dramatic decline reflected widespread dissatisfaction with Minnis’ leadership style, which was marked by arrogance, poor communication, and inconsistent governance. His mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of transparency, and failure to deliver on key promises alienated voters across the political spectrum.
While Brave Davis’ PLP administration capitalized on public frustration with Minnis, his leadership has failed to deliver the transformational change The Bahamas desperately needs. Davis campaigned on promises of economic recovery and relief for struggling Bahamians, yet his tenure has been overshadowed by a lack of urgency and tangible progress.
Under Davis’ leadership, the country has faced significant challenges, including rising national debt, slow economic recovery, and the ongoing climate crisis. However, his government’s response has been lackluster, relying on the same old political playbook of patronage and superficial fixes. Davis has struggled to inspire confidence in his ability to lead the country into the future.
Moreover, Davis’ administration has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability. The public’s trust in his government is waning as promises of reform and progress remain unfulfilled. While Davis has emphasized continuity, The Bahamas requires bold, innovative leadership to tackle its growing challenges.
Michael Pintard represents the kind of leader The Bahamas needs—a leader who is dynamic, forward-thinking, and unafraid to tackle the nation’s challenges head-on. Unlike both Minnis and Davis, Pintard has demonstrated a willingness to embrace new ideas, foster collaboration, and prioritize the needs of everyday Bahamians.
Pintard’s leadership style is inclusive, collaborative, and transparent. He has shown a commitment to engaging with party members and citizens alike, ensuring that all voices are heard. Minnis, in contrast, was widely seen as dismissive and authoritarian, alienating both his constituents and members of his party, and also seen as a pathological liar who always plays the victim while inflicting harm on others.
As Prime Minister, Pintard would bring a new level of accountability and transparency to governance. He has pledged to tackle corruption, streamline government processes, and ensure that public funds are used effectively to benefit all Bahamians. This stands in stark contrast to Davis’ administration, which has often been criticized for blind decision-making, limited results, and outright corruption.
The 2021 election sent a clear message: Bahamians are ready for change. Hubert Minnis is not the leader to deliver that change, and Philip Brave Davis has failed to rise to the occasion. The future of The Bahamas demands fresh leadership, bold ideas, and a commitment to progress.
Michael Pintard has the vision, energy, and determination to lead The Bahamas into a brighter, more prosperous future. As Prime Minister, he would prioritize the needs of the people, foster innovation, and address the pressing challenges facing the nation. The FNM—and The Bahamas—deserve a leader who can inspire hope and deliver results. That leader is Michael Clifton Pintard.
Written by: Estelle King
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