Dear Editor,
The Free National Movement stands at a crucial moment in its history. The party suffered a significant defeat in 2021, and despite efforts to rebuild, it remains in a precarious position. Leadership is not just about guiding the party through opposition—it is about preparing it to win. And that is where the current direction must be questioned.
Michael Pintard has been at the helm for nearly three years, yet the FNM has struggled to regain its footing. The party is stuck in a cycle of reactionary politics, failing to set a compelling national agenda. Pintard is a strong debater, but parliamentary performance alone does not win elections. His leadership has not translated into widespread public confidence, and the FNM risks going into the next election with a leader who does not inspire the broad appeal needed for victory.
This is where Shanendon Cartwright presents a stronger alternative. He is not just another party insider—he is a leader who brings fresh energy, real cross-party appeal, and an ability to connect with Bahamians beyond the FNM’s traditional base. Unlike Pintard, who struggles to expand the party’s reach, Cartwright is respected across political lines. He is not seen as an entrenched partisan figure but as someone who engages with people, listens, and understands the issues facing ordinary Bahamians.
Leadership is also about temperament. Cartwright has shown that he is steady, thoughtful, and deliberate. Where others rely on political theatrics, he brings substance. Where others fuel division, he builds connections. This is the kind of leadership that wins elections, and it is the kind of leadership the FNM desperately needs.
Beyond politics, Cartwright’s deep involvement in civic life gives him credibility. His work in community development, youth mentorship, and national service shows that he is not just a politician—he is a public servant. Bahamians are growing tired of politicians who only show up at election time. They want leaders who have been present and active in improving their communities, and Cartwright has demonstrated that commitment long before seeking political power.
Cartwright also brings the kind of charisma and communication skills that are critical in modern politics. He does not speak in rehearsed soundbites; he connects. He does not come across as another political operator; he feels real. This is an area where Pintard struggles—despite his political experience, he has not captured the imagination of the electorate.
The FNM must now decide what kind of party it wants to be in the next election. Does it want to continue down a path where it fails to inspire, or does it want to put forward a leader who can genuinely compete? The next election will not be won by default. It will be won by the leader who can reach beyond the party’s base and convince Bahamians that real change is possible.
Shanendon Cartwright is that leader. If the FNM truly wants to win, it must think twice about sticking to the status quo. It needs a leader who can do more than just manage the party—it needs someone who can win the country. And that leader is Cartwright.
Janice Kemp
Sincerely,
