YAMACRAW BOMBSHELL: FNM DROPS FORMER MINISTER IN FAVOUR OF CONTROVERSIAL LAWYER
By Bahamas Herald Political Staff
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Free National Movement (FNM) has dropped former Cabinet Minister Elsworth Johnson from its Yamacraw ticket — replacing him with outspoken attorney Ramona Farquharson, in a move that has stunned party insiders and left long-time supporters fuming.
Johnson, who once served as Minister of Financial Services and Immigration, had quietly been preparing for a political comeback. But that bid was torpedoed this week after a closed-door meeting of senior FNM officials reportedly ended with his name being crossed off the final candidate list.
In his place? Farquharson — a lawyer known as much for her fierce independence as her controversial takes on national issues. Party insiders say the decision was made in a bid to “shake things up” in Yamacraw and inject what one source described as “an aggressive, anti-establishment energy” into the FNM’s campaign.
“This is a gamble,” said one senior FNM figure, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Ramona doesn’t play by anyone’s rules, and the party knows that. But they’re hoping that her name recognition and fiery public persona can break through in a constituency that has been slipping away.”
Farquharson, for her part, has remained tight-lipped — refusing to confirm or deny the nomination when reached by The Bahamas Herald. However, campaign materials with her name are reportedly already in production, and her team has begun quietly assembling local supporters.
Johnson has made no public comment. Allies close to the former minister say he was “blindsided” and “deeply disappointed” by the decision — some even claim he was not formally informed, finding out only after whispers began swirling through party branches over the weekend.
“This is no way to treat a man who gave so much to the party,” said one disgruntled FNM supporter. “He deserved better.”
The FNM is expected to ratify Farquharson’s candidacy within days, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched constituency battles in the country.
Critics within the party warn the move could backfire, alienating older, more traditional voters who viewed Johnson as a steady hand. Others believe Farquharson’s nomination signals a broader shift — a party willing to take risks, even if it means ruffling feathers.
Whether bold strategy or internal implosion, one thing is certain: the race for Yamacraw just got a lot more interesting.
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