Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Dr. Duane Sands is recovering from a recent surgical procedure performed at a local hospital.
Sands, a noted cardiovascular surgeon, had to undergo surgery on his throat and has been advised to rest his vocal cords to aid in his recovery and prevent further damage.
Consequently, Bahamians have not heard from the former Minister of Health on public policy issues. That task has been left up to FNM Leader Michael Pintard, Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson in their chairman’s absence.
However, Sands is expected to be back in fighting form in the coming months.
Sands, who has been outspoken on a myriad of national issues since entering frontline politics ahead of the 2010 Elizabeth by-election, served as Elizabeth MP from 2017 to 2021. He served as Minister of Health under the one-term Minnis Administration before being asked by then-Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis to resign during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the FNM’s epic loss in the 2021 General Election, Sands was elected by party officials as FNM Chairman.
We wish him well in his recovery.