Wells Bows Out of Potential Bamboo Town Run

Former Bamboo Town Member of Parliament Renward Wells has abandoned his plan to contest the next general election, months after signaling that he intended to return to frontline politics in the constituency he once represented.

In January, Wells announced that he planned to run in Bamboo Town, saying at the time that he believed he could bring “excellent representation” to residents if given another opportunity to serve.

His comments came after the Free National Movement declined to grant him the party’s nomination for the seat. Instead, the party ratified its chairman, Duane Sands, as the FNM’s standard bearer for Bamboo Town.

Following the decision, Wells indicated he would consider mounting an independent bid in the constituency.

However, Wells has now decided against pursuing an independent candidacy, easing concerns within the party that such a move could divide support among voters aligned with the FNM.

Party insiders had worried that a split vote could benefit the incumbent Bamboo Town MP, Patricia Deveaux, who currently holds the seat for the governing party.

With Wells stepping aside, the hope within the opposition is that Sands will be able to consolidate support and mount a stronger challenge in the constituency.

Sands previously represented Elizabeth but lost the seat in the 2021 Bahamian general election to JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

After that defeat, Sands privately indicated he did not plan to contest another election against Coleby-Davis.

Wells’ political career has included multiple stints in Parliament before losing in 2021. He first served as Bamboo Town MP during the administration of former prime minister Perry Christie and later under the government of former prime minister Hubert Minnis.

During his time in office, Wells held several senior cabinet positions, including Minister of Transport and Minister of Health. He was among the few FNM figures who publicly supported Minnis during the party’s leadership race.