Caron Shepherd traded FNM roots for Bahamas' PLP

Another high-profile party switch just shook The Bahamas, and the opposition’s founding legacy took a public hit as campaign season heats up.

Caron Shepherd defects to PLP

• Caron Shepherd, daughter of Jimmy Shepherd, joined the Progressive Liberal Party.
• Jimmy Shepherd helped create the Free National Movement in 1971.
• FNM was originally formed at his home.
• She announced the switch at PLP headquarters.

Her long run inside FNM

• Shepherd spent 33 years working within the FNM.
• During that stretch, she led the women’s branch three times.
• In 2021, she exited FNM for the Coalition of Independents.
• She said her latest move came after serious reflection.

Why she walked away

• According to Shepherd, FNM drifted from its founders’ mission.
• She argued the party’s unity slogan no longer fits.
• Disappointment over its direction pushed her toward PLP.
• Supporters heard her frame the leap as an act of conviction.

Backing Phillip Davis for round two

• Shepherd encouraged undecided FNM voters to back Phillip Davis.
• Her pitch focused on helping people move forward.
• She promised relentless work for a second PLP term.
• Service to The Bahamas sat at the core of her message.

The campaign clock is ticking

• General elections must happen by September.
• Many observers expect the vote earlier than that deadline.
• Earlier this week, PLP confirmed a campaign launch on Monday.
• Ratification wrapped for all 39 PLP candidates.

Last election snapshot

• In the previous race, PLP captured 32 seats.
• The remaining constituencies went to the Democratic National Movement.