The Free National Movement’s (FNM) newest senator designate received his instruments of appointment yesterday at Government House.

John Bostwick II, former FNM candidate, was appointed new senator designate in the official Opposition of the upper chamber by Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.
Mr. Bostwick said that while he is elated over the opportunity given to him, he is aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

“I feel very honoured. I’m aware that there is work to be done and I’m very excited to get to it and make a positive contribution to our nation,” he said.

“I was born into a family of politicians and so I know what to expect. Some people see the blue plates and see the glitz of it, but I know what I’m getting myself into,” he said.

“I feel very much sometimes that I have entered the lion’s den and our political playing field is held by some lions that have been in the game for over 30 years.”

Mr. Bostwick expressed the need for him to be in the Opposition as he brings something new to the upper chamber.

“You can expect to see me very positively and aggressively defend the interest of the Bahamian people and to put the people’s interest above any particular interest, any private interest or the interest of any group of people,” he said.
Opposition LeaderDr. Hubert Minnissaid he is confident in Mr. Bostwick’s ability to get the job done in the Senate.

“I selected him and he was also recommended by the executive committee. So not only am I confident, but the executive committee of the FNM, the fact that they have put his name forward in addition to the other 10 individuals,” he said.
“John is a community individual and a young person who blends and connects especially with the young people and the so called over-the-hill community. Though he may be from what some may call a well off family, he has not isolated himself from whence he came,” he added.

According to Dr. Minnis, he plans on rotating a few other senators after a few years in an effort to introduce young and vibrant people to the political forefront.

After resigning this past December, Zhivargo Laing is satisfied with the decision to place Mr. Bostwick in the Senate.

“John is a fine young talent and I believe that he is going to make a significant contribution,” he said.

“My life going forward is wide open and so I’m not closing any doors and I’m not predicting any doors,” Mr. Laing said about his future in politics.

Janet Bostwick, the first female attorney general and first female acting prime minister, who is the new senator designate’s mother, said that although she never pushed her children to get involved in politics, she is happy about his achievement.

“This is his desire and most importantly, John wishes to serve. I expect him to do just that and he will serve in whatever capacity he’s enabled to do,” she said.

“He was born with his family in politics so he knows what to expect and I’m sure that he is ready and equipped to take on whatever is thrown at him,” she added.

The new senator designate ran in the Bain Town and Grants Town constituency in the May 2012 General Election but lost to Dr. Bernard Nottage.