The race for the Free National Movement’s (FNM) chairmanship position will be one to watch as former State Minister for the Environment Phenton Neymour, former Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Charles Maynard, and defeated Elizabeth candidate, Dr. Duane Sands are all jockeying for the chairman post, the Journal understands.

The party is just days away from its one-day convention.

In a press release issued Tuesday, former FNM Senator Anthony Musgrove confirmed that he, too, will run for chairman.

Mr. Musgrove said after consultation with God, his family, friends and supporters he has decided that his talents would best serve his party.

“As the FNM looks to restructure, rebuild, strengthen and fine tune its message, I unequivocally believe that I am best placed to see that our party moves towards this end,” he said. “The Bahamas is nearly 40 years removed from independence morning and as such I am a part of a rapidly growing community of post independence Bahamians.”

Mr. Musgrove said his long years in the FNM and his time served in the Senate has equipped him for the task, adding that his decision to vie for party chairman is not one based on a delayed reaction to the FNM’s unfortunate fate during the recent general election.

Mr. Musgrove added that he will ensure that the party is not only seen or appear to be youthful, but intend to ensure that the baton is successfully passed from the dynasty of the 1980s and 1990s to post independence FNMs.

“My decision to run is based on the philosophy of Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Sir Kendal Isaacs and other good men like Maurice Moore, Warren Levarity, just to name a few,” he said. “As a boy, I watched these men in their many visits to Exuma champion a cause which at the time appeared too insurmountable.”

Former FNM candidate for Carmichael Darron Cash is expected to go after the deputy chairman post.

The race for deputy leader of the FNM is also heating up after former FNM candidate for Englerston Gladys Johnson-Sands has entered that race going up against Long Island MP elect Loretta Butler-Turner and former Bamboo Town candidate Cassius Stuart.

The FNM’s one-day convention is scheduled for this Saturday at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre.