Warren Levarity, one of the founding fathers of the Free National Movement (FNM) passed away on Sunday at age 82, his family has confirmed.

Levarity’s political career like that of so many of the country’s politicians started with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

A son of Grand Bahama, from a young age Levarity quickly involved himself in the struggle for majority rule.
He played a pivotal role in the 1967 elections winning the seat for West End and Bimini.

He was a member of the first PLP Cabinet where he served as the Minister responsible for Out Island Affairs.
However, his time with the PLP came to an end in 1970.

Levarity is remembered at the historic PLP convention of 1970 on the night when then Minister of Education and Culture Cecil Wallace-Whitfield while delivering remarks from the podium, abruptly announced his resignation from the government.

Levarity leapt to his feet and uttered the now famous words “no, no, not yet man.”

Levarity would eventually leave thePLP and along with Wallace-Whitfield and six others – a group now considered the “dissident eight” – form the Free PLP which eventually grew into the Free National Movement (FNM).

He retired from public life following the FNM’s 1977 defeat.

He was an early proponent of local government and wrote the white paper on its formation back in 1967.

Prime Minister Perry Christie remembered Levarity yesterday as an astute political strategist with a deep knowledge of family island politics.

FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said Warren Levarity had a strong commitment to freedom and democracy.

While former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the country owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude.

His family said he passed away Sunday after a long illness.

His death now leaves former governor general Arthur Hanna as the lone survivor of the first PLP Cabinet.
He is survived by his wife, Vera and five children.