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In 1999, the islands were hit by two particularly devastating hurricanes,
Dennis and Floyd. Together, these two hurricanes destroyed homes and
wreaked havoc on the economy of the Bahamas. In 2005 another powerful
storm, Hurricane Wilma, resulted in significant flooding on Grand Bahama
Island and caused damage on several smaller islands. In 2012, Hurricane
Sandy killed two people and caused $700 million in damage in the Bahamas.
In elections held in May 2002, the PLP came to power once again,
and Perry Christie replaced Ingraham as prime minister. The FNM defeated
the PLP in May 2007, and Ingraham returned as prime minister for a third
term. In elections held in 2012, the PLP regained power and Christie was
returned to the post of prime minister. As a result of the election defeat,
Ingraham resigned as leader of the FNM, and Hubert Minnis was chosen to
lead the party.
Pirate’s Paradise 27
Hubert Ingraham
served as prime minis-
ter of the Bahamas
from August 1992 to
May 2002, and held
the position again from
May 2007 to May
2012.