Loretta urges FNM members to ‘make history’

As of Sunday, November 2, 2014

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner has ramped up her efforts to win the party’s leadership post with the release of a commercial over the weekend urging party members to “make history” by electing her.

“Like all of you, I too believe that our country is headed in the wrong direction and is in need of a new kind of leadership,” Mrs Butler-Turner said in the two-minute ad.

She added that if successful in her bid, she will be a confident leader who will bring new energy and ideas to the party.

This comes after Mrs Butler-Turner spent the weekend in Abaco meeting with delegates, supporters and business people as part of her campaigning efforts, delivering remarks in Marsh Harbour and Coopers Town.

In Marsh Harbour she expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister and North Abaco MP Hubert Ingraham and praised the FNM’s record while in office.

“We have a proud record of government, a record of reform and modernisation in three non-consecutive administrations led by Hubert Ingraham.

“The FNM is the better party for the Bahamas and the Family Islands. It is the FNM that began the process of modernising the islands of the Bahamas after decades of neglect by the Progressive Liberal Party.

“Just look at what was done during the FNM’s last term from 2007 to 2012 and what we left in train for the next five years. The era of the good work of the FNM (here) in Abaco is not over. It will continue if I am afforded the opportunity to serve as prime minister.”

Mrs Butler-Turner also spoke of the challenges and opportunities of Family Island development, and said if she becomes leader of the FNM and later prime minister, the needs and possibilities of the Family Islands “will always be front and centre.”

Last month Mrs Butler-Turner formally announced her decision to run against current FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for the party’s top post.

At the time, she said although she was “grateful” for Dr Minnis’ services, the FNM needed to be run by “a firm leader of the opposition who will keep both eyes on them inside and outside of parliament.”

Last month Dr Minnis called a snap convention which is set for November 21 and last week said he was unfazed by his rival and is confident he will retain his post.

He too has been campaigning in the Family Islands and New Providence ahead of the convention.

Sickened 9 years, 6 months ago

This truth may hurt Loretta but... your weight is a risk that many won't bet on. Your chances of winning will go up by 10% with every 10 lbs you lose. Make it happen and be the best PM we have ever had.

sansoucireader 9 years, 6 months ago

If she was male, her weight would not even be mentioned.

Emac 9 years, 6 months ago

Silliest statement I have ever seen written on this site.

ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago

Being skinny does not make you a good leader. Neither does glasses, curly hair, a law degree, a MD title, light skin, dark skin, polished speech, plain speech, personality, gender. None of it makes any bit of difference in the qualities required in a leader.

Sickened 9 years, 6 months ago

No severely overweight person should lead a country... too much risk. Being so overweight (with no medical justification) is a sign of poor character and very low inner strength. If she can't control herself and her bad habits what makes you think she can control a party? I'm sorry but a country should be run by someone with a strong constitution.

ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago

I completely agree with you. The health of the leader is of utmost importance. An ill person can't focus on much else than how badly they feel. In our Bahamas, I'd argue that the biggest health issue is the state of their brain. My point is, if she loses 200 pounds, and I hope she does get to a healthy weight, that by itself will not qualify her as a good leader. You can call it a requirement if you like but it's not sufficient, discipline isn't even sufficient.

ThisIsOurs 9 years, 6 months ago

Weight is a physical attribute. There are lots of people in this country who have disciplined themselves and lost a lot of weight. Kudos to them because it's not easy. But we're not looking to that group for our great hope.

TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/20...">

http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin..." alt="None">

by TalRussell

duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago

MLK ................ not the physical attributes but the content of character. Judge HAM and LBT by the contecnt of chararcter and leadership potential, not money, gender or physique

banker 9 years, 6 months ago

Nobody will vote for a screechy, biggity, ball-busting, man-slapping gussie mae who's bra size is bigger than her IQ. The Bahamas needs real leadership in economics, freedoms, moral rectitude, straight-talking, honesty, and global world view to govern a country. She was weighed in the scale and found wanting except for the numbers on the scale. The only thing more embarrassing of having LBT lead this country, is having it led by Perry Gladstone Christie and his band of kleptocrats, thieves, sweethearters and down low miscreants.

SP 9 years, 6 months ago

You forgot to mention the IMF, Moodys and S&P declared hands-down that Hubert Alexander Ingraham as the worst leader in the region right next to Perry Gladstone Christie.

duppyVAT 9 years, 6 months ago

Yall sure gat a lot of confidence in the Bahamian male leader!!!!!! LOL Then try the female!!!!! The female are already carrying the weight (responsibility/work ethic) of this country anyway!!!!!!!

TalRussell 9 years, 6 months ago

Comrades the PLP can't possibly sink any lower in opinion polls than they are today.The economy has slipped dangerously to where they can't even buy fuel for BEC, crime has cracked opened the ceiling. Every day there is further proof that something seriously wrong with this PLP administration, yet on the leadership side, the two leading candidates who have announced thus far, are the same two red shirts who just happens to have a record of their being the weakest leader and deputy leader in the party's history? Doubtful, it is mathematical possible Minnis or Loretta to even hold onto their red party's phone booth sized opposition House seats? Oh yes, PM Christie sure got he problems, but he faults ain't's no match Papa Hubert's. I think the people will prefer pass on a Minnis or Loretta for official opposition leader, much less, da 2017 PM?

asiseeit 9 years, 6 months ago

Stop The Bahamas, I want to get off this unsafe ride. This country is a seedy carnival at best and those that are at the helm are of the lowest quality. I give the country 10 years at max before there is major upheaval and civil unrest. The politicians will keep on keeping on because frankly they do not care and are to busy collecting their tings (stealing our money). LBT and the FNM are the same as the PLP so who cares about their leadership, same, same, with no chance for the Nation!

SP 9 years, 6 months ago

BLT can make history by not shoving something in her mouth every 10 minutes!

Arrow 9 years, 6 months ago

Let us be mature about this Loretta not that you are a bad leader but, Dr.Minnis is just much better. He is much more cordial and like the leaders of the past has a humane touch. Say what you want about the previous and present Prime minister they all connected with people making them feel special. I will admit that you have a far greater grip on reality than Duane sands so I would say mop the decks ,fix your compass, steady the ship and brave the weather to bring the ship home as deputy Prime minister.

Sign in to comment

Or login with:

OpenID

The Tribune