Loretta Butler-Turner
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
VOTER apathy and the Free National Movement’s failure to capitalise on the Progressive Liberal Party’s mistakes prompted seven parliamentarians to seek Dr Hubert Minnis’ removal as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly yesterday, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said.
The move, which plunged the party into unprecedented crisis, came without an extended period of planning, The Tribune understands, as the parliamentarians decided on their action by 10pm Tuesday night, finalising details yesterday morning.
Although he did not attend the Tuesday night meeting, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key was contacted by one of those parliamentarians Tuesday night and informed of their plan, he told The Tribune.
Mr Key dismissed notions that Mrs Butler-Turner spearheaded the move even as Bahamians took to social media to insist she did.
“No, no, no, that’s foolishness,” he told The Tribune. “They all wanted to do it before. After (Dr Minnis) threw me under the bus, I said, what do I have to lose?”
Earlier this week, Mr Key lambasted Dr Minnis and accused him and other FNM officials of going behind his back to select a new candidate for the Central and South Abaco constituency.
As news of the move began to reverberate yesterday, it remained unclear whether other prominent members of the FNM were aware of or approved of the plan.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson, an outspoken critic of Dr Minnis in the past, said he was shocked and surprised by the move.
He declined to say whether he would have discouraged the parliamentarians against their plan if consulted, though he said he and others persuaded them in the past to abandon such a move.
“It’s a difficult position to put the party in because the solution for the way forward is not clear,” Mr Watson said.
Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham could not be reached for comment.
During a press conference in Parliament’s Minority Room, the seven parliamentarians refused to take questions, saying they will do so at a later date.
“The majority of Bahamians believe that our country is spiralling out of control,” Mrs Butler-Turner said as she read from a prepared statement. “By any objective measure, our national failures far outweigh our successes. Proof of our decline is found in the pervasive apathy among our people: a sense that we are incapable of doing any better. This apathy has conditioned us to accept the unacceptable on the false premise that we lack the power to change our circumstances. The simple truth is this: Wherever apathy prevails, there can be no meaningful change.
“The reality is that those of us in opposition must accept our share of the blame. We have failed to convince Bahamians that we represent a change for them to vote for. Instead, we have taken the posture that the electorate will choose by default to vote against the PLP. Such a strategy fails to meet the challenges of our time and is not deserving of the confidence of the Bahamian people.”
This, she said, and the general failure of the FNM to inspire Bahamians, is why they sought to remove Dr Minnis as leader of their side in the House.
The petition by the seven MPs was sent to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling asking her to invoke Article 82 of the Constitution.
Speaker of the House Dr Kendal Major read the contents of the MPs’ letter in the House of Assembly yesterday, shocking those in the room, including Dr Minnis.
The request has to be approved by Dame Marguerite to take effect. If it is approved, Dr Minnis would still be leader of the FNM.
Seven of the FNM’s 10 MPs - Mr Key, Mrs Butler-Turner, Dr Andre Rollins, Theo Neilly, Neko Grant, Hubert Chipman and Richard Lightbourn - signed the petition.
Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday evening, Dr Rollins said the MPs’ decision was in the best interest of the country, not for selfish reasons.
Comments
Publius 7 years, 4 months ago
FNM Christmas gift to the nation: 5 more years of the PLP
MassExodus 7 years, 4 months ago
by MassExodus
sheeprunner12 7 years, 4 months ago
The citizens of this country are smart enough to see through the facade of Christie and Minnis .............. they will decide based on the need for a person who really wants to see a real turnaround in the mess created by Perry and Hubbigitty since 2007.
TalRussell 7 years, 4 months ago
Comrades! It appears the media is incapable of telling the difference between a revolt and the coup de théâtre underway in the red movement party. Why are you using your newspaper to make it look like the member from Long Island is the politically innocent victim? Innocent victim or some kinds political angel, she sure as hell ain't be classified as.
The first female she is but as the first and only elected female politician to have slapped a fellow MP and on the floor of the People's Honourable House of Assembly.
A shy, come in peace, innocent political victim, my ass!
Victor 7 years, 4 months ago
That is not the case. Sen. Dorris Johnson hit Opposition Leader Norman Solomon in the face with her umbrella once after he played a tape which revealed certain improper behavior which Dame Dorris did not want known to the public.
MassExodus 7 years, 4 months ago
No popcorn for Tal.
birdiestrachan 7 years, 4 months ago
More likely than not the FNM"s Papa is behind this whole affair. What is it they wanted "Roc with doc to do and why at this late hour have they done this?? After all Doc said he had become a new and different leader after the Black Friday march, Why did they not sit down and talk with this new and different leader.
They are all poppy shows comedy acts.. but if awards were given for the best comedy shows, Mr: Trump would win hands down. It is said that laughter is good for the soul. so we should all just have some good hearty laughs
God is in control.
TalRussell 7 years, 4 months ago
Comrades! Only in we Bahamaland you say, can an individual MP be the lead actor in a coup de théâtre... and the leader you wish to dispose of only has enough fight in him to thinks it's okay if the party executives fined you just $100, or sentenced you to suffer a 7 day suspension from the red party - of maybe up to a couple of weeks suspension. This Minnis administrated spank on the wrist can only encourage Loretta to join the repeat offenders recidivism club...and regardless of who tomorrow's leader is she will come after you.
Islandboy242242 7 years, 4 months ago
LBT seemed to note that the assumption in general was that the people would be voting against the PLP no matter what. Well..is that so bad :0 seems like even a decently held together FNM could've knocked the PLP out, now we have this fight for "change" which might just end up with the 242 enduring more of exactly the "same."
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 4 months ago
The job is only half done. The entire leadership apparatus of the FNM party needs to be dismantled otherwise it will remain a failed party hijacked by the very deceitful, arrogant and incompetent Minnis. If this cannot be achieved in relatively short order, Bahamian voters should simply consider the FNM party to be a politically defunct organization of the past, with no future political purpose whatsoever for our country....much like the PLP will be after the next general election.
TalRussell 7 years, 4 months ago
Comrades! With Loretta replacing Minnis, it now means the red movement party as we've known it for years have had no fewer than NINE leaders and a number of incarnations. The previous eight to have held the party's leadership were Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Sir Kendal G L Isaacs, Cyril Fountain, J Henry Bostwick, Cyril Tynes, the Rt Hon. Hubert A Ingraham, Tommy Turnquest and the Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis. In fact even the UBP's Norman Soloman, may have also led the party at one time? The red movement party is a political party best known for splits within its elected ranks going back to1976. An easy political history to follow once you understand that the red movement party was and remains well connected to the hipbones of the wealthy descendants of old UBP Bay Street Boy's party....and we are yet to learn who among the UBP were behind this latest coup de théâtre?
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 4 months ago
Collie, the FNM party chairman, and every single FNM council member who still supports him and/or Minnis, must be thrown overboard at the earliest possible time. Time should not be wasted doing this though, and Collie and Minnis will be doing everything possible to run down the clock in the run up to the next general election. If need be a new party should be formed in short order to be led by someone young, energetic, intelligent, sensible, pragmatic, charismatic and politically astute with patriotic public service ideals; someone who has no prior political baggage, is not beholden to special or foreign interests of any kind, and who cannot be bought by the likes of Sir Snake, Craig Flowers, Crooked Christie's Red China friends and others like them. The search should be on for such a leader of the Bahamian people because he or she does indeed exist among us today, and is our only hope for a better Bahamas tomorrow. Sadly, LBT is most assuredly not that person.
jujutreeclub 7 years, 4 months ago
If need be a new party should be formed in short order to be led by someone young, energetic, intelligent, sensible, pragmatic, charismatic and politically astute with patriotic public service ideals; someone who has no prior political baggage, is not beholden to special or foreign interests of any kind
LORETTA don't qualify.
Greentea 7 years, 4 months ago
The Chinese trying to get in the mortuary business? She don't have enough money on her own?
proudloudandfnm 7 years, 4 months ago
Lol. All the PlP saying Papa is behind this....
They really scared of Ingraham now... lol...
TalRussell 7 years, 4 months ago
Comrade ProundLoudAnd"Still"FNM? ....tell Papa hurry to Nassau, don't the slow mail boat out Cooper's Town, cause there won't be much of a red party left behind by Loretta for him to inherit.
The red movement had once before become so splintered that they became "the official opposition in the House, without a party." And...no, I didn't just make that one up.
Keep your spirits up you red shirts cause this latest coup de théâtre is nothing new under the roof of House, for the red movement party.
Alex_Charles 7 years, 4 months ago
Now is a good time for Bran to stop being a jackass on his stupid policy suggestions and get out there in the lime light as an alternative. If he would just be a progressive and not a populous moron I'd actually hands down vote for the DNA. Someone just give me a bloody alternative that's sensible and fiscally conservative to this band of jack asses in the PLP for fuck sake.
Everyone is all about their bloody ego in this town
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 4 months ago
Poppycock, Key talked to Candia and they thought this was the perfect time to strike. Key is perhaps the most honest of the bunch, he said "I don't care". What a hapless group, they sprang into action thinking the country would be behind them. No strategy whatsoever, they didn't even know what the next step was. I bet they never thought the entire senate would resign.
DEDDIE 7 years, 4 months ago
The move was absolutely idiotic. You don't break rank when war is imminent. Unless of cause your intent is to destroy the FNM.
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 4 months ago
"move, which plunged the party into unprecedented crisis, came without an extended period of planning, "
"Extended " period of planning? How about "zero" planning. There was no thought put into what happens next. This is the most stupid thing I have ever seen. What kind of leader jumps down a hole and pulls the escape ladder down in the hole with them?
banker 7 years, 4 months ago
Hilarious slave chain around her neck. Tempest in a tea pot. Hissy fit by losers.
realfreethinker 7 years, 4 months ago
Clowns Idiots Suicidal maniacs any other nouns ? Hapless
southernstargazer 7 years, 4 months ago
For years both political parties, the FNM and PLP have been trying to bury the voice of the people. There have been blatant forms of injustice brought to both of their attention that have been allowed to go on till now. I saw no difference between the two unholy amalgamations. I was hoping that Dr. Minnis would have demonstrated his stark contrast in business and political dealings by now. This has not been seen or demonstrated. Only Bad political practice and poor business dealings. Its like these people have no knowledge of how to look out for the people whom they serve. They have been making deals to suit themselves and serve their interests, dismissing the fact that they are hired servants. When you try to bury the seed of intelligence the only thing that happens is it grows. Now there is a movement growing that appears to be interested in the voice of the people, with the realization that it is the people whom they serve. There are many highly intelligent and sensible Bahamians out there. Their weeping has been heard. So now we have this little "play" which will take us to a new day in The Bahamian History.
proudloudandfnm 7 years, 4 months ago
So the FNM wants to expel 90% of its sitting caucus oyt of loyalty to the worst leader the party has ever had?
Who the hell is on the committee that would make such a stupid decision?
What will the FNM's campaign be if they keep Minnis as leader?
Our failed leader is better the the PLP's failed leader?
There is only one option for the party. Demand Minnis' immediate resignation and replace him.
sheeprunner12 7 years, 4 months ago
You are a sensible FNM ......... we need 80,000 more like you
licks2 7 years, 4 months ago
Ladies and gentlemen. . .I will keep tabs on what is said here but I GEE. . .clearly persons here are not prepared to view anything in a balanced and reasoned manner! For example, the seven said that Doc was a poor opposition leader in the house. . .BUT ALL OF THEM ARE THERE! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YA MEAN TO TELL THAT DOC HAD TO BE THE "LONE" VOICE OF DECENT IN THE HOUSE? WITH MR LIGHTBOURN, CHIPMAN AS LEADERS OF TWO OF THE MOST POWERFUL STOP-GAP COMMITTEES IN THE HOUSE AND MR GRAN AS THE LEADER OF HOUSE BUSINESS IN THERE. . .BUT THE DOC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THEIR "NON-PRODUCTION" IN THEIR VARIOUS DUTIES? Child I gee. ..I will sit his one out and see how yinna do "things". BYE ALL YALL TILL THIS ELECTION SEASON OVER. . .I DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE WITH THIS BUNCH OF CRAP!
TalRussell 7 years, 4 months ago
Comrades Loretta knows that in politics voter apathy is what you think will be the perceived apathy among voters should it be her or Minnis leading the Red Movement into the 2017 General.
The perceived apathy against her that Loretta was receiving from the 410 Red Movement convention delegates was so damn real that Loretta high tailed it out of the leadership race, not willing to face the public ridicule that awaited her, had she stuck around to face the delegates votes.
Why isn't it clear to all that this woman's spinning out of control political urges are fast becoming a serial political Joke-steer?
The power hungry actions of the Seven members of the Coup de théâtre has now resulted in the resignations of the Red Movement's members from the Upper Red Chamber.
banker 7 years, 4 months ago
by banker
jujutreeclub 7 years, 4 months ago
During a press conference in Parliament’s Minority Room, the seven parliamentarians refused to take questions, saying they will do so at a later date.
Couldn't answer no questions due to poorly planned coup. Lost woman with no plans for the forward mobility of this country. Look like they got hit harder with this coup than Dr. Minnis. They all seem to be punched drunk. Loretta, take your eyes of Long Island. Just had a poorly attended meeting there the other day. Ten people showed up and don't forget the meeting at Salt Pond form your ratification by Dr. Minnis when you were booed down while speaking by known loyal supporters of the FNM who attempted to take the Mic from you. Lest we forget. Sail your ship towards Nassau and don't try Montague nor St Annes. You gone there too. Proof of our decline is found in the pervasive apathy among our people: a sense that we are incapable of doing any better. Has the apathy changed since you have been recommended for leader. has the voter registreation number increased. Wait till you see the PLP convention is over and the amount of folks that go out to register cause their machinery will be well oiled.
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