By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday distanced himself from a demonstration being planned by FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler Turner saying “it is not an FNM sanctioned event and has nothing to do with the party.”
Speaking with The Tribune, Dr Minnis refused to comment on the matter other than to say “the FNM has not declared anything, it is not an FNM event.”
In an interview with The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday, Mrs Butler Turner said the Prime Minister abused his power when he called the managing director of a bank and stopped the repossession of the home of VAT coordinator Ishmael Lightbourne. Mrs Butler Turner then urged activists and struggling homeowners to join her and the FNM in a peaceful protest outside Parliament to demonstrate against Prime Minister Perry Christie.
However, according to sources close to the FNM not only is Dr Minnis not supporting Mrs Butler Turner, but she has yet to get the support of any of her FNM colleagues.
“She made that declaration without even speaking to anyone in the party first. No one knew what she was planning, that is not the way things are done,” the source said.
“Everyone knows she is doing this as a part of her leadership campaign, the real story is whether or not she can drum up the support from her Parliamentary colleagues. It is no surprise that the leader thought to distance himself so quickly from he event given the fact that the Deputy seemed so clear and confident in what she was going to do, and the support she thought she would have. We will have to wait and see how much people rally behind her and the so-called cause.”
Reports of a rift between the leader and deputy leader of the FNM began to circulate last year after it was rumored that Mrs Butler Turner would challenge Dr Minnis for leadership of the party.
However, in an interview with The Tribune Mrs Butler Turner strongly denied the growing report that the party is facing “internal friction” over its leadership.
In fact, Mrs Butler-Turner defended Dr Minnis, whose leadership has been questioned, not only by the PLP, but also political observers, and members of his own party.
“Unequivocally no, there are no problems. Are there levels of miscommunication? Probably. The reality is this, it’s not long into a new leadership. We now have Dr Hubert Minnis as our leader. We just came off the eve of a crushing defeat.
“You have a man who is just getting into the groove of leading a large political organization,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.
Comments
vinceP 10 years, 1 month ago
I've said it before, and i'll say it again. Dr. Minnis is a jack ass. I guess i won't be voting FNM in 2017!!!
nationbuilder 10 years, 1 month ago
He wont be leader by then so don't base your vote on that part atleast lol lol
TalRussell 10 years, 1 month ago
I disagree with your observation of Minnis being a jack ass but he got's some serious leadership issues to deal with. Is it that time for one them red shirts own "reconciliation Committee" be dispatched to Cooper's Town? What Comrade Minnis is really trying to say to Tribune readers, is do not confuse the excitement by Loretta, Daron and Dr. Duane for one them taking over his leadership, as some kind of happiness with his red shirts leadership. And, what's with all the red talk about PM Christie, not being able control his own PLP's. Only question remaining is, does Minnis have the bullocks to react, "today" like a Hubert would? But in the meantime's, they must drop any claim to being "THE government-in-waiting." Too much laughter attached that claim.
hurricane 10 years, 1 month ago
comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade v comrade comrade comrade comrade comrade
Reality_Check 10 years, 1 month ago
This guy is a real loser and the future of the FNM, assuming it will have one for much longer, lies with anyone but Minnis or Hubiggity. The FNM under Minnis (or Hubiggity for that matter) will never have the serious financial backers necessary to win a general election.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 1 month ago
I don't know if he's a "loser", he's been pretty successful in his private life so I'd say he was a winner. But it's clear he's no politician
Bahamianpride 10 years, 1 month ago
The more they trash him for not being a good politician the more i like him.. It is an intelligent move not to take part in this..
Kris 10 years, 1 month ago
I really agree this is a good way for FNM to reign. Never in history have any ministers stand up for what's the most important to the Bahamians, this is our home and we need the roof over our heads and that is what we all are working for. Can a march really help? It's a beginning of the future lets not make a joke of this many families will be separated an homes broken. This will not benefit the Bahamians only the tax men. Ms butler I am proud of you as a woman to stand up for what's most important to us Bahamians. Be encourage! you have my support please give us the date an time we will be there.
GrassRoot 10 years, 1 month ago
I like the idea of a march. Helps the metabolism. Healthy for the people.
Bahamianpride 10 years, 1 month ago
If Ms. Bulter was seroius she would move for official charges filed against the PM. As a member of Parliament she does not need a march to call for this. This is why Minnis is smart to distance the party.
TalRussell 10 years, 1 month ago
Send the sister into retirement. Comrade Sister Loretta is the MP for Long island and she can call out her Long islanders to march all she wants, but she is not the leader of the reds, although she must think she has somehow earned a form of entitlement "after Ingraham." Loretta you have no damn authority to call for a national protest in the nation's capital, geographically distant from Long Island. It's important to take note how Loretta, cash, Daron and Dr. Duane are more united in their opposition against Minnis, than they are against the government of PM Christie. I don't recall Loretta either having a voice under Hubert or to have been any where close to be recognized as a cabinet shinning star in the handling of her ministry. If her fellow reds were politically smart, they'd come together to use her insubordination to the party's leader, as their excuse to publicly ignore her, by speaking out for her call to march to be ignored. Her you are Bahamalanders, pick your new PM in waiting. Will it be PM Loretta, Cash, Daron or Dr. Duane .... maybe even a "closet red" PM Bran? Ha ha!
birdiestrachan 10 years, 1 month ago
Butler Turner it seems to me is being supported by those persons who were able to find a man at the drop of a hat who refuses to give his name , lived in a house for 33 years and is $40,000 in errors. what kind of strange mortgage is that? and he promised he would be on Ms.Butler Turner's March. This is some serious stuff when persons would go to such length to obtain power. It is not about the Bahamian people it is all about Butler Turner'.
Bahamianpride 10 years, 1 month ago
In the past 40 years how many Ministers or Politicians in general have been arrested or removed from office for Misconduct? I rest my case, lets move on people nothing here but hot air.. Ms. Butler Turner is not serious otherwise she would not be marching, she would be moving for official charges
sheeprunner12 10 years, 1 month ago
Mr. Minnis made a good observation................ it is not an FNM sanctioned event.
It should be a BAHAMIAN sanctioned event. All right thinking Bahamians should support the march.
This is far bigger than a political party. We need to wise up and stop allowing petty politics divide us.
Bahamianpride 10 years, 1 month ago
Sheeprunner12, u nailed it, its should be a march against political corruption in general and the selective enforcement of the rule of law..
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