FNM leader Hubert Minnis
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has defended his record as party chief, saying that it was he who held the "deflated" party together after its "greatest defeat" in the 2012 general election.
In a commercial that was posted on his Facebook page and You Tube account yesterday, Dr Minnis said after its election loss, many people abandoned the FNM while he was the subject of "insults" and "negativity" from critics.
Dr Minnis also declared that the FNM is now "battle ready" as a result of his efforts.
Dr Minnis' video began with the question: "Why should you be re-elected leader of the Free National Movement as opposed to Loretta Butler-Turner?"
"It was I who inherited the Free National Movement after its greatest defeat," Dr Minnis said in the video.
"I inherited an organisation where people did not really want to be a part of because it was deflated at that time, and in fact individuals were running away. I inherited an organisation where we had in excess of a million dollars in bills. It was I who brought individuals together to help bring that bill under control.
"It was I who held the party together in spite of the insults and the negativity that may have been inflicted and thrown at me, but in spite of that I persevered because it was my responsibility as leader to hold the party together to prepare the party for the battle that we knew would eventually come, and now we are battle ready."
The video follows the weekend release of a commercial by contender and FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner.
Mrs Butler-Turner told The Tribune yesterday that she planned to continue her tour of the country, adding that she was honoured by the level of encouragement and positive feedback she has received from delegates, supporters and the general public.
She explained that while she appreciated the significance of her campaign to the progression of women's rights, her main focus was on demonstrating her capacity for leadership of the party, and ultimately the country.
She declined to comment on the claims made in Dr Minnis' video.
"I think whenever there is new ground being broken or trails blazed, there are always challenges," she said.
"Nothing I feel is insurmountable, at the end of the day while I'm a female and that has an appeal to different people, my campaign is based on the fact that leadership is the question here. We want to ensure that the delegates voting (at the) convention are able to make very clear choices with regards to leadership."
She added: "Not just as it relates to the leadership of the party, but with a very clear decision with regards to who would be the best candidate for taking our party to victory whenever elections are called. I think that every contestant will have a set of obstacles to overcome and I've prepared myself as a leader to be in that position to meet every one of those challenges and to overcome them. Therein lies the real characteristics of a leader."
The party's convention is set for November 21.
Comments
GrassRoot 9 years, 5 months ago
well, he was also part of the team that led the FNM in to defeat. so suggest not to throw with stones if you are in the glass house.
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
HAI did the honourable thing and resigned. HAM took over a defeated party. HAM lost N. Abaco seat. HAM didnot restore public confidence in HM Opposition by his public comments. LBT was the better voice in and out of the HOA. So who should be the better future FNM leader???
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrades I both believe in the convention cabinet solidarity and fully support why it and its secrecy is there for a reason. But neither Minnis or Loretta can be excused for actions of the Papa Hubert regime. How can you lay claim successes while not admitting wrongs? Neither one has ever apologized to the people. It's like they were never a part of the Papa Hubert administration. How long can Minnis and Loretta go on pretending that the reds were not fired as a government, by the people and for just cause? The reds problems are much bigger than a Minnis or Loretta as leader. Regardless, I don't think either as leader will in 2017, hold onto their present both booth sized House seats, much less win the government back. The reds would be wise dump both. But where do voters turn in 2017. To cast your 2017 vote for a PLP or FNM is taking a backward step. What has really changed to win over voters for the reds under Minnis and Loretta's leadership?
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
Its not correct to say that HAM and LBT ought to apologize for the actions of the FNM under HAI. The FNM did a good job dealing with the recession. Perry should apologize for what he is doing now. Hubert did better than apologize.......... he resigned. Thats the ultimate political apology.
SP 9 years, 5 months ago
.......................................................The FNM is together?.........................................................
ChaosObserver 9 years, 5 months ago
too bad....
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
by TalRussell
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
COMEDY HOUR IS OVER. ITS TIME FOR SERIOUS BUSINESS.BETTA WITH LORETTA............. LBT FOR 2017........... YES 2 LBT, NO 2 VAT!!!!!!!!!
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comrade yes, very much serious business where the only two announced contenders for reds leadership are not only former retread Hubert cabinet ministers but by their own admissions have spent more time infighting than rebuilding the party. Do you really think a Minnis or Loretta will have a viable shot at being PM come 2017? You're not gong suggest either were shining red cabinet minister stars? I didn't think so.
John 9 years, 5 months ago
Isn't there too much "I"s in that convo and not enough 'U's" and 'V's"?
ChaosObserver 9 years, 5 months ago
WOW...there's no ego in this man, huh? HAHAHA....
ThisIsOurs 9 years, 5 months ago
Wrong thing to say. That's his biggest problem, he's always saying the wrong/inappropriate things. No matter how well intentioned he is, brain farts are the death knell of a politician
licks2 9 years, 5 months ago
LBT is not a "real" person. . .she "puts on" too much!! Chile please. . .she even does talk "merican". . .and she grow up right in the pond there so!! Lol!!!!
Well_mudda_take_sic 9 years, 5 months ago
While it may seem Minnis has an ego to be fed, he sorely lacks the political skills, general appeal and common touch needed to be a natural leader. Put another way, most Bahamian voters know he will never have what it takes to fill his ego or their hopes in the political arena. Go back to practicing medicine Dr. Minnis; you have a big label across your forehead that states: "IRREPARABLY DAMAGED FAILED POLITICIAN".
killemwitdakno 9 years, 5 months ago
"defeat" ..Facepalm moment.
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