Loretta Butler-Turner in the House of Assembly.
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner has rebuked FNM Chairman Michael Pintard over accusations that he and other party executives were planning to hold an executive meeting in her constituency on Friday without consulting her, which she said is in contravention of the FNM’s protocols.
In an email sent by Mrs Butler-Turner to Mr Pintard yesterday, she said the planned meeting was “most egregious and disrespectful” and raised “suspicions of ill-intent and corrupt practices.”
The Tribune has obtained the email in question. In it, the former FNM deputy leader added that this was the third time she has found it necessary to remind Mr Pintard of protocol, which dictates that where there is a duly elected member of Parliament, the member is to be consulted regarding activities and meetings in their constituency.
“I trust that this will indeed be the last time that I must remind you of your duty to be seen as upholding the guiding principles upon which our FNM was founded,” she scolded.
This comes as speculation mounts that a certain faction within the FNM is backing Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins to run as the party’s candidate for Long Island in the 2017 general election.
When contacted yesterday, Mr Pintard said there is no truth the rumour that the party is seeking to hold a meeting in Long Island to support, promote or ratify Dr Rollins. He said Mrs Butler-Turner, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, has the support of the party.
Mr Pintard added that any suggestion to the contrary is pure mischief. He said it is the party’s expectation and hope that the good people of Long Island would continue their “love affair” with Mrs Butler-Turner, whom he said is up to the task of delivering better for Long Islanders.
He added that the upcoming meeting in Long Island is the latest in a series of similar events in other constituencies based on FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ previously announced plans to organise such events.
Still Mrs Butler-Turner, in her email, also called on Mr Pintard to act quickly to correct his actions with a view to “allay the suspicions of undermining transparency, decency and best democratic practices.”
When contacted yesterday, Mrs Butler-Turner declined comment saying she did not think it was appropriate to discuss internal party matters with the media given the fact that the FNM has been the subject of numerous unflattering headlines over the past few months.
However, the contents of her email reveal that the party still appears to be fractured, despite calls from executives for unity.
“I write to you this afternoon in your capacity as the chairman of the FNM,” the email said. “As you are the holder of this high constitutional office I have no doubt that you are fully cognisant of the tenets, protocols and codes of conduct inherent and expected of your office.
“Additionally, you should be acutely aware of the fragility and possible volatility of the diplomatic discussions currently being negotiated within the party hierarchy.
“Taking note of these facts, it is indeed most difficult for me to reconcile that your intent is either good or respectful when you have undertaken to organise an executive meeting in my constituency of Long Island this coming Friday without even consulting me as the duly elected and constitutional member of Parliament.”
It continued: “As an elected member of the Bahamas Parliament and the official Free National Movement party, this is the third time that l am having to remind you that as the party chairman, where there is a duly elected member of Parliament, as there is in my case, protocols dictate that the member is to be consulted regarding activities and/or meetings in their respective areas of representation.
“Sir, l do not know upon which rules you are acting or upon whose instructions, but l find it most egregious and disrespectful. Your actions once again open suspicions of ill-intent and corrupt practices.
“I trust that you will act quickly to correct your actions and allay the suspicions of undermining transparency, decency and best democratic practices.
“I trust that this indeed will be the last time that I must remind you of your duty to be seen as upholding the guiding principles upon which our FNM was founded.”
In a statement to The Tribune last night, Senator Pintard said he has called Mrs Butler-Turner to reassure her that a meeting planned for Friday, which would be the sixth meeting with FNM members of Parliament in less than two weeks, was done based on the feedback from her council representative.
He said: “At no time was any disrespect intended nor are there any hidden agendas as some have sought to convince her. She was given a complete apology for any miscommunication. Loretta is invaluable to our family.
“She was reminded of the leader’s plans to organise meetings with all members of Parliament and their executives which he clearly stated in the executive meeting, the council meeting and in the media. My calls to the chairpersons and or council reps of each of the FNM associations was a follow-up to organise those important meetings.”
Mr Pintard added: “No such meeting would take place if any of our 10 MPs were unavailable. I am surprised that Mrs Butler-Turner’s e-mail to me and other parliamentarians ended up in the media. For my part it is my intention to guard my colleagues’ confidentially so that they can feel free to communicate in private without fear.
“It is my intention to do all in my power to assist each FNM MP to continue to serve with distinction.”
This is the latest in a series of FNM spats that has been made public as the party grapples with infighting and divisions.
Comments
Economist 8 years, 2 months ago
I don't trust Minnis or Pintard.
BoopaDoop 8 years, 2 months ago
It is about time for Mrs. Butler-Turner to separate from the FNM. Clearly there is animosity amongst the FNM executives.
TruePeople 8 years, 2 months ago
FNM need to stop with they non-sense. Y'all is supposed to be 'leaders' yet y'all can't even band together as a political party.
God help us if these petty bickering egotistical morons get voted in in 2017.... and God help us if they don't .... o_0
Regardless 8 years, 2 months ago
...poor missy....no one will let her in the sandbox to play....
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
Here we go again. Minnis feeds things to the Punch and others and now Butler Turner or her camp is leaking her own emails to the press, all to accomplish what the general public could care less about - their internal party foolery. If your party is this reprehensible, leave. If they are not working to serve the nation's interests, leave. Why remain? If things are so bad that you have to resort to leaking your communications to the media for them to fight your battles for you, why are you still there? The individuals who penned this email for Butler Turner are only using her and it is unfortunate that she cannot see that. They do not want for her what she says she wants for herself in her organization. How is the nation benefiting by remaining among such a politically stagnant and effectively useless grouping? Has anyone even noticed that the FNM has absolutely no tangible presence in the civil discourse of this country now? They are consumed wholly and completely with themselves and have nothing to offer the nation by way of leadership or insight and direction on the nation's current standing. They do not provide the alternative the country needs and wants, which makes them traitorous at this point of the country's positioning.
TruePeople 8 years, 2 months ago
Bey after all this fiasco lately, the FNM is dead to me...
Godson sayin register to vote? vote for what? the only vote i can vote is VOTE OUT, i ein see no one to VOTE IN
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
So true!
Greentea 8 years, 2 months ago
why do you assume she leaked it to the press? it seems as if the tribune went to her and she refused to discuss it. this entire thing could have been avoided if Pintard and the leadership of the FNM had just followed the rules. Why not inform her? They are creating these tempests and i am mightily disappointed in Pintard playing these kinds of games. They want Butler to leave the party. She should stay right where she is!
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
Why do you assume I am assuming? As for your assumptions, the Tribune said no such thing about going to her and her refusing to speak. This is a newspaper. If they sought comment from her and she declined they would be journalistically bound to say that. You are actually the one who is assuming facts not in evidence.
As for what is alleged to be going on as stated in the email; did you read me challenging the veracity thereof one way or the other, or did you read me clearly saying that since things are this dysfunctional, think about leaving these miscreants to their illgotten devices? Whether she stays or goes is of no consequence to me. But if you are going to stay, then deal with your internal party matters internally. Otherwise, leave and do with yourself what you will externally.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 2 months ago
Minnis is pathologically inclined to be shamefully conniving and deceitful behind one's back as a means of compensating for his shortcoming (inability) to stand on his own two feet and forthrightly debate in an open setting at short notice any matter of significance, whether it be of a political nature or otherwise. His dismal performance on his feet in parliament to date clearly shows that it takes him a great deal of time to hear the starter's pistol and then properly digest and focus on whatever subject may be at hand. Quite often the race is over before he even knows it! Hence his propensity to connive and deceive at his own required 'slow' pace behind your back....to avoid looking any worse than he already does whenever he opens his trap in public!
killemwitdakno 8 years, 2 months ago
Amazing Bernie and Hillary could do it.
Economist 8 years, 2 months ago
Too many old ideas and no progressive thinking in the FNM today.
Anyone who is over 60 should not be a candidate in the next election, plain and simple.
Parties should try to have a majority of candidates under the age of 45.
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
Actually, ageism, as you are advocating is not "plain and simple". Many of their current persons who fall into the age group you mention are some of the most regressive people you would ever want to come across. I get the general apparent point about youth. I'm simply pointing out that youth is no guarantee of innovation. We need to evaluate people by the totality of what they bring to the table, not primarily by their date of birth.
killemwitdakno 8 years, 2 months ago
Well they sure would have had good presentation giving Heather Headley some mic time.
Economist 8 years, 2 months ago
I am just thinking back to the late 60'S through the 70's when we had MP's who were young, energetic and idealistic.
A great deal was accomplished between 1967 and 1977. Most of it much needed at the time.
Our then Prime Minister turned 47 in 1977.
It gives one pause for thought when I look at the mess that these old people politicians (most are over 60 now) are making of running, or should I say ruining, of our Country.
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
I take your point. Many systemic and cultural factors play into why our politicians conduct themselves the way they do. Age is a universal dynamic and reality, but it does not necessarily - from a purely mental and intellectual position - have a direct causative impact on the effectiveness of one's leadership. You can be a hugely effective leader over 60 or you can be a hugely effective leader in your 40s - it all depends. And that only pertains to who you are intrinsically. Then comes the system in which you have to operate...
jackbnimble 8 years, 2 months ago
I know Pintard shame! I don't blame her for exposing his hiney!
This rumor has been out for a while that they were planning on outing her and having Rollins run. Boy I tell ya.
I think I will abstain from voting in the next election. I cannot vote for the PLP and I cannot support foolishness!
Observer 8 years, 2 months ago
'Fear' of what? Pintard said he does not want any of his FNM's associates to FEAR. What should they FEAR in the FNM?
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
Fear of the festering cesspool of victimization and spite that has become their organization perhaps.
TalRussell 8 years, 2 months ago
Comrades not wanting to be blogged at accusing me of selectively snatching words to be used against her original words uttered back in September 2014, I give you "Loretta's Own Words" attributed to her at the time by the mainstream media.
Loretta made the decision to release a statement to let us all know that: “Party leader Dr. Minnis was not invited to a recent political event in North Abaco.
She also wanted all us to know it was “The Friends of Loretta Club” who sponsored the event, and whilst she had invited Papa Hubert - Minnis was not informed or invited but he showed up anyway.
She was also anxious to let us know that Minnis had crashed her event but she also said that he and his wife were warmly welcomed after they flew into Abaco unannounced and then showed up unannounced..
by TalRussell
Emac 8 years, 2 months ago
And where is your proof of all of this gibberish you are spilling. Please provide us with a link so we can read or hear for ourselves. After all, weren't you the one who chastised banker the other day for talking air without providing the proof???
banker 8 years, 2 months ago
Actually what Tal says is true.
Godson 8 years, 2 months ago
The following paragraph from Mr. Michael Pintard's press release given in response to this latest fiasco seem to confuse two separate meetings, and, two different planned agendas as being one and the same, while in fact, they are most likely different. However, there is a diabolical element to be unveiled.
Mr. Pintard is quoted to say: "I have called Mrs Butler-Turner to reassure her that the meeting planned for next Friday (which would be the sixth meeting with FNM Members of Parliament in less than 2 weeks) was done based on the feedback from her Council Representative. At no time was any disrespect intended nor are there any hidden agendas as some have sought to convince her."
I ask: were there - six (6) meetings with FNM MPs in less than two (2) weeks?... And if so... were these six meetings solely based upon some "the feedback from LBT's Council Representative"? This sounds to me like two entirely different causes for meetings. Ones' purpose was to meet with the FNM MPs..., the other, was to meet with LBT's Council Representative.
And if this was the case, why then did Mr. Pintard use his response to expose that there is an ongoing "feedback from her [LBT] Council Representative"?
If he is being truthful about the Friday meeting, Mr. Pintard then appears to be indirectly attempting to discredit Mrs. Butler-Turner through this press release by exposing that there is a dissension among the ranks of the Long Island FNM Association towards Mrs Butler-Turner. Indirectly he is bringing to the public's attention an ongoing internal issue feud in the Party which the executive said must not happen; but he is doing it through the opportunity that is created though this 'press release' - which he wants us to believe is a 'correction and apology for a miscommunication' to Mrs. Butler-Turner.
This makes it difficult for me to recognize his sincerity at being honest, fair and objective, and, to act in the best interest to unify the Free National Movement. If he did not realize this, then he has shown himself a measure of incompetency as Party Chairman.
Godson 'Nicodemus' Johnson
TalRussell 8 years, 2 months ago
Comrade Emac, I will not allow you to attack my dear Comrade Banker. Yes, whilst Banker and I argue in our posts under slightly different political and social ideologies, it is so unfair for you to even suggest that Banker is not in step with my own posts.
I have no doubt at all that Comrade Banker loves and is willing to fight for the best outcomes for our Bahamaland.
Emac 8 years, 2 months ago
@Tal-What????? Who is attacking banker??? Wow, you sure know how to misconstrue people posting naw. Four days ago you said to banker, "Your claim is an "outasight" bold-faced red shirt lie and you damn-well know it. Comrade Banker, I challenge you to produce evidence whereby such a statement had ever been issued on behalf of the Canadian government? "
Ahh, and I am saying the same to you. Produce the proof where you hear LB said those things. But then again, I just remember, your brain does get all 'confuddle' when it comes to Butler and Ingraham. Boy I ain' know what they do you, but you gat it in for them. What I would suggest though, is that you three get involved with a menage a trois and settle this thing once and for all. -:)
banker 8 years, 2 months ago
This time Emac, what Tal says is true. I have friends in the FNM hierarchy and they recounted what Tal said.
LBT has two problems with Minnis. The first is that she feels that he is not simpatico with the Hubigetty vision and the second is that she thinks that she should be the leader of the FNM.
Actually, I do a disservice to his legacy by calling him Hubigetty (even though it is true). The Right Honourable Hubert Alexander Ingraham has been the finest, most decent, most honest Prime Minister that The Bahamas has had to date. Bar none.
Having said that, it is Minnis' prerogative to deviate from the Ingraham doctrine. Even in the wild, the alpha male lion kills all of the cubs belonging to his predecessor. However the elephant in the room for the FNM is the cub that won't die or won't submit.
Emac 8 years, 2 months ago
I certainly do agree with the last part of your second paragraph. The Bahamas lost its standing when they got rid of Mr. Ingraham. That in itself can be considered the worst calculation in Bahamian history, done by the ungrateful Bahamian people who voted against him.
Godson 8 years, 1 month ago
Emac, did the Bahamian people really lose though??? With hindsight we all claim to have 20/20 vision. This is only now your opinion as a result of what you and the entire Country are now experiencing under a worst and incompetent Administration. But do you and the readers know what Socrates said amounts to the worst punishment for a person, or a country? It is to have a person/organization of lesser/lowest qualities and intelligence bearing rule over you. It is what it is!!!
It was most satisfying for me at the time to find out that Prime Minister Ingraham and his Administration were swept out of office. They got the result of their belligerent attitudes. A good taste of rejection can do some of us good. In this case, it came from the voting populace.
Prime Minister Ingraham and his Cabinet carried on in a flagrant, disrespectful and demeaning manner towards those who has this Countries' best interest at heart. They rejected and refuse to listen to the concerns of the faithful and true sons and daughters of this Great Bahamas - whose testimonies of blood and sacrifice for this Country is unquestioned and unshakable. Emac, I know what I am talking about...
Dr. Dwayne Sands came into Montagu and invited a healing of the past. Let's get on with then.
Godson 'Nicodemus' Johnson
Economist 8 years, 2 months ago
LBT would be a much, much better leader than Minnis.
Mind you, it wouldn't be hard to be a better leader than Minnis.
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
The Tribune, Butler Turner or both, must think people are stupid. If the Tribune was truly given this email without Butler Turner's knowledge, she would have likely been furious wanting to know how they got a hold of a private communication not addressed to them. Instead, a canned comment from her is reported, as if she was speaking on a matter that did not materially arise from her own communication given to the press, supposedly without her consent or knowledge. This is clearly staged and the game is pretty old. And Minnis' paid propaganda in tabloids and elsewhere is pretty old. And this entire charade called Bahamian politics is pretty old.
Godson 8 years, 1 month ago
emac, did the Bahamian people really lose though??? With hindsight we all claim to have 20/20 vision. This has become your opinion now as a result of what you and the entire Country are experiencing under a worst and incompetent Administration. But do you and the readers know what Socrates said amounts to the worst punishment for a person, or a country? It is to have a person/organization of lesser/lowest qualities and intelligence bearing rule over you. It is what it is!!!
It was most satisfying for me at the time to find out that Prime Minister Ingraham and his Administration were swept out of office. They got the result of their belligerent attitudes. A good taste of rejection can do some of us good. In this case, it came from the voting populace.
Prime Minister Ingraham and his Cabinet carried on in a flagrant, disrespectful and demeaning manner towards those who has this Countries' best interest at heart. They rejected and refuse to listen to the concerns of the faithful and true sons and daughters of this Great Bahamas - whose testimonies of blood and sacrifice for this Country is unquestioned and unshakable. Emac, I know what I am talking about...
Dr. Dwayne Sands came into Montagu and invited a healing of the past. Let's get on with it then.
Godson 'Nicodemus' Johnson
sheeprunner12 8 years, 1 month ago
Long Islanders were not consulted to have LBT as a candidate in 2012 ......... would this time around be any different??????? .................. the constituents are not consulted except for an "special interest group" masquarading as "party delegates" of the FNM or PLP
242in404 8 years, 1 month ago
If you all really wanted something different, then vote in the DNA or some other party. But no, Bran is too biggety. But, who in these political parties isn't. Try something new, or stop complaining about it.
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