By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reorter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins arrived in Long Island on Friday where sources there said he was reportedly "making rounds in an attempt to garner the support of the party" to secure the constituency nomination.
It came as photographs surfaced on social media purportedly depicting the MP visiting the home of a well-known Free National Movement (FNM) supporter.
While some Facebook posters noted that the MP was descended from Long Island and had familial ties there, others speculated that he was eyeing the seat and was attempting to get major support to secure the general backing of the party to ensure he could be ratified as their candidate for the 2017 general election.
When contacted yesterday, party Chairman Michael Pintard was unaware of the purpose of Dr Rollins' trip. He said he was advised that Dr Rollins was not on official party business on the island, adding his family is descended from Long Island and that the leader and executive were still in consultation with the sitting MP, Loretta Butler-Turner, over when a meeting in her constituency is going to take place.
Dr Rollins' visit follows the leak of an email on Monday which was sent from Mrs Butler-Turner in which she rebuked Mr Pintard, accusing him of organising an executive meeting in Long Island without her knowledge.
In the email sent to Mr Pintard, she said the planned meeting was “most egregious and disrespectful” and raised “suspicions of ill-intent and corrupt practices”.
In the email, obtained by The Tribune, 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 Dr Andre Rollins to run as the party’s candidate for Long Island next year.
Mr Pintard said there was no truth in 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 was 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, who 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”.
Comments
SP 8 years, 2 months ago
BLT will be pissed.....Nobody of any relevance cares!
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
The Tribune is now clearly engaging in yellow journalism. Why doesn't this story say that attempts where made to reach the person who the story is written about - Rollins himself? The Tribune is blatantly running planted, unsubstantiated stories and it is truly shameful and steeped in unethical bias.
tonymontana 8 years, 2 months ago
ONE CANT EXPECT TO GIVE SLAPS AND NOT RECEIVE ONE AT SOME POINT IN TIME .THIS ONE COMES WITH CLEAN HANDS BUT YET ALLOWS HER OPERATIVES TO THROW ROCKS LIKE A MARCUS GARVEY HIDING IN THE BUSHES . YOU CANT EXPECT TO SECRETIVELY CHALLENGE THE LEADER AT EVERY STEP AND NOT REMAIN OPEN FOR AN OPEN ATTACK , TO THE LEADERS CREDIT HE IS NOT A MARCUS GARVEY THROWING ROCKS FROM BEHIND THE BUSHES , HE PERHAPS HAS SENT A SCOUTING MISSION FORWARD TO GAGE THIS WOULD BE SECRET ROCK THROWER , WHO COMES TO THE TABLE WITH APPEARED CLEAN HANDS , AFTER THE SCOUTING PARTY WOULD HAVE REPORTED ITS FINDINGS PERHAPS THE REAL SLAPPING WILL COMMENCE. TO THESE WOULD BE POLITICIANS THE PEOPLE OF LONG ISLAND HAVE ALWAYS HAD AN INDEPENDENT MENTALITY ,( REMEMBER JIMMY KNOWLES) I .SAY NO ORE ON THAT MATTER. SO IN CLOSING ,WHEN ONE COMES TO EQUITY THEIR HANDS MUST BE FREE OF BLOOD , YOU CANT EXPECT TO SECRETLY CHALLENGE THE LEADER AND NOT EXPECT THE LEADER TO OPENLY SLAP YOU DOWN .
Godson 8 years, 2 months ago
In the days gone by, the PLP had it broadcast throughout Long Island that if the people of that Island votes for the 'black man'... then they will get 'black roads'; ...and if they voted for the 'white man'... they will end up with the 'white roads'. The voters of Long Island maintained their dignity; they voted for none. They voted with their heart and conscience told them.
Godson 'Nicodemus' Johnson
sheeprunner12 8 years, 2 months ago
The problem with Rollins is that he is a black Conchy Joe ......... and he has Tenny Wells in his corner .............. that is Jimmy Knowles 2.0 ......... not a good reminder of that era
.......... will Rollins treat Long Islanders with the indifference and detachment as he did Fort Charlotte ............ if that is the case, Long ISLANDERS ARE BETTER OFF WITH LORETTA
..... BTW ....... Rollins first cousin is the BTC boss and the Chief Councillor ......... ask if he is running too (at least he lives on the island and has an interest in the place)
Godson 8 years, 2 months ago
Now this comment, though insightful, makes me laugh. On the point of his persona (indifference and detachment), this would really be a horse of a different color situation that Long Islanders would be asked to mount and ride to town.
Observer 8 years, 2 months ago
D'as good for them. They elected the comedian to the chair. Obviously, dey aint know what they was doin. Man dey playin, but this is serious business dey fooling round with. Look like Dey need more respect an stuff like dat.
Publius 8 years, 2 months ago
Long Island politics aside, Rollins has proven to be a disappointment as a politician. He is one of the active politicians under the age of 40, but has become a water boy instead of a man of his own convictions.
sheeprunner12 8 years, 2 months ago
Water boy ........... still around the team, a cheerleader, but has little effect on the outcome of the game ............ a good assessment of Doc2 (and Doc1)
Godson 8 years, 2 months ago
Hold on... now wait just one doggonit minute... say what you'll wanna say about them water boys BUT LEAVE THEM CHEERLEADERS ALONE!!!
They do make a significant contribution to the team (if only to bring out the better and versatile side of me).
Now I ask you to respectfully recant any negative remarks gestured towards the lovely cheerleaders. Thank you.
by Godson
TalRussell 8 years, 2 months ago
by TalRussell
sheeprunner12 8 years, 2 months ago
Loretta is the duly elected MP for Long Island ........ Rollins (Ft. Charlotte) and Minnis (Killarney) have NO right to interfere in another MPs constituency to the point that it appears that there is a disingenuous attempt to undermine or uproot that duly elected member ..... that is the Westminster spirit of governance ........ that we falsely pretend to observe ........ elections have not been called and the House has not been prorogued ...... Perry is always fashionably late, so expect a summer 2017 election (he has until August) ................ Bahamar is still closed
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