The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has got over the financial hurdle relating to its upcoming national convention, with former Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette telling The Tribune supporters now seem amenable to donating money to the party.

He further downplayed the FNM’s reported financial issues, saying funding is always a challenge for political parties, especially while they are in opposition.

The former St Anne’s MP said this issue, as well as the fact that many of the FNM’s key financial backers have died, and the country’s current economic recession created an environment where funding was not as easy to come by.

While speculation has continued that financial backers have opted not to give to the party because of discontent with the performance of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis, Mr Symonette dismissed this saying “people will find every reason not to give.”

However, despite the financial turnaround, a party insider has said the money problems have continued to fuel an ongoing row over who should fund the convention, creating an “internal mess.”

“The whole thing is a mess,” one FNM insider told this newspaper. “People are still split. Some are refusing to give money others are saying they will organise the funding. It really is in a state of flux.”

However, Mr Symonette said by all indicators, the party will be ready to head into the convention slated for July 27 to 29.

“We have worked through the funding issues. So the outstanding matters have all been worked out,” Mr Symonette said when he was contacted for comment yesterday.

Asked if funding issues of this kind were commonplace, Mr Symonette contended that this is normally the case for political parties in opposition.

“Funding for any political party is always a challenge. For us, many of our normal backers have passed on. This and the fact that we are in a position which is opposed to the government created issues. A big one was the economy. Businesses aren’t doing as well and so people weren’t giving because they didn’t have the disposable income they would have under normal circumstances.

“Fundraising is difficult even in the best of times and people will find any reason not to give.”

He added: “I am sure there are lots of rumours going around but we are finding that people seem to be amenable to giving so the convention is on and we will be ready for the end of the month.”

Last week, The Tribune reported that the FNM was said to be struggling to find the money needed to host the convention amid a debate over who is responsible for finding the funds.

Former FNM Cabinet minister Tennyson Wells was among those who sided with Dr Minnis. He told The Tribune that those who fought for an early convention should find the funds to host it.

Others, like Mr Symonette, said that the responsibility lies with the party’s leader. It’s not clear how much next month’s convention will cost.

However, last week former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson placed the cost at no less than $300,000.

Meanwhile, Mr Symonette last week said the hotel rooms will cost about $100,000 and additional money will be required for paraphernalia, advertising and media, among other things.