Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AMID intense speculation about his future, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham seemed to permanently close the door to any possible return to frontline politics yesterday, writing in a letter that he will not accept a nomination for a position at the FNM convention later this week even if he is nominated.
His statement, sent to Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Sidney Collie yesterday, was a move to definitively dismiss rumours of his return and to discourage attempts underway from some in the party to nominate him for leader at the convention this week.
His statement brings clarity to the leadership race, especially for party Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and his challenger Loretta Butler-Turner, as the camps for both had kept a keen and sometimes wary eye for signs of Mr Ingraham’s possible return.
Mr Collie read Mr Ingraham’s letter during an appearance on the talk show “Hard Copy” with host Steve McKinney.
In the letter, Mr Ingraham said: “Today I advise you as chairman of the Free National Movement, that I will not accept a nomination for any office of the party at the national convention this week. I remain retired. To be clear, should my name be proposed as a nominee to any position at the convention, you should accept this letter as the authority to declare that I have declined the nomination.
“Please, therefore, make this letter available to the convention chairman, the rules committee chairman, the convention session chairman at the time of nominations and to all and any other persons who would wish a copy of same.
“Further, I will make no exception if you choose to make this letter available to the public as soon as possible.”
Mr Ingraham added that the party he led for 19 years has been a bastion of democracy in the Bahamas.
“Various personalities have often clashed during our 45 year history but when the dust settles we remained a party whose leaders aspire the best vision for a free and democratic Bahamas committed to the economic and social empowerment of all Bahamians. The Free National Movement is a noble organisation, a huge tent with many talented and dedicated individuals who are capable, committed and ready to lead the FNM and once again make us the majority party of the Bahamas. I pledge my full support for my party and for the leadership team which will emerge from our convention this week.”
In the lead-up to the convention, Mr Ingraham often failed to definitively say whether or not he would enter the leadership race, raising speculation that he might make a surprise move on the convention floor like he did in 2005 after a short period of retirement.
At the same time, he displayed no obvious sign of mounting a comeback, and the fact that such speculation became a huge narrative in the lead-up to the race highlights how large his presence continues to loom over his party’s politics.
In earlier interviews with The Tribune, some FNM delegates expressed a desire to see him return while others had an opposing view, often blaming him for the fractured state in which the party currently finds itself.
Some insiders in the campaigns of Dr Minnis and Mrs Butler-Turner said they thought Mr Ingraham would wait to see if he could mount a successful comeback before officially ruling one out.
Nonetheless, there was concern that his potential comeback would derail the efforts of their preferred candidate to win the race.
Questions will likely remain about Mr Ingraham’s decision thus far not to endorse either candidate in the leadership race.
His letter to Mr Collie highlights the way his public life continues to diverge from that of his former law firm partner, Sir Lynden Pindling’s protégé and colleague, Prime Minister Perry Christie.
As Mr Ingraham, 68, chooses to remain retired, Mr Christie, 72, has stirred controversy after saying recently that he will continue to lead the PLP in the foreseeable future, citing the support of young members of his government and a desire to ensure party stability.
Comments
Honestman 7 years, 8 months ago
Kudos to him! At least someone is prepared to act as a true Statesman and put the National interest first.
jackbnimble 7 years, 8 months ago
Now we can finally rest with all the rumours of a comeback. Smart man. Knows that when the people reject you it's time to go. Christie are you reading this? PLEASE take a hint. You're tired. Go home. We no longer want you!
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrades! Don't you thinks a former prime minister who walked away from his responsibility as leader after suffering the most "self-inflicted" disastrous 2012 General Election defeat in Bahamaland's politic history, but not before he parked the Red Movement with over a million dollars in unpaid debt, should be too embarrassed to even show up at Meliá Nassau Beach? Now, the more I thinks about July 27-29, 2016 - Loretta, Duane and Papa does really deserve each others fates.
Refresh my memory cause I cannot recall a singular attempt by Papa since 2012 to hold a fundraiser to pay off the one million plus he left behind for Minnis?
What drives Papa outside his inflated big head sure hasn't involved to lend a helping hand help to Minnis to help repair the massive wreck he left behind under the big red tent?
Seems be a small islands Caribbean trend that former defeated prime ministers, just cannot resist the political spotlight - but they know how skips out when it's heavy lifting party time? Speak with many the 410 delegates and they will tell you that they are preparing dig a hole for Loretta and Duane that going be so deep - their 50 or so supporters will have to tunnel down deep to provide them with any sign of lights.
John 7 years, 8 months ago
Please try learn English at least to the point that others can understand what you are trying to say..PLEEZE!!!
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrade John you does reminds me of my grade school English teacher - always tryin correct my spelling and grammar. I would tell her just cause you is British born doesn't means you should be acting likes you is some kinds James Bond grammar investigator..
BoopaDoop 7 years, 8 months ago
I don't read TalRussell posts because of the lack of intelligent writing.
TigerB 7 years, 8 months ago
Perry them would love to have a Hubert Minnis as opposition Leader, that is their wish and It might come thru. This next election will be decided at this convention tonight, forget about the exercise next year in May
BoopaDoop 7 years, 8 months ago
We will see a repeat of 2012. " PLP Forever Lovers" will be out in full force. The remaining right thinking Bahamians will either throw in the towel and not vote or will be split between two or more parties. PLP wins again.
Honestman 7 years, 8 months ago
Seriously, anyone who casts their vote for the PLP next May will be sick in the head.
jackbnimble 7 years, 8 months ago
Sick in the head or not, they love their P L P!
John 7 years, 8 months ago
Mr. Ingraham did the right and proper thing by declaring that he is not interested in returning as leader of the FNM or serving in any elected position. This gives all and sundry the opportunity to put an all out effort into trying to win whatever post they are running for without feeling there's someone looking over their shoulder or that the boogie man is coming out of the closet to get them. Then the outcome of the election is strictly for their blame or credit..No one else to point fingers at. It is now up to those who are successful in the nominations to extend the olive branch, and those who are defeated to accept their fate. Loretta already seems to be savoring the agony of defeat and whatever happens is of her own doing, weather Minnis allows her a nomination to run in the next election or if he decided to sit her down for a while. No leader will feel comfortable when someone is constantly challenging him for the leadership post, so Minnis alone will have to decide how he deal with it. . "All (politicians) are naughty. We're all troublemakers - horrible, attention-seeking children. 'Me, me, look at me!' Sienna Guillory . "If you can get the proper definition of trouble, then we can find out who the real troublemakers are." Al Sharpton . " I think we all attract troublemakers; I don't think it's particularly about anyone. I had it actually as an album title, and I thought it would be really cool to write a song about a girl that's a bit of troublemaker." Olly Murs . Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." John F. Kennedy . "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner." Nelson Mandela
. "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrade John, you do realize this would not be a first for Papa Hubert to be playing all footize, by denying a return to leadership - only to show-up unannounced at the last moment? At least it only took Loretta but two weeks show her face in public but only after the earlier announcement by her sidekick Duane? Amazing the similarities between Papa's and Loretta's sneaky politicking habits?
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 8 months ago
Hmmm..Papa say the Bahamar liquidation was a "fundamentally bad" decision! and he told Christie TWICE not to do it. Wow.
John 7 years, 8 months ago
@ Bah Mar liquidation: Christie let his emotions get the best of him in the Bah Mar deal and unfortunately he backed the wrong horse. The Chinese are known for abandoning large projects and letting them turn to dust in the wind. Izmirilian had his heart and soul into Bah Mar and he was determined to see it opened. After he saw how the Chinese was trying to hijack the project he cried out to Christie for help. Christie tell the man he crazy now the Chinese got the whole entire world looking at the Bahamas and wondering what they put in the food. To let the Chinese get such a strong foothold on this economy that the government went all the way across the world begging for audience with them. The question is what now? How to get Bah Mar open and get the keys out the Chinese pocket. Every Bahamian wants to know. Is the most sensible thing to do now is demand the Chinese return the property back to Izmirilian and demand he get as agreement similar to the bankruptcy he was getting out of Delaware. Where he can get a three year deal to finish Bah Mar, pay off the minor creditors and then deal with China Bank. Some believe that because of the financing requirements a buyer will have to have very deep pockets to purchase Bah Mar. But the othe major concern is the integrity of the structure. The buildings will require high maintenance.
licks2 7 years, 8 months ago
This is the best thing for him to do. . .doc has made too much in roads with the people. . .in that big red building and outside! Papa knows that if doc beats him at the convention. . . DOC WILL HAVE WHATEVER HE WANTS. . .TOO MUCH POWER FOR A MAN WHO IS SO IDEALISTIC. . .AND WANT TO PEEK UNDER SOME OF THEM "ROCKS". . .them need a buffer to keep him sane. . .not gunning for them! Papa says he did not endorse anyone. . .yet he said that he will rally behind the winner and do everything to see that they will succeed. . .in funds and public support. . .all while leaving LBT in the ring all by herself! They done told them voting people (my impression) who to "pick" or who they would like to "support" comes next election. . .they seem already settled on who they will back. . ..only LBT and the six don't see the hand writing on the wall. . ."IT OVA" . . . THERE IS PEACE IN THE FNM!!! YINNA PAPA DONE SPOKE. . .
Papa seem like he just don't like LBT and her crew too much. . .not his type for leadership of his country!! He kept saying that in his interview. . .not people he would not like to see running his country!
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 8 months ago
He wasn't talking about LBT, he was talking about the PLP. He gave that as his reason for coming back in 2002. He said he supported Tommy but the people didn't , so he came back because he didn't want to see the country to to those people
John 7 years, 8 months ago
People loved Bill Clintion and they tolerated Hillary as his wife. Now that she is in the ring with Donald Trump, they are learning to like her a lil bit and tolerate her a little more. Especially now that Russia seems to be in bed with The Donald and is suspected af trying to sabotage Hillary's election campaign. They want that oil embargo lifted, among other things, at any cost. Loretta was a good second in command to Hubert Minnis. Whenever he stumbled she was there to make sure he didn't fall. People loved her in that role and had hopes of her being leader some day. But when she started to come from behind and attempted, several times, to overtake Minnis and take his role, some started to look at her in a different light. Anxious to go nowhere in a hurry, some would say. Then what if she is severely beaten again. As young boys growing up one would always fight with an older brother. And one would always get a good cut hip. But a short time later one would be right back challenging your older brother again. And one day you grow big and strong enough to beat him. You have over come. But when you go to fight him again he tells you "NO." And when you ask why he tells you, "you is your own big brother now."
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Papa Hubert has an entitlement to his full of himself opinion but not the way his own Red Movement's colleagues really saw him in 2002 as being unpopular and unelectable. Does he also think people have forgotten his conversation back in 2003 with a US Embassy official? Did Papa really just resign in 2002, or was he forced out the party by colleagues? I think he knows the truth?
Has he forgotten meeting with the US Embassy official on April 8, 2003 at Papa's law office and Papa also told the offical that he had no intention of running for his Cooper's Town House seat in the 2007 General and he would not be returning to active politics.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago
The Bahamian people have been played as fools for far too long by Ingraham and Christie alike. Both have driven our country to the brink as a result of their corruption, greed and incompetence, all the while feathering their own nests and the nests of their family members and elitist cronies.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago
It was Ingraham who as PM had the Bahamas abandon Taiwan for mainland China many years ago against the wishes of the U.S. Yes, it was Ingraham who planted the mainland China seed in our country and look what it has grown into today with devastating consequences for our economy. Even the long established Chinese owned port and transshipment facilities in Grand Bahama have never produced the desired wealth effect for the Bahamas. Mainland China gave us a sports stadium to get their foot in the door (as they have done in many African nations) and have been stripping our economy of key strategic assets ever since. Our corrupt politicians and their cronies are the only ones being throne a bone by the mainland Chinese for permitting our country to be raped pillaged and plundered!
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