Dr Hubert Minnis and Loretta Butler-Turner pictured at the FNM Convention earlier this week.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AFTER surviving a second attempt in two years to thwart his leadership, Free National Movement (FNM) leader Dr Hubert Minnis signalled Friday evening that he won’t purge the party of the high-profile members who have publicly criticised his leadership and help expose the party’s bitter divisions.
His speech came during the final session of the FNM's three-day convention.
It was his first public remarks since Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands withdrew from the leadership race early Friday morning, citing failures in the delegate selection process and other perceived slights.
As it had done all week, the crowd of hundreds clad in red gave Dr Minnis a hero’s welcome as he entered the ballroom with loud music resounding throughout.
Displaying an increasingly comfortable and confident speaking style, Dr Minnis delivered a sometimes self-deprecating speech in which he said he has offered significant concessions to Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Sands.
“Tonight we offer the olive branch once again to our sister Loretta Butler Tuner, who I’m certain will be our candidate in Long Island with my full support,” he said.
“We have undergone a lot over the last few years,” he added. “Our internal politics have been made bare for all the world to see and it’s not been pretty, but through it all we have maintained our integrity and focused on the points that unite us.”
Dr Minnis’s ode to Mrs Butler-Turner drew a fair, if tepid response from the crowd.
Regarding Dr Sands, he said: “My medical colleague and political colleague, we work close together in the hospital and I must say that on many occasions when I ran into surgical difficulties in areas that are outside my domain, Sands was there for me. Each of these worthy leaders are qualified and possess the experience to rescue this nation and to contribute mightily to its future success. It is our hope that they will accept our offer to continue being a valuable part of this leadership team. We have made significant offers to both to demonstrate our commitment to them and we earnestly hope they accept.”
Earlier Friday, Mrs Butler-Turner also expressed a desire to work with Dr Minnis for unity.
Dr Minnis’ speech hit familiar FNM themes of a country on its way to ruin because of what it perceives to be the Progressive Liberal Party’s incompetence and ineffectiveness.
Days after former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham expressed distress at the state of the FNM, Dr Minnis alluded to him in his speech.
“My mentor and political teacher,” he called Mr Ingraham. “Sometimes he say 'you hard-headed and don’t listen'. We had many rows but we always at the end agree to disagree.”
Speaking of his leadership battle, Dr Minnis said: “This isn’t my victory. It belongs to all the people, black and white, rich and poor, young and old and all genders. This victory is yours because you matter.”
Dr Sands was in the ballroom for Dr Minnis’ speech Friday night. But Mrs Butler-Turner was absent.
Of the various policy notes struck during the night, Dr Minnis received his biggest applause for pledging to rid the country of official corruption by creating laws and making essential bodies like the Department of Public Prosecutions independent.
He also drew heavy applause for promising to tackle the country’s cronyism culture.
“I don’t need to know your last name,” he said. “I don’t need to know your parent’s name.”
Comments
proudloudandfnm 7 years, 9 months ago
Minnis is the worst.
Congratulations Perry...
proudloudandfnm 7 years, 9 months ago
Victory?!?!
That convention was your biggest failure. You won yes. But you failed miserably. Your supporters are rabid sheep. The FNM is weaker today because of you and your disgusting suporters.
I am no longer FNM...
alfalfa 7 years, 9 months ago
It appears that their are a lot of FNMs who really are not FNMs but only support the party if their favourite is the leader. The leader is the leader for all of the FNM party and all who are TRUE supporters should rally behind him. No person who ran for elected office has been KICKED OUT or asked to leave the party for exercising their democratic right to run for office, which speaks to the character of Dr. Minnis and his team. If people wish to desert the party because they don't like a particular leader, it is likewise their democratic right to join the PLP (whom you have all been saying is the worst government in history), or the DNA (who have a snowballs chance in hell of winning), or not voting at all. All of these actions will help to give the PLP another term in government, but if that is what "so called FNMs" really want, so be it.In the meanwhile, I say, congratulations to Dr. Minnis and encourage himon his path to re-unite the party and work toward winning the next election.
killemwitdakno 7 years, 8 months ago
Wrong. It's Minnis who wasn't the FNM.
John 7 years, 9 months ago
So did the FNM convention fix things or make things worse?
SP 7 years, 9 months ago
.................................. Water finds its own level .................................
BLT, Sands, Rollins and all the others that vowed not run in 2017 if Dr. Minnis wins, olive branch or not, must now follow through or lose all credibility.
They have exhausted all political currency and proven they cannot be trusted. What fool would vote for them?
Dr. Minnis single handedly reset a path for the FNM party. Now he needs to make good on his pledge to weed out corruption starting with-in the FNM.
If he does this sooner rather than later, the electorate would gravitate to the FNM like flies to honey.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago
They said they will not run on the FNM ticket if Minnis won....they did not rule out running at all.....I sense we will soon see the birth of a new political party and the burial of the FNM party for all time to come.
SP 7 years, 8 months ago
You sense people will vote for a crew of newly exposed pirates?
Publius 7 years, 8 months ago
They did not say that. Only Rollins said that. The rest of the MPs never made that declaration. Rollins, who said that behind closed doors in their Council Meeting, convinced himself that his words were their words when they had no clue he was going to make the statement he did.
SP 7 years, 9 months ago
................................. Sour Grapes, Corrupt FNM's Are The Problem ................................
proudloudandfnm, BLT, dissident 6, Darron Cash, Neko Grant and others like them are all thats wrong in the FNM!
These people invested 4 solid years expending all energies undermining Dr. Minnis, because they were ALL on the Hubert Ingraham, Brent Symonette, Frank Watson and Lynn Holowesko corruption gravy train!
Congratulations Dr. Minnis for having the fortitude, shrewd acumen, and foresight to defeat the "corrupt oligarchy element" of the FNM party.
Dr. Minnis might generate "enough electricity to kill a mosquito", but he certainly proved to posses a serious arsenal of insecticide to kill a corrupt parasitic insect infestation!
DillyTree 7 years, 8 months ago
When Dr. Minnis has made the FNM party go against the very beliefs, tenets and philosophies the founding fathers wanted for the FNM, then it's no longer the same party. Minnis has made the once great FNM into a splinter group of the PLP. That I want no part of.
So don't talk to me about following the leader of the party. It's no longer the FNM.
killemwitdakno 7 years, 8 months ago
EXACTLY!
John 7 years, 8 months ago
Loretta was trying to teach the FNM's dem how to be assertive and have self esteem. So Loretta tell them, "Those of you who think you are stupid stand up." So Dr. Dwayne Sands stood up. Loretta wasn't expecting anyone to stand up so she ask Dr. Sands, "Why did you stand?" Dr. Sands replied, "Because i didn't want to leave you standing by yourself."
Upvote0
Regardless 7 years, 8 months ago
....will be interesting to see what Long Island has to say about their two-time loser.
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrades Lets see, didn't Minnis say if the red movement became government that NO elected MP, will be immune from punishment if they are found not be serving the interests of their constituents? This MP and her power seeking political slime-balls coup members will again attempt to use their print media and talk shows backers, seasoned party insiders and UBPism moneys, to do what they are hell bent on doing - taking back full control over the party. It's a mistake to pretend that this bunch have any genuine intentions to ever abide by someone other than they can control rules for party unity.
Comrades! It's not if they will attempt another coup - but when? Just this time it will not be lead by Loretta and Duane? But few believed they acted alone but that all along the strings were being pulled behind the red movement's curtains, by the more powerful red shirts?
If you believe the public excuses given for the BREXIT, by Loretta and Duane, from the leadership's campaign, you're easily fooled?
alfalfa 7 years, 8 months ago
Dr. Minnis did not ask to be leader of the FNM, but rather was thrust into this position when the great PAPA abandoned ship after a crushing defeat at the polls. By his own admission he said the FNM lost the election because the people were "angry" at him. The party was left in shambles and in debt after his departure. There is no question now that the people made the wrong choice by electing the PLP. Dr. Minnis spent the first two years trying to re-engergize the party and repair its damaged reputation and financial position. He was challenged as leader in 2014, and was returned by a large majority. For the next two years he has continued to keep the party together and gear up for a battle to win the government. All the while doing this, he was being blindsided and back stabbed by the very people who should have been supporting him, and in their power hungry state , even threatened a vote of no confidence in him should he not call an early convention. This was unheard of in the history of the party, but nevertheless, he convened the requested convention, defeated his challengers, and emerged again as party leader. How many times does the man have to win to satisfy some people. Wake up and realize that the majority of the FNM WANT DOC as their leader. Watch and see what the super 6 turncoats do now.
killemwitdakno 7 years, 8 months ago
How the hell does someone who wasn't even prepared to take the position have a such a problem with others coming forward?
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 8 months ago
I don't understand why people hold a grudge against Hubert Ingraham for resigning, the loss at the polls was a MASSIVE vote of no confidence by the Bahamian people. In our system of governance a resignation was almost required. I would have liked it if he stayed to avoid this huge mess today but I don't fault him for resigning.
John 7 years, 8 months ago
If Loretta was a man Minnis would have just cut off her most precious organs. All of it. But knowing Mrs. Butler-Turner it is just a matter of time before she restores herself and her fighting spirit. Be it a good thing or bad.
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrades how many times must Loretta after suffering a defeat have to repeat how she will be a loyal member of the red movement and no longer shit disturber - before you looks her straight in the face to tell this woman that you're so sorry, but you Long Island's Loretta Turner-Butler, you're not even a distant close mirrored in the image of your wonderful stick with his word - cause it was his bond, grandfather Milo's?
I call out the good name her grandfather Milo, only cause without him, her political premise begins to come a crashing down like a Humpty Dumpty, did come crashing down? The rest her political cupboard is all but empty of accomplishments and clouded in adjustments that best attempt to portray her as a woman of many political accomplishments - including how she selected the Red Movement and not the the other way around? Regardless, one has be an untruth?
John 7 years, 8 months ago
Loretta may not be a shrew but Minnis is claiming he 'tamed' her by giving her large doses of her own poisons. Now he declares his support for her unreservingly: .
killemwitdakno 7 years, 8 months ago
Minnis' crew taunting her supporters the "das good" are pushing them out. Incapable of having a preference in a competition without being nasty. Sore winners.
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
by TalRussell
proudloudandfnm 7 years, 8 months ago
I am only FNM when the FNM is the best choice. I am Bahamian first.
Minnis is not the best choice. And he never will be..
SP 7 years, 8 months ago
................ Dr. Minnis beat the pants off your first choice ---- TWICE!.....................
You and many gullible people fell for the trapping set by the FNM corrupt oligarchy to take control of weak minded, unscrupulous puppets that would have allowed them control the country from behind the scenes.
People have lost all respect for Hubert Ingraham, Bent Symonette, Frank Watson and Lynn Holowesko, the chief engineers of the plot to discredit, weaken and remove Dr. Minnis for being unruly and not marching to their corruption drum!
Dr. Minnis proved to be a better strategist than all of them combined and whopped them decisively at their own game.
How the heck can you say Minnis is not the best choice when he has clearly garnered support of majority of delegates and supporters? That is totally non sensical!
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago
SP, like 'banker' you are so fearful of and paranoid about the corrupt Christie-led PLP government getting another five year term that you are unable to recognize Minnis for who he truly is - Lucifer in the flesh! Christie has only the pointed ears and forked tongue, but Minnis is steeped in deeply rooted evil and breathes destructive fire over everything and everyone good. Don't be fooled by the devil incarnate.....our country would burn in hell if Minnis ever became PM
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 8 months ago
"How the heck can you say Minnis is not the best choice when he has clearly garnered support of majority of delegates and supporters? That is totally non sensical!"
"Networking" is a bastardized concept in the Bahamas. You can't get anything done "efficiently" unless you know someone. And getting things done has no relation to competence. It literally depends on who you know. I've seen some of the dullest people ever appointed as board members of major corporations. You have to wonder, where exactly does that business expect to be directed to? The garbage heap?
I don't know Dr Minnis, I don't know if he's capable or not, the only thing I can say is he hasn't given me a reason to be confident about his leadership abilities. That said, it doesn't say much just because a majority of delegates are confident, popularity in this Bahamas is what it is, popularity. Ninety was popular, so was Pindling.
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Oh dear me!
Alex_Charles 7 years, 8 months ago
the whole thing could have been avoided if Minnis wasn't such an asshat the first time around telling Loretta to run against him or get fired. That one incident highhandedly fked that entire party. I do not Trust the FNM and I despise this current PLP administration.
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrades! Long Island's Loretta should be made to empty her playpen of all her childish adult toys and bring them to Minnis, for destruction. Her own red shirts at large will show as little tolerance for this woman's toxic and unusually - it's all about "Me" - strange behavior - equal to the complete disdain towards this woman that was loudly demonstrated by the 410, July 17-29, 2016's voting delegates.
Stapedius 7 years, 8 months ago
@ Alex_Charles that's some funny stuff. I totally get you though Minnis is an asshat of the first order. He made a mess of things and Loretta made the party look even worse. We are truly in a leadership crisis in our country. Perry wont carry his raggedy earse and the opposition can't get it together.
John 7 years, 8 months ago
So now the focus should be to get The FNM election battle ready. Everyone knows what the issues are: BThe economy, unemployment, crime, Bah Mar, corruption, nepotism, cronyism, BPL/BEC non accountability, the national debt, double taxation, crown land issues, especially foreign companies that got grants and did no development, election campaign reform, the nation's national debt and credit rating, more efforts to amend the constitution, national poverty levels, shortages of low cost housing, food security and less dependence on imports. Family Island development and repopulating, protecting and account for natural resources, Beach access for Bahamians, Chinese investment in the Bahamas and government plans as it relates to citizenship, residency and work permits, immigration reform, 'D' national in schools. And the list goes on and on
TalRussell 7 years, 8 months ago
Comrades! Have you ever seen someone so disposed to spinning tall tales while engaging in outlandish claims of blaming others for why they were forced into abruptly abandoning their cause and supporters - right before they're about to hit a brick wall? But research does show 7 out 10 people who is known to have blamed missing party business meetings on the grounds of having been given such short notice by the leader or chairman's - does show a much greater chance of whatever is wrong with them - progressing into full blown taller tales spinners syndromes?
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago
Minnis and the FNM party are history which is precisely why we must pray for newly elected independents who would quickly appreciate their common interest in establishing a new political party shortly after being elected. But this will all be for naught if the independents do not constitute a majority or are not charismatic reputable intelligent individuals wishing to serve their country as statesmen unlike the buffoons who currently sit on both sides of our HOA. It is perhaps too late for such independents to establish a new party before the general election. The FNM party is no more and those who believe it is still a viable party are simply kidding themselves. The big question is how many 'quality' candidates will throw their hat into the ring to run as independents. We already know a great number of buffoons will try to run as independents given the current political climate...better to not vote at all if no 'quality' candidate runs as in dependent in your constituency. We need to keep the corrupt buffoons out of the HOA and avoid simply replacing them with a new bunch or, worse still, a bunch lead by Minnis!
jackbnimble 7 years, 8 months ago
He's not stupid. He can only get her supporters to stay with the party if he keeps her. Doesn't mean he likes her or really wants here there.
licks2 7 years, 8 months ago
I must agree with you here. . . but in time they both will be "catching feelings" for each other. . .lol!
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