The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant yesterday said it is no secret that he “absolutely” supports Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Dr Duane Sands as the two move to challenge FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest at the party’s convention next month.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, the MP insisted that there was no better team than Mrs Butler-Turner and Dr Sands to lead the FNM.

Mr Grant said he was also confident that the duo has what it takes to unify the troubled party.

“Well it‘s no secret that I support the Butler-Turner and Sands team,” Mr Grant said yesterday. “They are the best for the party and the best team for the country.”

However, when contacted on the same issue yesterday, FNM Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells said he was in full support of Dr Minnis.

“I came into the FNM supporting Dr Minnis and I support the leadership of Dr Minnis. I believe we need a new vision, and a new direction in this country,” Mr Wells said.

Mr Grant’s endorsement came days after his strong rebuke of Dr Minnis over his performance during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate.

Mr Grant said the leader showed “no interest” in the head-by-head exercise and seemed unprepared.

Mr Grant, leader of opposition business in the House, said he was certain that Dr Minnis had not studied the budget and that his behaviour was “most disturbing” and “disrespectful.” He also accused Dr Minnis of abandoning ship by leaving the House session around 2.30am last Thursday under the guise of not feeling well as other parliamentarians stayed behind to finish the work of Parliament.

Before members of Parliament vote on and pass the budget, they routinely go through the heads of government ministries and departments, with members of the Official Opposition raising questions about matters of concern.

Mr Grant’s scathing assessment of Dr Minnis’ performance, or lack thereof, in the House of Assembly was outlined in an email to the party leader and other members of the FNM. The Tribune was also able to obtain the email.

“Mr Leader, you would be aware that the subject provides an opportunity to highlight the government ministers’ shortcomings and their incompetence,” the email said. “A time when we opposition members should be on our ‘A’ game ready to pinpoint and call out the government’s shortcomings, as they are never prepared for it.

“Your actions and behaviour during this exercise were most disturbing! You showed absolutely no interest in the exercise!

“Your actions, sir, gave the impression, that like them, you also were not prepared. I am convinced that you did not study the budget. This was evident as your limited participation further confirmed this. Your actions were not only egregious they were disrespectful. May I remind you a leader leads by example. A leader sets the tone and pace for his team.”

According to Mr Grant, Dr Minnis was absent from the floor of the House of Assembly during much of last Wednesday’s head-by-head exercise even though he was in Parliament.

He claimed Dr Minnis “refused to return to the floor” even after FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest requested that he do so.

The FNM’s convention is set for July 27-29.