The Rebel seven of, from left, Hubert Chipman, Edison Key, Richard Lightbourn, Loretta Butler-Turner, Neko Grant, Theo Neilly, and Andre Rollins. Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Chief Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
AN email revealing that Official Opposition Leader Loretta Butler-Turner was canvassing support for an “organic grassroots movement” came as a shock to fellow dissident Free National Movement (FNM) members, according to one of the MPs, who expressed anger over the move.
The FNM MP, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, accused Mrs Butler-Turner of repeatedly making premature political statements, and speaking on behalf of the other six members without prior consultation.
The MP said yesterday: “Loretta Butler-Turner is operating as though she is speaking on behalf of the seven of us. She’s not; she’s doing things and has been doing things for some time without consultation of the group and giving the impression that we don’t know what the hell we’re doing.
“I don’t know what she’s is talking about, and I’m very concerned that she’s creating the perception that there is a consensus among the group of seven to do certain things or make alliances with certain groupings and we have absolutely no foreknowledge of these things before we read about them in the press. It’s becoming extremely disheartening, because it is not my intention to cause any lack of confidence in her, but at this juncture her utterances are really causing conclusions to be drawn not just about her but the entire group.”
The MP continued: “It’s unfair for us to be portrayed as though we are participants in her discussion and we know absolutely nothing of which she speaks.”
The Tribune began canvassing the seven MPs after this newspaper obtained a confidential email that was sent out by the Long Island MP over the weekend. Two who could be reached yesterday declined comment on the matter. Mrs Butler-Turner did not return calls placed up to press time.
The confidential email read: “We, the magnificent seven need your assistance.” In the email, Mrs Butler-Turner forecasts an independent movement of election candidates to rid the country of the status quo in governance. She also solicited the help of social media experts, graphic artists, thinkers, innovators, change agents, musicians, and volunteers.
Noting that there was still work to be done, the email outlines a symbol, the goatskin drum; a signature colour, blue; and a brand message, “a new evolution for our people, for our people”.
“If you don’t have anything concrete or firm to communicate,” the MP continued yesterday, “just don’t say anything at all. If you have not consulted your peers do not pretend to be speaking on their behalf. Ultimately we are seen as party to the confusion that is being created in the minds of the public, who are wondering what the hell we’re doing and we don’t know anything about it.”
Comments
banker 7 years, 2 months ago
Swing low, sweet chariot. Coming fer to swing me home.
LBT is making it up as she goes along, and these Stupid Seven thought that she had a plan. These guys are so dumb, that potcakes teach them tricks.
Publius 7 years, 2 months ago
Just as I said on this site yesterday. It is true that she has been acting outside of the caucus from day 1.
TalRussell 7 years, 2 months ago
by TalRussell
banker 7 years, 2 months ago
More accurate if you put an "H" in it.
sheeprunner12 7 years, 2 months ago
LBT has sealed her fate when she withdrew from the July leadership race ......... she ended her career when she orchestrated the December coup ........ she is irrelevant now ...... time to go and bury the dead
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 2 months ago
For the 3rd time "it een too late to write a letter to the GG"
~12 weeks later, I still can't believe ANY of them even considered following her after the Duane Sands announced himself as deputy, but I haven't decided if I'm running, "I quit" drama.
TalRussell 7 years, 2 months ago
by TalRussell
The_Oracle 7 years, 2 months ago
Good catch Tal, I'd be curious!
licks2 7 years, 2 months ago
Yall think dat "speaking MP" is Rollins? Or dat is one key? I am sure dat LBT can become the leader dat her "side" of the FNM wanted. . .but she done gone and make "shesef ogly" to the Bahamian peoples dem . . . doc dem put the "deadweight" anchor on the deck of the SS FNM and allowed LBT to pick it up and try to swim to shore while looking back and laughing at the "fuming doc". . .then dem deadweights done start dragging she to "da bottom". . .now there is a "they" in dem anchor ropes that snagging she "foots dem" now. . .they "bubbling she". . .while the doc gern about his business. . .cool as cucumber!
licks2 7 years, 2 months ago
Well MP Rollins was on Nahaja Black s show today. . .she drilled him in a balanced and "foots to da fire" way. . .not some PLP, FNM or DNA biased way. . .Rollins now have to admit dat doc is the better, stornger and stronger leader. . .so I will now stand by LBT if yinna start beating up on her unjustly. . .I don't like nonsense talking from biased persons who talk fool and hate to admit they are doing so! So now on to protect LBT from lowbrow verbal "jookin up" by some of yinna around here!
I suggest that the FNM takes back her, Rollin and Neily. . .sorry all rowdy candidates over 65. . . the Hubert Ingraham era is OVA!! Dem three names above have more to offer this nation. . .they young and like politics. . .besides if rodkin doc leave them in the road with all them bus tires marks all over they bodies. . .only the nation will suffer. . .they don't lose. . .they learn!
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