New FNM leader Michael Pintard. (File photo)
• THE UPDATED VERSION OF THIS STORY CAN BE READ HERE
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement elected Michael Pintard as its new leader Saturday evening, entrusting the Marco City MP with rebuilding and re-energising the organisation after its demoralising general election defeat.
Mr Pintard received 297 votes, which was 67 percent of the votes cast. His rivals, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson and Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis, got 120 and 44 votes respectively.
In a show of unity, the men walked Mr Pintard to the stage after he was announced winner at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre.
Mr Pintard said he will now begin the work of unifying the FNM, bringing together people who became marginalised over the past several years.
“Our collective genius is always better than a single-minded focus of a leader or a small group of leaders,” he said. “We need all of you. That’s why we sent out the clarion call, asking FNMs who felt marginalised or disenfranchised, or who had left. We’re saying to you, we wish for you to return home.
“We understand that we are weaker without you. You are at the centre of our consideration. We are asking you to return to the organisation that we built. I say to those of you who did not support me in this campaign, that it is my prayer that over time as we work together that I will win your confidence over time. Your views are no less important than the views of those who cast a vote for my candidacy. You are equally important.”
He said the FNM under his watch will constructively engage with the Progressive Liberal Party.
“It is not in our collective interest that this government fails,” he said. “It is true that early indications are that some will engage in excesses in the management of their portfolios, but from the bottom of our heart we wish them success because more importantly we wish our country to succeed.”
Mr Pintard said the last FNM administration made missteps. However, he said the administration also did much to be proud of.
“We know," he said, "that part of our loss had to do with having to make very difficult decisions that were difficult for a population to embrace, but lest we make the mistake of not listening carefully to the population, we also had some missteps. We made some mistakes. We had some unforced errors. The truth is, sometimes we didn’t listen to you the way we ought to. Sometimes we forget that we are your servants, we work for you, that we have temporary jobs.”
Comments
TalRussell 2 years, 4 months ago
If youse celebrating a technical win, despite several outstanding reasons why a full half of the convention's delegates, denied youse receiving the popoular vote to permanently lead the party as the Queen's official opposition and everything else like this and that still doesn't call no hats and horns celebration.
Be prepared to lead up against the current, ― Yes?
themessenger 2 years, 4 months ago
@talrussell, ma comrade yinnas need to be careful bout putting dem Birdie like tendencies on display. Time to put dem colored tee shirts dem back in da closet for da nex five years and move upwards and onwards together, Yes?
TalRussell 2 years, 4 months ago
@ComradeTheMessenger, isn't it so that 50% of reds are put-off by such urgency to replace Mr. Minnis with a permanent leader and everything else like this and that by a leadership which never held a convention during mandate their regime
It's not so much a focus on Pintard's abilities, although they're less than stellar, but much to do about his failure at not uttering a signal word about Mr. Minnis's governing ways.
Shouldn't others be free if they conclude he, and colleagues, put their cabinet positions ahead their responsibilities to constituents'?
Electing a leader at this early stage is like putting the Buggy before the Horse, ― Yes?
Cobalt 2 years, 4 months ago
Good choice!
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
The only choice really, especially given all that's known about the other two who wanted the party leadership role.
John 2 years, 4 months ago
Why was ALL the candidates for leader from Grand Bahama. Well Michael Pintard. Is still rough around the edges. Can he draw the traditional FNM financial support ? But at least he has five years to shed some of his’negroness.’ Unless Minnis err I mean Davis decides to call an election early. Fish Fry, fry fish. Keep telling them it’s not the same.
sheeprunner12 2 years, 4 months ago
Pintard should be able to take the FNM in a new direction as he is relatively young in age & frontline politics. As 70% of the Bahamian population is younger that Pintard, he needs a team that speaks to and empowers the youth
bahamianson 2 years, 4 months ago
New direction? Fritzgerald, shane, forbes, loretta , all are coming back. This is all the same old, same old. Neither the fnm , plp or any other political group seems to go in any direction besides reward their faithful friends, lovers, and family.
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
For the first time in a loooong time I am excited about going to the polls to vote. We finally have someone with leadership traits who has shown from his past work that he can lead, and is not caught up in the political tribalism that is killing this country. Never mind that he is in his 50s as well. Can't wait to vote!!!
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Weird, "must be under 50" isnt listed anywhere as a marker for good leadership qualities
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
Look at our Prime Ministers and note the age when they were the best. After Ingrahm's second term all our PMs have been getting older and worst in what they do.
The best Pindling gave was when he was young, Same with Ingrahm.
Leadership however is about your track record. Pintard has a track record that you can see what he has done and that he is able to lead. Minnis nor Davis had any track record and just what we got from Minnis, we will get worse from Davis.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Thats "them", and I for one think Papa has lots to give. The electorate may not allow him to do so, but his age has zippo to do with his ability to lead. And certainly nothing to do with his brain power.
We are a foolish nation to throw away our wise men and disabled to the dump heaps. Then put "young" people in the Senate where wise men should be so they have a chance to make their mistakes... ..thats what "chance to learn" means. "Mistakes" drafting the laws we live by. Its the most asinine justification Ive ever heard
Perry was where you put muh, no matter what age he was at. He was a showman but... thats what people loved about him.
PM-X is neither of these men, he should be judged on the qualities he brings, he can bring them at 30, 50 or 65, who knows 75?
But I concede that you will probably not appreciate that 70 and 80 year olds can still think wuite clearly and strategically until you hit that age or near it, all 20 and 30 yr olds have it so. God bless them, if it werent so, who'd go fight the wars?
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
I distinctly remember you saying pretty much the same thing about Minnis before the May 2017 national general election. LOL
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
I assume you are referring to ThisISOurs, as I NEVER referred to Minnis as a leader at NO TIME. I watched Minnis as Opposition leaders and knew that he was never PM material. And if you claim to have me saying that produce the post!
My point on Minnis entering the 2021 election was only that Minnis would be better than Davis, as Davis has the same do nothing track record as leadership.
I have always maintained that you look at a person track record and that will tell you if they are a leader or not. I don't blindly play the political game when it comes to leadership and country. Don't confuse me with blind birdie.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
I dont recall saying that Minnis' age shouldnt disqualify him, but I was adamantly against another PLP term and quite vocal about it! And I do remember that @tribanon and @Tal were probably the only 2 voices warning about what a disaster he'd be. I blame them for the past 5 years. Given the same choice again Id probably go to the beach.
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
ZZZZZZzzzzzz......
BONEFISH 2 years, 4 months ago
Michael Pintard is a good choice. He is an eloquent and persuasive speaker. He has a background in the creative arts and agriculture. He is also a product of the public school system. He had the support of most of the heavy hitters in the party.
Political parties in the bahamas need an infusion of new ideas, policies and people. They need renewal on a consistent basis. Less they become stagnant. They also need to become more transparent and inclusive. There needs to be a decentralization pf power in this country. There needs to be a real local government which will allow people more say in how their communities are run.
TalRussell 2 years, 4 months ago
@ComradeBoneFish, doesn't he also have a background as one who so eloquently and persuasively, flinched by playing it political safe at every opportunity was presented to speak out against Mr. Minnis.
Go ahead and give him a pass but Isn't it also fair to call out someone who calculated that personal political aspirations, should be put ahead of the interests Hurricane and Covid torn constituents.'
You really don't believe cabinet ministers were kept in ignorance as to Minnis's bad governance,, now do youse, ― Yes?
.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
completely agree. They all sat silent and banged approvingly on the desk during Minnis' reign of terror. Now their claim to fame is "I was there"... oh and "I go to church"
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
It's fair to say Pintard was the least of the three evils who threw their hats in the ring for the party leadership post.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
I agree! I wish he'd spoken up though. Sands couldnt stop talking and eventually got fired for it
themessenger 2 years, 4 months ago
@comradeTal, and who has a background of being more pervasively flinching and playing politically safe than the PM when he was ducking and weaving through the weeds bout BAMSI and da Renward LOI as someone who calculating put personal political ambitions ahead of the populace taxpayers dem? You don’t really believe he was kept in ignorance as to Perry bad governance, now do youse- Yes?
TalRussell 2 years, 4 months ago
@Mess, I guess it works better for you when in the background of Pintard's acceptance speech weren't exactly what youse call the red party's fresh young blood, when in focus were the likes of Tommy Turnquest, Dion Foulkes, Carl Culmer, KP Turnquest, Pop Symonette Junior... and what about that look in eyes of Papa Hubert's whilst voicing his 7/24 support for Pintard, looking more to be like a deer caught in the headlights of Minnis's BENZ car, not exactly sure if should be heading out West or do a U-Turn to head Eastbound, - Yes?
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
I believe he was kept in ignorance. It seems to be something leaders do when theyre threatened by their ministers. They ensure all transactions go around them
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
For those who do not understand leadership, when you are a part of a team you can disagree. However, if the vote goes against you you do not have the right to come out of the room and then speak against what happened in the room.
Yes you can quit, but then sensible voices are lost. So while you may not agree, you still seek to try to speak truth to power while you are a part of a team and you sit at the table.
tetelestai 2 years, 4 months ago
This is true, sir. Except many - including yourself - asserted that because Brave was a part of Christie's cabinet, and presumably then agreed with Christie's polices, that that somehow disqualified him (Brave) from being the leader of a "new" PLP. Now, you are espousing an alternative view. We just want you to be consistent. Can't be bad for Brave but good for Pintard. Good for one, good for all...bad for one, bad for all.
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
My point on Davis had nothing to do with him being apart of Christie cabinet and not speaking or speaking against.
My point on Davis in the cabinet was that he had a post and never did anything with it except allow BAMSI to burin without insurance and then lie to Parliament, and that in all his years as an MP he has not dine squat for his constituency. My point is that his track record shows he is not a leader. Time will tell if I am correct.
Trust me I am consistent, and if you check my posts you will see that has always been my view. Others as you say may have said different but not me. And if you can find a "so called" alternate view you claimed I espoused, then post the evidence and I will recant.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
If you have principles, you resign. You say this is a step too far, my good name is not worth good favour with "the team". Was taught this years ago in a PM class, never assume responsibility for a project when its clear noone wants to follow the rules. At the end of it, everyone will say, but you were PM"
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Can we please get away from these shallow characterizations of "leadership" qualities? Or we will be right back where we were for the past 50 years, "they could talk good"
Having a background in creative arts and agriculture and going to public school literally has nothing to do with a good leader. A good leader can list those things in his bio, but none of them makes him a good leader
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
So what are your characterizations of leadership?
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
I read John Maxwells book years ago and what stuck with me as most important was "competency". What does that mean? Well it depends on the job. What are the requirements for this job and do you have them. More than just having them have you mastered them? Thiz I think is where we fail every single time. We think someone is a leader because theyre a lawyer or a dictor or an engineer.... no. Are you competent in the requirememts for the role assigned. For politics I would list those as public administration and project management.
The second thing that stuck with me was influence. You can lead by any number of means. Some people lead with fear, some people lean on a title, you have to do it because Im the Minister. The real leader gets people to do it because they want to.
Do you have vision? Are you a strategic thinker? Can you plsn? Can you delegate? Can you build trust? Can/do you mentor?
There's any number of lists
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
for competency add in some level of bahamian law and parliamentary rules
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
Ok, they are some good points and I do agree with them. And if a person has not demonstrated that in the past, putting them in a position of authority does not make them that, which many appear to confuse.
Since Pindling's first term and Ingrahm's first 8 years, we have not had a PM like that since 2000.
We had been deftly devoid of that in the Bahamas and our people only vote for who has the best party when election time comes.
FrustratedBusinessman 2 years, 4 months ago
By all accounts, Pintard seemed to perform very well with the agriculture and fisheries portfolios. It is a sign that he can more than likely handle greater responsibility.
Lewis botched the Dorian response, and Kwasi was just Minnis's puppet, so Pintard was the only choice that can be said to have had some "leadership" experience there.
birdiestrachan 2 years, 4 months ago
Mr: Pintard will soon be gone. When the election is called the FNM will have a convention and their new leader will come forth.
Snakes and sharks in human form No more no less.
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
Please, he will be around longer than Davis.
John 2 years, 4 months ago
Once you get the clear understanding that the PM or leader of the party is not always the one driving the bus, you will not be too disappointed in any future party leaders or prime ministers. Whilst it may be the leader or pm sitting behind the wheel, it is those who but gas in the tank that mostly determine where the bus goes and which route it takes. And the more weaker a leader or pm is and the more a puppet he is will determine how much the bus goes off (his) course and end up in a train wreck not unlike Minnis. And from the time of Julius Ceasar dem and Brutus dem, there were cold hearted killers and backstabbing going out n in politics.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Very real possibility that the powers back a clueless puppet, but then you could have a case like Minnis or Trump where the leader goes rogue wacky and the puppeteers are stumped on how to get control back
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
I for one like what Brave is doing. the FNM has a looonnnng self imposed hard road back
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
And what is Davis doing?
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Make no mistake about my comment. Its only been 2 months and I continue to say I like what I see "so far". I will watch to see if its more than surface level.
What has Brave done?
He's said he'd taking time to deliberate on board appts, signaling that it was amazing to see the number of people asking for tings. I assume he meant undeserving people
He's quickly admitted mistakes. He flipped on seriousness of marital rape quite quickly. I like that
He's provided a report of current liabilities
It looks like the police are finally getting some real oversight. This is miraculous
He's signalled that he'll provide a reasonable comclusion to the Toby Smith matter
He appointed Loretta an unheard of move to appoint someone associated with another party to head one of the govts key programs
All of these things are good signals. Will I like everything he does, most likely not. But if he can create reasonable policies that are fair, he'll do far better than the last 2 administrations
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
The really bad signal from Davis though is his sucking-up to the same executive team at Royal Caribbean who instigated and engineered the shockingly atrocious corruption behind the purported Paradise Island Crown Land & Seabed lease arrangements. He needs to call for the establishment of a special commission independent of government to fully investigate all of the highly secretive and very corrupt deal-making that the previous FNM administration engaged in with Royal Caribbean.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
we shall see... like I said Im pleased so far but not 100% sold, and most likely wont be until September 14, 2026
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
Really?
What boards has he deliberated to make appointments on? Many of those boards were decided immediately after election. (And I have inside information).
He admitted a mistake on martital rape? So what has he done about it beside a midnight tweet?
He briught liabilities to parliament? I guess you did not read the editorial in the Tribune which take about how he ignored how the law said things were to be reported and make it same like something else. While it is good to know the information, trying to make political skull duggery out of it is the same old lame political game.
The police getting oversight? By a criminal defense attorney who will learn all their inside tricks so that when he is voted out and goes back to his criminal law practice will have the upper hand on them in defending his clients? Brilliant move there.
Ok, he signaled a conclusion to the PI matter. Let's see what that conclusion will be.
Loretta said she aligned is with the PLP and their plan. Clearly said she is not an FNM. So nothing there.
Yes, he is tipping toes now, but a dog always returns to is vomit. But, time will tell which are right.
While I wish no ill will towards him, I just no not see him having leadership ability. He may have position, but that does not equate to leadership.
tetelestai 2 years, 4 months ago
Come on, don't be a petulant sycophant. At least give the overwhelmingly-newly-elected PM a chance before we ask the question: what is he doing? It is a disingenuous and partisan question and only shows that your concern is not for the country, but rather that the FNM is re-elected.
moncurcool 2 years, 4 months ago
It has nothing to do with partisan. It has everything to do with accountability.
And number of votes does not stop one from asking questions. It is the mindset of small minded people and dictators who are afraid of questions.
Besides, number of votes mean nothing as sadly since 2012 Bahamians do not vote a PM in, they vote a PM out. So the votes do not mean the people are for you, it just mean they were not for the person who just vacated the seat.
licks2 2 years, 4 months ago
ABSOLUTLY. . .despite Davis' "lookin like" he ger do this like a BOSS. . .the PLP won with far less than with their base. . .THE BAHAMIANS ARE NOW NOT VOTING ANY MAN INTO OFFICE. . .THEY "KICKIN" THEM POOR GOVERNMENTS "DA HELL OUT"!! THEY REALLY DID NOT ELECT DAVIS. . .THEY KICKED MINNIS DA HELL OUT. . .THEN THERE WAS NO BODY LEFT BUT DAVIS!! NEXT??? Lol!!!
sheeprunner12 2 years, 4 months ago
It took the PLP several election cycles to win Govt, same with the FNM ...... Now we are faced with this instant gratification political culture that expects miracles every election cycle.
Bahamians are worst off as a result of this 5 year switch. It breeds a culture of witch hunting, overspending and short term planning. Hence, we are in serious national debt, no economic growth and shortsighted projects to satisfy the voters ..... Deep trouble long term
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
Brave so far appears to be a different type of leader. If he is what he appears, he could win 2 terms. What he needs to do is as quickly as possible ensure that his systems are in place and well structured BEFORE disaster hits, natural, financial, social, health. All encompassing. A leader has to be able to manoeuvre crisis. If he does that, he's in. This country is at its heart PLP. While everyone was saying nobody would put the plp back in power I kept pointing out that even in 2017 when their performance was abysmal and DNA's and PLPs voted FNM, the PLP still won 46% of the vote. That should be frightening for an FNM party that can "think", what do they do if this administration turns out to actually be good?
FrustratedBusinessman 2 years, 4 months ago
This is the first smart decision made by the FNM in quite a while. That being said, Bahamians get way too caught up in a single face when the political apparatus behind the face is a lot more important. It is called "party" politics for a reason.
I like what he is saying so far, but actions are far more important than words. We will see very soon if the FNM has truly changed any.
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
Fully agree.
Bahamianbychoice 2 years, 4 months ago
I feel the FNM may in the wilderness for awhile. Pintard actively participated during Minnis time and sat quiet while those FNM's were victimized. So unsure how he will be able to rally the party as there is no level of trust. There is no way the international community will give him respect because of the tape with Toggy/Bobo. The FNM had him resign as Chairman over this...yet now he is leader? As well, the law he championed ( while under Minnis ) does not align with the constitution and is discriminatory against Bahamian women. Both will prove to be a challenge and haunt this country given the treaties the country is signed onto combined with the borrowing needs. What amazes me with all the intelligent professionals in this country...this is what we get for a leader of a major party...
licks2 2 years, 4 months ago
Bouy. . .yoon gone there with "the Toggie and Bobo ting". . .not with Brave sweating he azz off about when that case "come up"!! Davis was "accused" to be the "king-pin" in that crime saga!!! You need to "take ya head outta da sand"! The two parties are now led by "Toggie and Bobo" side-kicks them!!
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
Open the link below for a trip down memory lane about Pintard and Minnis's relationship with the well known criminal thugs Toggie and Bobo. LOL
https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem...">https://www.bahamaslocal.com/newsitem...
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 4 months ago
they should have disqualified him from leadership for life just based on that fiasco... what Rollins say? ~"this guy is a clown"
As to the silence. I have a problem with that. Nobody forced anyone to stay. If whats being done is against your principles leave like Reece. And no more Travis' just because they "young", they easily manipulated him with a parliamentary post
tribanon 2 years, 4 months ago
Even more revealing.......
www.tribune242.com/news/2017/apr/06/t...
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