FNM leader Michael Pintard greets former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on the sidelines of yesterday’s Beat Retreat on Bay Street. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
BY PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Staff Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
AMID ongoing speculation about his political future, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told his Killarney constituents on Friday that he won’t be “pushed aside” when there’s still work to be done—declaring himself the leader “this moment requires”.
Dr Minnis made the remarks while addressing longtime supporters at Twisted Lime, where he officially launched what he called the “Killarney Strong Movement”.
While he did not confirm whether he intends to run as an independent or under the Free National Movement’s banner, Dr Minnis continued his public campaign to shore up support.
He said at the event: “Killarney isn’t looking for a new name. We’re building on a trusted legacy. While some talk of renewal, we’re talking results. I’ve never been afraid to lead. And I won’t be pushed aside when there’s still work to be done.”
Dr Minnis, who spearheaded the completion of the New Providence Local Government report during his administration in 2019, emphasised the need for systemic change.
He said that despite mounting speculation about party decisions and future nominations, he remains unfazed, with his focus firmly set on improving Killarney.
“I may not fit the mould others prefer, but I’m exactly the leader this moment requires,” he added. “I’m not here to play politics. I’m here to protect progress and deliver results. Killarney stays with Minnis—because they know what leadership looks like.”
The Killarney constituency, long considered an FNM stronghold, is now positioned to be one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the country.
Dr Minnis remains a popular figure in the area, and his candidacy, outside the party’s endorsement, will prompt speculation about whether he could fracture the FNM’s base and split the vote.
Asked whether he intends to run as an independent, Dr Minnis has repeatedly dodged the question, only telling The Tribune that it was “safe to say” he would run.
Also at Friday’s event, he announced two tech-driven initiatives - one a social governance platform that will allow residents to report and track infrastructure and service issues in real time, and the other a plan to implement CCTV and Ring doorbell surveillance across Killarney to enhance safety.
“This is more than politics. This is progress,” Dr Minnis said.
Comments
JackArawak 5 months, 1 week ago
Hubert, if you're leading the FNM, I'll vote COI. You need to exit the stage you worthless duck.
tetelestai 5 months, 1 week ago
Don't be daft.
The purpose of elections is to win. 1) The FNM stands a much better chance of winning Killarney with Minnis in the caucus as opposed to his running as an independent (in fact, the FNM will lose Killarney if Minnis runs as an independent, as he will siphon FNM votes); and 2) There is not a voter in any constituency that will say: "you know, I was going to vote FNM in Marathon, but because Minnis is still with the FNM, then I am going to vote PLP."
Pintard needs to be the leader that he pretends to be and give the nomination to Minnis.
Dawes 5 months, 1 week ago
If Minnis were leader of the FNM, there are people in Marathon who won't vote FNM. He lost the general election then lost the FNM leadership and now all of a sudden has the answers. Due to the way he has handled not being the leader (after resigning and then losing a vote), FNM should ditch him. This will most probably mean a PLP will win Killarney, but the issues Minnis brings if allowed to run for FNM is too much. He had 2,501 votes in 2021 against 4,186 in 2017, so many in Killarney did not want him
tetelestai 5 months ago
Your argument is a red herring. We are not talking about if he was the leader, but rather if he was the standard bearer in Killarney. Two different things. But, yes, I agree with you: if he were the leader of the FNM, then the party will stand a snowball's chance in hell of winning the election. FNM will not win Killarney if Minnis runs as an independent.
DEDDIE 5 months, 1 week ago
I can never understand why politics is so attractive. It can't be the money because politics don't pay well. It is sad that all of our previous leaders have to be kicked out.
bogart 5 months ago
However ----- "It can't be the money because politics don't pay well." ----- is the BIGGER point where according to law the Financial Disclosures of some of the politicians are not disclosed ----- by LAW ----- and ALSO being overseen by a GOD ABIDING TEACHER AND A RELIGION BISHOP CHAIRMAN OFFICIAL is not done is quite a lot.
Twocent 5 months, 1 week ago
FNM did not give us transparency. PLP did not give us transparency. The only person who might have done so got threatened and was made to step down by MURDER ! The grip on this nation is EVIL !
quavaduff 5 months, 1 week ago
Like it or not, the man Minnis saved thousands of Bahamian lives during the global pandemic. He showed that lives were more important than the mighty dollar by his actions.
tell_it_like_it_is 5 months, 1 week ago
Not a chance! Minnis actions likely led to additional deaths due to calling an election at the peak of the Delta wave during Covid. The concern for saving lives was completely tossed out the window by calling an unnecessary early election. Bad decisions throughout the pandemic.
joeblow 5 months ago
... Minnis is a narcissistic wrecking ball! People forget how many died from dengue under his Minister of Health tenure, and many more died from covid than should have if his policies didn't cause large crowds from panic shopping, multiple times. He is a certified more-on!
whatsup 5 months ago
Worldwide it has been proven that more people died from the damn vax than covid. He made a lot of money off covid...he was a DICTATOR
TalRussell 5 months, 1 week ago
IF the "AHAA LANX" man, seated directly behind Dr. Minnis, -- is who I'm thinkn' him to be... it presents a broader "bushed off handshake" picture into the Minnis camp's 'true intentions.' -- Yes?
DWW 5 months, 1 week ago
He just wants that sweet $250k a year pension for 2 term PMs like Fillup
tetelestai 5 months ago
This has nothing to do with being the leader. Geez, it is like ya'll lack reading comprehension.
Empiricist 5 months, 1 week ago
Minnis is an immature person. He somehow thinks he is in the same class as our historical political stalwarts. Let him run and get beaten into accepting that he is worthless and leave the scene. The FNM under his non spectacular leadership did not win that election. It was the PLP which lost it. I never met a politician like him who cannot take no for an answer.
screwedbahamian 5 months ago
fortunately, that moment came and is GONE!
whatsup 5 months ago
DICTATOR
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