The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SHORTLY after nominating in the Killarney constituency yesterday, Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis likened himself to a soldier in battle as he reflected over the past five years at the helm of the opposition party.

Dr Minnis, who has represented the area since 2007, will run against Progressive Liberal Party candidate Reneika Knowles and Arinthia Komolafe, the Democratic National Alliance’s candidate - both of whom are political newcomers.

Speaking to reporters just moments after he filed his nomination papers at the H O Nash Junior High School, Dr Minnis said that an administration led by him will look into matters of corruption, adding that he was aiming for the FNM to win each of the 39 vacant constituencies.

“I am honoured to have been nominated as the candidate for Killarney and my other 38 candidates also,” Dr Minnis said as several party supporters adorned in FNM paraphernalia flanked him and sporadically shouted “Rock with Doc.”

“As you know, together, I and my candidates represent and will bring forth a change that has been awaited and needs to be brought forth in this country. What we are experiencing (now) it’s too much corruption. (There are) too many ill works within this country and the present government has not done a good job in moving the country forward. They have not been transparent.

“With this new change team we will go very, very hard on corruption. We will investigate all areas, all departments, all contracts and where there is any corrupt behaviour or corruption that we can determine those matters will be brought to the courts and be dealt with appropriately.”

He also said: “(The FNM’s new candidates) they must remember what our message states. It’s the people’s time and they are here to work for the people not to enrich themselves. They must be honest. They must be transparent. They must listen to the people because they are employed by the people. Just like I am, they are. We must listen to our employers, the people, and we must carry out the directive of the people. This is a new day. Politicians are no longer in charge, the people are in charge.”

Asked how he felt to have nominated, despite a turbulent last five years, Dr Minnis said: “All great soldiers fight battles and even if their legs are cut from below them they would continue their battle on the (stump) that they have and become victorious.”

The mood at the H O Nash School was festive and celebratory yesterday as scores of FNMs escorted Dr Minnis to file his nomination papers, which include a declaration of assets and a $400 deposit, making him the party’s official candidate for Killarney. There was a strong show of support for the leader with a motorcade, short walk and Junkanoo rush out in the lead up to the filing process.

Following this, Ms Knowles arrived to make her bid official. Her entrance was much more subdued than her opponent, Dr Minnis.

Ms Knowles, a realtor by profession, told reporters that she had “zero concerns” about running for the seat against a seasoned politician.

Her nomination, however, was slightly delayed after officials had discrepancies with the signatories on her documents. After verifying several of the signatures and their polling divisions, the process continued and she officially nominated.

“I am here to serve everyone no matter what side of the fence you are on,” she told reporters yesterday.

“I have zero concerns (and) I will focus on my plan. (I have) tunnel vision and that’s it.”

She said to have reached this point was proof that dreams are not impossible to achieve.

“From a child at two years old, a little girl I have always said I’d like to serve my community and my country from a political standpoint. Your dreams are not impossible to reach. Whatever you can conceive in your mind you can achieve. It just takes determination, faith (and) prayer. When any adversity comes your way tell them that is just a hurdle to get you where you want to be.”

Mrs Komolafe nominated to run ahead of both Dr Minnis and Ms Knowles.

She thanked God for allowing her to reach this point, adding that her plans for Killarney were multifaceted and focused on the promotion of culture, commerce, community and knowledge.