The Tribune

THE senator appointed last week by the Free National Movement to replace John Bostwick was described last night as a “two-time loser and a political retread” by Bradley Roberts, chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Mr Roberts said Michael Pintard, who served as a senator under the previous FNM administration, had been “a dismal failure” and a reflection of the paucity of choice open to Dr Hubert Minnis, the party’s leader. “Where is this deep bench and new generation of leaders Minnis speaks of as he supposedly reorganises and restructures the FNM in preparation for the future?” Mr Roberts asked.

He said Mr Pintard’s appointment “only proves that cronyism and political incest are alive and well in the FNM as prerequisites for upward mobility”. The FNM’s senate seat became vacant after Mr Bostwick had his appointment revoked because of a pending ammunition possession trial.

The announcement came on Thursday morning from Dr Minnis, who said the decision came after a long process of selecting from a “wide tent” of potential senators. “We have had quite a number of individuals to select from,” the FNM leader said.

“We have a wide tent of men and women who would fit the mould of being an FNM senator. I believe in building an equal opportunity based society where young people share within companies. I also believe that we should elevate our young people so that they can become our future leaders and owners in this country. Today, we have with us our new senator, who fits that mould.”

Dr Minnis said Mr Pintard will help the party in fighting discrimination and victimisation as well as help make a better Bahamas. In his remarks, Mr Pintard promised to be diligent, meticulous and fearless in the discharge of his duties.

The new senator-designate wasted no time in lashing out at the government and said the Christie administration has shown tribalism towards Bahamians of different political persuasions since taking office.

“This appointment comes at a time when our civil liberties are under assault and some members of the police and other uniformed branches have permitted the executive branch of the government to use them to violate the rights of the government’s political opponents, evidenced by the invasion of the home of our Chairman Darron Cash,” he said.

Mr Pintard said whether he remains in this position for one month or three years it is his intention in concert with the FNM’s parliamentary team to fight for what is in the best interest of the Bahamian people. He also bashed the government for its heightened attention on regulating web shops, despite the results of the 2013 gaming referendum.