The Tribune

UPDATED: Dr Duane Sands has formally announced his intent to run for FNM deputy leader - see embedded video.

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FNM Deputy Chairman Dr Duane Sands will today announce which of the two leadership positions in the Free National Movement he will be vying for at the party’s convention next month.

In a press statement released yesterday, Dr Sands affirmed his interest in serving as either leader or deputy leader. While the former senator did not say which position he will be contesting, The Tribune understands he will run for deputy leader.

According to sources within the party, current Chairman Darron Cash and Senator Carl Bethel are expected to battle for the deputy leadership as well.

“I will (today) announce my intention to enter one of the two leadership races and to meet the press in a question and answer session,” Dr Sands’ statement said.

“Now, more than ever, our country stands in need of real leadership, truly nationalistic leadership with integrity and focus. I believe that the Free National Movement is the best vehicle to provide that for the Bahamian people. I have been honoured and privileged to serve the FNM in a number of capacities – as a candidate, a senator and a senior party officer. I am today affirming my interest in serving in one of the two leadership capacities.”

When contacted for comment about his ambitions, Mr Cash said he will run for a position, but is not willing “at this time” to announce what position that will be.

Mr Bethel, who is a former FNM chairman, did not confirm or deny that he will run for deputy leader as rumoured.

“I’m not engaging in that right now,” Mr Bethel told The Tribune when contacted for comment. “I’m very busy; I’ve been asked to help organise the convention. We are trying to get the convention off the ground.”

Current FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner announced on Monday that she will battle FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis for leadership of the party.

FNM Central Council members voted overwhelmingly in support of a national convention last week as the party struggled to clamp down on the “appearance of disharmony”.

The party’s convention was originally scheduled for the first quarter of 2015.

Mr Bethel said support of the decision to hold the national convention on November 21 was “overwhelming”, adding that the date was not short notice.

“There was one symbolic vote against it,” he said, “just to say there was one vote and it was just to say that it wasn’t unanimous.”