The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is clear to most FNMs and to the public at large that Dr Hubert Minnis is not being an effective leader of the FNM. As Frank Watson said, Dr Minnis should be able to demonstrate within six months whether or not he can lead the party to victory in the next general election.

It is the opinion of many that he has failed to aggressively and effectively lead the FNM over the last six months since the FNM Convention. He has failed to take advantage of the many PLP missteps and scandals.

His performances in the House of Assembly have been ill-prepared, badly delivered, lackluster and uninspiring.

His failure to cause the Public Accounts Committee to meet and function is disgraceful.

His several planned public demonstrations have all flopped with an embarrassing low turnout.

He has failed to unite the party and has instead decided to sow seeds of discontent at different levels of the FNM, including in Constituency Associations like Southern Shores, Tall Pines and North and South Abaco.

He is unable to attract new financial backers to the FNM or to convince the traditional financial supporters of the party to back his leadership. Consequently the party is scrapping to find funding for programmes, events and staff salaries.

To sum it up, Dr Minnis has failed to be an effective leader. So many FNMs are looking at the various options available to them as alternatives to the current leadership team.

On top of the list as potential leaders are Hubert Ingraham, Loretta Butler Turner and Brent Symonette. Each of them brings their strengths and weaknesses.

Ingraham is proven and tested as a leader and can get the job done. Some people are just now beginning to appreciate how much he and his government got accomplished during their three terms. His drawback is his tendency not to listen as well as he should.

Butler Turner is very popular among women and young people and, since the convention, has demonstrated that she is a team player. She has courage and conviction. Her biggest negative is that she is a woman. Some conservative Bahamian men find it difficult to support a woman as their leader.

Symonette comes from a strong FNM heritage and has demonstrated his commitment and loyalty to the FNM. He is a consummate businessman and was an effective Minister. His big drawback is his inability to relate to and communicate with the common man. Also his many business interests pose potential conflict of interest problems.

Michael Foulkes, Secretary General, and Dwight Sawyer, Treasurer, are viewed as doing a good job in their respective posts.

Another FNM convention is due in November of this year and it is anticipated that a new FNM leadership team will be put in place. The FNM owes it to the country to do this because strong competent leadership will be required to put this country back on track after the destruction being wrought by Perry Christie and his colleagues.

It is the considered opinion of many that the best team, the winning team is Hubert Ingraham, Leader; Loretta Butler Turner,Deputy Leader, and Michael Pintard, Chairman.

PHOENIX

Nassau,

April 25, 2015.