The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

LANISHA Rolle has officially been announced as the new Free National Movement senator.

In a press release yesterday, FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he has advised Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to appoint Mrs Rolle, an attorney, to the vacant seat in the Senate.

However, some members of the FNM are reportedly angry with the move. One FNM insider last night questioned what assets Mrs Rolle would bring to the upper chamber and suggested that a more well-known person should have received the appointment.

Another FNM source told The Tribune there would be “fireworks” within the party over the selection, which the source said took many by surprise.

The FNM seat became vacant after Heather Hunt resigned from the upper chamber last month. She said she resigned after Dr Minnis asked her to step down from the post.

Mrs Hunt said it was an honour to serve in the Senate, but in keeping with the party’s vision, it was time for her to pass on the baton.

The FNM’s new senator served on the Royal Bahamas Police Force for 11 years and worked in the Special Intelligence Branch for nine years. She is also an ordained minister.

“Rising from very humble circumstances ‘Over the Hill’, she became a police officer, attaining the rank of corporal in the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” the FNM’s release said.

“Mrs Rolle also attained the academic distinction of having two bachelor’s degrees inclusive of her law degree from the University of the West Indies, and a master’s degree (Magna Cum Laude) in human resources management.

“Mrs Rolle has served as a member of the National Executive Committee of the Free National Movement and was recently elected to the office of assistant secretary general at the last FNM convention.”

However, the announcement of Mrs Rolle as senator was “not welcomed” by many in the party. In fact, one source close to the matter said there will be “fire works” over Dr Minnis’ decision.

“We had no idea that he chose this woman. No disrespect to her, but her name was never mentioned in meetings,” the source said last night.

“It was discussed and agreed that it would be a woman, but a woman who ran in the past general election and made a significant contribution to the party.

“Monique Gomez and Pakesia Edgecombe were mentioned; they were discussed. This is ridiculous, this is why we can never get anywhere as a party. They can’t blame me for this one, I voted for Loretta (Butler-Turner). They brought Minnis back, this is what they get.”

Another FNM insider said some party members are “disgusted” and “angry” over the appointment. According to the FNM, many senior members did not know that Mrs Rolle had been selected as the new Senator.

“It’s not clear what asset she brings to this war when we already have a weak team already,” the source said.

When contacted for comment on the criticism, Dr Minnis said he had already “said all he needed to say on the matter.”

It was reported this week that Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union President Nicole Martin was among a list of candidates being considered to replace Mrs Hunt.