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Hubert Minnis faces removal as Leader of Opposition in Parliament

Dr Hubert Minnis

Dr Hubert Minnis

Reader poll

Do you think the vote of no confidence in Dr Hubert Minnis will damage the FNM's election chances?

  • Yes, it will damage the party's chances. 61%
  • No, it will not. 39%

457 total votes.

DR HUBERT Minnis, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), faces removal as leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament after a vote of no confidence by seven of his party's 10 MPs on Wednesday morning.

A petition by the majority of FNM MPs says that Dr Minnis should be replaced by Loretta Butler-Turner, the MP for Long Island. The move has to be approved by the Governor General.

Seven of the 10 opposition members - Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins, Central and South Abaco MP Edison Key, North Eleuthra MP Theo Neilly, Mrs Butler-Turner, St Anne's MP Hubert Chipman, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant - submitted a letter of no confidence in Dr Minnis to House Speaker Dr Kendal Major and to the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, on Wednesday morning revealing they have voted to be led in Parliament by Mrs Butler-Turner.

Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest and Leader of Opposition Business in the House Renward Wells did not participate in this latest effort to oust Dr Minnis.

More details later

Comments

licks2 8 years ago

The last shoe has fallen. . .YEA. . .this is the final dash to the finished line! This old guard will not accept the will of the people. . .their political careers are over! If I was the rockin doc I will just leave them to the people. . .none of them are nominated. . .NOW THE FNM COULD PUT THEM OUT OF THE PARTY AND JUST ALLOW THEM TO "EAT" EACH OTHER. . .BUT THERE IS NO TIME FOR THAT. . .JUST MOVE ON AND THEIR CAREERS ARE OVER WITH A CAPITAL "O". . .done in by the need for self. . .

sangeej 8 years ago

lol! Andre Rollins, Key and LBT, lol!

ohdrap4 8 years ago

politics make strange bedfellas

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

I posted this on August 8th 2016:

"I can't believe that anyone would support her after this display. After being shouted at, she quit without consulting anyone, then she went to a meeting and came out claiming that she couldn't be bought, but why did she go into the meeting if she couldn't be bought? A blind man could see the meeting would cover the way forward inclusive of offers. Now she holds her own press conference to ask her supporters to vote FNM, "normal" candidates usually handle that message in their concession speech on the night that they lose, not a whole week after to give wounds time to fester. Her reactions are so off base, from the Sands "we're running announcement when she kept her silence for weeks, to the "big" unveiling of that horrible theme song that was never heard again straight up to today.

Btw, did Butler Turner at any time ask her supporters to give their support to Dr Minnis? Did she ever acknowledge him as her "leader". She speaks vaguely of supporting "the party" and needing "good leadership" but she never equates that to Dr Minnis. I SEE TROUBLE and can only conclude that she hasn't learned, she's lost"

bandit 8 years ago

TURNER is a better leader than Minnis hands down. The guy is so sorry and going into the election they would have surely loose big time.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

She is no leader, she is "loud". Bahamians tend to confuse the two. That's why we get union "leaders" like Shane Gibson

licks2 8 years ago

Check both ministries of both. . .the facts will speak!

NassauBoy77 8 years ago

She did as her people to support Minnis.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

"Eventually", but she spoke of supporting "the party" not Dr Minnis. Dr Minnis was a fool to try to keep her in, but that would be par for the course on his performance as leader.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

This will be interesting because none of these MPs have the support of the party. And they just shot themselves in the second foot choosing Loretta. Could be a good thing, who will trust her again?

JohnDoe 8 years ago

Open your eyes my friend. This is so much bigger than LBT. The FNM is in the midst of an all out civil war which is not being led by LBT nor any of these seven pawns. Minnis has done very little to positively distinguish himself, but the supposedly honorable men plotting his demise are nothing short of modern day cowards for the manner in which they are stabbing this man in the back. With friends like them who needs enemies. When they had an opportunity to contest the leadership fair and square they declined choosing instead to unleash their attack covertly.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

I'm no Minnis fan, and I agree with you. I think he's the wrong leader, despite that I think these MPs have successfully scuttled their own boat.

JohnDoe 8 years ago

Probably the most undemocratic process in our "Democracy" is the selection of leader of these political parties. It was universally accepted that most FNMs do not support Minnis as leader, yet his support amongst those persons eligible to vote for leader was overwhelming. What is wrong with that picture?

Millennial242 8 years ago

Regardless of which party you align with (i'm still undecided)...we NEED a strong opposition. If these folks saying it isn't happening...then I hope they stepping up to make it happen right.

jackbnimble 8 years ago

Dang! It's about time. Kinda late though. Don't know if the voters will accept this. A fractured party equals a win at the polls for the PLP and that ain't good!

realfreethinker 8 years ago

This is way too late and will have no effect on the election,because none of them will be in the house after that. He still has the support of the party. a fatal blow for LBT. the rest were out already

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Exactly. Dislike or like Minnis, their objective is unclear, are they all going to the DNA? I believe Loretta will leave them high and dry once again

NassauBoy77 8 years ago

The objective is very clear. With whatever little time that is left, we need an effective opposition. It says lots about you when 70% of your caucus has absolutely no faith in you!!!

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Effective opposition??? Who is going to follow Loretta? In reference to 70%, what does it say that none of the constituency offices want any of the seven? I don't know what she wanted to accomplish with this move. No one is going to support Quitter Loretta.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Minnis does not have the support of FNMs nationwide ........... he had the support of FNM delegates at the convention ......... watch and see

licks2 8 years ago

WHAT? She did have the support of the delegations but not the FNM peoples them? What you "talkin bout". . .but een das yall FNM peoples representatives and are told who to vote for? Chile let me sit down cause my head spinning. . . the peoples dem out here don't like LBT das who they don't want. . .now if yall send us back yinna papa. . .we can trade for yinna doc. . .but LBT. . .child pleassssseeeeeeeeeeeee. . .Lol!!

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades not so fast. The Governor General may very well refer this "political self-serving hot potato" right back to the Honourable House Of Assembly, for the Speaker to handle? Minnis cannot now say he shouldn't have by now not known the true makeup of the coup's leader, the member from Long Island. The Tribune should be immediately dispatching a team reporters to spread out across Long Island to get a read from Long Islanders on their member of parliament?

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Long Island is like 90% of the other constituencies where the MP is a transplanted personality provided by a party's executive .......... nothing new

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

Long time coming but better late than never.

realfreethinker 8 years ago

Now Minnis can get about the business of nominating good candidates to get rid of the plp. LBT is a real f#$king ass she just retired herself.

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

Tal, you don't know Jack Shit about nothing. The speaker does not decide anything like this. If you want to point something out to the people here then consider that Perry Christie has LOST two Referenda and sat his scrubby ass in the House as Prime Minister. On the other hand David Cameron lost one referendum and resigned his position, followed by his seat. The Italian Prrime Minister Matteo Renzi lost his referendum and stated up front that if he lost he would resign and he has done that. These are countries with civilized traditions and they make this country all the more just a Banana Republic. Shameful. And you want to write nonsense here.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade just you wait to see what Buckingham Palace instructs their Royal Governor General to do after she reads a letter from a much splintered only opposition party sitting up in the House of Assembly. How can they now tell the GG that they are a united opposition? We both will have to see what the GG does with Loretta's demand letter to be appointed leader of the official opposition in the House....but don't be too surprised if you're surprised by Her Excellency's response? Until the Speaker, rules, Minnis as we speak remains the LEADER of the official opposition in the House.

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

The biggest problem with people like you Tal is that you can vote in elections without knowing what the hell you are voting for nor about.

John 8 years ago

Silence is spoken here

bandit 8 years ago

It's about time this happened. This guy may be a good person but he is not an effective leader.

Abaconian 8 years ago

yeh but it doesn't look much better.. what's going to happen to the party now? Looks like the PLP may win again. Total mess.

Honestman 8 years ago

The Governor General is a PLP. Remember that. Also bear in mind that the PLP wants Minnis to remain as leader of the FNM 'cause Perry and his motley crew know that they have a chance next May with him in charge of a fractured party. Therefore, the PLP will be working hard to find a way whereby the GC can reject this petition. THE PLP WILL NOT ALLOW MINNIS TO BE SACKED IF THEY CAN HELP IT!

Reality_Check 8 years ago

Most of those posting comments here fail to appreciate this very simple but vitally astute and important observation on your part. Christie knows full well that it is very much in his interest for Minnis to be the leader of the FNM going into the next general election. Minnis remains as corrupt, dimwitted and lacking in charisma as any politician that has ever run for office in our country. The good people of Kilarney will hopefully be voting for anyone but Minnis in the next general election. A vote for Minnis would be tantamount to a vote for the PLP by any measure, and Christie knows it!

Economist 8 years ago

At long last. Now I have hope.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades! While this will forever shatter the Red Movement's 2017 chances, you all will soon learn that not only are there limitations to the section in the constitution about the role of the Governor General to officially appoint the official opposition's leader in the House, it is also nothing more intended than to be poppycock window dressing. The Governor General only appoints a Government and has no Royal authority to appoint the Coup's Leader Loretta to become Long Island's officialism of the official opposition in the House.

NassauBoy77 8 years ago

You talking mess!!!

theplpsucks 8 years ago

keep dreaming plp

Economist 8 years ago

Leader of the Opposition. 82.- 1. There shall be a Leader of the Opposition who shall be appointed by the Governor-General. 2. Whenever there shall be occasion for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition, the Governor-General shall appoint the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of the majority of the members of the House in opposition of the Government; or if there is no such persons, the member of the House who, in his judgment, commands the support of that largest single group of members in opposition to the Government who are prepared to support one leader: Provided that this paragraph shall have effect in relation to any period between a dissolution of Parliament and the day on which the next election of members the House of Assembly is held as if Parliament had not been dissolved.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade Economist, you are so right in what you read but is it accurate in reality as to what will be decided or undecided in the coming hours, days or weeks by the powers limiting the GG, from appointing anything but the Government of the Bahamaland?

Economist 8 years ago

Are you saying that she will ignore what she should be doing? I know that this government has been the most secret and dictatorial government that we have ever seen, but do you think our GG also going to ignore her obligations?

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade Economists to the contrary. The Governor General's possess no royal instruments to justify why she would appoint a splintered group House MP's Coup Leader as Her Majesty's Official Leader Opposition in the House Of Assembly.
Regardless, this is not going to end as a good political day for either Minnis, Loretta, or the Red Movement as a political party.

Greentea 8 years ago

7-2/3 sounds like they are the log and Minnis and Wells the splinters...

Economist 8 years ago

82 4. If in the judgment of the Governor-General the Leader of the Opposition is no longer the member of the House of Assembly best able to command the support of the majority of members of the House in opposition to the Government or the member of the House who commands the support of the largest single group of members in opposition to the Government who are prepared to support one leader, the Governor-General shall revoke the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.

That's the Article of the Constitution.

Looks like the GG should remove Dr. Minnis and appoint LBT

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

The FNM MPs are doing the right thing ........... this is what democracy is all about ........ now you see the difference between the FNM and PLP ......... the PLP MPs will let Perry and Brave lead them right down the tube of destruction ........ The PLP MPs must follow suit or DIE at the polls next year ............ Both Christie and Minnis have reached their political expiry dates

Franklyn 8 years ago

...kick their asses out of the party, sellout PLP viruses. PLP infiltration, tonight should be an interesting night. Papa!!!!!!!! we need you back.

Space 8 years ago

Chal, you think that happened without Papa's Ok? Nahhh

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Tal ......... your comments have ceased to have any value (not even humor)

thephoenix562 8 years ago

They kicked themselves out of the party.Good riddance to bad rubbish.

Voltaire 8 years ago

Hang on. Why should they be kicked out of the party? Why have they "kicked themselves" out of the party? The MPs availed themselves of a right and duty that is enshrined in the Constitution. They have done nothing wrong, they have broken no law, they have followed protocol in a situation where MPs lose faith in their leader. A leader who has not a chance in hell of winning an election under any circumstances. If Minnis had any sense, he would resign and get out of the way of the FNM winning the next election.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Agreed ........... but an oversized ego is a bitch

licks2 8 years ago

I hope yinna read that section well. . .doc is still the leader of opposition as long as and until the GG determines that the doc is not a good leader he remains the leader! LOL. . .I listening to the speech of LBT. . .leaders of the watchdog committees in the house blaming the doc for them not working effectively. . . hehehehehehehehehehehehe!! This one jokey crew. . .doc just needs to hold his head. . . Lol!

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Licks ......... you may be a Minnis boy, but the GG does not sit in that Office to overrule the Constitutional right of the majority of Opposition MPs ....... the GG may have PLP affiliation but she is acting on behalf of HRH not Perry

licks2 8 years ago

So ya mean you don't know constitution law either aye? Girl yinna can't tell the GG what to do. . .hell. . .the courts of this here land can't tell the GG what to do child! Until the GG write them back. . .doc is still the leader chile!! He can "do them" tonight. . .but I hope he do nothing . . .leave them alone. . .the public is the last word. . .we ger all see how the people feel!

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades! Think "AHrange Movement Party' will be emerging. Some have good reason to suspect these Coup discussions didn't start just yesterday. is it oo much to press the media must on the Coup's Leader Loretta and co- leader Montagu's Richsard, to reveal who they've held discussions with and over what time period leading up to their drafting newest later intended for delivery to the Governor General?
Comrades of the media if you're not prepared to discharge your journalistic responsibilities then maybe it's time request the Miami Herald Newspaper to conduct a real reporters investigation....cause we have not heard it all about who were all the behind the scenes players and moneys of this Coup.

MajorTom 8 years ago

I would hope that that both parties conduct themselves with honour over the next few days, but with Pindling being a PLP appointee, the FNM in the midst of a coup, if I were Christie, I would call a snap election.

Greentea 8 years ago

That is not going to happen. He would be throwing dice and after two failed referendums, the march (and in it represented a hundred different issues) and BPL inability to keep the lights on he/PLP would lose and he knows it.

Economist 8 years ago

Minnis was elected by a counsel that is old, void of ides and just follow the old dogma.

That is not what the general public want. Minnis might be a good doctor but he is not a good politician.

Either the FNM has to change their leadership or they will lose the election AGAIN.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade Economist, even if your correct...is Loretta the one to lead the reds to 2017 victory at the polls. Does she really have wide party support? I think most red supporters listened to and read media reports about a political coup within ranks their House MP's and went...what in the hell just happened to their beloved red party.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Let's assume the general public doesn't want Minnis, completely understandable, that is not a statement of confidence in Loretta. I am completely disgusted with her right now. She LOST. Go to the losing corner and stop causing problems. She is a troublemaker. If Duane Sands and Rollins were an option I'd gladly take it

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

LBT is loud, but she can pull a Trump right now ....... better than what Perry, Brave or Sears can offer the majority of Bahamians right now ........ desperate times call for desperate measures

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Economist, you are making sense ........... do not be sidetracked by Tal & Licks .............. It is time that someone shake up this dolly house in Parliament

licks2 8 years ago

Either you are LBT or you need to open ya eyes. . .the people will never back this foolish woman. . .it all about herself!

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

Why is the "suggest removal" button grayed out. I would like to remove Tal Russell right now. You can see that he/she/it is scared to death now as is his party. Lets see what big bad brad has to say now. Tal may in fact be Brad. Niether one got a lick a sense,

Voltaire 8 years ago

I wonder whose side HAI is on... that will surely sway what happens inside the FNM next.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

With all due respect, please leave Hubert Ingraham in peaceful retirement ....... This no longer his fight ........ he knocked out Pindling, Perry knocked Ingraham out, let someone else knock out Perry

themessenger 8 years ago

Good question Voltaire, this certainly has his stamp on it. Retirement can be tiring........

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades! My colonial sources on the other side oceans are confirming that Buckingham Palace have reached decision to instruct Her Majesty Governor General Dame Marguerite to refer the rescinding of Minnis's appointment as leader offical opposition in the House, back Speaker Kendal.

Honestman 8 years ago

Who are you kidding Tal? Buckingham Palace could care less what's happening in this God forsaken little place.

themessenger 8 years ago

Tal, the Governor General might be Her Majesties representative here, but Her Majesty doesn't have the power to instruct Her representative to overrule the Constitution, sooo back to Lady P..............

licks2 8 years ago

You need to read your constitution more there fella. . .that constitution gave her the power of head of state. . .

Economist 8 years ago

Tal, I might be missing something and stand to be corrected. Where is it in the Constitution that the GG can send this to the Speaker of the House?

themessenger 8 years ago

Anyone see this possible scenario shaping up? Papa unretires and comes riding to the "rescue" of his beloved party, offers Bran the DPM spot and agrees to run several DNA candidates on FNM tickets, DNA disbands, Loretta and crew fall in line rejoicing and all is once again well under the red tent.

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

Here is where Elizabeth Regina had her wings clipped and thereby also Lady P's are clipped. The Rule of Law replaced the Rule by Monarch. Most students of English history know that King John’s barons forced him to grant Magna Carta, the great charter of liberties that placed the English king under the law. They know that this charter, agreed by John in 1215 at Runnymede meadow and confirmed in definitive form by Henry III in 1225, is a crucial document for England’s history, likely the best known of all documents surviving from medieval England. Its attempt to impose the law’s limitations on a ruler is summarized in Chapter 39:

licks2 8 years ago

You go some where else with that foolishness. . .your constitution retained HRH as your head of state with some executive powers and immunities from rule of law in this nation. . .

MajorTom 8 years ago

Seven members put pen to paper. Three were on the way out. Could the newly ratified FNM candidates have signed as well?

242613 8 years ago

Comments like this show what is wrong with our country. You have to be an MP not a candidate to activate this section of the Constitution.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades Economist & TheMessenger, while Loretta might want to avail herself of Minnis's government issued license plates via a Coup, she must learn that even the consent of the Crown must be obtained before either the House of Assembly or the Senate, can even begin to debate a bill affecting the "sovereign's prerogatives or interests". Now, I will agree that what defines "sovereign's prerogatives or interests" has yet to be tested.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Our MPs can vote out the Queen from our Constitution right now ..... DUH

licks2 8 years ago

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. . . chile you reallllllllllllllllllllllly need to go read up more about your constitution there chile... cos you so loss when it comes to dat book. . .Lol!

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

Tribune Staff: Please disable the account of Tal Russell forthwith. For cause of nonsense, bad spelling and lack of grammar.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades! The House Speaker Kendal must know he's wasting the Governor General's time cause Her Excellency Dame Marguerite has no constitutional role whatsoever in the determination of whether Minnis stays or goes as Leader Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition. Case Royally closed.
Now, the entire party must get on with the quick firing the Coup's MP's from the party cause this is just more Lorette's shit disturbing nonsense and nothing more.
I don't give a good damn how much UBP money is behind her, I seriously doubt we will ever again see Loretta land on Long Island at least not in this lifetime.

Voltaire 8 years ago

Minnis is gone. He has to be. Unless they really want to see an acute crisis in this country the PLP had better not play any silly games with Dame M or anybody else. All around the civilized Westminster world, leaders lose no-confidence votes, they lose their place as the head of the parliamentary caucus. To try a Banana Republic move right now and find a way to keep him would be a disaster for The Bahamas.

Voltaire 8 years ago

The drums will start beating for Papa soon, whether this was his move or not.

Honestman 8 years ago

The "magnificent seven" need to form their own party or join with the DNA. One thing we know about Hubert Minnis is that he treats the FNM leadership like a "dog to a bone". He will not give it up. His stooges have elected him as Party Leader and Party Leader he will stay right through to the general election. The big money is not going to back him and so the money men are probably behind this petition. Therefore, if HM won't walk away then those who oppose him must themselves walk away and form their own party or coalition.

proudloudandfnm 8 years ago

One thing is certain. The FNM is done for 2017.

Get rid of Minnis and find a good leader and be ready for 2022.

But honestly if the FNM is dumb enough to keep a leader on who is removed as leader of the opposition and who is widely seen as the worst opposition leader of all time then the FNM deserves to lose.

Time to let the Minnis train leave the station.

Greentea 8 years ago

I disagree with you proudloudandfnm. I not politically affiliated and have no inside info but I am convinced that this isnt something that 'just' happened. This has been in the works since that farce of a convention or before. I am just sorry the six stuttered the first time. They should have taken Minnis down then. I am also convinced that this is just the first move in something that will unfold in the next few weeks.

Voltaire 8 years ago

proudloudandfnm – I agree with the second part, if they stick with Minnis after this embarrassment, they dont want to win. But I am not so sure they the party is done for in 2017 if they drop Minnis now. One or two months of hard-hitting, take no prisoners, mash them up where it hurts opposition and I can see Reds getting energized. The winds of change are blowing and the people want something different.

Economist 8 years ago

Whenever there shall be occasion for the appointment of a Leader of the Opposition, the Governor-General shall appoint the member of the House of Assembly who, in his judgment, is best able to command the support of the majority of the members of the House in opposition of the Government

You have 10 + 1 (Greg Moss) members in opposition. 7 members say that they no longer support Minnis as Leader and that they will follow LBT. Even if Greg Moss supported Minnis he would still not have a majority less than 40%.

I don't see why LBT would not be appointed Leader as she commands the support of the majority of the members in the House in opposition of the Government.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades! My stationed on-island sources have confirmed there can't be more than 20 foreigners legally living on the whole of Long Island but as of today many Long Islanders say that after being so turned-off by their MP's Coup actions that number just increased by one to 21, inclusive of how they now feel about the Coup's Leader Loretta. There judgment of Loretta is she is pretty damn good at plotting with others to take other people down but not at building anyone but her self up. When others take the high road, she attempts to take all the shortcuts to leadership. That when Loretta asks you to dance, you say... NO THANKS!

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2016…

Zakary 8 years ago

Be careful, depending on the course of this, it's not hard for the PLP to win most, if not every seat in parliament (if they play their cards right). Let's just hope that doesn't happen.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Loretta will quit shortly, just as soon as she realizes the public support she thought she'd have was a figment of her imagination. She'll leave these guys high and dry just as she did Dr Sands, twice.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

LBT has to answer to Long Islanders first.......... what is wrong with yall???

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

History is the best predictor of the future. History told me she'd stab Dr Minnis in the back, history tells me she will quit and those who follow her will pay the price

Greentea 8 years ago

The night of the long knives. Everybody got em ThisisOurs. Might as well use em.

banker 8 years ago

This is actually fairly good news for the FNM. They can now finally discard the dissenting hemorrhoids and Minnis can get on with building a constituency of team players. I don't think that Minnis can be replaced as leader of the opposition -- not up on constitutional law and my cousin Paul who write that shiite died in 2012.

I am hearing some fairly decent nation-building stuff come out of the crop of FNM candidates, and I have fairly high hopes for a normally very bleak future. The market noise of people who say that Minnis is not a good leader, is from the low IQ crowd. Minnis is not a good politician, but we don't need good politicians. We need someone who will do some good for the country via governance.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

The Trump effect ................ Bahamian style!!!!!!!!!!!

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Loretta Butler Turner is no Donald Trump the same as she was no Hilary Clinton. These false analogies to US politics keep popping up.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade Banker, just moments ago two Long Islanders were overheard saying that the Red party under Minnis's leadership is 2017 unprepared. And in the highly unlikely event the GG decides confirm their MP as official opposition party House leader, the damn party won't even make it to the 2017 General's Finish Line. She will become Bahamaland's, I'm not voting for that Loretta Hilary.

banker 8 years ago

Ummm my understanding that if the GG Swindling can remove him as official opposition, that doesn't negate the fact that he is the leader of the party and still can lead into the next general election. It is a meaningless thing at this stage of the game. If he wins, he will still be PM.

Publius 8 years ago

If he wins, he will still be PM.

No, he will not necessarily be PM. He will be if he commands the majority of his side, which is usually the case but does not have to be the case. If not, whoever commands the majority of support is appointed PM. Know ye not your Constitution? The Prime Minister is appointed by the GG, not elected by the people, and he or she is appointed by the GG on the consensus of the elected members on his or her side.

Space 8 years ago

You have to be Minnis, with all these vitriolic comments... come on now...

Reality_Check 8 years ago

Most of those posting comments here fail to appreciate this very simple but vitally astute and important observation made above Honestman. Christie knows full well that it is very much in his interest for Minnis to be the leader of the FNM going into the next general election. Minnis remains as corrupt, dimwitted and lacking in charisma as any politician that has ever run for office in our country. The good people of Kilarney will hopefully be voting for anyone but Minnis in the next general election. A vote for Minnis would be tantamount to a vote for the PLP by any measure, and Christie knows it!

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

But this presupposes that Loretta would do better, I dont think so. TheFNM convention proved that

Space 8 years ago

The FNM convention didn't prove anything of the sort. What absolute nonsense!

MonkeeDoo 8 years ago

People Vote - Not parties nor colours ! And there are more people who don't post on Tribune242 than do. So yinna what don't like it today jus cry ! Minnis is over.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Time will tell, right now I see seven people rejected by their party grasping at straws.

Greentea 8 years ago

This is good news for the Bahamas and the FNM. Minnis should never occupy the office of the Prime Minister. To put him there would be like jumping out of the frying pan we are in- directly into the fire. This is such a strong move that it had to be in the works for awhile and I must applaud the seven and their supporters for keeping this shi-et underwraps. Hard to keep some kind of secrets in this town. That being said- not sure why everyone bashing LBT. Just because she is leader of the opposition in parliament doesn't necessarily mean she will take the party into the election as leader. The FNM understands how misogynist, sexist and backward azz this country is with regard to women and she understands that as well. We all lived through that referendum. But out of the seven - she is the strongest speaker and strongest personality the the FNM have and can actually make some moves over the next few months in terms of putting the PLP to the fire. She can fight in the mud just like them - word for word -and will force them to show their azz even more- though their pants already round their ankles. In fact Loretta and Rollins might be like Magic and Kareem over the next few months in parliament. Pure SHOWTIME! I am not sure who will emerge as leader, but I think LBT should be and will be the deputy. In my opinion, if she ain't earn it yet, as leader of the opposition in the house and the one willing to take the heat for this- she about to. The DNA has been quiet and so has Greg Moss... very interesting. Fasten ya seatbelt my fellow Bahamians. This ain't over yet. Some more moves coming. The PLP have shown they are tone deaf to the people - so they aint hear yet- the bell already ring! Its election season.

jusscool 8 years ago

You can bet your bottom dollar that those seven plus peoples didn't act on this alone. There is a much higher power involved!

banker 8 years ago

I love all of the conspiracy theories floating around. This is just another fat-brained, fat-azz rich person with a sense of entitlement and little else fomenting trouble because she is a sore loser. This is a tempest in the FNM tea cup. This will be the final excisement of the cancer in the FNM party.

Greentea 8 years ago

Banker- do we have to go there with the "fat" comments? It makes you look small minded. Why Bahamians begrudge other Bahamians with money? Does money = "entitlement"? LBT the only rich person in parliament?

UserOne 8 years ago

Well said, Greentea. I am tired of politicians being attacked and ridiculed for their size, their wealth, their perceived sexual orientation, etc. It says more about the person saying these things than it does the person they are saying them about. A much more meaningful discussion can be had when their actions in running the country are discussed.

banker 8 years ago

It is a measure of pure contempt of a person who cannot put her personal ambitions down as a servant of the people, who is intent on destroying her own political party, and a very odious person with no self-control. We teach each other how to treat us, and the way that she is acting, she doesn't deserve ANY respect about ANYTHING, including her weight, her demeanor, her actions, and her patriotism. She lost and she cannot accept it. No respect for Jabba the Hutt of the FNM.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrades I respect why there are those who disagree with my interpretation of why the Governor-General will probably argue to refuse the Coup's request to oust Miniis.
Tell me why the Governor General couldn't argue something to the effect that the majority of the seven-Coup's MP's, cannot possibly form a government of Her Majesty's come the 2017 General Election...when they have already given much public notice that they will not be running for a House seat come the 2017 General? How could they describe themselves as a legitimate alternative 2017 government in waiting of Her Majesty's? Might I remind you we are but a rungin of the bell away from the 2017 General, and there is no constitutional crisis that could possible be sprungs on the House if there remained a vacancy in the House of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition for a mere few months.There is no constitutional required that the House must have seated an organized opposition party.

Economist 8 years ago

Because the Constitution requires her to comply with Article 82.
There is nothing about a future Parliament.

TalRussell 8 years ago

Comrade, Her Majesty has no role play in any opposition party if they're not the recognized government in waiting. Why would the GG recognize Coup members who are on their way out elected politics? Please don't encourage the GG to discourage the coup leaders from making their exit from elective politics.

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

I can think of a number of bright intelligent female leaders who would make an excellent Prime Minister. They're hardworking, believe in serving, aren't power hungry and build rather than destroy relationships, LBT is not on the list. Not a ting to do with her being female. Minnis is male and I don't think he's qualified either. I just don't appreciate all the confusion this loser is causing.

Greentea 8 years ago

Sure- tell those women to step into the arena. If they aren't in the arena then what they might be and do don't really count. LBT might be the "face" of this move, but she didn't act alone. And doing this doesn't mean anyone is conceding power. That doesn't seem to be the FNM way and it sure isn't the Bahamian way historically. So what if she wants power- EVERYONE who gets into politics is hoping for that on some level. Jeff Lloyd just reach last week and said openly that if he is called upon he will be open to lead. The 'proper' way is that you are supposed to want it, and not say you want it eh? Or is it just women who are supposed to play that game? No criticism of "just reach" Lloyd...

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

You have a point there, it's said all great leaders are egomaniacs. I don't believe they shop and scurry around to get into the position though. I put John Botswick and Loretta in the same "completely unacceptable" boat.

Baha10 8 years ago

These "Treacherous 7" should be viewed as Traitors to the Nation for failing to recognize the Will of the People and in turn, shunned politically for the rest of their lives!

Greentea 8 years ago

BS- this is how democracy works. we are so used to dictatorship and sitting small that we get nervous when someone actually exercises their right to dissent. You sound Trumpian with this BS.

jusscool 8 years ago

It pretty much backfired. Their political carriers are pretty much over now. Good riddance !

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

Exactly, I don't know what they thought they would accomplish. Who is she going to appoint to the senate? Mandell?

VDSheep 8 years ago

Power corrupts – and every politician wants power ‘ it’s in their DNA [sic]!

dfitzerl 8 years ago

It grieves me that my people do not know the difference between the leader of the opposition in the house and the leader of a party. Wow!

New continue to prove our ignorance of the Westminster system.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

No smart ass ........... educate us dumb folk ........... BOL

ThisIsOurs 8 years ago

People do understand the difference, it doesn't make the disruption any less annoying. If there was a point to this it might make sense, but unless they're joining the UDP and the Peoples movement....even that would be ridiculous, no one will vote for them.

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

The MPs are the public face of the party, not the executives .......... should the party insiders risk losing the election because they do not listen to the MPs (who the FNM supporters voted for?) ......... the MPs have spoken and now the executives would be wise to take note of the chasm in the party

Alex_Charles 8 years ago

You get your ass handed to you twice at conventions, called an early convention, rage quit and cry now this fkery?

Hubert Minnis is absolute garbage for Opposition, true, but you must suck twice as much as he does to lose to him 3 TIMES!

We may have another Hillary Clinton... except the party didn't choose her and Minnis still is the leader of the FNM. Unless that somehow changes.

The FNM is unstable and untrustworthy, talk all that mess at the convention about unity. Lied from the beginning.

I'd rather spoil my ballot, vote DNA or write Bernie Sanders on the ballot.

Millennial242 8 years ago

Sheeprunner1 you on the money. Besides if FNM decides to kick the 7 MPs out the party then guess what...the FNM will no longer be the official opposition, wouldn't have enough seats. Minnis would be leader of a party that isn't recognized as official opposition based on seats in parliament. Best he let them stay and he figure out his position.

goodbyebahamas 8 years ago

Loretta Butler Turner and Branville McCartney would make a hell of team. Her as the first women Prime Minister of the Bahamas would capture the World's attention (Build it and they will come- Field of Dreams). Join the future Bahamas, give your women equal rights, they hold your children in them for 9 months; the men enjoy the ride, but the women endue the pains, who's stronger? The World knows you discriminate against your women, stop living in the 40's, it's going to be 2017 in three more weeks. God O Mighty, who in the hell is not going to do what she tells them to do as Prime Minister; she'll knock the hell out of them with one punch. And Branville McCartney would make a great Deputy Prime Minister because he still feels the pain of his brothers murder (He's pissed, he wants capitol punishment, let God be the judge of the laws on earth, not your pastors); put him in charge of putting in end to the madness and the tourist will come. Get those two Bahamians together and the Bahamas will be great again; God bless you all, keep your heads up high, and march against your oppressors the PLP!

Voltaire 8 years ago

I don't buy this "PLP with the popcorn" nonsense for one second. They are worried. Minnis is their boy. He is the one they want to run against, because they know he couldn't win a footrace against blind people, and they cannot be happy with facing the prospect of a real opposition in Parliament, no matter who is running the FNM. Too much shame and scandal in their collective closet. Who knows – Loretta those might actually win the election for Minnis if the new official opposition can harass, shame and embarrass the PLP sufficiently in the House. All Minnis would have to do is just sit back and collect the benefits. But I agree that the silence from the DNA and FNM old guard is deafening. The 7 did not act alone. A move is afoot!

The_Oracle 8 years ago

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. Mahatma Gandhi." The money behind this is the real cause and curse, the 7 are but pawns in a game driven by fear, fear of the unknown. Fear of not being in control Fear of losing political influence. But is the unknown worse than our reality? Not for the majority of Bahamians. No matter, as we are usually convinced that "This" garbage is better than "that" garbage, conveniently forgetting that it is all garbage.

DontAssume 8 years ago

What’s unbelievable is that each of you the voters….whom are truly the Official Opposition to any horrendous governing party—is trying to decipher and argue as to who is a good leader or not. Tribal-Political support has placed us in the position we find ourselves as a nation, and Tribal-Political support will keep us in this state for ages to come. FNMs are no better than PLPs, so until we—as voters, elect the best candidates; and not a party….not a thing will change. This country needs an overhaul! Starting with the populace’s mindset—some applaud the foolishness these seven has undertook; others see the PLP being re-elected after the havoc and disaster they have covered our country with, because of some self-serving coup (Just darn right UNBELIEVABLE).

MassExodus 8 years ago

Is there an option to not see TalRussels posts? It is utter garbage! Can anyone assist? Is there a setting I am unaware of?

sheeprunner12 8 years ago

Minnis has been put out to pasture .......... PLPs need to do the same with Perry

SP 8 years ago

..... Blah, Blah, Blah, Nobody With Sense Would Be Voting FNM Or PLP Regardless .........

Perry Christie in the pockets of the Chinese, Nygard and others. Dr. Minnis & BLT in the pockets of Brent Symonette, Holowesko foreign loving aragonite pirates.

Literally $100's millions missing from the peoples Treasury and FNM Cabinet receiving bribery money from Fred Ramsey BEC scandal which neither party see a problem!

After 43 years of blatant collaborative corruption, destroying our country, decimating our people, both parties unquestionably proving they don't give a damn about Bahamians, what difference would it make which crew of pirates sits in Parliament?

The result will be the same as it has been for four decades. How much failure and corruption will it take for Bahamians to wake up?

LOOK AT THE FACTS DAMMIT..... PLP & FNM brought us from the 3rd most prosperous nation in the hemisphere, 1st in tourism and highest GDP in the region down to this war zone rated, crime riddled cesspool we are afraid to go outside and more afraid to stay inside. Where foreigners from the domestic level to Bay Street merchants have taken over the economy while Bahamians remain unemployed losing everything our parents worked decades for!

PLP and FNM shouldn't even be considerations for "leading" our country further down this road to destruction and Haiti status.

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