LEADER of the Official Opposition in Parliament Loretta Butler-Turner speaks today with DNA leader Branville McCartney to her right.
LEADER of the Official Opposition in Parliament Loretta Butler-Turner announced at a press conference Monday afternoon that Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney has been appointed leader of opposition business in the Senate.
The announcement came in the House of Assembly’s Minority Room. Mrs Butler-Turner, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) MP for Long Island, was flanked by Mr McCartney, DNA Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer and several FNM MPs.
Mrs Butler-Turner said the move was evidence that her team was willing to put the Bahamian people first to move forward to defeat the governing Progressive Liberal Party.
Mrs Butler-Turner said she and the six FNM MPs who support her have not joined the DNA, but are working together for a “common good.”
The FNM’s four senators resigned their posts last week after seven FNM MPs wrote to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling expressing no confidence in FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis. The group asked that Mrs Butler-Turner be appointed leader of the Official Opposition instead.
She received her instruments of appointment at Government House on Sunday.
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Tribune.
Comments
Alex_Charles 8 years ago
She appointed him... and he's the leader of the party! Oh my god this is hilariously entertaining! Look at the photo will Rollins' face! Loretta has more power in the DNA at the moment than ANY member of the DNA has ever had. She can now indirectly play king maker and will perhaps jimmy her way in to leadership of the party.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
No .......... pleased do not be a part of the politically unwashed......... this is called building an effective anti-PLP coalition
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Exactly, as I said last week, what bout Chris? What he thinking? Doomed
Alex_Charles 8 years ago
im not against the move, but fact remains RIGHT NOW she has the most power within the DNA side of the camp. If she can get the DNA to shift on some of their policies then it's a good deal.
But still, that look on Rollins' face is hilarious
ThomasLewis 8 years ago
Don't miss the look on Bran's face as well!!
LOL
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
His face probably shows what he's thinking, this a bunch of ish eh? Who believe this woman?
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Let's see what happens to this gaggle of fast friends when those who thought they was getting, don't get what they thought they got. My question AGAIN, what bout Chris?
Greentea 8 years ago
From what I know of him, Chris is a smart guy. You don't need to worry about him.
goodbyebahamas 8 years ago
This woman LBT, in a man's world, in a country where women have no equal rights as the men, this woman is either two things, 100% Sicilian, or God has blessed her. When Turner and McCartney show up at the Jan. 9th March holding hands up in the air for all to see their one, for one Bahamian nation, the f%#%#$%g place is going to go wild! The great people of the Bahamas cheers are going to be heard from west to east, north to south on Nassau. Turner, McCartney! Turner McCartney! Turner McCartney! Turner McCartney!......you go girl!
Economist 8 years ago
Do not confuse "party" with a coalition of opposition.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Exactly .......... this shows how politically shallow our people are in The Bahamas ........... We need to look at country first not red, green or yellow ..... Loretta may be a hot mess, but a "coalition of better interests" looks far more acceptable of a dead-head Perry or a bungling Minnis
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
If anyone thought Loretta was operating on principle and not ego, you'd have a sound argument
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades how much more weird can this get when the now grown to "Eight"-Coup players, due to the fact that their presence would be an ugly unwelcome site over the the Red Party's Mackey Street Headquarters, have turned the taxpayers Minority Room in the People's Honourable House of Assembly into Bran's and Loretta's Party Headquarters to run their chops to further offend the common senses the people.This is treason in the abuse of the Peoples Minority Room. Summon the House's Sergeant-at-arms to evict the Eight from the Peoples Minority Room.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
BOL ......... Treason is Perry in bed with the Chinese (Bahamar)
goodbyebahamas 8 years ago
Pour one for me Comrade Russia, you shouldn't drink alone I keep telling you. I sure as hell don't want you to go into some kind of depression that could led to suicide, after all, the booze is doing the thinking for you, not your brain. These other clowns on this blog I could give to two s##ts about since I know their sent by the PLP. But you I like, you remind me of one of my uncles, he was always walking that fine line of good and evil. You know in your heart the PLP's only interest is self interest, but you've supported them for so long that your in denial. You don't want to believe their crooked, it's so hard for you too, PLP has been supported in your family since the beginning, but it's true my Russian friend, their crooked as hell; so pour me one too, I won't let the depression get to you, we're going to make it together.
realfreethinker 8 years ago
They say they are not resigning from the FNM,which means they can't join the DNA so what happens now that the dna leader is an opposition senator? This ga be long
Economist 8 years ago
He is the leader of the opposition not the FNM. The FNM and the DNA can have a coalition, That means that the DNA part of the coalition can be the leader in the Senate.
You need to forget this on party lines.
theplpsucks 8 years ago
no she is the leader of the opposition he is leader of the senate. Big difference.
Publius 8 years ago
The FNM and the DNA have no such coalition. The Constitutional Opposition is a not a party. It is all members that are not a part of the governing side, regardless of party or no party at all. The two parties have not formed a coalition. The Leader of Opposition simply chose a DNA member as one of her four picks for the senate. Loretta does not and cannot speak for the FNM organization as pertains to its forming bonds with other Parties. Only Minnis can do that
Economist 8 years ago
I agree, sorry I did not make myself clear above. This is What the Westminster system is all about.
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years ago
Sir:
Well said. Thank you.
Long time in the coming.
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
LOL. Think again.
Economist 8 years ago
Yup, Perry makes an announcement and already he is no longer the headline.
he lasted all of about 5 minutes as the lead in this website.
Greentea 8 years ago
LOL. but that means we need to watch what they doing. Now that the spotlight is off- no telling what might go down on that side.
Millennial242 8 years ago
This seems to be more like a coalition...and in some ways does indicate an attempt to work for the common good (over party loyalties). I still haven't decided where my vote will be cast...but after what has transpired last week, I know that i'm ready now to update my voter registration card! Ha....seems like change is possible in this country.
BahamaPundit 8 years ago
This is good news. Bran is the man. Time for change.
Economist 8 years ago
Millenial242 is correct. This looks like a coalition for the common good. It gives me hope.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Coalition is how Majority Rule occurred in The Bahamas ........... why is it a bad word now?????? ....... the reason for this is that the PLP and FNM did such a good job of "dumbing down" Bahamians to only see "yellow" or "red" that now we have REAL LIVE POLITICS going on, Bahamians seem so baffled ............ this is a good Civics lesson for the politically unwashed
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades how long do these wreaking of desperation Eight-plotters think they can hideout in the Peoples Minority Room, upstairs and away from the 410 red party's convention delegates? They must know eventually they must come downstairs to face-off against the 410 red party's convention delegates waiting outside. If you think this is ugly now - just you wait.
Economist 8 years ago
You mean those out of date political relics that make up the executive and their old age hangers on?
DillyTree 8 years ago
And let's not forget, many of whom were appointed by Minnis just ahead of the convention....
DillyTree 8 years ago
Tal, eight? Who else jumped ship? Wells or Turnquest? Or did Minnis show up to his own dethroning, like those idiot PLP MPs who joined the Black Friday March?
jackbnimble 8 years ago
Dang! In less than a week LBT has gotten more done than the bungling Minnis. Keep this up and you may just get my vote. #imlovingthis
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
The weird thing is, she's acting as if she represents the FNM, but she doesn't. She didn't even consult them on this move. Bungling is the right word. She's also assuming that anyone wants ?Bran or her, pretty big gamble when her own constituency is rejecting her. I suspect the one thing she has succeeded in is handing the country to the PLP. Congrats Birdiestrachan dumbness wins in the end
Economist 8 years ago
Minis had handed the country to the PLP. The question is if the LBT and Bran coalition can save it from the PLP.
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Please. LBT and Bran both have an overrated sense of self importance. I suspect that Loretta will carry her confusion causing ways right into the midst of the DNA. WHAT ABOUT Chris?
Economist 8 years ago
This is not about parties but about a coalition of the opposition. It is done al over the world. Chris is ok and LBT isn't trying to change the DNA. Don't over complicate this.
realfreethinker 8 years ago
Thisisours you are correct plp wins . This is all well and good for now but what about the election in 6 months. What ticket will she run on,who will bran work with going into election. Bran said he isn't joining the fnm and the 7 say they aint leaving. What the f#@k is the end game?
DillyTree 8 years ago
Why does she need to consult them? (I presume you mean "them" being that idiot Minnis and his minions) What part do you not understand here, ThisIsOurs? Do we need to spell it out in little itty bitty words for you?
Loretta is leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly. She is now the official representative for the Opposition (that is, the FNM in case you're not following) She can appoint anyone she damn well pleases and does not need anyone's permission to do so. (though I'm sure she's consulted the other MPs, who are, incidentally, duly elected representatives of the people in the HOA)
The other MPs who also signed the letter to oust Minnis from being the Leader of the Opposition, means that of the 10 seats, 70% of them do NOT support Minnis. That should be a clue for Minnis to do the honourable thing and resign. Of course, his pea brain and over sized ego will not permit this, which is why we're in this mess to begin with.
BahamaPundit 8 years ago
The problem is Bahamians want to cling to the past, because they have found ways to corrupt the warn out colonial institutions. They are frightened of change, because they might not have the same influence and control. Screw that!!! Time for change. Time for new.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
But that insular view of Bahamian politics has ruined our country since 1967 ......... what benefit is that to the millennial generation that will inherit $7 billion national debt, obsolete civil service laws and a generation of dinosaur senior public executives who refuse to retire???????
DillyTree 8 years ago
sheeprunner, you're right, but we have to start somewhere!
Zakary 8 years ago
This is mostly a PR exercise. Until we see what happens on the ground (i.e nominations, candidates, delegates), there’s not much going on here. The election is right here, and I really hope these set know that they are fighting PLP machinery, with seemingly low voter registration mixed in for extra uncertainty. I'd love to see what's happening with the DNA base.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Who do you think make up the 60,000 registered so far??????? ........ and how will this affect the other 100,000???????? .......... this should motivate people to register because at least we have another option
realfreethinker 8 years ago
sheeprunner,which other option do we have?
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Hehe, it's amazing how the DNA suddenly believe the election was handed to them, laughable. The only party that going to win in this mess is the PLP. the Minninites had nothing to galvanize them before, now they have a new enemy, and the Lorettites have been invigorated, both will dig their heels in and lose soundly. Eeen no side saying, "what other option do we have". Waiting for the Lotetta strain of the "infighting" virus to hit the DNA.
realfreethinker 8 years ago
The irony will be if none of them win their seats. What then?
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
That is a strong possibility ......... The Rebel Seven may all lose their seats if the status quo remains (FNM & PLP voters)
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
I think that's the reality. NONE of these men have any strong independent support. Their support is all based on the fact that they were in the FNM, and that includes Loretta. Bran doesn't even have broad based support. I think they'll get more of the vote than in 2012 but they will still lose. Goodbye Loretta, enjoy the last 5 months.
Publius 8 years ago
How are they fighting the PLP? Not together you mean? Loretta and the others are FNMs and have said they dont plan to leave and Bran is a DNA and said his Party is not dissolving and he is not moving. So they are two parties on the ballot. Well Loretta wont be running for the FNM obviously anymore so if she plans to run it will have to be as either an independent or she would have to join someone else's party. Either way, she is splitting the votes with the FNM, making the odds of a PLP victory higher.
Economist 8 years ago
A coalition of opposition parties group together. Yes, some will run candidates against each other in some but not all constituencies so that they can have a good effort and hopefull win enough together to form a government of two or more parties.
The UK did this between 2010 and 2015 with the Prime Minsiter being from the largest party and the Deputy Prime Minister coming from the next largest party.
Honestman 8 years ago
This is an astute move by LBT (and her hidden backers). This looks like the start of a united opposition coalition. This may force FNM dinosaurs to recognise that this partnership has more possibilities than anything Hubert Minnis has to offer. Surely it is time for the Doctor to step aside for the good of the country and allow LBT and Bran to work out an FNM / DNA deal?
MassExodus 8 years ago
This is obviously signaling a combination of the FNM and DNA. Don't expect to see the DNA on the ticket in 2017. This is a clear sign that Bran does not want to split the vote and that they are uniting to oust the PLP! There is hope for a brighter Bahamas!!!!
Economist 8 years ago
LBT has shown that she can cut a deal with Bran to bring the opposition together. Bran is not a fool so that took good negotiating skills.
That is one to LBT over Minnis. He was never able to do that.
I will continue to watch and hope. But hope I have that the Bran and LBT Coalition can do something for the good of us all..
Baha10 8 years ago
Certainly "disruption", but hardly the "change" our People are looking for. If the PLP were well advised, they would call a "Snap Election" and claim Victory while this Bunch of Misfits are still bungling around trying to figure out Who is Who and perhaps more importantly With Who?!?
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years ago
As previously posted, instinct has said for years that LBT was smart, elegant, a natural leader.
Always trust instinct, pay heed to it, and never ever doubt it.
This is just the beginning of the turnaround.
MonkeeDoo 8 years ago
I am with Honestman: Renward Wells probably saw this writing on the wall so he is stuck. Peter Turnquest ain't sure how the chips will fall so he holding on. I hope that they can bring John Bostwick back. I am convinced that Doc had something to do with it.
DillyTree 8 years ago
You too, huh? I always thought the timing was odd - Bostwick was meeting with folks to circumvent the active terrorism by Nygard and his thugs -- around the same time that Minnis was also meeting with Bobo and Toggie.
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades! grab your popcorns cause we're about to watch a movie we watched back in July 2016. The movie's script was a true story based on Long Island MP Loretta's and Senator Dr Duane's, announced run as a team in a leadership race against Killarney MP Dr Minnis and East Grand Bahamaland MP Peter. The decision was made for Loretta to run for Red Party leader, and Dr Duane for deputy party leader.
Remember how the media promoted the two leadership hopefuls as having set the stage for one of the most anticipated political events of the century, to be held from July 27-29, 2016.... and we all know how the two fizzled-out on speech night on the 28th...having never made it to the 410 voting convention delegates Finish Line.
Question is with Bran taking the number of Coup de théâtre players from Seven to Eight...will it be Bran for Red Party leader this time around, and Loretta for deputy party leader?
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2016…
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Notice Bran have on a blue tie, I think he sellout the DNA. You need to invest in a popcorn machine. How did all this start? Because Key threw a hissy fit, and he even een there! LOL
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Meanwhile Bahamar sold to the triad and them horrific decorations still up downtown...well some down and attacking cars apparently
PastorTroy 8 years ago
I'm liking this so far, a coalition is better for the people. Just waiting for the specifics. #RetireTheDinos
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades I just got off cell with a well connected red shirt and I am informed that word coming out Long Island has it that Loretta has become so disconnected constituents upset her over this militant action of her's, that she now intends to nominate herself for her old Montagu seat. The Coup's Montagu MP Richard is not too happy, and that this news is also too much of a heavy-duty load for "Wash em, Dry em, Press em" Dionisio’s to handle,
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Lol and so it begins
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Reports have it that the new FNM candidate for Long Island is already on the ground and has received a warm reception ............ Adios LBT!!!!!!
Economist 8 years ago
Only if they vote her out in 6 months time. Is this some person sent by Minnis?
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Adios LBT ............ order your casket and bring it to the Park this weekend
The_Oracle 8 years ago
Sheeprunner, a Coalition was not the case in 1967, the Labor party candidate (Randol Foulkes) was convinced to join the PLP, and the other independent was made speaker (Alvin Braynan) breaking the 18/18 seat tie. A proper coalition would happen after election results, which would give a formal coalition more seats than the single party winner. It leaves all parties intact. (from Memory so don't hang me on details) I agree however, sometimes there is nothing salvageable left, soon to be the state of the country if this idiocy keeps up!
Economist 8 years ago
Just checked. It was a coalition. Page 136 "The Life and Times of Lynden Oscar Pindling".
"Later when Pindling came to my house at midnight we agreed to a coalition between PLP and Labour"
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Check Sir Randol's book "The Faith that Moved the Mountain" for another perspective
Economist 8 years ago
Thanks, I will check.
242in404 8 years ago
Bravo, Loretta. Bold and genius move.
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years ago
Agree, bold and genius move, one of many to be made by LBT.
This is the opening salvo in the Bahamas' reversal of fortune.
Excellent.
EasternGate 8 years ago
Two good moves so far LBT. Like the song "Patches", we're depending on you to pull us through. Minnis core supporters are mostly Ingraham haters. He simply has no mass appeal!
Economist 8 years ago
He as the relics of Sir Cecil's FNM BEFORE Ingraham. They could not win then and they could never win now.
Old men with loosing ways = Minnis supporters.
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years ago
Thank you both for the most interesting information, answers many questions.
John 8 years ago
So basically Loretta tButler Turner has dispelled rumors that she was clearing Minnis out the way to allow Hubert (coward) Ingraham to return. She has demonstrated that intends to take the opposition grabbing it by its horns, She has reached out to Granville and gave him a significant post in the opposition. Of course Bran now owes her favors: will he disband the DNA and join the FNM or will he agree not to contest certain seats. But wait! LBT, according to Hubert Minnis, and the 'rebels' are no longer FNM's. So will they form a new party or join the DNA?
ThisIsOurs 8 years ago
Hint, he's wearing a blue tie
goodbyebahamas 8 years ago
Why not name the unity of these two political parties "United Bahamian Council"....the UBC.......where the hell did that just come from, Christ O Mighty, I've been eaten way to much protein......The UBC......say that to yourselves.....United Bahamian Council......I really like that word......Couuuuuuncil. Yeah, that's a nice word.....Couuuunnncil.
proudloudandfnm 8 years ago
Hmmm. Minnis could not get an alliance with Bran. LBT did it on her first day as leader.
Now that's leadership...
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrade ProudLoudAndFnm, let's analyze the playing-out the Coup de théâtreto to bring some sense this matter okay. It sure as hell seems clear that the only the way Bran's ego could walk-back-in off the street to assume control over the Red Party was to join forces with his alter-ego Loretta -something he couldn't swing-by Minnis or Papa Hubert.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Hubert Ingraham is retired ............ leave him be ........ Perry is as good as dead ........... good riddance ...................LBT, Bran & HAM are the future (and Bahamians are befuddled right now)
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrade SheepRunner12, you talking like this is Bran's first time attempt to take over the Red Party. Difference is Papa, slapped his ass back in his proper place. Something I am not sure Minnis has it in him to deal firmly with Loretta and Bran. Minnis seems be growing that much more frustrated than anything else.
screwedbahamian 8 years ago
Bahamians are to accustomed to Party's and Partying. The two Political Party's have proven over and over again that they are incapable of Leading the Bahamas and Bahamian to a better life and existence because party's instead of capable elected individuals are governing the country McCartney and Butler-Turner are seeing the vision on what it take to move the Bahamas and Bahamians forward to a better future. They are taking action instead offering idle talk and plans as the status quo of political party's. embrace the change and lets all move forward.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years ago
Most Bahamians fail to understand that a UK styled Westminster parliamentary system of government has been ill-suited for an independent Bahamas since July 10, 1973. Pindling quickly realized that it was all too easy for the leader of a political party to gain absolute control over the party by fully stacking the party's leadership apparatus with small minded loyal supporters and cronies who would always put their party leader above the well being of the Bahamas and its people. Our political parties do not have a true democratic purging mechanism for the party leader who invariably successfully hijacks the entire leadership apparatus of the party in order to cement his/her position as party leader with unquestionable and unlimited authority to remain in that de facto dictator role.
Hubbigity, Crooked Christie and the Dimwitted Doc are all from Pindling's school of thinking when it comes to gaining and retaining absolute control over the leadership apparatus of their political party, thereby capitalizing on one of the key weaknesses within our ill-suited system of government. Bahamians need to wake up to the fact that the political parties will always serve the hijacker's interests in obtaining unchecked power, with no built-in democratic mechanism for booting the hijacker when necessary for the good of the party and the Bahamian people. Most Bahamians fail to understand that a UK styled Westminster parliamentary system of government has been ill-suited for an independent Bahamas since July 10, 1973. Pindling quickly realized that it was all too easy for the leader of a political party to gain absolute control over the party by fully stacking the party's leadership apparatus with small minded loyal supporters and cronies who would always put their party leader above the well being of the Bahamas and its people. Our political parties do not have a true democratic purging mechanism for the party leader who invariably successfully hijacks the entire leadership apparatus of the party in order to cement his/her position as party leader with unquestionable and unlimited authority to remain in that de facto dictator role.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years ago
Re-post: Most Bahamians fail to understand that a UK styled Westminster parliamentary system of government has been ill-suited for an independent Bahamas since July 10, 1973. Pindling quickly realized that it was all too easy for the leader of a political party to gain absolute control over the party by fully stacking the party's leadership apparatus with small minded loyal supporters and cronies who would always put their party leader above the well being of the Bahamas and its people. Our political parties do not have a true democratic purging mechanism for the party leader who invariably successfully hijacks the entire leadership apparatus of the party in order to cement his/her position as party leader with unquestionable and unlimited authority to remain in that de facto dictator role.
Hubbigity, Crooked Christie and the Dimwitted Doc are all from Pindling's school of thinking when it comes to gaining and retaining absolute control over the leadership apparatus of their political party, thereby capitalizing on one of the key weaknesses within our ill-suited system of government. Bahamians need to wake up to the fact that the political parties will always serve the hijacker's interests in obtaining unchecked power, with no built-in democratic mechanism for booting the hijacker when necessary for the good of the party and the Bahamian people. This explains why Pindling was not toppled by the findings of the 1980's Commission of Inquiry into his drug smuggler dealings, why Crooked Christie has refused to step down after two national referendums in which the Bahamian have expressed a resounding vote of no confidence in him, and why the Dimwitted Doc is able to hold on to his leadership of the FNM party.
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Good observation ............ we need to tear up this bastardized Westminster Constitution system and create a federalized republic system with proportional representation and an elected President and an elected unicameral Parliament) ........... we have too many corrupt, toothless chiefs
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades! There is nothing written in our constitution that dictates we must first become a Republic, before we can make modern day governing changes. Like is Her Majesty The Queen of the United Kingdom, or the The Queen the Bahamaland?
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2016…
sheeprunner12 8 years ago
Read Chapter ONE of the Bahamian Constitution .......... smdh
DEDDIE 8 years ago
It's amazing how many people are willing to support a coup at the party level. That mindset is essential for a coup to be successful at the national level. I believe Loretta would probably make a good leader but I simply don't support coups.
TalRussell 8 years ago
Comrades! STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING! DNA Leader Bran is the guest now live-on the Guardian's The Revolution Talk Show. Every red shirt, needs tune-in live to hear for yourselves exactly what the green party's leader and your Loretta has planned for your red party. Will be good be reminded as Minnis sure as hell was, directly from mouth man himself, all about his runaway ego. Only been listening Bran few minutes and he's done tossed 4 grenades under red shirts big red tent.
www.guardiantalkradio.com
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