The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE failing to reach a portion of the party’s 410 delegates, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner insisted that she won’t give up and will remain optimistic “until the last minute” about emerging the Free National Movement’s new leader following the FNM convention later this week.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, she explained that her “Forward Together” campaign has failed to reach FNMs with voting power in the Family Islands, due in part to issues with the FNM’s election process.

And with 10 months until the next general, Mrs Butler-Turner urged delegates to focus on the party’s inability to “get out of the blocks” over the last four years. This, she said, was because the FNM lacked strong, competent leadership.

During the next two days before the event kicks off on Wednesday, Mrs Butler-Turner said her campaign intends to target the delegates who have yet to grasp the full understanding of what she and running mate Senator Dr Duane Sands’ plans are for the party and the country.

In addition, Mrs Butler-Turner said she intends to allay concerns that have arisen from “propaganda and falsehoods” over the last few weeks.

Meanwhile, the “Forward Together” campaign released a statement yesterday castigating FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest, accusing the two of being insensitive and out of touch with the issues confronting the Bahamian people.

“I am a perennial optimist and I remain very optimistic about the way forward,” the Long Island MP said when she was contacted yesterday. “Dr Sands and I have been able to offer a ray of hope to the gloominess that exists.

“The delegates must be able to see that this is for them, especially the ones that feel burdened and victimised. The reality is this; I haven’t spoken to all of the delegates. These are some of the reservations with regards to process. I am realising that the process is not where it needs to be and I can either go along with the process or I can continue to share with those persons I have already talked with.

“At the end of the day, I don’t think that any electoral process will go without challenges, but regarding this one I would submit that in the future the party lays out very clear guidelines and follows the constitution to the ‘T’. There seems to be some ad hoc type decisions.”

She added: “We have two days to reach delegates that I haven’t reached to this point.

“Most of the delegates that I have reached have been Nassau-based where I have had phone contacts for persons throughout the island but our message is very simple. The enemy is not within the party, but in the PLP and its incompetence. We want to win the government and be able to turn this country around.

“What is on the top of the minds of most delegates is the unification, growth and expansion of the party and for us to be battle ready. We are trying to address that head on and address propaganda and mischief making among various camps.

“I have run two successful general election campaigns and I am not going to give up at the last minute despite having not reached a portion of the delegates.”

In a press statement, Mrs Butler-Turner’s campaign said she and Dr Sands were capable leaders that have not only presented a sound vision but have proven themselves.

The statement read: “Over the last few weeks FNM delegates had a great opportunity to compare the two teams seeking to lead the FNM. Many have written off the Christie government and do not take it seriously. The country is screaming for leadership. Dr Minnis and his silent sidekick deputy continue to conduct a campaign that suggests that they are either insensitive to the times or completely out of touch with the issues confronting the Bahamian people.

“Loretta Butler-Turner and Duane Sands have run a serious and thoughtful campaign. Their meaningful theme reflects the urgency of the times. The time is now to move a stagnant and divided FNM and indeed the Bahamas Forward Together. ?

“Loretta and Duane have subjected themselves to the scrutiny of FNM voters and the general public. They have participated in delegate town hall meetings and have faced off with the toughest radio talk show hosts. They even appeared at the ‘Candidates’ Debate’ hosted by Anthony Newbold and Minnis and his team were a no show.”

It continued: “They can answer the hard questions. If Minnis and his silent sidekick deputy can’t take on a talk show host how do they intend to take on Bradley Roberts and the PLP? Loretta and Duane have made themselves accessible and accountable to the people...and Minnis and his silent deputy have adopted a less serious attitude; they just want to ‘roc’. They have opted to have parties and concerts. Serious times require serious leaders.”

Last week, Mrs Butler-Turner contended that if Dr Minnis scored another victory at the party’s convention this week, she believes the FNM would abandon her.

This is the second time the MP is facing off against Dr Minnis for the leader’s position of the party. She lost three votes to one to Dr Minnis during the last convention in 2014.

She has predicted that Dr Minnis will likely seek vengeance against her and five other members of Parliament who threatened to petition Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to have him constitutionally removed if he walks away from the event yet again victorious.