The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

SENATOR Dr Duane Sands said the Free National Movement has not done enough during the past four years to recognise the “tremendous successes” of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.

“I think the biggest tragedy of the last four years is that we have not taken the time out to commend the one leader in our party’s history that led us to victory,” the senator said on Sunday.

Dr Sands contended that in a party “filled to the brim” with political mentees of Mr Ingraham, more should have been done to celebrate the career of the former North Abaco representative.

“He has, through his career worked tirelessly to ensure that our country is in a better state . . . Mr Ingraham, in his years of service to this country, I think we all can agree, represented this country well.”

Dr Sands added: “He is only one of 400 plus delegates that will have their say this week. However, what is so compelling is the fact that this man is still garnering attention. He has given every indication that he has moved away from politics, but despite that, he is still very influential and charismatic.

“That is why I always make a point to say that the Hubert Ingraham’s era is not over because many of those in the political arena, not just FNMs, will continue to benefit from his advice and directives.

“I spoke to him ahead of my current bid. I am sure that those on the other side – Minnis/Turnquest camp – have spoken to him as well, we all understand what this man represents in our party and in our country so any chance there is to sit with him and learn from him is something we all try to do. Hubert Ingraham has always been and will always be an exciting, attention-grabbing figure in Bahamian politics.

“He, like the first prime minister (Sir Lynden Pindling) has developed a following. People trust his words and claims. That is his power in this process. His beliefs and ideas are supported by so many in the FNM, so when he shares something, it is supported by a number of people.”

There has been much focus given to Mr Ingraham in recent weeks, with many questioning whether the former prime minister would make a surprise move on the FNM’s convention floor to contest the party’s leadership post like he did in 2005.

At the time, Tommy Turnquest was the leader of the FNM, which was in opposition at the time.

When contacted for his views, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said he does not expect Mr Ingraham to enter the political arena this week.

“It’s exciting and suspenseful,” Mr Turnquest said. “While we do not expect him to nominate, we are confident that in the work we have done.”

When questioned by reporters on Friday, Mr Ingraham insinuated that he will not return to frontline politics.

“I am a retiree,” he told the media on the sidelines of the renaming ceremony of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) headquarters to the E George Moss Building.

The FNM’s convention is scheduled for this Wednesday through Friday at the Melià resort, Cable Beach.