The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FORMER House Speaker Alvin Smith said yesterday that after “careful consideration” he is declining the nomination for chairman of the Free National Movement.

In an interview with The Tribune, Mr Smith said he initially felt he could take on the role of chairman and “truly unite” the Free National Movement but he does not believe right now is the time for him to serve.

Mr Smith and current FNM Chairman Sidney Collie were nominated Wednesday morning for the post during the nomination process on day one of the party’s convention.

Mr Smith said he is also going to “wait and see” if, following the convention, the party is truly unified or if the actions of Dr Hubert Minnis and Loretta Butler-Turner on stage Wednesday night were “just for show.”

“I am not running for chairman,” Mr Smith said when contacted yesterday. “I was nominated but I am declining it. I am not interested in the post at this time.

“For those persons who nominated me, I am appreciative and I believe they think I can do what many have not been able to do - unite the party. I was nominated because there are people in the party who believe I can bring peace and order to the organisation. I have good relations with everyone and all sides, I have respect for all sides and those persons were looking for someone who can bring a level of order. While I am flattered, I cannot do it at this time.”

Mr Smith said he hopes that the show of unity between Dr Minnis and Mrs Butler-Turner was not just a “photo op” or a ploy to “get TV time.”

He seemed unconvinced that calls for unity on Wednesday will translate into real action, after months of strife in the party and dissatisfaction over the leadership abilities of Dr Minnis.

“I do not know what is in their hearts. I do not know if it was for show. I hope it was not just for TV. I don’t play those games, the party needs to be unified for real,” Mr Smith said.

“I want to see unity not through words but also our actions. They need to be sincere and genuine.”

During an energetic and at times passionate speech before FNM delegates at the Melià resort on Wednesday night, Dr Minnis said when he “emerges as leader of the FNM on Friday” the party will begin a time of “healing and forgiveness,” adding that he will put aside “animosity” and do what is best for the people of the Bahamas.

And amid speculation that if he retains his post he would punish six FNM MPs who have publicly opposed him, Dr Minnis stressed that there will be “no crack, no split” in the party.

In a surprising move near the end of his speech, Dr Minnis called Mrs Butler-Turner onto the convention stage, hugging her and dancing with her as Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” played in the background, prompting the crowd to scream and clap wildly.

East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest, who hopes to retain his deputy leader post, and Senator Dr Duane Sands, who is challenging him, also came to the stage, held hands and danced.

Addressing delegates and FNM supporters at the first night of the party’s convention, Dr Minnis once again called for unity within the party and urged FNM’s to “come together, with one single voice and fight the PLP.”