Dr Hubert Minnis
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
LONG ISLAND MP Loretta Butler-Turner suggested yesterday that FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis should accept responsibility for the part he played in Tuesday’s failed gender equality referendum.
In an interview with The Tribune, Mrs Butler-Turner said she feels Dr Minnis should have “stood by his original convictions” and not “shift mid-stream
depending on which way the wind blows.”
Dr Minnis supported the four Constitutional Amendment Bills when they were passed in Parliament in March and has repeatedly said his party believes in gender equality and women’s rights.
In an interview with The Tribune in February, he also said the FNM fully backed the referendum adding: “I am for all four of the bills.”
However, since the vote passed in the House in Assembly, Dr Minnis has been less clear about his position, instead criticising the Christie administration for its handling of the process and accusing the government of pushing the ‘yes’ vote down people’s throats.
On Monday, Dr Minnis refused to reveal how he was voting in the equality referendum. When asked by The Tribune if he was for or against the amendments to the Constitution, Dr Minnis said his vote is “private and confidential.”
Mrs Butler-Turner said Dr Minnis’ refusal to state his position “was very disconcerting” especially since the FNM has historically been the party that has supported gender equality.
“I believe that when you determine you are going to do something and you make agreements and you make public announcements, you should stand by what you say. I feel the leader of our party should have stood by the convictions that he originally said the party line will take,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.
“I feel as though Prime Minister Perry Christie should be blamed, but the FNM is trying to be the alternative government and leaders stand by their convictions and are very clear in their directions for those of us who are being guided by them. It was disconcerting because the FNM has historically been the party that has supported the referendum. We brought the very first one (in 2002) and we are also the party that introduced many firsts for women in this country.”
Mrs Butler-Turner, who supported the YES Bahamas campaign, said she has “no issues” with the results of the referendum but she hopes it is something that can be “revisited” in the future.
“This country is young and still has room for growth. I think when you are in a leading role, consistency is a huge part of your credibility. As a leader you have to make a decision and stand firm, sometimes you are on the right side, sometimes you are on the wrong side but you have to be on a side,” Mrs Butler-Turner said.
“I have no issues with the vote, it is (the) art of democracy and hopefully it can be revisited.”
Voters “overwhelmingly” rejected the four referendum questions on Tuesday, according to Parliamentary Commissioner Sherlyn Hall.
Only a handful of results were released Tuesday night by the Parliamentary Registration Department due to numerous technical setbacks.
On Tuesday morning, ahead of the vote, Prime Minister Perry Christie said he was “disappointed” that the Official Opposition, who “once stood shoulder to shoulder” with him on the constitutional referendum, has decided to “back away” publicly from supporting the vote.
Comments
Economist 8 years, 5 months ago
Minis is a failure.
sheeprunner12 8 years, 5 months ago
This is why even Long Islanders are beginning to seriously re-think Loretta's political future as MP for this island .......... she seems to have contracted Brave's disease (foot in mouth disease) ............. these YES people have to just let it go and acknowledge that it was the PLP/Rubie&Co/LGBT/YES crew that must accept 99% blame for the uncertainty/doublespeak emanating from its surrogates (LBT included) ........ at this point, she might as well join the PLP and let Doc Rollins get the Long Island nomination for the FNM .................. she is burning all of her FNM bridges right now
DDK 8 years, 5 months ago
I think LBT is right on!!
licks2 8 years, 5 months ago
No she is not. . .and you know it!! She keeps grand-standing and playing the fool. . .DOC DID THE RIGHT THING BY THE PEOPLE. . .RESPECTED OUR ABILITY TO THINK FOR OURSELVES. . .THATS THE MARK OF A TRUE DEMOCRATIC LEADER. HE BACKED OFF BECAUSE THE YES VOTE PERSONS STARTED TO "RAM" THEIR OPINIONS DOWN OUR BELLIES. . .WHICH MADE MANY EDUCATED BAHAMIANS. . .INCLUDING DAME SAWYER. . . OFFENDED AND VOTED ALL NO AS A PROTEST!! THATS NOT HOW YOU CARRY OUT A DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION PROCESS. . .AND LBT JOINING THE "RAMMERS" SHOWS HER LACK OF "FEELINGS" FOR THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE!!
I HOPE YALL SEE HOW DOC IS NOT TAKING HER DUMB COMMENTS SERIOUSL IN THE PAPERS THIS MORNING. . .SHE CONTINUES TO SHOW THAT SHE HAS POOR "PEOPLE POLITICAL" SKILLS. . .SHE WILL LOST THE NEXT LEADERSHIP RACE. . .AND MUST RIDE OFF INTO THE SUN-SET! SHE CAN GO AHEAD AND KEEP RUNNING HER JUICY MOUTH. . . PEOPLE IN HER "REBEL SIX" CREW ARE KEEPING AWAY FROM HER IN PUBLIC. . .SHE NEED TO SHUT THE HECK UP ALREADY. . .THE MORE SHE OPENS HER MOUTH. . .THE MORE SHE LOSES IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC!
Honestman 8 years, 5 months ago
Loretta did nothing wrong. She stood up for women's rights in a free vote.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 5 months ago
As she has done so many times before, she exercised very poor judgement.
licks2 8 years, 5 months ago
And you "ripping" on Doc for doing the same? HE STOOD-UP FOR WHAT HE BELIEVED. . .THE PEOPLE WERE BEING TAKEN FOR FOOLS. . .HE DID NOT STAND FOR IT! HIS VOTE IS CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED AND IS PRIVATE! SO IF DOC WASS WRONG FOR MAINTAINING HIS RIGHT TO VOTE PRIVACY. . .THEN LBT WAS ALSO WRONG FOR "RIPPING" OTHERS FOR VOTING THEIR OWN MINDS!! You can't have your cake and eat it too!!
Economist 8 years, 5 months ago
I agree with Loretta. She is correct.
Publius 8 years, 5 months ago
Yes, indeed she is.
Regardless 8 years, 5 months ago
.....this woman's own constituency did not even follow her lead so now she points fingers - again! The only reason the old guard in her adopted party push her for leadership is they can manipulate her for their own agendas. All they have to do is wave plates of food in her direction.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 5 months ago
Minnis had nothing to do with how people voted. He was probably the LAST thing on their mind.
sheeprunner12 8 years, 5 months ago
LOL ......... Minnis cannot be blamed for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!
TalRussell 8 years, 5 months ago
Comrade Red MP's. get's out your torch logo stationary and typewriter cause it's that time type another letter to Her Excellency Dame Marguerite and have Darron drive it up the hill at Mount Fitzwilliam. Nope, I swear to Jesus, I did not create Loretta as some comic character. She was really born this way. What in hell happened her statement just days back. how much she wanted a July convention to foster red party UNITY?
killemwitdakno 8 years, 5 months ago
His own Killarney voted to pass but he's congratulating the no side pastors...
I don't know what to call this man but a disaster waiting to happen.
Publius 8 years, 5 months ago
I'm glad someone made this observation re: Killarney!
As for a disaster waiting to happen, he is actually a disaster in full bloom.
licks2 8 years, 5 months ago
Then the same applies to LBT. . .she was the ninth hour voice for YES. . .and Long Island sent in a "BIG FAT NO. . .SO THAT MEANS THAT LBT IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN TOO? Lol!!
SP 8 years, 5 months ago
BLT is a disaster that ALREADY happened. Milo Butler would be ashamed of this anti-Bahamian witch!
TalRussell 8 years, 5 months ago
Comrades should Long Island's 1076 'NO' votes in the referendum play a negative role in deciding against Loretta to represent them come the 2017 General, she will be House of Assembly history. Although, I cannot see her receiving the party's nod to run.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 5 months ago
Forget voting monitors, we need monitors for how Minnis goes about getting fresh fish delivered to his home! Minnis, as a dishonest and incompetent politician with absolutely no leadership skills whatsoever, has fractured the FNM party into smithereens and left it deprived of funding from many of its past financial backers. Christie and the PLP are banking on those FNM Council members who unwisely continue to support Minnis to secure a big win for the PLP in the next general election. Minnis is truly Christie's "ace in the hole" as can be seen by from that sly grin on Christie's face whenever Minnis opens his mouth as leader of the opposition and FNM party.
licks2 8 years, 5 months ago
Minnis presents a "smug" air about him in public and in the house. . .like the "cat who ate the bird". . .does he know something we don't know? Do you think that picture from Long ISLAND OVER THE WEEK END HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT? Lol!
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