Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr Duane Sands.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
LONG Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner and Senator Dr Duane Sands will run as a team in a leadership race against Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis and East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest at the Free National Movement’s convention at the end of next month, they confirmed to The Tribune yesterday.
The pair finalised the decision on Saturday and informed Dr Minnis and Mr Turnquest of their intentions yesterday.
The decision of Mrs Butler-Turner, who will run for leader, and Dr Sands, who will run for deputy leader, has set the stage for one of the most anticipated political events of the year, to be held from July 27-29.
The pair ran for the same positions in 2014 and lost to the current leadership duo, though they did not run as a team on that occasion.
“It is not lost on either of us that we would’ve attempted (to win posts) at the November 2014 convention but all I can say is that in life, defeat is only final if you don’t get up and try again,” Dr Sands said when contacted by The Tribune yesterday.
For her part, Mrs Butler-Turner said she endorsed all Dr Sands had to say about the matter. She declined further comment.
The leadership battle comes at a delicate time for the FNM, as Dr Minnis is believed to have only agreed for the early convention to take place after six parliamentarians, including Mrs Butler-Turner, threatened to seek his removal as leader of the Official Opposition in the House of Assembly.
Dr Minnis’ tenure as leader has been defined by intra-party friction, creating fractures in the party.
Nonetheless, when he was challenged in 2014, he defeated Mrs Butler-Turner by more than double her number of votes, and many observers say it is difficult to successfully challenge incumbent leaders of political parities in the Bahamas.
“Certainly I think in both political organisations it is very difficult to accomplish change of leadership,” Dr Sands said.
The former FNM deputy chairman was recently appointed to the Senate by Dr Minnis after Lanisha Rolle resigned.
“This is not personal,” Dr Sands said. “I have expressed my gratitude to my leader for appointing me as an FNM senator to go after the concerns of the Bahamian people even as we involve ourselves in this skirmish for the leadership of the FNM. While it is true that the worst FNM team is better than any PLP team on any day, we are in a situation right now, where we have to go with whomever and whatever will give the Bahamian people comfort and hope. I believe that Butler and Sands is the tonic we need.”
Comments
Greentea 8 years, 6 months ago
Minnis/Turnquest - Christie/Davis or Butler/Sands? My fellow Bahamians- It is Butler and Sands all the way! Come on voting members of the FNM- I belong to no party so I have to depend on ya'll to do the right thing. This is a winning ticket.
proudloudandfnm 8 years, 6 months ago
These delegates better get out and speak with the people. Bahamians never want to see a PM Minnis....
This is a good ticket. Get out there and find out what the people want....
banker 8 years, 6 months ago
Jokes.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2016…
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
“We’s got clearance, co-pilot Loretta?"
Emac 8 years, 6 months ago
I endorse this team! I hear a lot of callers on Guardian radio calling these two, elitists/ Some even feel that LB or DS could never campaign in constituencies like Bain Town and Englerston. This attitude shown by the voting public speaks volumes as to their mindset on what is expected of our leaders and what is in their best interest. Maybe it is time for the voters in these constituencies to reexamine what they're looking for. If they are still looking for the $50 hand-outs and drunken parties leading up to elections to buy their votes, then they deserve to be living in the state that they are presently living in.
The last thing Bahamians should be looking for is a smart talking politician who simply pretend to be down to earth just to get votes. It is time to look for leaders who have managerial skills-Leaders who can create jobs, lower taxes and bring down our depth. So far, all the leaders that were lawyers by profession didn't even come close to doing this. It is time to vote for leaders who are willing to take on the issues and those who can bring results. Checking out the records of LBT, even a blind man can see that she possesses the qualities to propel this country forward. When you listen to Sands speak, it is obvious that he is a rationale thinker and he is a realist. This is exactly what the Bahamas needs at this time!.
Greentea 8 years, 6 months ago
What would even look like to have a country run by non-lawyers? My Lord, I am starting to see paradise again. But Emac you have already unpacked the strategies of the PLP with the so called grassroots. They will tell them - WE for you! These light skinned elite Bahamians are not on your side. Forget that Christie light skinned and the fact that they ALL are incredibly wealthy themselves on the backs of poor black people they despise. If the 'grassroots' believe that lie then we will be the victims of populism rather than prudence in 2017 and our goose will be cooked. I live in hope.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 6 months ago
I wish he'd brought his managerial skills minus LBT. I've been thoroughly impressed with him since his appearance gaming referendum night. This is a step backward.
jackbnimble 8 years, 6 months ago
Finally something with sense. Love this combo!
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
“We’s got clearance, co-pilot Loretta?"
........////https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ9iPTu_FMA
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2016…
Emac 8 years, 6 months ago
Don't expect anything with sense coming from Tal on this topic. Loretta is her coolant, so Tal will always feel threatened by anythingLBT proposes.
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrades! Dr. Duane talks lots about doing the honourable things in politics. Therefore he must do the honourable. Forthwith resign his most recent ink ain't yet had time to dry senatorial appointment by Minnis.
If not voluntarily, Minnis must so instruct of Her Excellency Marguerite to withdraw the instruments of Dr. Duane's "political appointment" to the upper red chamber.
Did he not pledge his loyalty to Minnis during their discussions leading up to his forced on the red leader's appointment to the senate?
Public statement I have in my hand made by Minnis at the time, seems to confirm Minnis must have been left with the impression that the good doctor did pledge his loyalty to Minnis as party leader?
Regardless 8 years, 6 months ago
.....the old guard of the FNM want a funeral director to lead them. Guess they will provide more efficiency when dealing with the bodies left behind by crime.
Economist 8 years, 6 months ago
Finally, the FNM Council now has the opportunity to elect a REAL TEAM.
lemonfreshpinesol 8 years, 6 months ago
God help the FNM and The Bahamas if Loretta is elected as leader. She was a horrible MP in Montagu. So much so that she had to flee to Long Island. After the boundaries were sliced and diced for the last election both the Montagu and St. Annes seats were in jeopardy because of her. Can we please have another option??? Please???
licks2 8 years, 6 months ago
We had our boys "talk" at the people's HQ. . .LBT is more hated than DS. . .BUT THEY DON'T WANT HIM EITHER. . .NO MATTER WHAT YINNA WRAP THOSE TWO IN. . .IF YALL WANT OUR SUPPORT. . .SEND US PAPA OF DOC MINNIS. . .OR GET READY TO "LVIE" UNDER A DNA GOVERNMENT!!
LBT IS DAMAGED GOODS. . .SHE IS THE POSTER-CHILD FOR THE UBP-FNM ELITE. . .WHO ARE TRYING TO GET THEIR HANDS BACK ON THE COOKIE JAR!! THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO CONTROL SO VERY HARD IF DOC OR PAPA ARE IN CHARGE! IN CASE YALL ROUND HERE CAN'T CATCH YINNA SENSE. . .WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. . .SEND US LBT AND WE WILL TAKE THE DEPOSIT FROM THE LOT OF YOU ON THIS SITE COME 2017 ELECTION. . .I CAN PROMISE YOU THAT. . .WE WILL SEND A MESSAGE TO YINNA BACK-STABBERS JUST LIKE THE PLP AND THEM YES VOTE WORKERS GOT ON THEIR TAILS IN JUNE 7!!
PAPA GOT IT BEAT. . .THEN DOC MINNIS. . .BUT WE WILL TAKE THE DNA OVER LBT OR THE PLP!! HER POPULARITY IS THEM WHITE PEOPLE AND GUARDIAN AND TRIBUNE! NOT WITH THE GENERAL VOTING PUBLIC! WE THE VOTERS MAKE THE DECISION AS TO WHO WE "GIVE" GOVERNMENTS TO! WE DON'T WANT LBT. . .WE HAVE ONE BIG FAKER NOW. . .SHE COMES ACCROSS AS ANOTHER ONE. . .THANKS BUT NO THANKS!
John 8 years, 6 months ago
This country is at a critical cross road where Bahamians must elect a government that can steer them safely into the future. Obviously the present government does not have the interest of Bahamians at heart. They themselves are frittering away or mismanaging millions and millions in tax dollars and giving away many more millions and millions to foreign interests. The country cannot continue down this road. They are giving away our children's and grand children's birth rights. The only bigger mistake than re/electing this government is electing a team that is so green or so inexperienced or one that is just as bad that the country goes into an even worse state of dterrioration and mismanagement. The best way to vote is to vote for the best candidate in your constituency and hopefully the better government will emerge
SP 8 years, 6 months ago
............................................... Hell NO, BLT is anti Bahamian .........................................
The FNM are a desperate party scraping the bottom of the barrel!
Abaconian 8 years, 6 months ago
How is she anti-Bahamian?
Hogfish 8 years, 6 months ago
SP = dumass.
een none more anti-Bahamian than wutless perry and sticky finger 'coward'
Economist 8 years, 6 months ago
Out of curiosity , what do you mean by anti-Bahamian?
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrades! Wasn't it Loretta who has always been saying, as a responsible leader in waiting, she awaits a call from her red shirts to contest for their party's leader? Or, perhaps she just heard the call much more clearly than anyone else does heard?
Perhaps she could have just heard Dr. Duane's voice more clearly?
Wouldn't you have liked to have been the fly on da wall when these two leaders in waiting, were a-plotting for the forced reds July 2016 convention? Nope, I didn't make these two political characters up. They is for real. Be it for the red party's good, bad or one ugly 2017 General?
Emac 8 years, 6 months ago
LMAO
UserOne 8 years, 6 months ago
Your post is offensive. Talk about people's actions not how they look. That is real gutter talk. Tribune, please take down the offensive cartoon.
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 6 months ago
The better team for leader and deputy leader would be Peter Turnquest and LBT, respectively. Minnis is corrupt, totally incompetent, a proven failure as leader and now hated by most Bahamian voters . Duane Sands is an unelectable Freemason who would turn our government, from permanent secretaries right on down, into one big lodge for his lodge bothers to do what they do best; scratch each others backs.
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Most of our political, social and religious leaders are freemasons ....... that is what is so dangerous about our small society
licks2 8 years, 6 months ago
Are you listening to the talk shows. . .I TOLD YOU THAT THE PUBLIC WILL NOT TAKE THE BUTLER AND SANDS TEAM. . .IF THEY CAN'T GET PAPA. . .THEY WANT DOC MINNIS. . .OR THEY ARE VOTING DNA!! YOU ALL CAN GO AHEAD AND PICK LBT FOR LEADER. . .WHAT DO WE THE PUBLIC CARE. . .WE NOW HAVE ALTERNATIVES BESIDES YINNA. . .GO RIGHT ON WITH YINNA HARD HEADS. . .ELECT LBT. . .WE ARE NOT ON YALL RUN! After yall elect her for leader yall mussie ger eat her aye?
Zakary 8 years, 6 months ago
Loretta Butler-Turner talks a good talk in Parliament but some will have to come to terms that she ultimately makes no sense. She has a habit of twisting facts and history as she pleases — just watch the parliamentary channel a few times. If we had fact checkers, she'd be high on the list.
Duane “No Seat” Sands has good ideas but he just can’t seem to win....his seat?
Dr. Minnis is an absolute neophyte to front-line politics?
Peter Turnquest?
The pickings for the ‘FNM’ are extraordinarily slim?
Publius 8 years, 6 months ago
@Well_mudda_take_sic
So is Turnquest..and so many others!
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 6 months ago
I didn't know this, but I do know that not all lodge brothers are created equal in terms of their standing in the brotherhood of the Freemasons. And we certainly don't want the rulers within the Freemason brotherhood ruling us! If Turnquest holds a high degree as a Freemason, everything goes out the window!
Abaconian 8 years, 6 months ago
@Well_mudda_take_sic I don't know how much you know about Freemasons, but from the sound of things I would say you don't know very much. A good many of our leaders have been freemasons, both PLP and FNM. It is not some elitist club that only looks out for its fellow members.. If anything the lodge is just a social gathering - a means for people to get together and talk sh*t, do a few old traditions, have a good time, and talk about politics, life etc. Some lodge memebers are lawyers, doctors, businessmen, while some are carpenters and plumbers. Yes, they will help out their fellow lodge members in times of need.. but they won't do so at all costs. And lodge membership is not likely to impact someones political tactics or policies.
B_I_D___ 8 years, 6 months ago
Butler & Sands...lol...funny.
Hopefully people don't get LBT mixed up with LBGT...
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Loretta and Duane will only stand a chance of beating Minnis/Turnquest if ALL registered FNMs were to be allowed to vote across this country in a leadership vote like in the USA..................... a group of 400 handpicked delegates cannot realistically represent over 60,000 FNM voters ............... can it really be a fair convention election???
Economist 8 years, 6 months ago
Very good point.
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrades! if July 27-29, 2016 turns into the most embarrassing things for Loretta and her sidekick Dr. Duane, what in hell will they do?
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Start their own party???????? ........... with other political rejects???????
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Is it possible we will see Comrade Bran leading the red shirts on July 29, 2016?
licks2 8 years, 6 months ago
Which will not look good for her. . .it will end her political career for good! However, Doc will not crush her. . .that's old school politics in the Bahamas. . .we doing things different now! If she loses and wish to remain an FNM. . .let her stay and contribute!
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
We will see if the political culture in the FNM has really matured by their reaction to the outcome of the July convention ........ What Minnis or Loretta do after the July leadership race will determine if Bahamians will have confidence in electing the FNM as an alternative to the corrupt but united PLP .............. this will be a critical move for the victor and the loser ....... but it will be hard for the losers to stay and it will be hard for the victors to renominate the losers ........... this is a real big test in political gamesmanship for both Loretta and Minnis
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 6 months ago
Hmmm, I wish he hadn't associated himself with the back stabbing agenda. Dr Minnis may not be the right leader but the confusion they caused trying to oust him is probably indicative of their modus operandi. Not good for Dr Sands in my opinion.
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrade ThisIsOurs as I read your post the only thing I could think about was how Minnis appoints Dr. Duane to the upper red chamber, where but days later - Dr. Duane does stabs him right in he back.
You would've thoughts he would have done the honourabe to resign his senate seat? The red senator before him who was forced to vacate the seat, sure did herself resign on honour?
First, Loretta you needs to read all about the only given reason known be offered by Dr. Duane for not seeking the red party's top position, then watch ya back.
Just ask me copy to read for yourself okay, cause my suspicions will hit the mark, why you should not turn ya back. .
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 6 months ago
Yep, I completely agree, I think this was a really bad decision on his part. Doesn't look good from any angle
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Not really .......... it may attest to the fact that the FNM is really showing Bahamians what true democracy really looks like ......... I am impressed by both men and the maturity that they are exhibiting ....... as compared to the anti-Perry cowards in the PLP inner circle
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrade Sheeprunner12, you're measuring cup for this maturity that you say they are exhibiting is not balanced. Up until mere days ago, neither Loretta nor Dr. Duane were prepared to "publicly" commit to a run for party leader and deputy leader positions, yet both were hell bent on demanding a July convention be called? yet, while the two were putting their leadership run ducks in order, one even took the time out to accept an senate appointment, by the very same damn leader they so want to unseat?
Either they were sincerely undecided to contest positions that only they were declaring open to contest, or they were misleading their own red members about their true intentions?
True honourable would have been, not to accept an appointment by Minnis?
Shouldn't Dr. Duane use your measuring cup to step forward to explain, why he thought it honourable to accept his senate appointment from Minnis?
Tell me something. Do you think Loretta, didn't know about their leadership plot against Minnis, enough to advise her deputy leader ruining mate, not to accept an appointment to the upper red chamber?
viewersmatters 8 years, 6 months ago
Just when the PLP thought they had to worry about losing the election this brought them joy ans relief now they can take a long vacation and chill because they know that they have meat on their plates. Best option for LBT is to accept the responsibility of being a deputy leader best thing for the FNM is to suck up their pride and joy resign their seats and allow a new generation of leaders to be front line politics.
truetruebahamian 8 years, 6 months ago
This team and its propensity to lead the Bahamas out of the plp quicksand has mine and my entire extended family's full support. Robert. D. Sands
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 6 months ago
This is "code" for Freemasons throughout the Bahamas to throw their support behind LBT & Sands......what a joke!
John 8 years, 6 months ago
Then you have to wonder if Andre Rollins was planted...
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrades! This this really going to the big gamble of the the once grand red party's leadership experiment? Would they really bet on a long-time lonely for a House of Assembly seat, of one otherwise acknowledged outside of politics as a good and extremely bright man's quest from the past, and of a woman's headed to be seat-less, once The General's 2017 bell does get's rungs.
But it's their call. Right - although I thinks I knows, which is most-est pulling the others strings?
truetruebahamian 8 years, 6 months ago
An exciting and promising development. I fully support this team. Hopefully we can finally move forward. This is great news - let it happen!
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
TAL ................ it is interesting that you and WMTS take this view of the FNM race ........ but I much rather take the stance of the FNM leadership/convention than what is being perpetrated in the PLP with the cowardice approach to leave an inept, disgraced duo to lead them into the next general election ........ I am not convinced that there will be any serious leadership challenges in the PLP at their forthcoming November convention (if there is one at all).
TalRussell 8 years, 6 months ago
Comrade Sheeprunner12, I sincerely want the nation's official opposition party to start looking and acting like a government-in-waiting?
The PLP cabinet have been left all but unchecked, by a party's personal, petty infighting among its elected MP's.
Its acting more like a black and white basket crabs syndrome than a government in waiting. Winning seats in Long Island, Montagu and St Annes, is not The 2017 General's road map to victory. Nor is $500,000 from the Bay Street Boys, a smart move to unseat Minnis?
Shouldn't two people who most want to lead the party, publicly disassociate themselves away from the talked about $500,000?
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Tal............. I agree that they must hold the PLP Cabinet accountable ....... but the issue at hand here is the present and future state of our political leadership cadre ........... and it is sorely lacking
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 6 months ago
Funding must come from somewhere. 500,000 doesn't seem too high. Too much money from a single source as in the case of the gaming houses and Nygard are clear signs of trouble
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 6 months ago
I think Loretta and Andre Rollins suffer the same malady, they are fighters which is very good, but they don't have the political astuteness of a Hubert Ingraham. They're therefore used by politically astute men who have their own agendas but are afraid of the face to face fight. Rollins I believe could be a great politician if he can conquer the knee jerk bite reaction. I actually like the combination of Dr Sands with Rollins as deputy. They probably couldn't win "today", Dr Sands doesn't have the popular appeal, but I think that combination with some temperance in Rollins could do wonders for the country.
The refusal of Loretta Butler-Turner to accept defeat "gracefully" is troubling to me. Not saying she had to give up, but the "I should be leader, I should be leader" attitude is a problem for me
sheeprunner12 8 years, 6 months ago
Why do you say that she "refused to accept defeat gracefully"??????? ....... LBT was DPM in 2012-14 ....... she ran for leader in 2014 ........ she was defeated, reconciled and remained with the team ....... now she is running at another convention ........ Do you call Abraham Lincoln the same thing?????????
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