The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

AS the Free National Movement continues efforts to fortify its base ahead of the 2017 general election, there is some uncertainty over the future of St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, as the FNM is said to be using the “sure seat” as bait to attract a “financially capable” candidate to its ranks.

According to a source familiar with the party’s thinking, the FNM has delayed all communication with Mr Chipman as it moves “diligently to venture through all of its possibilities” for St Anne’s.

The Tribune’s source further claimed that “feelers” have been sent out to several potential candidates, some whom have a history with the party and others new to the political organisation.

When contacted for comment on the matter yesterday, Mr Chipman said he remains focused in finishing his current term as MP for the St Anne’s area.

He added that while he has notified the party of his intention to seek re-election, he hasn’t received any notice from the FNM of a decision to support him or go in a different direction.

He stated: “I have made it known to the party that I fully intend to run again. I have submitted an application for candidacy and await feedback from the executive level.”

Furthermore, Mr Chipman said he is unaware of any effort to have him removed as the party’s standard-bearer in St Anne’s.

When contacted, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday said the party remains committed to its “regular roll out,” denying the notion that “something different” was underway in St Anne’s.

Mr Turnquest said while the FNM was actively working to meet its self-imposed October 15 deadline for candidate ratifications, the party doesn’t intend to “short-cut or rush” any choice.

He added that hundreds of persons are vying for nominations with the party, and all are reviewed by the same protocol.

When asked directly if the party was looking to replace Mr Chipman, Mr Turnquest said the FNM is “working along its definitive plan.”

Mr Chipman is one of the “gang of six”’ MPs who wrote to the party’s Central Council outlining the drawbacks of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis earlier this year. They also called for an earlier FNM convention, which was later moved up from November to July.

In addition to Mr Chipman, the group included Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.

Of the group, to date only Mrs Butler-Turner has been ratified and publicly backed by the party.

Mr Neilly and Mr Grant have announced that they will not contest the next election while Dr Rollins said he will not be seeking a FNM constituency nomination, but would run as an independent. However, he has also said if the FNM offered him a nomination he would consider accepting one.

On Sunday, party sources indicated that businessman Dionisio D’Aguilar would replace Mr Lightbourn in Montagu.