The Tribune

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT

tsmith-cartwright@tribunemedia.net

DON Saunders, former House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, said he is considering offering himself as chairman of the Free National Movement at the party’s November convention.

Mr Saunders is one of several names a Tribune source in the party’s council has revealed as those considering offering themselves for the post next month. However, for the most part party officials are being tight lipped about possible contenders.

Current FNM chairman Carl Culmer, who has held the post for the past four years, has said he will not enter the race even though he is being encouraged to do so by his peers.

“Everyone is focused on the position of leader,” the FNM council source said. “Very few people are thinking about the position of chairman which is just as important as far as I am concerned. So far the names thrown out there for chairman are Michael Foulkes, Don Saunders, Collin Ingraham and somewhat, Elsworth Johnson.

“I feel there will be more names as the weeks roll on. We have about two months, so let’s see what happens. I say, ‘somewhat Johnson’ because he has been approached, but he seems slow in committing. The other three have enthusiastically said they are seriously thinking about it, but Johnson appeared not to be too interested.

“We heard from another avenue that Johnson is very interested and plans to, at the last minute, throw his hat in the ring as well. I would throw my support behind Saunders. I think he is ready for that level of party leadership. Saunders has shown his commitment in the role of Deputy Speaker of the House and other in-party positions.”

The Tribune contacted Mr Saunders, former Member of Parliament for Tall Pines, who admitted he has been thinking about offering himself for FNM chairman and why.

“I’m thinking about it,” Mr Saunders said. “I’ve not officially put my hat in the ring, but I am thinking about it. I feel the party needs to be seen as regrouping with young talent. I think that I brought a lot to the table as a parliamentarian, supporting and defending the party’s policies and legislation.

“I was probably one of the more vocal advocates for the party’s policies, conditions and leadership. So I think we need to increase our efforts in that regard. We need somebody who is able to articulate and defend the party well. I have past experience in the party’s mechanism, that is I was a council member from 2001, executive member and past deputy secretary general. So I know the ins and outs of the party very well.”

FNM officials have said party leader Dr Hubert Minnis will only stay on until the party’s upcoming convention. He was sworn in as leader of the official opposition last week. Mr Saunders said he wants to assist whomever emerges as leader in mapping the way forward for the party.

FNM officials have openly admitted part of the reason for the party’s defeat at the polls is that many disgruntled supporters did not vote. Mr Saunders said he is confident he can bring them back in the fold.

“I am a certified mediator professionally,” Mr Saunders said. “On a daily basis I deal with conflicts so I think I would be able to talk and bring parties together and generally help to understand why some of the more unpopular decisions were made and to get them to understand that we were doing things in their best interest.

“I would say, ‘hey listen, let’s move forward,’ hear their inference, try to reason with them to hear their suggestions as to the way forward and bring them back in the fold. That is going to be key with us reorganising ourselves.

“We were affected tremendously at the polls because FNMs did not come out and vote for whatever reasons. We need to get them reignited, re-energised, refocused on the commission of the Free National Movement and to get them back in order.”

Mr Saunders said he is also open to vying for the position of FNM secretary general.

“The chairmanship or the position of secretary general, are the positions I would look at if I decide to run,” he continued. “I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m looking at options in my personal life, right now. Persons have come to me and asked me if I was interested and I told them it would be something I would consider, but I have not made a final decision as yet.”

When he was contacted about the possibility of running for party chairman, Mr Johnson told this newspaper he has not declared any intentions.

“I haven’t considered it,” the former Minister of Immigration said. “I’ve told the leader that I am in it for the long haul. The master says, ‘He who wants to be the greatest must be a servant to all,’ so if I have to stand at the door and carry water, then that’s what I have to do.

“In terms of chairmanship, I would say that’s an internal, private matter that we will settle on. I haven’t declared any intentions for it.”

The Tribune attempted to speak with Mr Foulkes on his intentions for party chairman. Mr Foulkes promised to call back on the matter, but up to news time he had not. Attempts to reach him again proved fruitless.