The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

It was a pleasure to see the appointment of Michela Barnett-Ellis as Senator on Friday, for many reasons.

Ms Barnett-Ellis is brilliant in her own right, not just in her career as an attorney and as a public servant, but in her time at the University of The Bahamas as a lecturer. Many students will remember how she helped to shape their education.

Her appointment though marks a welcome transition. The time of the leadership of Dr Hubert Minnis in the FNM is now gone, and Ms Barnett-Ellis’ appointment comes under a new leader, Michael Pintard. It is time to move on, and her appointment shows just that.

It is no secret that Dr Minnis was a divisive figure at times in the FNM. Even before he became Prime Minister, he faced a leadership challenge and the Rebel Seven broke away from the FNM.

As Prime Minister, he at times seemed autocratic. He had to make tough decisions in a difficult period for The Bahamas, with Hurricane Dorian and then the pandemic hitting the nation, but people never warmed to his leadership style, as was shown by the election outcome.

If Mr Pintard’s new approach is to appoint people as talented as Ms Barnett-Ellis, and as importantly to be seen to listen to those around him, then it will be very welcome.

HOPEFUL

Nassau

February 7, 2022