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Johnson set to challenge Duane Sands for chairman

FORMER Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson. (File photo)

FORMER Immigration Minister Elsworth Johnson. (File photo)

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Yamacraw MP Elsworth Johnson said he has nominated himself for chairman of the Free National Movement, setting up a clash with incumbent Dr Duane Sands at the party’s upcoming convention.

Mr Johnson declined to directly say whether he has the support of FNM leader Michael Pintard.

“Knowing the leader, he supports the rich tradition of the FNM for all who think that –– and I don’t speak for him –– all who think that they have the ability to run and vie for the office. That’s the history and a tradition of the FNM,” he said.

Mr Johnson also declined to comment on Dr Sands’ performance as chairman, saying the party must remain united.

He said he believes he is committed to serving the country and party and highlighted the “accepted belief by all that a well-oiled FNM machine as it was in 1992 is more than capable of taking the government.”

Mr Johnson vied for the chairmanship post in 2022, the last time the FNM had a full conven- tion. Dr Sands received 183 votes, Mr Johnson received 169 votes and former Golden Gates MP Michael Foulkes got 83 votes.

Insiders believe that both Dr Sands and Mr Johnson are part of Mr Pintard’s faction.

The FNM will host a one-day convention on June 1, with all party positions up for grabs.

Nominees for party positions have until tomorrow to declare themselves.

Comments

stillwaters 6 months, 1 week ago

If you don't have a nasty, junglist,confrontational character like Bradley or Fred, then go sit down. Not even Duane is nasty enough......chairmen need this certain skills set, I'm sorry and ashamed to say.

ThisIsOurs 6 months, 1 week ago

"Nasty" has nothing to do with political chairmanship. It just means dont marry that person. Until we start examining job descriptions and matching qualities people possess to what's required, we will get what we got.

ThisIsOurs 6 months, 1 week ago

According to wikipedia

The role of a party chairman is often quite different from that of a party leader. The duties of the chairman are typically concerned with the party membership as a whole, and the activities of the party organization. Chairmen often play important roles in strategies to recruit and retain members, in campaign fundraising, and in internal party governance, where they may serve as a member of, or even preside over, a governing board or council. They often also have influence in candidate selections, and sometimes in the development and promulgation of party policy. When describing the position within the American Democratic Party, PBS NewsHour described it as "part cheerleader, part fundraiser, part organizer and recruiter, part public messenger".

Nothing about being "nasty" and attacking opponents. In general it appears the chairman is closer to the party project manager.

stillwaters 6 months ago

Dang........I forgot being a spin master and deep level, masterful liar

TalRussell 6 months, 1 week ago

[“You couldn't paint a better picture]. ---The official resurfacing, [self-nominating] for RedShirts' Movement Chairman, 2021 [defeated] Yamacraw MP Elsworth Johnson and [diehard supporter] of Leadership Candidate Minnis --- Is the first of the Minnis/McCartney [all deserving team] to [officially fixates] on the movement's leadership. --- [Self-nominating], it's just one of those things that these people do. --- Really, you're allowed to [self-nominate] for sometin? --- Good Day!

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