NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC -The race for the leadership of the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) became more apparent on Monday after former prime minister Dr. Hubert Minnis signed documents challenging the incumbent Michael Pintard for the top post.
But Minnis may find the road ahead difficult as party supporters, including former deputy prime minister Brent Symonette, urge him to “step aside” and allow the young generation to move the country forward.
Some FNM supporters shouted “one leader” in support of Pintard, who was flanked by Symonette and another former deputy prime minister, Peter Turnquest, when he went to the party’s headquarters to sign his nomination papers.
“I am 69. It’s time for us to step aside and let the younger generation have control of the country and run it because they have great ideas and are great people,” Symonette said, adding, “You know what? The FNM would’ve won the last general election if their supporters had turned out to vote.
“If you look at the number of people who did not turn out to vote and the majority of the reasons why they did not, I think it’s a proven fact that they did not support the Minnis government.
“So that’s another reason to give the young man Mr Pintard a chance. When Dr Minnis had a chance, it didn’t work out. Step aside and let the new generation take over and run this country,” he said.
However, Minnis, who resigned as leader in 2021 and has consistently won a contest at the FNM convention, said he wants to return as the party leader because he has unfinished business.
“Many have asked why I have put forth my nomination at this time, especially when the press and many others have been asking me this one important question for over a year now, and I had refused to answer such a question.”
“My view is, and I would hope others would share a similar view, we had a leader of the party. “Michael Pintard was a duly elected leader of the Free National Movement, and there was no other post available at that time. As a leader, I respected that position and all other positions within the party.
“But once a convention is called, then all posts become available, and at that time, I think everybody who wants to be nominated for a post can come forth and express their views, but until then, I think we should respect those who are in positions, and that was the reason,” Minnis said after handing in his nomination papers.
The FNM’s one-day convention will be held at Baha Mar on June 1, and Minnis said, “I have not completed some of the things I wanted to do.
“My happiest moments in politics are when I see young people excel when I see young people become entrepreneurs and do well.
“My most saddened moment in politics is when I see individuals come into politics saying they want to serve the country, and then you discover that they are more interested in serving themselves; that is very depressing.”
Former health minister Renward Wells has thrown his support behind Minnis, saying, “I saw his leadership.
“I saw the kind of character he put forward in chaos, in the challenge, and to me, that was admirable. I saw his leadership in trying and testing times, so I grew fond of that kind of leadership,” he added.
For his part, Pintard supports a generational shift, noting, “We recognize clearly that while we owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served us in the past, we owe no one our future except our children and our grandchildren.
“The convention is important. We have had people who have an alternative view of our country and how the party should be run. It is our obligation to give all and sundry an opportunity to share their alternative vision and let the delegates decide.”
He reminded supporters that in the last election, the country determined Minnis’ leadership was “not appropriate, not adequate, and again that’s not lost on our delegates either.
“While grateful for all that past leadership has done, we offer better, have been delivering better, and will continue to deliver better,” said Pintard, who received 297 votes to Kwasi Thompson’s 120 at the last convention.
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