Is the Minnis Volcano Finally Erupting in the FNM?

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It would appear that the bubbling volcano in the Free National Movement has finally started to erupt. The politicos, opposing, have gotten their popcorn and wine and have taken front row seats to watch this drama unfold.

Some months ago this column advised that there could be only ONE leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition. That leader right now is Hon. Michael Pintard. A simple and obvious bit of advice that, as expected, landed on deaf ears. Since then one of the biggest detractors to leadership was silenced and put aside, but has now regained the right to use his voice and come back inside.

All went quiet for a while and now the “noise” has returned with loud accusations that the FNM leadership is trying to silence the voice of former leader and former prime minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis. Apparently, Dr. Minnis wants to speak at various constituency meetings and his “crew” is saying he is prevented from doing so. Could Dr. Minnis’ desire to speak at these meetings be driven by the need to “campaign” for his oh-so-obvious bid to lead the party?

While the party’s leader is trying to keep the government’s toes to the fire, along with his deputy leader, Shannondon Cartwright and chairman Dr. Duane Sands, Dr. Minnis and his crew are serving as serious distractions to this work.

Again, I have to shine the light on the selfishness of this act. Is this a matter of, “If I can’t lead, I will destroy”? Might I remind these people that on September 16, 2021, the people outrightly rejected the Minnis-led FNM and replaced it with the Progressive Liberal Party in governance. This was clear!

Instead of doing the honorable thing after this stinging defeat, Dr. Minnis decided to hang on to leadership of the party by begging his colleagues to remain on until the convention where Pintard emerged as leader. Even some of his very loyal followers told Minnis he should stay away from leadership.

AGAIN, I ask the question, if you have been rejected by the masses who still express extreme disdain for you, then why are you trying to force yourself on them again?

I watched social media closely this past week and saw the commentary about rumors and speculation about the “return” of Minnis. One FNM supporter posted, “If Minnis is leader, I will not support the FNM”. She said what others were saying, but not in such “kind” words. It is also quite clear that those who are pushing for his return either want something or were getting something in the past and want it to return.

Dr. Minnis is said to have no real roots or history in the FNM besides his push in by former prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, who he quickly turned on as soon as he was put in the position of authority in the party. Shortly after, he is said to have fallen in love with power and wants to keep it in tight grip.

The FNM’s job right now is to convince the people of The Bahamas to vote them back into governance of this country. How can members of the party attain focus when buzzing from Minnis and his crew continues is in their proverbial ears, no matter how many times they swat them away with their hands.

Then there is the very recent scandal …. well the police say it’s not true, so I won’t touch on that. However, I say where there is smoke, there is fire. Or even better I will use a phrase that a very close friend’s deceased mom (God rest her soul) used, “Had you not been where the crows were found, you would be home safe and sound.”

An Our News journalist recently asked Dr. Minnis if he had any interest in leading the FNM and he responded that only God knows what is next for him. A very safe answer to say the least, however, I’m sure God knows what’s best for the FNM and I don’t think it’s Dr. Hubert Minnis. Well that’s how I see it anyway.

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