Former PM told to step down from contesting next general elections

NASSAU (CMC):

The main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) has confirmed that it has asked former prime minister and party leader, Dr Hubert Minnis, to be a candidate for the next general election scheduled for 2026.

In the 2021 general elections, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) won 32 of the 38 seats in the Parliament. Minnis, 69, who served as prime minister from May 2017 to September 2021, had led the party into the election.

“The reality is, not everybody is going to serve as a candidate in order for us to demonstrate that we value them,” said FNM leader, Michael Pintard.

“Your services can be in any number of areas in the lead up to the election and after the election. I have met with our former leader. I’ve indicated to him what we can benefit from and I’ve asked him for his support in a different capacity.

“I’ve indicated to him that we can benefit from his guidance as we strategise to retake and transform this country. I’ve asked him to provide additional information that many times only prime ministers know that would allow us to defend our record as a party,” Pintard told reporters, adding “I’ve asked him to continue his line of attack on government legislation, policies and bad programmes that do not assist our development”.

Pintard said he had also asked Minnis, a medical practitioner to share his views on who he believes might be a suitable replacement for him in the Killarney constituency.

“I’ve also indicated that there is a role for him to play once we have taken government by the grace of God,” Pintard said, acknowledging that Minnis has not agreed to step down.

“It’s not about stepping down. We still have time left in this administration and we fully expect all of our members of Parliament who truly love their constituents would continue to serve … until that time ends.”

Pintard quoted Minnis as saying that he “would consult with his family,” adding “we have not heard back from him save and except through emissaries, and the party must do what we must do.”

Minnis was first elected in Killarney in 2007 and was elected FNM leader in 2012, when the party, led by Hubert Ingraham, was defeated.

In 2017, he led the party back into government but was heavily criticised for his handling of Hurricane Dorian’s aftermath in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pintard, who was elected party leader in 2021 and again three years later, said while every member has a right to contest the general election, the FNM intends to put forward its candidates for the national election.

He said any member who intends to run in the next election must be intimately involved in the party’s parliamentary caucus, its executive meetings and council meetings.

“Those persons who are not minded or not able to consistently participate and make a contribution or whose message oftentimes we are unaware of … they put us in a very difficult position,” he said.

Meanwhile, the FNM’s Constituency Association is supporting Minnis, warning that his omission could cost the FNM the seat.

“PLPs have run against him, independents have run against him, but I’m almost certain that they won’t be victorious,” said Elaine Gomez, the chair of the association, praising Minnis’ track record.