By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

IN HIS first speech as the newly re-elected leader of the Free National Movement, Dr Hubert Minnis last night said he looked forward to working with his former second in command Loretta Butler-Turner in the lead up to the 2017 general election.

Dr Minnis kept his post as FNM chief in the highly anticipated convention. The Big T understands that unofficially, 290 delegates voted in Dr Minnis’ favour against the 108 who supported Mrs Butler-Turner.

Dr Minnis said: “She has clearly demonstrated that our bench is deep and multiple persons in the FNM are prepared to lead this orgainisation. I say to Loretta ‘I salute you’. I want to say to Loretta publicly and on national radio and that ‘you are formidable and like your grandfather, fearless. Your tenacity and clarity of purpose have no doubt inspired many to commit themselves to our nation to replace this government. Loretta, you have made me stronger. I say there is a place for you in the FNM’.”

Despite the landslide defeat, Mrs Butler-Turner was front and centre at the victory celebration, at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre at Stapleton Gardens.

She was ushered in, flanked by loved ones and FNM supporters during Dr Minnis’ address, in which he revealed his plans to move the country forward if elected as Prime Minister.

In a press statement released moments after the defeat, Mrs Butler-Turner congratulated Dr Minnis and pledged to support the new executive team.

“The contest for the leadership is over,” she said, “having demonstrated once again the solid democratic principles upon which our movement was founded and nurtured.  

“Our shared task now is unity. As the official Opposition the FNM has an essential constitutional role to play and a challenge to prepare for the responsibility of governing. I pledge my full support in these efforts in a spirit of unity and collegiality.

“I wish to thank the many delegates who voted for me as well as the many FNMs who supported my candidacy. I thank also those who worked so diligently and enthusiastically on my behalf, including my campaign team, benefactors and all those who lent their support, best wishes and prayers.”

Mrs Butler-Turner added that she was grateful for the support of Long Island which she served in the House of Parliament.