Monday, April 27, 2015
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
SEVERAL Cabinet ministers have reportedly written resignation letters to Prime Minister Perry Christie because they are displeased with his leadership and the handling of several scandals that have sparked public backlash, FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis claimed yesterday.
During a press conference at FNM headquarters, Dr Minnis told reporters that despite the displeasure of the unnamed ministers, Mr Christie has refused to accept any of the resignations.
However, this was denied by PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts and several Cabinet ministers, who laughed at Dr Minnis’ accusations.
Dr Minnis further challenged Mr Christie to sue him over the newly launched claims.
“I have been reliably informed, and Perry Christie who loves to sue, I want him to sue me,” Dr Minnis said, “I have been reliably informed that several Cabinet ministers are upset over the leadership of the PLP.
“They are upset over the (V Alfred) Gray matter that (he) has not resigned and is sending a bad message throughout the international arena. They are upset over the (gaming) referendum where the government ignored the people and they are upset over the handling of the Rubis (gasoline leak) matter. As a result of that several have written Perry Christie to resign. They want to resign.
“He has refused their resignation. As I speak here today I am telling you what I have been informed. Perry Christie you like to sue…sue me.””
Dr Minnis’ claims enraged West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe.
The senior Cabinet minister said the Christie Cabinet stands in unity with their leader. He castigated the FNM saying the party has been on a track to create unnecessary distractions.
“We are satisfied because we are moving forward progressively,” Mr Wilchcombe said. “We are happy with where we are. Cabinet colleagues are united to make the country a better one for all Bahamians.”
He added: “(Dr) Minnis (and the FNM) I think they feel the need to create unnecessary distractions. But the PLP will not be distracted. He should focus on running his own party as we have ran ours with a history of longevity. Our party is very strong.”
Golden Gates MP and Labour Minister Shane Gibson laughed at the claims. He told The Tribune that the comments did not deserve to be dignified with an answer, adding that he knew his colleagues and the prime minister.
In January, a local daily reported that Minister of State for Legal Affairs Damian Gomez considered resigning from Mr Christie’s Cabinet. The daily had also obtained a letter allegedly sent by Mr Gomez to Mr Christie expressing concern that the government did not invest sufficient resources into his constituency of Central and South Eleuthera.
Comments
duppyVAT says...
Wow ..................... if there is a shred of proof to this, we can look for a vote of no confidence in the House OR a snap election by end of this year.
I think the PM needs to prorogue Parliament after the new Budget so he can regroup or end this miserable term of office.
Posted 27 April 2015, 12:55 p.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
I trust that Dr: Minnis knows that many in the FNM do not want him as their leader and would wish for him to resign. So while he is minding others business. He will do well to watch his back and mind his own business.
Posted 27 April 2015, 1:21 p.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
Birdie, you haven't been on point for a long time, but, on this you are absolutely right. I hear that he will NOT be the leader of the FNM in the next elections. He's a good person but not a great politician.
Posted 27 April 2015, 2:55 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Comrades the discontentment verbally expressed against the PM, during cabinet meetings is one worst guarded cabinet secrets in recent history. I have blogged for over 6 months that it is doubtful the PM can remain at helm his party, much less to lead them into the 2017 General Elections. Yet, Minnis remains incapable of bringing any political benefit to the red party. The reds have find a new leader with a completely new and fresh team of party executives, if they are to have any hopes of even saving their candidates deposits monies come 2017. Yes, they all have go, yes every damn red one them.
Posted 27 April 2015, 1:32 p.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
Many years ago I could not find ANY reason to register to vote. Unfortunately, it looks like I will not have any reason this time either. I hope, hope, hope that a decent independent runs in my area so that I can participate in the next election. These red, yellow and green shirts just can't be taken seriously.
Posted 27 April 2015, 3:01 p.m. Suggest removal
Islandgirl says...
It's interesting, the two who were asked their opinions. Things have been going incredibly well for them with Christie in charge. When can we see the declarations of assets and liabilities that is long past due? March has long been in the rear view mirror. I would like to compare what they went in with (28,000 as I recall per year as an MP's salary for the Grand Bahama person) and what they have now. As for the rest of us in this country, we are suffering badly at the hands of these inept fools. They need to go.
Posted 27 April 2015, 2:39 p.m. Suggest removal
Tommy77 says...
Agreed.<img src="http://s04.flagcounter.com/mini/kfoW/bg…" style="display:none"><img src="http://s05.flagcounter.com/mini/WUu/bg_…" style="display:none">
Posted 27 April 2015, 5:52 p.m. Suggest removal
Hogfish says...
I'm hoping for Turnquest (PM) and Chipman (dpm) to take the reins.
Both are straight forward talkers and make suggestions based on fact.
Yes, i can still hope.
Posted 27 April 2015, 3:06 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Comrade Hogfish of course you can hold out hope but a hope is such terrible thing waste. I think you have be clever about who the reds need pick as their new leader. Think 2017 WINNER!
Posted 27 April 2015, 3:13 p.m. Suggest removal
Hogfish says...
Turnquest/Chipman is a solid combo and would win it.
Posted 27 April 2015, 3:41 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Comrade you should know that like cooking a good and consistent Hoggish meal, not that you are among what I'd consider as a delicious seafood, best starting with the freshest fishes possible.
Posted 27 April 2015, 4:02 p.m. Suggest removal
killemwitdakno says...
So back to the point. The test aren't going to show any level of posioning right now. The water in their residences need to be tested and the levels still in the air , then they can determine if they may have already started developing harmful effects.
I would like confirmation the the gas did not contain lead.
Posted 27 April 2015, 5:44 p.m. Suggest removal
Stapedius says...
What a stupid threat. If you have the evidence produce it. Why say sue if you wish and still don't name people? Minnis is so boring and dull. Idle threats. Just do it.
Posted 27 April 2015, 6:04 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
**............................................................ STFU Dr. Minnis .......................................................**
Where was your diarrhea of the mouth when FNM P.M. Hubert Ingraham had obviously lost his mind making rapid stupid decisions that a D average high school student knew better, and you were a Cabinet Minister?
**STFU** You couldn't open your mouth then, so **STFU** you have no voice now!
Posted 27 April 2015, 6:05 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
Write it again
Posted 27 April 2015, 9:27 p.m. Suggest removal
John says...
Every time Hubert Minnis opens his mouth of recent he seems to be giving persons more reasons not to support his party. Why is he spending so much time trying to poke holes in the PLP government and that party. Give those who do not support this government and their party a strong alternative. Give them an option to vote differently, Persons do not want another five years (after 2017) of hearing about what this (PLP) government did while they were in power or how bad a shape they left the country in. Give them an alternative (party) to vote for and they will. The constant *itching ain't cutting it.
Posted 28 April 2015, 7:50 a.m. Suggest removal
Cas0072 says...
Exactly! It seems the FNM wants to win off of the PLP scandals alone. To date, they have provided no reasons to support why they would be any better this time around. Meanwhile, their track record indicates that they are just as bad.
Posted 28 April 2015, 8:20 a.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
You are so right! Even if the FNM get back in they will just blame everything on the PLP. Same shit, different party. Can't stand any of them.
Posted 28 April 2015, 12:01 p.m. Suggest removal
duppyVAT says...
JOHN, I AGREE WITH YOU ................ WE CANNOT JUST VOTE FOR FNM BECAUSE WE TIRED OF PLP. THAT IS WHAT WE DID IN 2012 ........... AND THAT IS WHY WE ARE IN THIS MESS NOW ................. WE CANNOT RECYCLE WORTHLESS FNM & PLP POLITICIANS ........... WE HAVE TO FIND WORTHY INDEPENDENT-THINKING MEN & WOMEN WHO ARE WILLING TO LEAD US WITH INTEGRITY ............... AND NOT TO TAKE CARE OF FRIENDS, FAMILY AND LOVERS.
Posted 28 April 2015, 9:40 a.m. Suggest removal
Well_mudda_take_sic says...
The political apparatus of the FNM party should be praying for Minnis to resign as leader of the opposition. Many would-be financial-backers of the FNM party and its candidates are not willing to pony up as long as Minnis remains at the helm. Like many, many others, I too shudder at the prospect of Minnis ever becoming PM or even deputy PM. Independent candidates are going to eat the FNM's lunch in the next general election if the party's political apparatus doesn't soon wake up to the fact that Minnis is despised by so many Bahamians of all walks of life in our country today. His dislike by the Bahamian people is such that he could never organize a well-supported mass demonstration of any kind, no matter what the cause. And Christie knows this to be the case which is why he has been emboldened not to eat humble pie no matter what scandal confronts the PLP!
Posted 28 April 2015, 10:41 a.m. Suggest removal
Sickened says...
If Minnis stay's leader then the PLP are sure to slime their way back in. As you say Independents (I hope that there are some) will destroy any chance the FNM have of winning and will most likely guarantee 5 more years of thievery.
Posted 28 April 2015, 12:05 p.m. Suggest removal
duppyVAT says...
The FNMs had their chance to move forward last November ........... but the delegates got scared and voted for HAM (did HAI vote HAM??) ........... so now grin and bear it .............. I call for a coalition of LBT, Doc Rollins and Greg Moss to break ranks and start a serious populist movement this summer ............... have a national strike, close down the country, demand a new elections and get these PLP rascals out by Christmas ...... comments??????????
Posted 28 April 2015, 7:55 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
Sounds like an alternative, but BLT has proven she is an habitual lie'er that could not be trusted with even half a donut. Trusting her with the country would end in worst results than we have now.
A lie'er is said to be a thief, and a thief a murderer......NO TO BLT as anything other than official food taster ,or maybe a defense force buoy
Doc Rollins, Greg Moss, Speaker and Deputy House speakers and a few others would be welcomed.
Posted 28 April 2015, 9:29 p.m. Suggest removal
Log in to comment