By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reorter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FORT Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins arrived in Long Island on Friday where sources there said he was reportedly "making rounds in an attempt to garner the support of the party" to secure the constituency nomination.

It came as photographs surfaced on social media purportedly depicting the MP visiting the home of a well-known Free National Movement (FNM) supporter.

While some Facebook posters noted that the MP was descended from Long Island and had familial ties there, others speculated that he was eyeing the seat and was attempting to get major support to secure the general backing of the party to ensure he could be ratified as their candidate for the 2017 general election.

When contacted yesterday, party Chairman Michael Pintard was unaware of the purpose of Dr Rollins' trip. He said he was advised that Dr Rollins was not on official party business on the island, adding his family is descended from Long Island and that the leader and executive were still in consultation with the sitting MP, Loretta Butler-Turner, over when a meeting in her constituency is going to take place.

Dr Rollins' visit follows the leak of an email on Monday which was sent from Mrs Butler-Turner in which she rebuked Mr Pintard, accusing him of organising an executive meeting in Long Island without her knowledge.

In the email sent to Mr Pintard, she said the planned meeting was “most egregious and disrespectful” and raised “suspicions of ill-intent and corrupt practices”.

In the email, obtained by The Tribune, the former FNM deputy leader added that this was the third time she has found it necessary to remind Mr Pintard of protocol, which dictates that where there is a duly elected member of Parliament, the member is to be consulted regarding activities and meetings in their constituency.

“I trust that this will indeed be the last time that I must remind you of your duty to be seen as upholding the guiding principles upon which our FNM was founded,” she scolded.

This comes as speculation mounts that a certain faction within the FNM is backing Dr Andre Rollins to run as the party’s candidate for Long Island next year.

Mr Pintard said there was no truth in the rumour that the party is seeking to hold a meeting in Long Island to support, promote or ratify Dr Rollins. He said Mrs Butler-Turner, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, has the support of the party.

Mr Pintard added that any suggestion to the contrary was pure mischief. He said it is the party’s expectation and hope that the good people of Long Island would continue their “love affair” with Mrs Butler-Turner, who he said is up to the task of delivering better for Long Islanders.

He added that the upcoming meeting in Long Island is the latest in a series of similar events in other constituencies based on FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ previously announced plans to organise such events.

Still Mrs Butler-Turner, in her email, also called on Mr Pintard to act quickly to correct his actions with a view to “allay the suspicions of undermining transparency, decency and best democratic practices”.