By Taneka Thompson

Tribune News Editor

tmthompson@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant had strong words for Free National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis’ performance during the wrap up of the 2016/2017 budget debate, saying the Killarney MP showed “no interest” in the head-by-head exercise and seemed unprepared.

Mr Grant, leader of opposition business in the House, said he was sure Dr Minnis had not studied the budget and that his behaviour was “most disturbing” and “disrespectful.” He also accused Dr Minnis of abandoning ship by leaving the House session around 2.30am Thursday under the guise of not feeling well as other parliamentarians stayed behind to finish the work of Parliament.

Before members of Parliament vote on and pass the budget, they routinely go through the heads of government ministries and departments, with members of the Official Opposition raising questions about matters of concern.

Mr Grant’s scathing assessment of Dr Minnis’ performance, or lack thereof, in the House of Assembly was outlined in an email to the party leader and other members of the FNM. The Tribune has also obtained the email.

“Mr Leader, you would be aware that the subject provides an opportunity to highlight the government ministers’ shortcomings and their incompetence,” the email said. “A time when we opposition members should be on our ‘A’ game ready to pinpoint and call out the government’s shortcomings, as they are never prepared for it.

“Your actions and behaviour during this exercise were most disturbing! You showed absolutely no interest in the exercise!

“Your actions, sir, gave the impression, that like them, you also were not prepared. I am convinced that you did not study the budget. This was evident as your limited participation further confirmed this. Your actions were not only egregious they were disrespectful. May I remind you a leader leads by example. A leader sets the tone and pace for his team.”

According to Mr Grant, Dr Minnis was absent from the floor of the House of Assembly during much of Wednesday’s head-by-head exercise even though he was in Parliament.

He claimed Dr Minnis “refused to return to the floor” even after FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest requested that he do so.

“Your absence was so obvious that many FNM supporters watching the proceedings began messaging a number of us, as to what was going on, inquiring why you were not present on the floor,” the email said.

“You left at about 2.30am this morning (Thursday) under the disguise of ‘you were coming down with something.’ Based on my past experience, I do not believe anything was wrong with you.

“You should be aware that two colleagues, Loretta Butler-Turner, who I sent home on Tuesday because she was sick, and Hubert Chipman, who was coughing so much that the clerk brought him water, stayed until we were finished.

“Mr Leader…you abandoned ship and left your troops on the battle field once again. I say again because on many occasions when you ‘bombed out’ during embarrassing contributions, you hastily retreated to the Committee Room or your office across the street.”

Mr Grant furthered: “Sir...your behaviour and actions are unbecoming of one who wishes to lead our party and country. You missed a golden opportunity to demonstrate leadership and assist in embarrassing the PLP.”

The email ended with a postscript that said the communication was not copied to FNM Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells, “as his behaviour was similar to yours (Dr Minnis).”

The blistering attack on Dr Minnis comes weeks after six FNM MPs, including Mr Grant, wrote a letter to the party’s Central Council outlining Dr Minnis’ weaknesses as a leader.

In that memo, dated May 31, the MPs highlighted a myriad of Dr Minnis’ inefficiencies, including his failure to take command of the party “at almost every turn” despite their repeated efforts to support him.

And after four years at the helm of the organisation, the MPs said there was a growing “trust deficit” exacerbated by the “heartbreaking” reality that Dr Minnis “proved himself not to be a man of his word.”

They outlined their case to the council as they underscored the need for an early convention, which was later set for July 27-29.

Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, the party’s former deputy leader, will challenge Dr Minnis for the FNM’s top post at that time.