EDITOR, The Tribune.

The fall out from the letter that was supposed to have been delivered to the Governor General expressing displeasure and lack of confidence in Hubert Minnis, leader of the FNM by the six FNM members of parliament, has begun in earnest.

Many speculated that the six members who expressed their displeasure would never be nominated again under Hubert Minnis. There has been wide speculation and many indications that the present list of sitting members of parliament will be gutted.

Well Neko Grant didn’t wait for his waterloo, therefore announcing that he would not be offering himself again.

During and shortly thereafter the last convention, Minnis pretended to be a uniter by announcing that Loretta Butler-Turner didn’t have to worry, because he would make sure she was the standard bearer for Long Island.

Then Theo Neily followed with the same sentiments as Grant and decided to hang up his gloves, preferring to take time with his personal life and family.

At a recent Council meeting, Richard Lightbourne was figuratively brought to his knees, humiliated and embarrassed while being stripped of any possibility of a nomination. There was great jubilation with the top brass for emasculation of this senior citizen and thus ignoring his contributions to the party. His only sin was his loyalty to Loretta.

Conversations could be overheard from the top brass bragging how they “mash up” Lightbourne. Everyone was happy that they achieved their objective. How sad!

It is clear for all to see that the six members who dared to buck the leadership would be ostracised and condemned to the dustbins of political history. But the job is not completed.

Hubert Chipman must wear his helmut, knee pads, chest and back protector, because the long knives are gunning for him next, there is no place to run or hide. They will create all sorts of propaganda until he buckles.

Minnis did promise Loretta that she would get the nomination, but his most senior advisors are working their fingers to the bone behind the scenes to make sure an independent/FNM is elected, thus dashing the hopes of Butler-Turner of ever becoming an FNM MP again. Butler-Turner will not have the backing of the party machinery in this upcoming election.

The mission would have then been completed, and that is to get rid of all six. Butler-Turner would be unwise if she believes that the FNM wanted her anymore, she has already been discarded, it is just a matter of time when they will let her know. But they are holding her at bay so she does not make any other political move. This is not a recipe for winning, the collateral damage would be catastrophic.

Butler-Turner still has invaluable political currency and would be a great asset wherever she went.. Joe Tex had a song that went like this, “If you think no one want her, just kick her out in the street and you will see, someone will have her before you can count one, two, three, yes they will, YES THEY WILL!

There is still time for for the chest masters to sit at the table. Now it’s your move.

What a show of unity!

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM

Nassau,

September 17, 2016.