Wednesday, September 21, 2016
By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
AS the Free National Movement continues efforts to fortify its base ahead of the 2017 general election, there is some uncertainty over the future of St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, as the FNM is said to be using the “sure seat” as bait to attract a “financially capable” candidate to its ranks.
According to a source familiar with the party’s thinking, the FNM has delayed all communication with Mr Chipman as it moves “diligently to venture through all of its possibilities” for St Anne’s.
The Tribune’s source further claimed that “feelers” have been sent out to several potential candidates, some whom have a history with the party and others new to the political organisation.
When contacted for comment on the matter yesterday, Mr Chipman said he remains focused in finishing his current term as MP for the St Anne’s area.
He added that while he has notified the party of his intention to seek re-election, he hasn’t received any notice from the FNM of a decision to support him or go in a different direction.
He stated: “I have made it known to the party that I fully intend to run again. I have submitted an application for candidacy and await feedback from the executive level.”
Furthermore, Mr Chipman said he is unaware of any effort to have him removed as the party’s standard-bearer in St Anne’s.
When contacted, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest yesterday said the party remains committed to its “regular roll out,” denying the notion that “something different” was underway in St Anne’s.
Mr Turnquest said while the FNM was actively working to meet its self-imposed October 15 deadline for candidate ratifications, the party doesn’t intend to “short-cut or rush” any choice.
He added that hundreds of persons are vying for nominations with the party, and all are reviewed by the same protocol.
When asked directly if the party was looking to replace Mr Chipman, Mr Turnquest said the FNM is “working along its definitive plan.”
Mr Chipman is one of the “gang of six”’ MPs who wrote to the party’s Central Council outlining the drawbacks of FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis earlier this year. They also called for an earlier FNM convention, which was later moved up from November to July.
In addition to Mr Chipman, the group included Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly, Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant and Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins.
Of the group, to date only Mrs Butler-Turner has been ratified and publicly backed by the party.
Mr Neilly and Mr Grant have announced that they will not contest the next election while Dr Rollins said he will not be seeking a FNM constituency nomination, but would run as an independent. However, he has also said if the FNM offered him a nomination he would consider accepting one.
On Sunday, party sources indicated that businessman Dionisio D’Aguilar would replace Mr Lightbourn in Montagu.
Comments
Greentea says...
I am sure the Six wish they had gone through with their threats now to remove Minnis as leader of the opposition in the house. You can't stutter in politics and they stuttered.
Posted 21 September 2016, 2:22 p.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
Yep .......... they shoudda ................. things woulda been betta
Posted 21 September 2016, 2:58 p.m. Suggest removal
licks2 says...
You are making as much sense as a PLP crony in an honesty parade! Doc and the whole public already know that them six and others were in concert with certain monied white people to not have a new black over the hill upstart "ruling over them". . .where the iteration was that none of that bunch had it in them to lead a heard of blind drunk people to a bar room on a four lean highway free of traffic! For example, the man in charge of opposition business in the house blamed the leader for advancing opposition in the house! That crew is publically seen as a big bunch of spoiled brats who felt entitled and aloof from the masses. . .and were rejected soundly by the FNM party. . .and by extension the public. . .yet you still think they shall have taken charge of the party. . .even now after we all know they are useless! Pray tell. . .they self destruct in one lil leadership campaign and wreck their political careers all in one shot. . .as LBT looks to have also done in her LI district. . .and you would still like to see them leading this nation?
Posted 22 September 2016, 1:36 p.m. Suggest removal
themessenger says...
Really???
When one looks at Mr. Chipman's performance as the head of the Public Accounts Committee or even as the representative for St. Annes, he has been less than inspiring.
Do we really need more deadwood in opposition or God forbid in government?
Posted 21 September 2016, 3:45 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
Said the exact same thing. It's Wednesday btw, a day after Tuesday when ?Mr Chipman said he'd get that UR minority report from Gibson and publish the PAC's report...let's wait and see if they get dragged around till the election
Posted 21 September 2016, 4:53 p.m. Suggest removal
licks2 says...
Pray tell what committee? The PLP een never pay him no attention on nothing he said or done! That committee ever put out any report? That crew are dead-wood politically. . .every single one shot theyself into they foot. . .or shot each other in they foot (LBT and AR). . .each like the dog who ran behind the moving car. . .but the car stopped. . .they all standing around looking stupid and wondering what to do with the car. . .biting each other too (LBT and AR)!
Posted 22 September 2016, 1:47 p.m. Suggest removal
observer2 says...
Chipman is an retired accountant not a crooked rowdy politician. Leave him be.
Posted 21 September 2016, 5:11 p.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
Chippie is a retired accountant ......... not a politician (re-phrased)
Posted 21 September 2016, 6:04 p.m. Suggest removal
licks2 says...
The let him put our money back in the treasury. . .one of the leaders who DID NOT LEAVE A NEOPHYTE LEADER ALONE BUT ASKED HIM TO ROC LIKE A DOC! HE WAS FRONT AND CENTER IN WANTING TO THE GG TO HAVE THE LEADER REMOVED FOR NOT DOING HIS WORK. . .ALL THE WHILE HE DONE NADDA WITH HIS COMMITTEE FOR THE PEOPLE!
Posted 22 September 2016, 1:51 p.m. Suggest removal
Well_mudda_take_sic says...
Chippie needs to add "retired politician" to "retired accountant". He just doesn't have what it takes to stay focused on anything and therefore can't get anything done. It's really as simple as that.
Posted 21 September 2016, 10:37 p.m. Suggest removal
Required says...
In 2012, Chipman's declared net worth was just under $6.9 million, making him the second wealthiest FNM in the House after Minnis (close to $11M). How much money are they planning to spend on next year's Race for the Cookie Jar?
Posted 22 September 2016, 9:43 a.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
But ............... that is their personal money!!!!!!! ......... Political parties must fund themselves through fundraising, benefactors, loans, members' dues/pledges and reputable corporate donors ............ do not mix personal & political business please ......... now, if they make personal money from politics (other than salaries) .......... that is another kettle of stink fish
Posted 22 September 2016, 2:29 p.m. Suggest removal
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