By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune News Editor

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister urged Michael Pintard to call a convention “at the earliest possible date,” saying a delay would diminish confidence in his leadership amid divisions in the party.

His comment drew a rebuke from Dr Nigel Lewis, the coordinator of the FNM’s 2021 general election campaign, who said in a leaked internal message that he was disappointed with the tone of Mr Bannister’s letter.

The discourse among such prominent FNM members shows unity in the party remains elusive two years after the last general election.

Mr Bannister suggested in his letter that the FNM has not adequately supported Long Island MP Adrian Gibson, who faces corruption charges, and that party leaders have unconstitutionally interfered in constituency associations. In turn, Dr Lewis said former Prime Minister Dr Minnis should intervene to control his supporters for the sake of unity and to facilitate political success. It is widely believed that Dr Minnis would challenge Mr Pintard at an FNM convention.

The party must have a convention every two years, according to its constitution, although this requirement has been ignored many times over the years. The party must hold a convention by next year to comply with its constitution.

Mr Bannister’s letter to Mr Pintard, which was leaked to the press, came after the party’s vice chairman, Richard Johnson, was involved in a physical altercation outside a meeting at the FNM’s headquarters last week.

Although police have not confirmed Mr Johnson’s attacker and the motive for the assault, Mr Bannister still described it as a politically inspired attack, claiming: “The blatant and violent attack on one of our members outside FNM headquarters on Thursday night threatens to undo decades of progress. Our party has always condemned political violence.”

He added: “The recent constant discordant and hostile public airing of disagreements within the party together with litigation among party executives; allegations of unconstitutional interference in constituency associations; and the perceived failure of our party to support a sitting member of parliament as he faces criminal prosecution before the courts have all combined to negatively impact public confidence in our ability to lead. The vocal public enmity among loyal party supporters clearly hampers the ability of the FNM to be considered as a serious alternative to the governing party just when they appear to be conceding the next general election to us through their blatant miscues and alleged acts of malfeasance.”

 Mr Bannister said if Mr Pintard fails to retain leadership at a convention, this would prove it is not his time, but if he wins, his mandate could not be legitimately questioned.

 “To delay calling a convention will diminish confidence in your leadership,” he wrote. “Party members will question your confidence in remaining party leader, as well as your ability to raise the requisite amount of funds that will be required to hold a convention and to successfully contest a general election.”

 In response to Mr Bannister, Dr Lewis wrote: “If you were a constant attendee at council you would know that the same singular individual vulgarly disrupts the proceedings every month. The same person smashed the glass top in the conference room; this same mercenary has taken our party to court. It’s his litigation that you referenced. The young man has multiple enemies outside of the party as is evidenced by his constant attacks. I doubt that our leadership has the time to participate in this foolishness. Is your fellow another Jussie Smolette (sic)?”

 Dr Lewis said he does not believe Mr Pintard winning at convention would stop his critics from attacking him.

 “There is nothing indicating that your man and the other mercenaries will stop at anything less than the return of the last leader,” he said. “Nothing less.

“You speak of the lack of funding for the party and I find myself laughing at your statement. As a former DPM I am sure that you are aware that a significant number of contributors have stated that they will not support the party if the last PM is returned to leadership.

 “My dear friend, I hope that you and the former PM will address the mercenaries and convince them that their narrow-minded goals can possibly have widespread negative consequences for their party and the country.”