Monday, April 14, 2025
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune News Editor
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis hit back at the Free National Movement’s decision to drop him as its candidate for Killarney, calling the process “deeply unfortunate” and suggesting he has not ruled out seeking to serve the constituency again — though not necessarily on the FNM’s ticket.
In a statement that signalled frustration with party leadership and left questions swirling about his political future, Dr Minnis said the way the FNM announced his exclusion from the upcoming general election was inconsistent with the party’s democratic values and founding principles.
“The attempt to forcibly end my service to the people of Killarney does not reflect the democratic traditions upon which our party was built,” he said, adding that he continues to receive overwhelming support from constituents and will consult with them “as I consider the road ahead.”
His comments come days after FNM leader Michael Pintard confirmed Dr Minnis would not be renominated a decision that sparked mixed reaction in the party.
While Dr Minnis did not commit to running as an independent, his statement notably stopped short of ruling it out.
“I have always taken seriously my duty to Killarney,” he said. “That work is not yet complete.”
Dr Minnis, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, said the FNM’s internal processes have strayed from the Constitution, suggesting that those leading the party cannot be trusted to govern the country if they do not uphold the rules within their own ranks.
He said he remains a member of the FNM and believes in its founding mission, but criticised what he called the selective application of its constitution for the sake of “convenience or control.”
The comments come amid long-standing tensions between Dr Minnis and Mr Pintard, his successor.
Mr Pintard said last week that he offered Dr Minnis a statesman role in the party and invited him to participate in strategy sessions and contribute to the FNM’s policy plat- form. However, he said the former prime minister had not been actively involved in recent meetings and had only responded “through emissaries.”
Dr Minnis, in contrast, said his focus has remained on principle and service to the people.
“This moment is bigger than me,” he said. “It is about the kind of politics we wish to practice and the kind of country we hope to build.”
The FNM has completed vetting in most constituencies and expects to announce its full candidate slate by May.
Dr Minnis concluded his statement with a call for leadership that “listens, respects, and serves — without fear, without favour, and without fail.”
Comments
realfreethinker says...
Get lost Minnis. I voted for you before but it's time to hang it up . This is not a lifetime job. You have been beaten soundly twice. Please leave gracefully unless you want to be another Perry
Posted 14 April 2025, 3:54 p.m. Suggest removal
moncurcool says...
Agreed.
Minnis needs to go.
Posted 14 April 2025, 4:10 p.m. Suggest removal
ExposedU2C says...
This most nasty, wicked, arrogant and authoritarian tyrant craves power over others above all else. And few, if any, are as cruel and evil in their abuse of it as we all saw during Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Posted 14 April 2025, 4:50 p.m. Suggest removal
DWW says...
unfortunately he didn't take any council or listen to anyone for any kind of advice while in office. How can he be surprised at the outcome?
Posted 14 April 2025, 4:57 p.m. Suggest removal
bogart says...
For one of the most successful victory in the democracy, was the huge winning, if not probably the biggest winning under democracy of the FNM, winning the 35 seats out of 39 seats in Parliament.
It was likely the most monumental victory of the FNM political party to have done by winning 35 seats in a 39 seat Parliament under the leadership of Dr. Minnis of the FNM political party.
After the subsequent loss of the party from 35 seats to 7 seats which is an enormous loss losing 28/35 = 80% ? should under obligation to the people of the nation, was to have a thorough analysis as to the reasons why this monumental loss came about.
For democracy to thrive and grow, all those reasons as to why the monumental losses need to be analyzed and explained to prevent of the catastrophic situation like the current one, where the past leader seemingly placing a lower value to the people who celebrated the 35 seats and just simply want to go back again with the same colleagues with the former 35 seat victory. Analysis of loss needed to cure the wounds and do better.
To this day after more than a century, where the then most advanced, powerful and biggest ship Titanic was made, and on its first voyage ended in disaster losing 2/3 = 66%? of its occupants of the ship under the captain and crew and to this day there are countless analysis of the disaster so that others would never again make that monumental mistake(s)
Posted 14 April 2025, 5:21 p.m. Suggest removal
whatsup says...
Minnis only cares about himself. If he can't run in the next Elections, he will do everything to divide the Party, making it easy for the PLP to win again. Minnis is a nasty dictator re: COVID 19, while he made millions
Posted 14 April 2025, 6:48 p.m. Suggest removal
bogart says...
Very, very insightful interesting comments.
Dictators known from history are not by themselves but are there by exceedingly loyal, diehearts henchmen who collectively control essential services and deny democracy from existing by the people.
Dictators like Stalin existed, their reign of terror by having their henchmen to victimize, torment, sadistic cruelty to people to remain in control and the key players benefit.
Dictators do not only show up with their 'johnny bundle' but have used the absences in democracy going on for some period of time and the existences of henchmen to get to the horrible situation.
Perhaps not a Dictator, perhaps a 'spoilt child' who needs papa to step in.
Posted 15 April 2025, 9:40 a.m. Suggest removal
Socrates says...
Looks like the pre-Ingraham FNM is surfacing again, splinter groups and egos. A shame.
Posted 14 April 2025, 8:02 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
**You know** what they say about how the **Sunlight brand** is the best disinfectant to be flushin' out what 'tis most conflicting within the RedParty's four warring camps likely refers to; -- Pintard, Minnis, "Papa" and **None** of the **Before Mentioned.** -- Yes?
Posted 14 April 2025, 9:41 p.m. Suggest removal
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