A guest speaker on Island FM’s Parliament Street, Free National Movement leader Senator Tommy Turnquest, on Sunday discussed the idea of a white FNM leader in Parliamentarian Brent Symonette.
“I think he’s done an excellent job and it has nothing to do with the colour of his skin or the money in his pocket,” Senator Turnquest said. “It’s what’s in his heart. He is a true Bahamian son of this soil. He loves The Bahamas like everyone and wants to see the best for The Bahamas.”
The political Party’s top position could be contested at next year’s convention.
The current leader, Mr Turnquest, along with the Party’s leader in the House of Assembly, Mr Alvin Smith, and Senator Tanya McCartney, discussed the political organization’s fortunes since the May 2nd election, on the radio talk show hosted by Mr Charles Carter.
Both Senator Turnquest and Mr. Smith confirmed that they would seek the post of Party leader.
Several listeners questioned the panelists on who would be the best person to take over the reigns of the political group, and regain the favour of the Bahamian electorate.
“Maybe it is time to look at persons like Brent Symonette,” Mr. Carter suggested.
Mr. Smith said he considered Mr. Symonette a very capable person, who has the political background. While indicating that he does not know whether or not Mr. Symonette will seek the leadership of the party, Mr. Smith said that for now, Senator Turnquest is the leader.
Bahamians have a right to their opinions, Senator Turnquest said, and during his tenure he has offered himself to the nation and to the FNM, who will have the opportunity to “keep him or fire him.”
“Brent Symonette is a FNM through and through,” Mr Turnquest said. “He is a hard worker. He is a dedicated team player, and I have the utmost respect for Brent Symonette. He works very closely with me and we’re in constant dialogue.” He also publicly thanked Mr. Symonette for his contributions to the FNM.
A caller to the show asked if defeated FNM candidate for Baillou Hill, Dion Foulkes, still held the position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
“Why is he not in the Senate, because I smell a rat here. It wouldn’t be surprising to me if Ms. McCartney does not succeed Mr. Foulkes as Deputy Leader of the FNM,” the caller commented.
Senator Turnquest responded that the former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture still holds the position, and will also be seeking re-election.
“There’s always been this talk about the dichotomy between the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the FNM. Let’s put that to rest — Alvin and I side by side, I believe that we have finally put that to rest,” said Senator Turnquest. “He is the Parliamentary leader, under the constitution of the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the FNM. In terms of the FNM, the buck stops with me. No sense trying to run around that. That’s the way it is and that’s the way it’s going to be until the next convention.”
Senator McCartney interjected that she has no intention of running for the position of Deputy leader.
Although an exact date has not been confirmed, the FNM leaders agreed that the convention will be held sometime in May.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
