Turnquest: FNM parliamentarians need support in face of “perhaps the most biased speaker we’ve seen”
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Outgoing Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said on Wednesday that he believes the party lost because of the perception of arrogance and that it was out of touch.
Turnquest addressed party supporters and delegates during the first night of the FNMs three-day convention at Atlantis, Paradise Island.
The event saw dozens of FNMs gather for the restructuring and rebirth of the organization, including former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, former Deputy Prime Minister Desmond Bannister, former Education Minister Jeffrey Lloyd and other past and present parliamentarians.
The night was filled with speeches from FNM executive members and parliamentarians, speaking to the vision for the party’s future under the theme “Forward, United” after the party’s crushing defeat at the September 16, 2021, polls.
Turnquest outlined the administration’s successes and challenges over their term and the work required by the party moving forward.
“We were voted out not because of lack of good governance but because we allowed the perception of arrogance to once again be painted on us as reality, and it stuck,” he opined.
“We must bear these lessons in mind, honorable leader and chairmen.
“We must remember not to leave our people behind again in our haste to progress our national development goals and create opportunity for all.
“We must hear and consider the disappointments and hopes of our people as we deliberate, keeping them front and center in our thoughts while crafting policies not just to progress the national interest, but to also empower people with real and sustainable opportunities to participate in it.”
He noted that the party’s task will now be to keep the government accountable and on track, and call them out on their attempts to roll back four years of “good work and progress” included in the FNM’s manifesto.
This government will seek to tarnish and denigrate the value and authenticity of the work we have done by picking off FNMs one by one.
– Outgoing FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest
He further urged FNMs to remain focused on the party’s origins and to provide the necessary support to former parliamentarians, party officers and supporters.
“This government will seek to tarnish and denigrate the value and authenticity of the work we have done by picking off FNMs one by one,” Turnquest said.
“They will do their best to throw mud at everyone and everything to create the perception of corruption and mismanagement to disguise their own failings, and as an excuse for not doing what they promised and what is right. We must expose them.”
He added: “Our leader and his team will require our full and undivided support while they regroup and reshape the party.
“With an overwhelming minority in Parliament and perhaps the most biased speaker we’ve seen in my lifetime, they will need our collective strength, resources and prayers to give them courage and strength to stand and fight valiantly against all evil and injustice.”
Calls to rejuvenate the party
The night also saw speeches from outgoing FNM Chairman Carl Culmer, outgoing Torchbearers Youth Association President Carlyle Bethel, newly appointed Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis, former Water and Sewerage Corporation Executive Chairman Adrian Gibson and others.
Culmer said the party must work to rejuvenate the organization and disaffected FNMs; grow the base and engage new members; and listen to one another and the Bahamian people in general.
He urged supporters to stand firm in their resolve to recommit to the party’s founding principles, celebrate the successes and join the new leader as he charts a course to victory.
Bethel challenged the party to take advantage of the opportunity to give women proper representation and show the world that the FNM still believes in fair opportunities for young people.
Meanwhile, Barnett-Ellis took the opportunity to call on the Davis administration to prioritize women’s representation and women’s rights, specifically in relation to marital rape, during this administration.
