FNM Deputy Leader says the constituency has made their views known
NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine has accused senior members of the Free National Movement (FNM) of moving against him.
In an interview with Eyewitness News Online, McAlppine claimed his party has removed the executive team of the Pineridge Constituency Association that supported him and replaced the members with executives “who want to see me gone”.
His comments come after Vernet Munnings, Pineridge Association chairperson told The Tribune that it would be best for the party if McAlpine resigns.
“The Free National Movement’s chairman along with other senior members of the party removed the former executive team they think supported [me] and replaced [them] with another team,” McAlpine told Eyewitness News Online.
“The team that is now in place claims they don’t hear from me and they want me to resign.
“Well, I’m a member of the FNM and I represent all the people, and not only FNMs.”
To those who wish for him to step down, the outspoken MP said he represents Bahamians of all political persuasions.
“I represent FNM, PLP, independent and swing voters, and the association must bear in mind that I am here for all, not a select few of FNMs, who seek to manipulate and keep control,” he said.
McAlpine said if and when he chooses to resign it will be after consultation with his constituents.
The vocal MP has often broken ranks and publicly criticized Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis on many occasions, most recently about the government entering into an agreement to lease the Town Center Mall for the relocation of the General Post Office.
The Town Centre Mall is owned by former Cabinet minister Brent Symonette and his brother.
Meanwhile, FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest, the deputy prime minister and minister of finance, said the party’s constitution outlines how situations like these can be addressed.
“The constituency has made their views known and they have right to do that,” he said.
“They have procedures to follow. If they are serious about wanting for him to resign then he will have a process and the party [will] decide whether they will act on the recommendation from the constituency and it will go from there.”
When asked whether McAlpine’s views and criticisms has caused division within the FNM, Turnquest said, “Of course not”.
“I think this makes us stronger,” the minister said.
“We are a democratic organization. The constituents are the ultimate decider of who represents them and who they want, and the process works its way up through the party, and we are committed to democracy.”
