NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday he did not wish to “get into” audio recordings of purported Free National Movement (FNM) members discussing their “war room” tactics.
In audio recordings circulating on social media between several alleged FNM members, they admit to being Internet trolls who use fake social media profiles to defend the party and advance agendas, including disrupting several organizations and individuals.
When asked about these records, which continue to make the rounds on social media, the prime minister said: “I don’t want to get into it, I don’t want to get into it.
“The only thing I would say to you is go back into history and review our selection process for candidacy; who were selected, why they were not selected, etc.
“Review the history. That’s all I would say.”
At one point during the audio recording, a senior member of the government was called and heard saying that Founder of Bahamian Evolution Lincoln Bain caught him off guard with his inside knowledge of a recent parliamentary caucus meeting.
An alleged FNM member can be heard advising the senior government member that a “war had begun” and “we on the ball”. In response, the government member commends the alleged FNMs for their work, adding “you are the Free National Movement’s war room”.
The recording appears to have been taken without the knowledge of those heard speaking.
At another point in the recording, a purported FNM member suggested Pineridge MP Frederick McAlpine was shut out of a particular meeting.
Yesterday, McAlpine said the recordings evidenced what many Bahamians already know: that the FNM has “lost its way and lost its tenants”.
“With these voice notes, the government is showing how they are prepared to conspire and plot against destroying people’s lives,” he said.
“[And] in many essences for what, lunch money, couple dollars?
“The government’s policies, the government’s politics and the government’s behavioral pattern has left many Bahamians depressed, suppressed and oppressed.
“And it’s unfortunate they’re so disconnected that they think they’re doing a good job.
“But they don’t recognize they are hurting more people.
“More people are hurting today prior to 2017.
“Mind you, yes the government has had some troubles — Dorian, COVID-19 — I accept that, but like I said in my speech in the House, they would have been easily forgiven if their performance was at a higher standard prior to these catastrophic events.”
