NASSAU, BAHAMAS — While he admitted that the Free National Movement is currently struggling with public approval, former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said he believes that the party can win the next election with Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis as the party’s leader.
Sands made the comments while appearing as a guest on Beyond the Headlines with Clint Watson last night.
“I believe the FNM can win with Hubert Minnis at the helm,” he said when asked about the party’s future in government.
“We’ll just have to understand exactly what the challenges are and deal with them.
“Right now the FNM finds itself discordant from the views and opinions of many Bahamians. I think we’re out of step, we’re out of sync with so many Bahamians.
“Bahamians are forgiving people until they reach the end of the road. They want to hear you recognise that you hurt me, you recognise you could’ve done something different and you didn’t do it and if you change your ways, man come here, don’t do it again, let me love you up, kiss you up, [I will] give you another chance. I think there is a possibility (Bahamians will forgive the FNM). To my colleagues, understand we have to redouble our efforts sincerely.”
Sands has previously expressed a desire to become prime minister.
Yesterday, he stopped short of confirming whether he will vie for the party’s leadership ahead of the next general election.
“I would have made it very clear that there are no options off the table,” he said, “but the one thing I’m going to say is my ma didn’t raise no fool and the last thing I’m going to do is telegraph what my strategy and plan is at this point. Let us see how things play out.
“Right now, Duane Sands is an active, loyal member of the Free National Movement and is proud to be so. He is a representative to the people of Elizabeth having gone to the polls three times, having lost twice, and finally gaining the confidence of the people of Elizabeth. I don’t intend to lose that.”
Sands was also asked whether he believes the FNM could win if he were at the helm of the party.
“That is not on the table,” he said.
“At this point, there is one leader at a time and until we go to a convention and change that leader, and I’m not aware of any convention that is planned, the FNM is led by Hubert Alexander Minnis.”
The former health minister who resigned in May after what the prime minister termed a “breach of protocol” said he believes he has played his role as promised.
“In order to lead, you must first follow, you have to be able to follow,” Sands added.
“After the 2016 convention, which was won by Hubert Minnis and Peter Turnquest, I made it clear to the now prime minister that he would have my support, he would have my allegiance, he would have my loyalty and I have done exactly that.
“I believe it’s very important that even though you differ on matters of policy, if you have agreed on a particular role, play it to the best of your ability.”
