Chairman of the Free National Movement (FNM) Sidney Collie yesterday said the party’s council will meet this week to discuss the possibility of an early convention date.
“FNM’s and the general public are advised that the Executive Committee of the Free National Movement will meet on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at Party Headquarters, Mackey Street. The meeting will be followed immediately by a meeting of the Central Council which will review the decision regarding the holding of the Party National Convention and establish a new date,” he said in a statement.
“An announcement will be made immediately following to advise FNM’s and the general public of the outcome.”
The Bahama Journal reported that various FNM Members of Parliament have reportedly given Dr. Minnis an ultimatum demanding he either calls for a party convention to take place within the next 30-days or they will move ahead with seeking to remove him as Opposition Leader.
A Journal source with close knowledge of the situation said that at least six FNM MPs are supporting this move including Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourne, North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly and Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins.
Dr. Minnis reportedly still has the support of Deputy Leader and MP for East Grand Bahama Peter Turnquest, South Abaco MP Edison Key and Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells.
Mr.Collie when asked about the situation said he would not give and has no comment on the alleged attempts to remove Dr. Minnis from his post.
Dr. Minnis, who became Opposition Leader after the FNM lost the 2012 General Election, has faced an uphill battle since attaining the leadership mantle.
He has often been criticised for being an ineffective leader and his performance as an orator is viewed as sub-par.
Despite his challenges, the source said Dr. Minnis remains confident that he will retain his post as Opposition Leader and he has reportedly said that he welcomes these MPs attempting to have him removed.
