Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Sidney Collie has resigned as chairman of the party following confirmation of his appointment to a top diplomatic post.
Confirming as much in interview with The Bahama Journal, Mr. Collie said resignation will take effect on the 19th of this month.
“I’m taking up my post as the permanent representative at the Organization of American States and I will be taking up my position as soon as I receive my letter,” Mr. Collie said.
He said although his resignation doesn’t take effect for another two weeks, he is not making any more public appearances in the role.
Collie won the chairmanship last August after defeating his opponent by 62 votes.
The election of Mr. Collie was hailed as a “step forward” for the FNM by party leader Dr. Hubert Minnis at the time.
The Killarney MP said Mr. Collie “is a man of great honour and integrity. He is a leader who has always put his county, family and honour at the forefront.”
It was anticipated that 202 delegates would take part in the vote.
However, prior to the vote it was announced that only 183 delegates would cast ballots. Of those, only 116 cast ballots – roughly 63 per cent of possible delegates.
Mr. Collie won by 89 votes to 27.
Mr. Collie added that nominations for a new chairman will close on October 12 and an election for the position will be held on October 19.
Mr. Collie has been a member of the FNM for almost 35 years.
He served as a senator from 1992-1997; deputy leader from 2002-2005; Member of Parliament for Blue Hills from 2006-2012; Cabinet minister of lands and local government from 2007-2009 and ambassador to CARICOM from 2009-2012.
