In what seemed like an impending move due to the vast amount of changes in the Free National Movement (FNM) over the past two months, St. Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming general election.
Mr. Chipman, a member of the party since 1972, cited differences with the leadership of the party as the driving force behind his decision.
“I advise that I will not seek nor will I accept a nomination as the Free National Movement candidate for St. Anne’s or any other constituency in the forthcoming general elections,” Mr. Chipman said in a press release.
“I have so advised the leader of the FNM, Dr. Hubert Minnis and the chairman of our party, Mr. Sidney Collie. I took this action following consultation with the members of the constituency association of St. Anne’s.
“I have taken note of various commentaries in the media concerning my re-nomination and in particular to the Leader’s refusal to confirm whether I would be re-nominated for the forthcoming General Election.
“I initially voted for and supported Dr. Minnis as leader of the FNM, over time I had differences with my party’s leader and the direction he was moving the party.
“Political parties committed to democracy typically have such debates and disagreements. But under the current leadership of the FNM such disagreements are far too often met with resentment,” Mr. Chipman said.
Mr. Chipman added that his position as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee was severely hindered due to lack of support from the FNM leader.
“It is clear that under the leadership of Dr. Minnis my contribution to the FNM as a Member of Parliament is no longer desired, required or wanted.
“I remained loyal to the party and continued to work to improve the FNM for the benefit of the Bahamian people, but sadly, the FNM that I have supported all of my life has become an organization that I barely recognize.
“It was my privilege to serve St. Anne’s and the Bahamian people in the House of Assembly.
“Sadly, the work I did as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee was constantly obstructed by the government, which is the most non-transparent and unaccountable government in the modern Bahamas.
“I must also acknowledge that I did not have the full cooperation of my leader, as Leader of the Opposition in pushing the government harder on a number of key issues, including the work of the Public Accounts Committee,” Mr. Chipman said.
Dr. Minnis, yesterday during a press conference at the FNM Headquarters, was prompted to respond to Mr. Chipman’s remarks and subsequent resignation.
He responded by thanking Mr. Chipman for his service to the party and country.
“The MP for St. Anne’s has been with this party since its inception, at this present time the PLP is doing serious damage.
“I would like to thank publicly the member for St. Anne’s for the contributions he has made to the party,” Dr. Minnis said.
When further pressed to respond directly to Mr. Chipman’s allegations that Dr. Minnis ignored letters written by constituents showing their support in Chipman, Dr. Minnis deflected.
Mr. Chipman was one of the aptly named “dissident 6” who were very vocal of their disapproval of the leadership of Dr. Minnis.
The group also consisted of Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner, Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant, Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn and North Eleuthera MP Theo Neilly.
The St. Anne’s seat is considered as one of the FNMs “sure seats” and is rumored to be used as bait to attract prominent businessmen.
Former Baha Mar Chairman and Superwash owner Dionisio D’Aguilar has been said to be a frontrunner for that seat.
