The FNM officially unveiled “Perry Christie’s worst nightmare” as newly elected leader Hubert Ingraham foreshadowed some key appointments at the party convention last night.
Mr Ingraham said that former leader Tommy Turnquest will maintain his leadership position in the Senate and one of his first appointments will be that of Carl Bethel to the Senate.
He also promised that Mr Bethel and leadership hopeful Dion Foulkes will be assured places of responsibility in his administration.
Before Mr Ingraham launched into his speech last night, he had a major surprise in store for the gathering, as he called former PLP senator Edison Key to join him up on stage. Presenting a united front, Mr Ingraham moved aside and let Mr Key take the microphone as deafening applause rocked the hall. The former senator recalled the time 27 years ago when both he and Mr Ingraham ran for a seat in Abaco for the first time in their respective political careers: “And it looks like we are going to be together again,” he said.
Mr Key said he will do everything in his power to restore the FNM as the government.
“This is Perry Christie’s worst nightmare,” he said triumphantly as the crowd went wild inside the convention hall and outside in the hotel foyer.
It has been speculated that Mr Key will run for the FNM in South Abaco, as it is likely that Robert Sweeting, the current MP for that constituency, will not offer again.
Mr Sweeting indicated to The Tribune earlier this week that chances of him running for South Abaco for a fourth consecutive term are “very slim.”
Observers have said that this move by Mr Key is a clear slap in the face for the PLP. Offering a rallying call to arms last night, Mr Ingraham urged his party to unify and admonished dissenting voices that they “will not stay and poison the atmosphere”.
“This is a time for healing and for heeding the cries of the people, the cries which bleat out a public demand that the present government, which promised heal and hope but delivered only hot air and Junkanoo shuffles, must go,” he said.
Mr Ingraham said once again the FNM must “gird itself and strengthen itself and resolve itself to answer those cries of Bahamians from all corners of the land.”
“The whole, it is said, is greater than the sum total of each of its parts. Each of our parts is great: Each is talented. Each is deserving. Each a leader in his/her own right. Each of us has played his or her part.
“We have given of ourselves for the advancement of our party and for the good of our country. Tommy and Dion, Carl, Sidney and Loretta and all of you have all done your part,” said Mr Ingraham.
In a word to Mr Turnquest, Mr Ingraham said he felt “no less favourably disposed toward (him) now, than when I endorsed you as a worthy successor to lead our great party in 2001.”
“The public and I have not always seen eye-to-eye on you. I regret that. I see strength where some say they see arrogance. I see dedication and commitment when some see youth.
“Perhaps your moment came too soon Perhaps in the future the public will come to my way of thinking about you and your turn will come again.
“If and/or when that happens I will be happy. I say to you tonight that all the doors of opportunity remain open to you. You are an integral part of the team,” said the former prime minister.
Mr Ingraham said the dedication of Dion Foulkes, who also contested the leadership position, is boundless.
“He is assured of a place of responsibility in my administration. And so will Carl (Bethel), another child of this party and a young man of intellectual heft” said Mr. ļ¾ Ingraham.
He also saluted Desmond Bannister, chairman-elect of the party, and Loretta Butler-Turner. He promised that she will reach the “many places she has go in the party and in the country.”
“United we are a mighty force. Together, all together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. Let us stand together. Together, all together, let us harness our talents and our strength for the good of our party, the good of all Bahamaland,” said Ingraham.
By RUPERT MISSICK Jr and KARIN HERIG – Tribune Staff Reporters
Nassau, Bahamas
