In a move aimed at building a stronger, more unified opposition, remaining members of the Coalition for Democratic Reform put speculation to rest and publicly announced their intent to join forces with the Free National Movement.
Members, officers and supporters of both the FNM and CDR yesterday crowded into the Eleuthera Room of the Wyndham Hotel to hear what many had been expecting for months – CDR chairman Charles Maynard announce the closure of a political chapter in his party’s history and the beginning of another.
Seeing the move as one which will ensure “the empowerment and upliftment of all Bahamians,” Mr Maynard told the cheering crowd: “We are happy to be a part of the FNM.”
He added: “We do so in an effort, not only to unify the opposition forces of the Bahamas, but to help strengthen the resolve of every Bahamian who recognises the need for a better and stronger Bahamas entrenched in the promise of opportunity for all.
“We have a great vision for this country and we wish to assure every past and present member that the decision announced today does not mean that these ideals and ideas will be lost.
“Instead, they will be strengthened and enhanced now that we share the vision of the Free National Movement.
We fully expect that we will bring back good governance to this nation.”
Over the weekend, one source close to the duo of Maynard and CDR’s Phenton Neymour said that the former leaders joined forces with the FNM because they got an attractive offer that the PLP could not match – namely, preferred seats in the next general election.
Whereas Mr Maynard acknowledged that the CDR engaged other political parties in discussions, in the end he emphasised: “We wanted to be a part of a team that had similar views as ours and who were receptive to our views, a party we thought best represented our ideals and most closely shared our vision.”
Of yesterday’s gathering, Mr Maynard said: “What you are witnessing is a meeting of the mind.”
He assured the public and present and former CDR members that the “same bold spirit, innovative ideas, and passion” that they had for improving the Bahamas and elevating the people would live on in the FNM.
“As new members of the FNM,” Mr Maynard said, “we are ready to work and serve.” Welcoming the new members into the FNM party, chairman Desmond Bannister said that this coalition is the latest step in making the Bahamas better once again, better for all Bahamians.
The unification of the FNM and the CDR with its talents and skills, said Mr Bannister, will “offer Bahamian voters a well-rounded, competent opposition force ready, willing and able to take back the government from the incompetent hands of the PLP.
The FNM is not a tunnelvision party,” said Mr Bannister.
“We are able to recognise and seek out new and additional talents to complement the tried and tested leadership ability now housed within our party. This joining of forces is also further evidence that more and more Bahamians – some of whom were not FNM supporters in the past – are becoming convinced that the FNM is the party that can and will return this country to an era of governmental integrity, accountability and firm and deci sive leadership.”
Former FNM leader Tommy Turnquest, a member of the negotiation team that brought the remaining CDR members to the FNM, said the people in the Bahamas are fed up with the PLP.
By MARK HUMES, The Tribune
