Minnis lashes FNM, says he’s not done in Killarney

Former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis is publicly pushing back against the FNM, calling the party’s decision not to renominate him as Killarney MP “deeply unfortunate” and questioning the democratic integrity of the process.

“Last week, I watched — as many Bahamians did — a press conference in which it was publicly announced that I would not be nominated as the Free National Movement’s candidate for Killarney in the upcoming General Election,” said Minnis in a statement .

“The manner of this announcement was unexpected, and the process, deeply unfortunate.”

Minnis, who served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2021 and has represented Killarney in Parliament since 2007, expressed disappointment in what he characterized as a failure of internal party governance.

“I must express — with clarity and conviction — that I do not support the manner in which this decision was taken,” he said. “The attempt to forcibly end my service to the people of Killarney does not reflect the democratic traditions upon which our party was built, nor does it honor the spirit of respect and consultation that should define our internal processes.”

Minnis said he remains an FNM, but criticized its current leadership.

“I am a member of the Free National Movement. I believe in its founding mission… But when party leadership departs from the Constitution for convenience or control, it erodes the trust not only of its members but of the public at large,” he said. “If those seeking to lead cannot uphold their own party’s constitution, how can they be entrusted to protect and administer the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas?”

“For nearly two decades, I have given my all to the people of Killarney and to the nation,” he said. “I have always taken seriously my duty to Killarney. That work is not yet complete.”

Hinting at the possibility of continuing his political career outside the party line, Minnis added: “I have heard from my constituents — their encouragement, their support, and their desire for continued representation has been overwhelming. In the coming days, I will continue to consult with them as I consider the road ahead.”