Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis was returned to the Free National Movement's (FNM) top post in a landslide victory last night following the party's one-day convention yesterday.
While the results were unofficial up to 9 p.m. last night, The Nassau Guardian understands that Minnis gained more than twice the votes of now former FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner, his sole challenger.
After several hours of poll workers counting ballots, East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest and Senator Michael Pintard were unofficially announced as the new FNM deputy leader and FNM chairman respectively.
Turnquest bested former FNM Deputy Chairman Dr. Duane Sands and former FNM Chairman Darron Cash.
Meanwhile, Pintard won over former State Minister for the Environment Phenton Neymour for the chairmanship position.
Former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Housing Brensil Rolle was returned as deputy chairman.
He will be joined by Francis Sawyer, who was also voted in as deputy chairman last night.
Addressing hundreds of FNMs gathered at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre in Stapledon Gardens, Minnis said the FNM, now past its leadership election, is coming to replace the Christie administration.
"I will continue to work tirelessly to improve your lives and the lives of every Bahamian in this country, and throughout the world," Minnis said to cheers and applause.
"And to those who did not support me, I may not have gained your vote, but I have listened to your voices.
"You are an important part of this party and I will double my efforts to earn your confidence and support going forward.
"The leadership election is over. So join me now. Join me to kick this worthless, ineffective, inefficient PLP out."
Minnis commended the candidates who ran for the leadership positions in the party.
"You have already proven yourselves by simply offering yourself to serve," he said.
"While everyone could not win, not everyone can serve. You must continue to play a pivotal role in our growth and development.
"Thank you for the past service that you have rendered."
Minnis was eventually joined by Turnquest and Pintard on stage. He also called Butler-Turner and Sands to the stage and embraced them.
He said the former deputy leader demonstrated that "our bench is deep".
"Multiple people in the FNM are prepared to lead this organization," Minnis said.
"I say to Loretta, 'I salute you'. I want to say to Loretta, publically and on national radio and television, that you are a formidable and like your grandfather [Sir Milo Butler], fearless.
"Your tenacity and clarity of purpose has no doubt inspired many to commit themselves to our mission."
Minnis paid tribute to former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, calling him "one of the most outstanding leaders this region has ever produced".
"Thank you [former] Prime Minister Ingraham. We honor you today and I want you to remember that you will always be my prime minister," he said.
"And I want Delores to remember that she will always be my first lady."
It was in stark contrast to Minnis' remarks after the 2012 North Abaco by-election that, "The Ingraham era is over."
Minnis said FNMs, no matter the era in which they joined the organization, must now "stand together".
Prior to Minnis' victory speech, Turnquest said the "baton of the deputy leader has been passed".
"It is with profound gratitude and humility that I accept in on your behalf," he said.
"It is a huge privilege and honor that carries great responsibility."
Turnquest congratulated Pintard and Minnis, and other successful candidates.
He also spoke about the need for FNMs to move foward as one to take on the task ahead - the next general election.
Pintard made a similar point.
He told the large crowd the FNM needs "all hands on deck".
He also paid tribute to Butler-Turner.
"To the honorable Loretta Butler-Turner, who electrified this country, who inspired men and women around this country," Pintard said.
"You know she comes from some powerful stock and we are grateful to God to have her in the FNM."
Minnis said the leadership team will need FNMs like Butler-Turner, Sands and others to successfully contest the next general election and become the next government.
Speaking about his vision as the next leader of the country, Minnis said he plans to empower Bahamians, transform urban communities, fix the economy and repair the education system.
He spoke about his plans for the Family Islands and how we would improve the tax system to ensure infrastructural development on each island is sustained.
He also spoke about the FNM's plans to protect the people of The Bahamas, which he called a "top priority".
In a statement, Butler-Turner congratulated Minnis, Turnquest and Pintard.
She pledged her support in working together "to mount an effective opposition and prepare to defeat the PLP at the next general election".
She added that the "shared task is now unity".
In his concession statement sent yesterday, Cash congratulated Turnquest.
He also congratulated Minnis and said the FNM leader has been "successful in ensuring the election of a team with which he feels most comfortable".
Cash commended Butler-Turner on a "first class" campaign. He said she has advanced the cause of women in The Bahamas.

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