Maynard tells PM stay out of FNM business

Thu, Jun 7th 2012, 11:01 AM

Prime Minister Perry Christie ought to focus less attention on the Free National Movement (FNM) and more on combating the country's escalating crime problem, FNM Chairman Charles Maynard said in a statement yesterday.

"We in the FNM are shocked that Prime Minister Perry Christie has time to comment on the internal affairs of the FNM while more Bahamians are being laid off, while crime is out of control and routine government services like garbage collection cannot be delivered," Maynard said. He was responding to an assertion by Christie that FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis will have a difficult time retaining his position as head of the party.

The prime minister also said others in the FNM are eyeing the top post. "Minnis is sitting in a position where other people who are not elected members would wish [to be]," Christie said in response to a question from The Nassau Guardian. "So clearly, he is under the gun and will continue to be for some time."

But Maynard dismissed Christie's comments. "Dr. Hubert Minnis is the undisputed leader of our party having been unanimously elected in convention. While Christie is under pressure from his deputy, Brave Davis, and the other contenders for leadership, Obie Wilchcombe and Jerome Fitzgerald, our leader enjoys the full support of all MPs and party officers," Maynard said. Asked how effective he believes the FNM's new leadership team will be, Christie suggested on Tuesday it is handicapped.

"They have some difficulties I think because a lot of their strong candidates lost, and by strong I mean experienced," Christie said. "They have some new intelligent people with them now, but they have a small number, relatively speaking. "And so they are outgunned and out-powered so they will have to dig deep, suck it up, and move on." But Maynard said Christie has no idea what the FNM is capable of. "Prime Minister Christie would be well advised to stay out of the affairs of the FNM party of which he is clueless," the chairman said.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads