Bahamas’ Free National Movement Names Hubert Minnis New Leader

Above: Dr Hubert Minnis (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Bahamas’ opposition Free National Movement, which was ousted from powering Monday’s election by the Progressive Liberal Party and new Prime Minister Perry Christie, has named Dr Hubert Minnis its new leader.

Minnis, who was elected in a unanimous vote, succeeds former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, and assumes the role of Leader of the Opposition.

Ingraham resigned as party leader (and resigned his seat in Parliament) Monday following the FNM’s loss.

“It is with a profound responsibility that I accept their invitation on the 22nd anniversary of the passing of Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield, a Founding Father and former leader of the FNM,” Minnis said.

“We will not oppose for the sake of opposing,” he said. “But we will oppose, without hesitation and vigorously, what we believe is harmful to the general welfare and common good of the Bahamian people.”

Minnis takes the post after Ingraham had occupied it since 1990. He served as Health Minister in Ingraham’s administration.

He won his race for the Killarney seat in Monday’s vote.

For more, see CJ’s interview with Minnis from earlier this month.