|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nassau,
Bahamas - Loretta Butler Turner, Deputy Leader of the FNM and MP for
Long Island, announced on October 13th, National Heroes Day, her
decision to run for Leader of the Free National Movement at the party’s
convention on November 21st.
In attendance were her husband, attorney Ed Turner, her son, her sister
Clarice Butler and her brother, Craig Butler. Before making the
announcement from her home, she was introduced by her husband, who noted
in his introduction: “As a father and as I citizen I want the very best
for our country. I have seen the kind of leadership that Loretta
offers. I know her values and her convictions. I know where her heart
is. Her heart is with the Bahamian people. She has a passion for public
service.” He also stated: “I introduce not only my wife. I introduce to
you today someone who I believe has the capacity, and the tremendous
courage, compassion and conviction to help to move our country forward.”
In her announcement,
the former cabinet minister noted that she made her decision after much
personal reflection and consultation with her family, FNMs and many
constituents from Long Island. She stated what she believes is the call
of service today: “I believe that the call to public service today is:
- to help heal a wounded and troubled nation;
- to stem the ever-mounting tide of violence and social decay;
- to heal the spirit and strengthen the will of the Bahamian people to face the future with courage;
- to work for the transformation of our society through the restoration of our social culture;
- and to vigorously pursue the development of our economy with emphasis on the continued expansion of Bahamian ownership.”
She noted:
“ … Given the great challenges of mounting a more effective opposition,
of holding this government accountable and of returning the FNM to
office, the question is this:
“Who is the best available person, at this time, to lead the Opposition
in parliament and in the country, and to defeat the PLP at the next
general election?”
“The question of leadership today, is not who is the best man for the
job. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, it is not about the
colour of one’s skin, but the content of one’s character. So too, the
question of leadership today is, “Who is the best person for the job?”
“I believe that I am the most capable individual at this time to unite,
to reignite and to lead the Opposition in order to defeat a failed
government.”
She
further noted: “I believe that there are very distinct differences
between the major parties. The FNM must be clear about those differences
and consistent in our positions and convictions. “We have a proud
record of government, a record of reform and modernization in three
non-consecutive administrations led by the Rt. Honourable Hubert
Ingraham.
“I am running for Leader because I believe that the FNM needs the
quality of leadership that will attract more independent voters and
young people, as well as a growing number of PLPs who are disturbed by
the direction of the country today.
“I believe that I will offer to my party and to the country a big
heart, a tough and strong mind, and a spirit of compassion, especially
for the least fortunate in our Bahamas.
Having worked in business, I believe that I can bring that experience to the business of government.”
Butler Turner outlined her vision for the role of government today: “We
must place a greater emphasis on human and community development,
especially in the area of training and education, and with an emphasis
on early childhood development.
“In addition to tackling issues like the high cost of electricity, we
must promote the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs,
especially in small- and medium-sized businesses. “We need new sources
of employment and economic activity, and urgently to tackle the high
rate of unemployment among our young people.
“And we must work hard to protect and promote our heritage and culture
and to preserve our natural environment. If I am fortunate to serve as
Leader of the Opposition and as Prime Minister, one of my major
priorities will be to confront the scourge of violent crime, its root
causes and how we administer the criminal justice system.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
