Minnis busts bizarre moves after humiliating defeat at party convention

Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis was seen dancing awkwardly after suffering a humiliating defeat in his party’s leadership race which saw the return of Michael Pintard as leader of the Free National Movement.

Minnis attended the West End Fish Fry at Montague with former Minister of Health Renward Wells and former Bahamas Information Services Director Kevin Harris, who supported his run to regain leadership of the FNM.

With a cup of drink in hand, Minnis dances back and forth as a band plays onstage, hopping on one leg at a time and running back and forth in an open space in front of the podium. And in another instance, he grabs the waist of a woman and enthusiastically gyrates.

“There’s nothing quite like the energy and joy shared with fellow Bahamians. Celebrating unity and connection through every step,” he said in a social media post.

Pintard dealt a heavy blow to Minnis on Saturday at the party’s one-day convention, which was foreseen—456-163. Heavy hitters in the party like Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, former Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette and the majority of Minnis’ former cabinet supported Pintard. In contrast, Wells, former Deputy leader Desmond Bannister and just a few others publicly threw their support behind Minnis.

Approximately 700 delegates voted.

Minnis and his supporters like Bannister caused ramblings in the party, calling for a party convention to replace Pintard, as Minnis underhandedly campaigned at association meetings. He then publicly announced his bid for leadership in May.

After claiming “unfair practices” and “skulduggery” at the convention earlier in the day, he voted but did not attend the convention’s closing ceremony later that evening. He pledged his commitment to the party and congratulated Pintard in a statement posted to social media.

Pintard, in his victory speech, acknowledged Minnis: “Let me say tonight to Dr. Hubert Minnis that this organization has benefited from your leadership when you sat in the Cabinet of Hubert Alexander Ingraham and you distinguished yourself by bringing technology to local constituency canvassing,” Pintard said.

“You played a pivotal role in introducing catastrophic health insurance. In opposition, and God knows that opposition hard, you weathered the storm and together … with no-name face-recognized FNMs we stood in solidarity and brought the system back on board, brought the establishment back on board to support Dr. Minnis.

“You made your contribution in opposition that propelled you to become prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. For the fourth time, the Free National Movement led this country.

“It’s clear to us that there were any number of accomplishments that you’ve achieved that are noteworthy. With your permission, in the fullness of time, this organization wishes to pay tribute to you for your contribution. Thank you, Dr. Minnis.”