hubertingraham

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was discharged from Doctor’s Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, two days after he was hospitalized. He underwent surgery for Subacute Chronic Subdural Hematoma, a blood clot near the surface of the brain and hours after his doctors promised he would make a full recovery.

He remained in good spirits. “I feel good,” he told reporters as he was wheeled out of the hospital into a waiting vehicle.

He thanked the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for him and everyone who prayed for his recovery.

Well-wishers learning of his release from hospital on Wednesday, took to social media to pay tribute to the 77-year-old statesman and former FNM party leader.

“My Papa. Get well soon,” said Barbara Burnside.

Samantha Fox added, “Praying for his speedy recovery.”

April Major was amazed at his jovial demeanor after the two-hour surgery. “Look at God, she said.”

“He looks good,” Karen Knowles said.

“Glad to see you out and well Papa,” Aldeka Colebrooke added.

Michelle Sturrup admonished him to take it easy. “Please go rest.” While Suzette Uriasz advised everyone, “Give the man a break. Let him rest and recover before you bombard him.”

Ingraham complained of headaches and mobility issues, alerting doctors of his condition. His medical team, comprising of Dr Magnus Ekedede, Dr Duane Sands, Dr Adrian Cargill and Dr Neo Gaborone, discovered the bleeding between the brain surface, at minimal risk.

They determined it was not connected to any previous health condition.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham sat next to former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and his wife Patricia at the Free National Movement’s 50^th Anniversary Service, in what seems like long-lasting tension that spilled over from recent weeks following speculations that Minnis would try to be re-elected as party leader.

As the congregation full of FNM supporters stood on their feet for Minnis’ entrance, Ingraham stood in the front row of the church with his head held straight as he looked ahead.

Patricia Minnis entered the front row followed by Minnis as neither they nor Ingraham reached out to greet one another.

Throughout the service, Ingraham sat stoically but stood in honor as Minnis ascended to deliver his speech.

When a teary-eyed Minnis spoke as the outgoing party leader and asked for forgiveness for the “mistakes” he made as prime minister, the congregants stood to their feet in applause, but Ingraham remained seated.

After his speech, Minnis descended the podium  and walked over to Ingraham, shaking his hand as the congregation applauded.

Party insiders suggested that Minnis was trying to hold onto the leadership post as he garnered support from delegates to be re-nominated at the party’s upcoming convention.

Minnis helped to perpetuate the rumors when he did not publicly deny that he may be seeking to be re-elected, when questioned by reporters, only to say, he will let God guide him, despite initially stating he will not run for the post.

Ingraham, whom many consider a statesman, then said on Friday that he expects a new leader to be elected as the leader on November 27, emphasizing, “…That’s what is going to happen. I shall be there, God willing, and so will others in the party.”

The relationship between the two men has been frosty since the beginning of Minnis’ reign when he stated that “the Ingraham era is over.”

Ingraham has not been an active member of the party in the last five years since Minnis’ prime ministership “because I did not think that my advice or counsel was appreciated, wanted or needed, and so I did not avail myself of any opportunity to get in the way of anyone.”

It remains to be seen what their relationship will look like going forward.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis has teased the public on the possibility that he will run for leadership of the Free National Movement on November 27 when the party holds a one-day convention.

When the question was put to him by reporters, Minnis never directly answered the question only to say he would let God guide his next step.

This caused speculations that Minnis would run for party leadership despite stating that he would not after the party lost the majority of its seats in the early election on September 16.

Minnis today is stating emphatically that he “will not nominate for the leadership nor will I allow my name to be placed in nomination,” he said in a statement.

This comes as a surprising move after former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told reporters that he found it interesting that people were still questioning whether Minnis will seek re-election for the leadership of the party.

Ingraham said on Friday morning, “It is clear to me that the current leader of the FNM will no longer be the leader of the FNM after the convention on November 27, and he has already told us he is not running for the office anymore.

“The party has determined it will hold a one-day convention with the sole purpose of electing a leader. That’s what is going to happen.

“I shall be there, God willing, and so will others in the party,” Ingraham said.

By afternoon, Minnis released this statement reassuring that he won’t seek re-election. Minnis added that he will continue in his role as a member of parliament for Killarney and “will support the work of the Official Opposition.”

Minnis has been described as a reneger by party insiders. He was accused of launching attacks inside the party on the leadership contenders and has been seeking party members’ support before the party goes to convention.

FNM Elizabeth MP Duane Sands did not survive at the voting polls. Instead, PLP Jobeth Coleby-Davis beat him to become the new parliamentarian for the Elizabeth constituency.

Sands expected a win at the polls. He seemed to have a good repertoire with his constituents and touted his list of accomplishments in the area.

Poll numbers showed that he and Coleby-Davis were running a close race but it was not enough for Sands to win.

Why it matters

Sands was endorsed by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham in the weeks leading up to the election. Ingraham showed up in the Elizabeth constituency to publicly express support for Sands, whom he called “a great man,” even expressing hope that Sands would become prime minister.

Ingraham did not endorse Minnis during this election cycle, as he had done in 2017.

Sands’ loss a the polls means he would not have the opportunity to run against Minnis for party leader when the FNM holds convention.

The big picture

In 2017, Sands won the Elizabeth constituency, doubling the votes to beat the PLP candidate.

Sands was a former minister of health but resigned last year amid controversy over donated 2,500 COVID-19 test swabs, when the donors were allowed to disembark on New Providence and quarantine at home while the country’s borders were closed.

Ingraham was hoping that Sands would have been re-elected to the House and eventually become prime minister, which he likened to his experience.

74-year-old former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham hospitalized with the infectious disease COVID-19, said without a doubt, he will receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

Speaking to the Nassau Guardian, Ingraham said, “There’s no question I’m going to get the vaccine.”

“I would have gotten the vaccine whether I had COVID or not. As soon as I am able to, as soon as it’s available to me, yes ma’am, absolutely, positively.”

Why it matters

Ingraham is one of few politicians who have contracted the virus.

As infection rates are being lowered, the country is set to receive its first batch of Astra-Zeneca vaccine doses in the coming months. However, a number of Bahamians said they will not take the vaccine.

The big picture

Ingraham is said to be stable but in critical care at Doctor’s Hospital, receiving treatment for the virus.  His breathing is being assisted with an oxygen tank.

What happened

Ingraham said he went to the doctor after not feeling well. The doctor initially thought he had bronchitis, but later determined he had COVID-19 after running a test on him and his wife Delores.

“I went and did all the tests for the heart and the x-rays and they all came out fine and then I continued to have discomfort, mostly in urinating,” he said.

He waited 10 days at home to see how the virus progressed but was soon admitted to the hospital.

His wife is said to be doing fine, he said.

Ingraham is still perplexed as to how he contracted the virus, saying he has been cautious in his movements only leaving home for the office then returning home after work.

“I go nowhere,” he said. “I’ve kept my mask on whenever I get outside my house, outside my yard, so I have no idea what could have happened.”

Ingraham, however, acknowledged that his movement in recent weeks may have resulted in the contraction of the virus.

“I did one thing. I went to my barber several weeks ago…I have been in the pharmacy twice in the last year. I have not been in the food store. I’ve not traveled anywhere.

Former Health Minister Dr.Sands, one of Ingraham’s primary caregivers, said Ingraham is under close observation.

“We hope that the prognosis is good, but we have to be vigilant and continue his treatment several more days,” he said.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham emerged from obscurity to pay respects to Former Cabinet Minister Darrell Rolle, who died at the age of 77.  Prime Minister Ingraham criticized the government for not permitting the funeral at a church. He called it “very wrong” and “inconsiderate.”

Why it matters

• Hon Darrell Rolle is a former Cabinet Minister, serving in the Pindling administration. His last appointment was Minister of National Security, a position he held from 1990 until August 1992, when the PLP was voted out of office.
• Traditionally, official funerals are held at churches.

The big picture

The Emergency Order outlines the limitations of funerals in the country as health officials combat the spread of the virus. The competent authority has restricted funeral services to graveside only, with ten individuals in attendance, excluding the officiant.

What Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said

He said, “I am very disappointed because the government did not allow Darrell Rolle’s funeral to be held in a church. He gave distinguished service to the Bahamas over many years.”

Ingraham said he did not want to involve himself in any controversy over the emergency order.

Government funeral status for former cabinet ministers

• Hon Darrell Rolle falls under the second tier of official funerals given to former Cabinet ministers and serving members of Parliament.
• The government covers funeral costs up to a maximum of $10,000 and the police and defence force provide an honour guard.
• Lying-in-state takes place in the House of Assembly. The church service is carried live on radio and may be recorded for future airing.
• The church service is attended by the governor-general, the prime minister, Cabinet ministers, other parliamentarians and senior public officers.