Hubert Minnis
Hubert Alexander Minnis, ON[1] (born 16 April 1954)[2] is a Bahamian politician and doctor who served as Prime Minister of the Bahamas from May 2017 to 16 September 2021. Minnis is the leader of the Free National Movement, the former governing party, and the Member of Parliament for the New Providence constituency of Killarney.[3] First elected to the legislature in the 2007 election,[3] he succeeded Hubert Ingraham as party leader following the party's defeat in the 2012 election.[4]
Hubert Minnis | |
|---|---|
| 4th Prime Minister of the Bahamas | |
| In office 11 May 2017 – 17 September 2021 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Marguerite Pindling Cornelius A. Smith |
| Deputy | Peter Turnquest |
| Preceded by | Perry Christie |
| Succeeded by | Philip Davis |
| Leader of the Opposition | |
| In office 17 September 2021 – 27 November 2021 | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Governor-General | Cornelius A. Smith |
| Preceded by | Philip Davis |
| Succeeded by | Michael Pintard |
| Member of Parliament for Killarney | |
| Assumed office 3 May 2007 | |
| Minister of Finance | |
| In office 30 November 2020 – 16 September 2021 | |
| Preceded by | K. Peter Turnquest |
| Succeeded by | Philip Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Hubert Alexander Minnis 16 April 1954 Nassau, Bahamas |
| Political party | Free National Movement |
| Spouse | Patricia Beneby |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of the West Indies |
He was dismissed from his leadership role in the FNM in December 2016, and regained the position in April 2017 after much internal conflict within the party. He became prime minister following the victory of his party in the general election held on 10 May 2017.[5]
Early life, education, and career
Minnis was born in Nassau, New Providence to Rosalie North and Randolph Minnis. He was educated at Our Lady's Primary School, Western Junior and St. Augustine College, Nassau and he also attended the University of Minnesota.
After obtaining his doctor of medicine degree from the University of the West Indies and MRCOG from London in 1985, he returned home and began working as a physician at the Princess Margaret Hospital where he served as a consultant and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and also as Deputy Chief of Staff.[6]
Minnis was president of the Medical Association of The Bahamas, member of the Medical Council, chairman of the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas and an associate lecturer at the University of West Indies in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has a special interest and dedication to the promotion of Bahamian ownership in the economy and for the redevelopment of traditional Over-the-Hill communities.
Minnis was first elected to parliament in May 2007 and was appointed to the cabinet as Minister of Health.
In opposition the first time
Leader of the Opposition: 2012–2016
With only nine members in his delegation, Minnis had a rocky road ahead. His leadership was considered weak and there were several challenges to it. In December 2016, after a vote of non-confidence by seven of the ten sitting members of his party; five members went to the Governor General and asked that he be removed from the helm of the FNM; although he remained as the leader of the party, Loretta Butler-Turner became the official Leader of the Opposition.
2017 general election
As the election approached, the membership of the party at large supported Minnis over the dissenters, all of whom lost their nominations. These members ran as independent candidates during the general election and lost.[7][8][9] Minnis and the FNM, under the slogan "It's the People's Time!", defeated the rival Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the general election held on May 10, 2017, winning 35 seats of 39, and Minnis became prime minister.
Prime minister
Minnis was sworn in as prime minister on 12 May 2017 and presented his cabinet on the 15th. He has held the additional portfolio of Minister of Finance since November 2020.[10]
Hurricane Dorian
Minnis' greatest challenge was Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which killed at least 70 people and devastated several islands.[11]
Foreign Affairs
His government aligned itself with that of the United States in international relations. On Venezuela, he refused to recognize President Nicolas Maduro and supported Juan Guaido, an opposition leader. He and other pro-US Caribbean leaders attended a summit meeting with Donald Trump in March 2019 to define a common policy on the situation in Venezuela and China's "predatory economic practices".[12]
2021 general election
In August 2021, Minnis called a snap election, less than a year before it was due. Although Minnis retained his seat, the FNM lost it in a landslide and he conceded.
In opposition the second time, and retirement
After losing the election, Minnis said he would retire, but would retain the leadership pending a leadership election, which was scheduled for November 2021.[13]
Personal life
Minnis is married to Sybilene Patricia Beneby and is also the father of three children.[14] His son Jamil Minnis is also a medical doctor.[15]
According to the declared financial declarations, Hubert Minnis is worth US$14.04 million (2021).[16] US$14.04 million
Honours
National honours
- Bahamas:
- Member of the Order of the Nation (ON) (2018)[17]
References
- ^ "BAHAMAS: Prime Minister received the title — the Most Honourable — during National Honours 2018 Ceremony". 9 October 2018.
- ^ media. "Dr. Minnis Celebrates Birthday students, teachers and staff at Gambier Primary School - Bahamaspress.com". Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ a b Smith, Dana (11 May 2012). "Minnis Sworn In As Opposition Leader". tribune242.com. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "Bahamas' Free National Movement Names Hubert Minnis New Leader". caribjournal.com. 10 May 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "Hubert Minnis Going After Bahamas PM's Job". caribbean360.com. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "Dr. The Hon. Hubert Alexander Minnis". Alumni Online Community. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
- ^ Virgil, Khrisna (21 April 2017). "Butler-Turner out of FNM as she runs as Independent". tribune242.com. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ Turnquest, Ava (20 December 2016). "Door 'slammed shut' on FNM nomination for Butler-Turner". tribune242.com. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ "Hubert Minnis going after Bahamas PM's job". caribbean360.com. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
- ^ "Turnquest resigns as Deputy PM, Minister of Finance". www.tribune242.com.
- ^ "2 years since Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamas struggles to recover thanks to added COVID-19 - Orlando Sentinel".
- ^ "Crise au Venezuela : Donald Trump convoque 5 pays de la Caraïbe".
- ^ "HOLDING ON: Former PM wins council vote to lead FNM and Her Majesty's Official Opposition in Parliament until convention – Eye Witness News".
- ^ "PM Bahamas Hubert Minnis Biography Age Wikipedia Family Marriage Education Career". 11 May 2017. Retrieved 11 May 2017.
- ^ "PM congratulates son as he opens clinic".
- ^ "At Least 55 Millionaires Want Seats in Bahamas Parliament - Caribbean News".
- ^ National Honours 2018 Ceremony.