PINTARD MAKES A FUNDAMENTAL MISTSTEP ON THE RADIO

Michael Pintard should have known two things when he agreed to go on the talk show hosted by Zhivargo Laing on Guardian Radio last week. First he should have known that he was walking into a trap set by Hubert Ingraham, since it is well known that Mr. Laing is Mr. Ingraham’s ally and protégé.  Secondly, when asked the question about Hubert Ingraham’s intemperate remarks calling for his replacement as leader, Mr. Pintard should have punted the answer and avoided any comment on it at all. His personality though caused him to make a fundamental misstep by slapping Hubert Ingraham back in the face. Now the glove has been thrown down. We are grabbing the popcorn to see what comes next. Here is Mr. Pintard’s answer as reported in The Tribune:

“Had I been the former leader who’s won multiple times, who understands the dynamics of politics,” Mr Pintard said. “At a ceremony that celebrates me and celebrate what the team has accomplished, I would know and I would not make those comments in that setting.”

 “I will make the determination of what I do next,” he said. “But while I am here, the hell with what The Tribune talking about or what the Guardian talking about in terms of lame duck and what’s not. My head is unbowed, save and except when I pray to God. I am a soldier for the Bahamian people.”

 “I am more committed to the success of The Bahamas than I am to the FNM. I’m more committed to the FNM’s success than I am to my personal advancement. That’s the kind of person I am, and I’ve demonstrated it over time.”