The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net HUNDREDS of Long Islanders turned out to show their support for FNM candidate Loretta Butler-Turner, as did Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham - who described her as "passionate in her commitment to advancing equality for all God's children." During Monday's opening of the party's constituency office on the island, Mr Ingraham told the crowd Mrs Butler-Turner has a progressive vision for the country and will be committed to delivering to the people of the Long Island. He said: "Loretta is in public life, not because of what she can get, but because of what she can give back to her country." Mr Ingraham went on to assure those gathered that infrastructural improvements will be a priority in Long Island if the FNM is re-elected. He said the party has already delivered on some infrastructural needs, including rebuilding seawalls, paving roads and dredging around docks. If returned to government, the FNM will continue to upgrade public facilities and educational institutions, Mr Ingraham said. "Our long-term national vision is to ensure that every major island has the critical infrastructure needed for development," he said. "Investments in infrastructure will help to attract domestic and foreign investment." He also said the following areas of Long Island will have access to six television channels by the end of the month: Simms, Stella Maris, Millerton, Burnt Ground, Seymour's, Clarence Town, Dunmore, Hard Bargain, Mortimor's and Gordon's Settlement. Mr Ingraham promised to deliver on the construction of a new airport with a 7,000 ft runway in Deadman's Cay and provide all of Long Island with potable water through the construction of a Reverse Osmosis plant. During its next term in office, the FNM also intends to construct a small community hospital on the island, "befitting your station and development". The FNM's campaign team will move to Golden Gates on Thursday and Eleuthera this weekend. * For more pictures from the rally, see page 11