The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net THE Progressive Liberal Party is braced for an "imminent" election following the impromptu suspension of parliament yesterday. PLP Leader Perry Christie yesterday blasted Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for "dictatorial" conduct as retiring members were deprived the opportunity to publicly address their constituents for the last time. St Cecilia MP Cynthia "Mother" Pratt was most visibly affected by the sudden move as she sat solemnly on the front steps of the House of Assembly yesterday. "I'm hurt, very, very hurt. These are my constituents, for 15 years these people have supported me," Mrs Pratt said. "I just want people to know how much I appreciate them. I'm entitled to five minutes to say farewell to the Bahamian people. I was even going to thank the Prime Minister for some of the things he did for my constituency." She added: "I represented these people for 15 years. It hurt, it hurt." High Rock MP Kenneth Russell said he was also surprised by the decision to suspend the House so early; however, he noted that it was a strategic political move. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham abruptly suspended parliament yesterday as South Andros MP Picewell Forbes was set to speak on the conveyance of land to residents of South Andros. Although his side came to parliament expecting a heated debate, Mr Christie said it was apparent that Mr Ingraham was determined to silence the opposition. "This is the first time where a sitting government has not given courtesy notice to retiring members that this was the last day to say farewell to constituents," he said. "Allow members to exit Parliament with dignity. [Mr Ingraham] didn't want those on the other side to speak because he couldn't predict what they would say." As he underscored the "blaring and harmful" failures of the FNM administration, Mr Christie said his party held a distinct advantage in the "sprint" to the general elections. "We are very, very prepared for the road ahead," he said. "The level of incompetence, no time in history have we seen this level of crime. We're $100 million over budget on roadworks and still counting." Mr Christie said: "Unemployment is at record levels in Grand Bahama. The country is in crisis. We are prepared to form the next government of The Bahamas." Mr Christie also confirmed that the party would not campaign during Holy Week.