The Tribune

By PACO NUNEZ Tribune News Editor PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham began with last night's Abaco constituency opening with an apology for the actions of some Nassau supporters - emphasising that he is "only a man" - after a popular hymn was played at an earlier political event. The song, the lyrics of which celebrate the fact that there is "Nobody greater" than God, was altered by some among the crowd, who playfully sang "than Hubert" instead of the original lyrics. Mr Ingraham said: "They got really enthusiastic in St Anne's the other night and the music man started playing the strains of a hymn 'Nobody Greater'. He meant well I am sure but that was not right. "I have told all those responsible for organising the music at our constituency office openings and rallies that we cannot have that happen again. There is only one God and we certainly do not want anyone to suspect even for a millisecond that we don't understand that. So they are clear on that point. I apologise." He told the crowd that when he first joined the FNM, the then leader, the late Sir Kendal Isaacs, introduced him to thousands of FNM supporters gathered at RM Bailey Park. Mr Ingraham said: "As the crowd roared, Kendal leaned over and whispered into my ears 'Remember, Thou art only a man'. Of course, I knew that before that moment, I knew that in the moment and I certainly have known it ever since - only a man, and your servant." Mr Ingraham said he believes the FNM are the better political party for the Bahamas, but everyone in politics must remember the words of Abraham Lincoln: "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." The prime minister went on to characterise the opposition as lazy and unable to accomplish anything of worth. He noted that at last report, PLP leader Perry Christie "hadn't found anything worth doing in his constituency." Mr Ingraham said most MPs used the funds allocated to them to carry out improvements in their constituencies. "The same Perry Christie who likes to talk about people didn't care enough about the people, in Farm Road and Centreville failed to spend most of the money. He didn't have to raise the money. He only had to spend it. And, he couldn't even do that. "It isn't exactly the case that they are usually late-again. The truth is that most of the time they just do nothing except complain about what we do." Mr Ingraham noted that a PLP delegation visited the new Straw Market in Nassau yesterday, "as a publicity stunt." "Well the visit it backfired on them. First, they caused a major disruption in the market. Then they get stoke because plenty of the vendors, including some PLP vendors, were singing the praises of your FNM government and Papa. "Oh what a day glorious day in the Straw Market. They even got cuss out by PLPs for abandoning their own people." Mr Ingraham said that in their next term, the FNM will build a new craft market in downtown Nassau for Bahamian-made goods like the shell craft and other souvenirs being made throughout the Family Islands. Speaking in support of the party's candidate for South and Central Abaco, Edison Key, Mr Ingraham said the Abaco native and self-made man has always had his constituents' interests at heart, even when he is working for the betterment of the entire country. He said: "I understand some here in Abaco are concerned that his work at the national level has kept him out of his constituency more than you desire. "I want you to know that Edison is pursuing your interest and your needs every day regardless to where he may be on any given day - in Andros, Exuma or Long Island. It is Abaco that shaped him and that shapes his actions daily. "He has been the best chairman of the Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation since BAIC was set up. He and Larry Cartwright have launched a revolution in agricultural production and the production and marketing of Bahamian crafts. I need him and the FNM needs him as your MP. And I need him on the national level."