The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS Tribune Senior Reporter crobards@tribunemedia.net FORMER Minister of Housing and MP for High Rock Kenneth Russell made his final contribution to Parliament yesterday, touting his role in securing two seats for the FNM in Grand Bahama. "I believe that I was effective and played a role in bringing in that constituency for the FNM on at least six separate elections," Mr Russell said. "I leave with the knowledge that I have served my people to the best of my ability." Mr Russell was recently terminated from his ministerial post after reportedly discussing a project that was before Cabinet with one of his generals in Grand Bahama. Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham explained he fired Mr Russell for acting inconsistently with the protocols of the Bahamas Cabinet. Despite this, Mr Russell thanked Mr Ingraham yesterday for allowing him to serve as the Minister responsible for Public Works and National Insurance. He also thanked his constituents. "I want to thank the residents of that great constituency for giving me the opportunity on three occasions to serve as the Member of Parliament," he said. While he outlined what he had accomplished as MP for High Rock, he also said he regretted the things he could not get done for his constituents, including getting potable water to several areas. Mr Russell announced last month that he will no longer be putting his name forward for consideration of the FNM's nomination for the East Grand Bahama constituency. At that time, he maintained he had been treated unfairly by his party and by "those persons" who have determined that his time was now up. "I will go back to my life. I had a life before ya' know," he said last month.