The Tribune

THE Progressive Liberal Party officially opened its Yamacraw constituency office last night before a crowd of around 500 supporters.

With speakers at the event ranging from the party's chairman Bradley Roberts and the constituency's representative Melanie Griffin, to neighbouring MPs Ryan Pinder and Fred Mitchell, to party leader Perry Christie, the PLP made its case for why Mrs Griffin should be returned to office.

Taking the stage in support of Mrs Griffin, Mr Christie said that he has long admired her as someone who did not have many opportunities in life, but used the ones she did have to make her way to the top.

Encouraging the crowd to support his candidate, the party leader said Mrs Griffin has fought for her constituents "every step of the way".

He also took shots at Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for his criticism of some PLP candidates during the FNM launch in North Andros. Mr Christie even encouraged supporters to call him "Prime Minister" instead of Mr Ingraham.

"Ingraham's time is finished," he declared.

Mr Christie said: "Yamacraw, my brothers and sisters, the worst sin of this current government - and I am not choosing from a short list, my friends - is their failure to believe in you, to believe in what Bahamians can accomplish.

"A nation is more than roads. Unless Bahamians have access to the best education, the best training, and the best technology, they cannot become owners and innovators and success stories in the 21st century.

"Bahamians are deciding that they don't want a government which tells them they need not apply, a government that doesn't listen, a government which gives the big contracts to foreign companies and special interests and throws a few crumbs in your direction at election time.

"Bahamians are ready for a government with leaders like Melanie Griffin - everyone knows she puts Bahamians first."

The PLP's Yamacraw office was officially opened on Antigua Street around 9.40pm.