The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

MOORES ISLAND, ABACO - THE Free National Movement continued its rapid tour of the southern Bahamas yesterday with stops in Abaco, Long Island, and Exuma.

Furthering his pledge to challenge the opposition in traditional strongholds, Mr Ingraham pleaded with Moores Island residents to vote him and the Free National Movement back into office when they go to the polls in three days.

Mr Ingraham was met by a Junkanoo rush out in Moores Island, Abaco, where a crowd of more than 50 supporters gathered at the airport. FNM candidate and sitting MP Edison Key said the rally's turnout was evident that the settlement was ready for change. Mr Key underscored the critical need for greater infrastructure development and economic opportunities on the island.

Mr Ingraham said: "I've been coming here election after election, I've been fishing on this side of the boat and I've been catching very little. In 1992, I came here you gave me 45 votes, you gave the PLP 339 votes. In 1997, you gave me 63 votes, 20 more, you gave the PLP 317. In 2002, gone back down to 41 for us, 310 for them. The last election with Edison you gave us 60 votes, and the PLP 306. They beat us five to one in Moores Island."

Mr Ingraham promised residents that, if elected, his government would build a new sports track, construct a community park and dredge a harbour. He also guaranteed the community new roads, which have not been repaved in 30 years.

He added: "I understand why you have voted the way you have voted all these years, but this is my last time running for office I'd like you to come with me, I'd like you to come with me because I'd like to do some things for you before I go, and I am able to deliver what I promise. You can believe in promises I make to you."

Mr Key told supporters that he was able to complete more initiatives for his community during the FNM's last term than he did during his 35 years of service under the Progressive Liberal Party.

Mr Ingraham said: "The Bahamas is voting FNM, Edison is going to be the MP for your constituency, if he doesn't get one vote out of Moores Island, he will still be the MP for South Abaco.

"I'm going to be the MP God-willing for North Abaco and God-willing come next week Tuesday I will still be the Prime Minister of The Bahamas."

He added: "We are even going to win the PLP seat in South Andros, we are going to take the seat that Mr Pindling had, listen to me the seat that Mr Pindling had, you listen on Monday night it's gonna go FNM this time. Moores Island don't be lonely out there don't listen to promises, come with me vote FNM, vote for Edison Key."