The Tribune

FNM acting chairman Darron Cash said someone needs to remind Prime Minister Perry Christie that he is the leader of all Bahamians, not just supporters of his party.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Cash said: “Mr Christie should also be reminded that his party lost the popular vote and that the vast majority of the electorate did not vote for the PLP. Indeed, as the North Abaco by-election campaign winds down, it appears that Mr Christie has yet to believe or acquaint himself with the realistic notion that he is the head of our nation’s government and that he does not need to constantly and repetitiously remind – ad nauseam – the citizenry of our country, the voters of North Abaco and the FNM, that he has arrived.

“Yes, Mr Christie, we realise that you will be the Prime Minister — barring any unforeseen challenges/issues — for the next four-and-a-half years. That said, that knowledge has nothing to do with the fight for the North Abaco seat nor does it change the fact that Mr Christie’s government of referendums has engaged in a crass, unadulterated exercise of boorish victimisation; they have further engaged in outright tribalism, nepotism, cronyism and patent tokenism in favour of its in-crowd.

“So yes Mr Christie, whilst the FNM recognises that the PLP won the May 7 general elections, that should not serve as a basis upon which you assume that your party will, and should, automatically win the North Abaco by-election,” Mr Cash said.

The FNM’s chairman also pointed to comments made by Mr Christie at a recent North Abaco rally about his prime ministerial role and his proclamation that former FNM leader Hubert Ingraham, candidate Greg Gomez or current FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis must either wait, or call upon him to assist Abaconians.

“If one was to follow Mr Christie’s logic, North Abaconians will not be seen among the Bahamians he and his party purports to believe in, if they don’t elect Renardo Curry, whom he has promised a seat around the government’s table.

“Isn’t that a dictator-like outlook? Was Perry Christie openly threatening the electorate? Was he blatantly dictating to the people of Abaco and giving them a political ultimatum?” Mr Cash asked.

“The people of the Bahamas must know that a promise is a comfort to a fool, particularly any promise from Perry Gladstone Christie, who we all know has a record of promising a lot and delivering very little.

“Mr Christie, you should take a cue from the FNM and understand that Bahamians, regardless of their political choices, are all entitled to basic infrastructure, governmental support and a government that caters to and cares for all Bahamians,” he said.