The Tribune

DION Foulkes has criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell over his comments on the bridge renaming exercise, accusing the minister of “severely compromising” the concept of a Cabinet government.

In a statement issued yesterday, the former minister of labour noted that in defending the PLP government’s decision to name the Paradise Island Bridge in honour of Sir Sidney Poitier, Mr Mitchell promised that he would thank Sir Sidney for his contributions to the country if he were ever returned to office.

“Is the PLP Cabinet a committee of one?” Mr Foulkes asked. “If Fred Mitchell is the driving force behind the decision to name the Paradise Island Bridge in Sir Sydney’s honour, he should keep that to himself.

“Cabinet Ministers are not permitted to personalise Cabinet decisions.

“The well established and accepted principle of collective responsibility has been compromised by Fred Mitchell.”

Mr Foulkes said that instead of being “driven” by Mr Mitchell into naming the bridge after Sir Sidney, the government should have consulted with the public “before making such an important decision.”

Last week, it was announced that the Bahamas’ 40th Independence anniversary celebrations will open with the rededication of the bridge in honour of Sir Sidney.

During a press conference at the Churchill building, Prime Minister Perry Christie announced, in a joint venture with Atlantis, that the 40th anniversary celebrations will open on November 2 through 3 with a bridge renaming ceremony connection, concert and fireworks show.

Mr Christie said Sir Sidney has not only an inspirational life story, but has also made “significant contributions” through diplomacy representing the Bahamas, firstly at UNESCO and later as Ambassador to Japan.

“Hopefully,” he said, this (the celebrations) will symbolise to the Bahamas that “we are beginning a process that is intended to unite us and bring focus to what really keeps us together and minimises what divides us – that is the intent, to deepen and further the advance of our civilisation that is the Bahamas.”

Additionally, the Government has also committed to building a new Centre for the Performing Arts that will also be named in Sir Sidney’s honour.

“It is time for us now to give also to those who are artists, actors and actresses, producers and directors, to release them and give their talent the best possible opportunity to be developed in the best possible facility – we are going to use the 40th anniversary as a catalyst,” said Mr Christie.

Mr Christie said the Bahamas’ 40th Independence celebration is also an opportunity to ensure that the history of the Bahamas and the works and lives of influential Bahamians are recorded and preserved.

He added that it also will be marketed so that not only the Bahamas but the world can enjoy this celebration of heritage and culture.