The Tribune

DNA Leader Branville McCartney yesterday congratulated the governing party on its victory in the North Abaco by-election.

And, in a statement issued to the media, Mr McCartney reminded the public that this by-election came as a result of the resignation of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham following his government’s defeat at the polls on May 7.

He said: “The former Prime Minister was the representative for North Abaco for 35 years; the good people of North Abaco giving him another opportunity on May 7, 2012 for him to represent them.

“Had the former Prime Minister not resigned, at the end of this term, he would have represented North Abaco for 40 years.

“Obviously, the people of North Abaco had faith in the former Prime Minister but I think they felt rejected when on the night of May 7, 2012, a few hours after the people of North Abaco elected the former Prime Minister and, indeed, a few hours after he had asked for their vote and support, he abandoned them – hardly ever showing up to the House of Assembly to represent their interest before he officially resigned.

“As a result of the former Prime Minister’s resignation, the Free National Movement has one less seat in the House of Assembly.”

Expressing his pride in the people of Abaco for conducting themselves well during a contest that was for the most part without incident, Mr McCartney said all three candidates should be congratulated.

“Mr Renardo Curry has won the seat. On behalf of the Democratic National Alliance, he is congratulated. Mr Curry is now the Member of Parliament for North Abaco. That means that he represents all persons in North Abaco, not just the PLPs. As a young politician, I do believe and, indeed, hope that he represents all. “The PLP and the Prime Minister, Perry Christie, are congratulated on their win at the polls. It is now time for them to get to work and help build this country for all Bahamians and those who have a right to be here. The bye-election is over but the concerns still remain.

“Crime is still at a point in this country where law- abiding citizens are scared to just do the normal things in life. The governing party must ensure that there is discipline in this country. They must make the criminally minded persons know that there will be consequences for their wrongdoing; and make examples out of some. They must ‘sweat the small stuff’.

“The illegal (migration) problem is still out of control. This issue, among others, was simply not discussed during the by-election. But the issue remains in Abaco and throughout our beloved country.”