The Tribune

By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Bradley Roberts says his party has made ‘measurable progress’ in the tourism sector in just five months.

Speaking at the installation ceremony for National Progressive Institute (NPI) officers, Mr Roberts told the NPI members that it was their duty to share this ‘good news’ with colleagues and friends.

He cited the Cape Eleuthera project, the opening of the Blue Marlin Resort and Marina, the near completion of the Genting Berhard resort in Bimini, the signing of a deal to reopen the Reef Village and Lighthouse Point properties in Grand Bahama, and the opening of the International Departure Lounge at Lynden Pindling International Airport as just some of the PLP’s achievements in the tourism sector since taking office.

Mr Roberts said the reopening of the 503 room Reef Village and 192 room Lighthouse Point properties could create as many as 1,000 jobs for Grand Bahamians.

“How many of these accomplishments are you aware of?” he asked the NPI delegation.

“Are you sharing this good news with your colleagues and friends? If not, shame on you because that is what a good surrogate does for his or her party.”

Mr Roberts said he and Prime Minister Perry Christie were in the twilight of their careers and encouraged the NPI members to strive toward leadership roles.

“There are very clear signs that the baton of leadership is being passed onto a new generation,” he said.

“You need only look at the by-election in North Abaco. Two young vibrant men in their thirties contested that seat for the right and opportunity to navigate the future of Abaco, an island with the third largest economy in the Bahamas.”

Mr Roberts said that Mr Christie was in need of a vacation after fighting three ‘gruelling’ elections - two by-elections and a general election - and transitioning into governance without taking a break.

“As I leave tonight, I want each of you to do me a favour. When you greet the Prime Minister and party leader, look him in the eyes and say, ‘Prime Minister, promise me that you will take a vacation with your beautiful wife for some much needed rest and recreation.’”