The Tribune

THE FNM yesterday hit out at yet another alleged case of victimisation after a senior public servant in Grand Bahama was fired by the PLP government.

In a statement issued yesterday, the opposition Free National Movement called the move to oust Natasha Russell “outright disgraceful” and part of a disturbing trend of blatant victimisation of qualified Bahamian workers.

The FNM said: “Just this past week, Ms Natasha Russell, investment officer in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, after three years of stellar performance in the Public Service, was sent home, her services now terminated, with no fair and/or defined explanation.”

Ms Russell is said to have been told by a senior official that while he is pleased with her record of service and qualifications, “too many PLP supporters want her head”.

As if dismissing a talented young Bahamian in these most challenging economic times was not enough, the FNM said, the senior official reportedly recently held discussions with Russell’s father, a 93-year-old prominent religious leader, Reverend Ralph Russell, telling him his daughter has damaged her professional career by virtue of her affiliation with the FNM.

“The FNM, again reminds the people of Grand Bahama, and by extension, the entire Bahamas, that this is yet another vicious act of political victimisation being carried out by a PLP government that campaigned on the sound bites of job creation and believing in Bahamians.”

The FNM said Ms Russell is among a significant number of Bahamians out of a job since May 7, 2012, because of the “vindictive and uncaring” leadership of the PLP.

The party called on call on Minister for Grand Bahama Dr Michael Darville and the Christie administration to reverse the “callous and unfair” decision and to exercise good governance for all Bahamians.

“The FNM will continue its important work in opposition to ensure that the return of the dark deeds of the PLP are brought to public light. The Bahamian people deserve far better than the victimisation and corruption in government that nearly destroyed our nation before 1992,” the party said.