By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham insisted that he is not responsible for the numbers referendum becoming a political issue.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Ingraham said it was Prime Minister Perry Christie who first suggested the referendum would be on the same level as last year’s May 7 general election and October 15 by-election.
He spoke to reporters just moments after both he and his wife Delores cast ballots at the CC Sweeting School in Oaksfield.
“I don’t propose,” Mr Ingraham said, “to get into a ‘you say and I say’ with Mr Christie, but I will say this: it was the Prime Minister who announced at a place on Carmicheal Road when they were opening a bank that he was going to beat Minnis and the FNM as he did in the general election. And as he did in the by-election in Abaco. If that was not political you tell me what is.”
Asked to respond to Mr Christie’s comment that the final decision on whether to legalise web-shops will remain the government’s, Mr Ingraham reiterated his stance that the decision to move forward with the referendum made no sense.
“The people of the Bahamas can’t change the law. The law can only be changed by Parliament and so it’s the PLP government as the majority. They are the ones that are going to vote yes or no to change the law – whether people come out and vote or not.
“The fix was always in; they made a deal with the numbers people before the election. They are now trying to continue with that deal.
“We who are voting no are trying to make sure that they can’t deliver on that deal because they would be going against public opinion,” Mr Ingraham said.
“Since they dared to ask us, we’ll tell them no.”
Comments
reverendrichlive 11 years, 10 months ago
Mr.Igraham, if as you say, " I don't propose to get into a " you say and I say with Mr Christie", then go to say, " but I will say this "...you lose all credibility. For in so diong you are engaging in a " you say I say." You cannot have it both ways. You, who should be enjoying your retirement should keep your mouth shut. But we Bahamians know empty barrels makes the most noise...and when ya dumb ya dangerous. Mr Igraham, you had your chances. You did not have the WILL to even bring this to the Bahamian people. Prime Minister Mr. Christie did. That's true leadership.
You are, therefore part of the problem. Now that you have lost power you want to take "cheap shot" at Mr Christie and the PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL Party, it does not work like that. Take a pill and CHILL. By the way, who is the true and present leader of the failed FNM? Who ever you are, watch it, Mr. Igraham is stealing your " spot light "...em...em !
MartGM 11 years, 10 months ago
I don't understand everyone's gripe with Mr. Ingraham commenting on the referendum. In every other country in the world former heads of state comment on issues of the day. Why is Mr. Ingraham insulted and hated because he did the same?
On occasion Former President George Bush Sr. even comments on issues every so often and he was about 3 Presidents ago... So what exactly is the problem?
tonymontana 11 years, 10 months ago
Is not Mr Ingraham a citizen of the Bahamas? The barrel making the most noise would be you . A small segment of the populace made a call so whats your gripe against this citizen who like countless others made the deal the prime minster made with the numbers guys null and void, go sit in your little corner and eat your sour grapes , the people have spoken As for the leadership of the fnm methinks that your good leader ought to be looking out for the forces that are assembling .be brave be brave
tonymontana 11 years, 10 months ago
the former prime minister said it best @martgm. Ingraham ingraham , Ingraham . if it rains on sunday blame HI, if your child gets a D average rating blame HI, Pookey gets the girl pregnant blame HI, Your son kills another blame HI ( then post it on a bill board for all to see)The sun wont shine blamne HI, and on and on and on
TalRussell 11 years, 10 months ago
Both Hubert and PM Christie know what we don't know. What it's like to be PM and the heavy burdens you must constantly deal with on the job.
Remarkably, they do have similarities. Yet , both work at projecting two totally different public images.
I am not so easily fooled. Their similarities. Both may be politically different but not when it comes to allowing their ego's to get the better part of them.
What is the proof? Both men had little political reason to each test Bahamians with the only two referendums ever in Bahamaland's long history. Not surprisingly, they were the chief architects behind why both referendums ultimately would meet with failure.
I respect both men and do find them pretty darn interesting to watch in the political arena. Just maybe their many years as former law partners and close friends has a lot to do with their similarities.
What I do honestly believe is that neither one of them is corruptible in office, when it comes to financially lining their own pockets for personal benefit.
Good and decent men who love their Bahamaland. Absolutely. But can also be misguided and allow their large ego's to get to the best of their otherwise exceptional political smarts.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…
SDRFC 11 years, 10 months ago
hellorg 11 years, 10 months ago
kinda disagree w the premise of the subject heading of this article. Here is how this plays out;
Again, im not sure this is a win for FNM (and/or church etc.).
B_I_D___ 11 years, 10 months ago
editor
Oakesfield?
nationbuilder 11 years, 10 months ago
HATERS
bigdee 11 years, 10 months ago
did not the number bosses say they if the vote was no they will closed now they changed their mind i know they miss all that money i mean they got the most big time lawyer in the country voww waited and see how this one will be played we know god have last say i say to pastors fast and pray don't rel ex do not relex
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