The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis told supporters on Saturday at the party’s Red Splash celebration that the country is “ill” and one of the first things he plans to introduce is an anti-corruption bill when the Free National Movement wins the next election.

Dr Minnis led supporters on a motorcade from the party’s headquarters to Taino Beach in Grand Bahama where a number of persons wearing red were waiting see and to hear from him.

“They say today the country is ill, and who is best suited to deal with the problem than a doctor,” he told supporters gathered at the beach.

“I want you to recognise and notice how hot it is today, I want to let them know that the torch has started burning early,” he said.

“I want you to know Bradley Roberts (chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party) has said a lot of things about me, the only thing I want to say is that we are a party of honesty and integrity.

“After winning the government, one of the first things we will do is introduce an anti-corruption bill… All money that is ill-gained will be confiscated, taken and given to you,” said Dr Minnis. “We want to rid the country of corrupt politicians and wipe out corruption.”

Dr Minnis said that the money seized under this proposed law will be used to help Bahamians own their own businesses.

“We want to take care of you, especially the young people who are the future of this country, and set a foundation so you will own businesses in this country. And the money that politicians steal, you will have access to (it).”

“We will also build a society of meritocracy so that you can be promoted based on your knowledge, not who you know or who you are.”

The FNM leader stressed that the country cannot continue with the system in place today where individuals are promoted on seniority. He said it is the worst form of discrimination against young people.

“And then one wonders why there is a brain drain. Why should they (young people) not leave if they can’t get promoted?”

“The FNM was built on honesty, integrity, and fair play, and will ensure that continues,” Dr Minnis said.

Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest said they were very encouraged by the support from people during the motorcade.

“We have had a fantastic day. The motorcade was tremendous in terms of support from those people who responded to us as we drove along the route. It gave us a lot of encouragement that people in Grand Bahama are getting it and that they are tired of all this misinformation and the unfulfilled promises this government has engaged in over the last couple of years,” he said.

Mr Turnquest said Grand Bahamians are looking for real economic relief and a new vision for the island.

The people, he said, seem to be embracing the FNM and the change the party is bringing not only to politics, but to the country.

“We are encouraged by the number of people out on this warm day. It says a lot about the movement and momentum of the FNM and we continue to be encouraged, and we believe that come 2016-2017 or whenever the election (is held), we will be successful.”

Mr Turnquest, the MP for East Grand Bahama, said that many Grand Bahamians continue to suffer, despite all the rhetoric from politicians.

“Many Bahamians are still losing jobs, and their homes even through the Mortgage Corporation of The Bahamas, counter to what this government promised,” he said.

He stated that people are continuing to be disfranchised and dislocated as a result of the economic situation in Grand Bahama.

“They promised relief with respect to Princess/Royal Oasis – even as simple as reinstalling the roadway – and nothing has happened; there was also a hotel development promised and today nothing has happened,” he added.

Mr Turnquest said workers at the Memories property are also being disfranchised. “They are not getting a fair shake in terms of opportunity and employment,” he explained.

He also spoke about the unfair situation in ground transportation on Grand Bahama.

“It seems most of business is going to one set which trickles down to the onshore activity going to one set of people. We got to do a better job of creating opportunity and allowing others to participate, otherwise we will find that we are going to become quickly a city of the ‘haves and have nots,’ and that is not good for the development of the island, nor is it good for the development of the country,” he said.

Back to school supplies were distributed to many children on Taino Beach.

On Sunday, the FNM worshipped at the Community Life Church in Caravel Beach.

The events were held in commemoration of the FNM’s first victory at the polls on August 19, 1992. Former Cabinet ministers and parliamentarians Maurice Moore and C A Smith were also out greeting and mingling with supporters at the event.