The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s poor leadership has been reflected in the actions of his members of Parliament who joined the PLP on the unfulfilled promise that they would play an integral role in leading this country, according to Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner yesterday.

Mrs Butler-Turner said there is no question that the prime minister has failed to not only live up to the election promises he made to Bahamians, but he has not delivered on the expectations of “new generation” politicians.

She spoke to The Tribune on the heels of Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells’ declaration on Monday that he considered resigning from the party last week. He added to speculation that his future in the PLP is unclear when he told reporters “all things were possible” regarding him severing ties with the party.

Last week, Marco City MP Greg Moss announced his resignation from the party citing poor leadership as one of his reasons.

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “It is definitely a question of leadership. Here is a prime minister that got elected on the backs of young people.

“Their actions are with the dissatisfaction of the organisation, which in the lead up to the general election, led them to believe they would be an integral part of governance. Thus far they have been unable to see that.

“This government has no direction so it acts in an ad hoc manner. While I don’t wish to speak to the fall out with their party, this speaks to the unfocused, delusional and disconnected leadership of Perry Christie.”

On Monday, Mr Wells said he would run in the upcoming election whether or not he is nominated by the PLP.

He suggested that officials in the party had threatened to refuse him a nomination because of his outspoken nature. He declined comment when asked if he remained supportive of Mr Christie, only saying that it “is a discussion for another day”.

On Sunday, Ft Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins told The Nassau Guardian that another term with Mr Christie as prime minister would not be good for the country.

Some observers speculated that Mr Wells and Dr Rollins would follow in the footsteps of Mr Moss and quit the PLP.

During an emotional speech in the House of Assembly on Monday, Mr Wells said he fully supports Mr Moss’ decision because it was a matter of conscience and personal conviction.

After Mr Moss announced that he had quit the governing party, Valentine Grimes, a PLP stalwart councillor, hinted to The Tribune that Dr Rollins would not receive another nomination.

Asked if he had been threatened of receiving the same fate, Mr Wells said that this was the case. However, he would not say which party official had sent the harsh warning.

“They know (who they are),” he said. “But at the end of the day you do have a member of the PLP who has been quoted, Mr Valentine Grimes, in saying Fort Charlotte will not receive a nomination and I mentioned that in the piece (during the House session).

“I will just say that there are conversations taking place among many and they could say whatever they want. As I said in here (the House of Assembly) no man or group of men is going to determine my fate… none,” Mr Wells said.