The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said he is satisfied that his administration will be judged to have done “wonders” in this country as he expressed confidence about his ability to be re-elected as the Progressive Liberal Party’s leader at its November convention.

Mr Christie said he was confident that delegates of the PLP would fully endorse him as their leader next month.

However, he refused to comment on speculation that Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis could contest the party’s top post, only saying that reporters should ask the minister of works what he intends to do.

Mr Christie spoke to reporters on the sidelines of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Annual International Conference opening ceremony. Around 1,400 police officers gathered from the United States and around the region in the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis resort to kick-off the event.

“The organisation that is called the Progressive Liberal Party has always made the right decision with respect of who leads it,” Mr Christie said. “(The year) 2015 is no different. The people of the PLP will determine for themselves who they would wish to lead the party. Not the FNM and not the people who do not support the party.

“The point is that the Bahamian people will judge me on the basis of the performance. (That is) what I met in place, what I have done so far and what I will do between now and the next general election. That is how you judge people.

“Other people . . .around the world will judge us similarly. Standard & Poor’s will judge us, Moody’s will judge us (and) all of the (international ratings) agencies will judge us. The people of the Bahamas will have help in determining how good we are and how well we have fared. I am satisfied that I am going to be judged effectively and honestly and that I, that is the government of the Bahamas, will in fact be seen to have done wonders for this country.”

He continued: “The fact of the matter is I am satisfied I am going into the convention as leader and I am satisfied I am coming out as the leader. You interpret that how you would like to do it.

“I am satisfied beyond any doubt whatsoever that the people of the Progressive Liberal Party in convention will in fact endorse me as the leader of the Progressive Liberal Party coming out.”

Asked to respond to criticism from Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard who said the prime minister is “tired and out of ideas”, Mr Christie said the senator could say what he needed to say during election season if he is successful in gaining a nomination from his party.

Mr Pintard made the comments last month as he expressed surprise at Mr Christie’s announcement that he has decided to run again to be leader of the PLP.

At the time, Mr Pintard told The Tribune that the only thing worse than Mr Christie remaining the country’s leader, would be Mr Davis becoming prime minister.

The PLP’s convention is set for the first week of November.