The Tribune

FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday chastised Prime Minister Perry Christie for “dancing while the country deteriorates”.

Dr Minnis took issue with Mr Christie’s jovial nature and signature Junkanoo “shuffle” dance moves at the 20th anniversary celebration for SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas resort on Wednesday.

Drawing comparisons between Mr Christie and a popular saying about the 5th Emperor of the Roman Empire, Nero, Dr Minnis insisted that the prime minister was “totally disconnected” from critical social ills.

“While he’s dancing, the country is deteriorating,” he said. “The environment, Nassau is dirtier than it’s ever been. There is garbage strewn all over, potholes, unemployment, crime - all serious matters that impact the quality of life.”

“(He is) reminding me of Nero, who played the fiddle while Rome burned.”

“The prime minister is too busy dancing while the quality of life of the average Bahamian continues to deteriorate, while the quality of the life of the prime minister and those that surround him increases.”

Nero was an unpopular emperor during the Julio-Claudian dynasty, whose infamous reign was marked by the Great Fire of Rome that destroyed most of the city in 64AD. Historians have debunked the myth that he played the fiddle while some 70 per cent of the city was razed as a figurative tale demonstrating his sadistic and cruel legacy as leader.

Last month, popular singer Kirkland “KB” Bodie also demanded that Mr Christie “stop the clowning and dancing around,” and get back to work.