The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

STATE National Security Minister Keith Bell has insisted that there is no one in The Bahamas more capable than Prime Minister Perry Christie of successfully navigating this country through “treacherous waters”.

Declaring his unequivocal support for the prime minister as the PLP’s leader heading into the next general election, Senator Bell was adamant that Mr Christie “was put here for these times”.

He further praised National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and the Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson for a “fantastic job”.

However, this attracted laughter and taunting from opposition senators who questioned whether Mr Bell was hoping for a “promotion” by praising the work of Mr Christie and his Cabinet ministers.

“Yes I am looking for [a] promotion,” Senator Bell responded as he wrapped up his communication on the Senate’s mid-year budget debate.

“I am happy you said that. I am looking for more than promotion. Let me go on public record [and] make sure I have all the mics.

“Let me go on public record to say that I fully support Perry Gladstone Christie to stay as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party [and] to lead the Progressive Liberal Party into the next general election. I don’t think there is no other person in this country who could take us through these treacherous waters.”

He continued: “I support Perry Gladstone Christie.”

Last September, Mr Christie revealed his plans to run again for PLP leader at the party’s next convention.

Last year he also warned potential challengers that a leadership race in the PLP was “not the most appropriate course of action to take at this stage in our country”.

Mr Christie recommended in February that the PLP postpone its convention until after the gender equality referendum, according to party Chairman Bradley Roberts.

At the time, Mr Roberts said arrangements were being made, to hold the event in November 2016 at the Meliá Nassau Beach Hotel or the Baha Mar convention centre.

Initially, the convention was planned for November 2015 but was rescheduled for April 2016 because of the devastation left by Hurricane Joaquin in the Family Islands and recovery efforts, which were underway. Hurricane Joaquin battered the central and southern Bahamas for two days, on October 1 and 2, 2015.

Mr Christie announced earlier this month that the referendum would take place on June 7.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe are the only sitting members of Parliament who have openly expressed an interest in running for leader, though both have said they would only seek the nomination if Mr Christie declines to do so himself.