The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant said he is extremely proud to have survived two “political tsunamis” in May 2002 and May 2012 when the Free National Movement lost the general elections, and thanked his constituents for their support over the past two decades.

Mr Grant – the longest serving FNM MP who has been elected for five consecutive terms – announced on Sunday that he is leaving frontline politics after 24 years and will not be seeking re-election.

He said that he is very satisfied with his accomplishments in politics. Mr Grant was first elected in 1992 when the FNM, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, won its first election, ending 25 consecutive years of PLP rule.

“The country was in crisis at the time and in need of deliverance,” Mr Grant said on Sunday. “I entered frontline politics not to enrich myself, nor for other selfish endeavours, I entered because I felt that I could make a difference.”

When asked what’s next for him, the FNM MP told reporters he will spend time with his family.

“I have been blessed with two wonderful grandchildren, Daniel and Melissa, my friend of 48 years and wife of 45 years, I intend to enjoy them, and whatever the good Lord has planned for me, I will execute,” he said.

“For me there was life before politics, during, and there will be life after (politics). Before I entered front line politics I had 21 years of dedicated service to the community, so whatever plans the Master has for me I will follow.”

As an FNM Cabinet minister in the Ingraham administration of 2007-2012, Mr Grant said that the lives of Bahamians were improved with the multi-million dollar road works projects in Eleuthera, as well as the $150 million road works project in New Providence.

Additionally, Mr Grant was instrumental in ensuring that residents of Grand Bahama communities like Royal Bahamia Estates, Mack Town, Hunters, and Lewis Yard received city water, the installation of street lights through the constituency, and the beautification of Williams/Russell Town shoreline.

He is also proud of his music ministry which has spanned some 20 years, donating musical instrumental to churches, schools, marching bands and Junkanoo groups.

Through his donations, St George’s High and Sister Mary Patricia Junior High can boast of having one of the best music labs in the country.

Mr Grant listed over 40 projects, too numerous to mention, that he has completed in the Lucaya and Central Grand Bahama constituencies.

Mr Grant, who is also a sports enthusiast, commented that the country needs sustained sport development programmes for young people at an early age.

He said it appeared that Team Bahamas was not quite ready for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Bahamas medalled only in track and field, winning one gold and four bronze medals, the latter in a men’s relay race.

“We should have performed better. From my observation it does not appear the team was properly fit or ready,” he said.

Mr Grant commended Shaunae Miller on capturing gold in the women’s 400-metre race.

“I am very proud of her accomplishments,” he said. “I believe it was my involvement in sports administration that propelled me in frontline politics and so I am always pleased when Bahamians excel abroad and at home.”