The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Exuma MP George Smith yesterday said he was “setting things in motion” to allow for his return to frontline politics ahead of the next general election.

Mr Smith was addressing reports that flyers bearing his face and the slogan “Progress Together” were being posted across Exuma.

When contacted, he said his mind, body and heart were all in agreement that he “can again serve the will of the people”.

Mr Smith, a former Cabinet minister, added that successive politicians representing Exuma have failed in their attempts to end the social and financial “upheaval” that has crippled the once great community.

He has been critical of current Exuma MP Anthony Moss for some time.

According to Mr Smith, Exuma hasn’t been granted fair representation in Parliament despite possessing a population greater than the constituencies of Long Island and MICAL combined, and being just as important to the Public Treasury as Abaco.

He is also advocating for Exuma to be split into two constituencies.

“Exuma should have a seat restored so that the residents of that island could have their voices heard in an adequate fashion,” he said.

Prior to the 1992 general election Exuma had two representatives.

“I’ve been advocating since the decision was made to make Exuma one seat, that (Exuma) was too vast an area for one representative to traverse and manage. Let’s be fair here, the needs of these residents can’t be covered and promoted by just one man.”

When asked if he had relayed his thoughts to the Boundaries Commission, Mr Smith said he has.

“I have advanced my points. They are known by the requisite sources and I am of the belief that they would be advanced from there.”

Moreover, Mr Smith said his decision to campaign was made only after meeting leading candidates from both the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM).

Neither party has ratified a candidate for Exuma yet.

Mr Smith said none of the proposed candidates had “the heart and the mind” to work for Exuma.

The Tribune understands that BAF Financial Bahamas CEO Chester Cooper has launched a campaign in Exuma.

“First and foremost, are these persons truly committed to Exuma and its values? The lot presented thus far aren’t cut out, on either side, to build and improve these wonderful islands in the way of the people who live here,” Mr Smith said.

“I know, me, George A Smith. I have flourished with these residents for many years and worked on their behalf. I know how the residents on every inhabited cay feels about the land they live on and the sea that surrounds them. I know the needs as far south as the Ragged Island chain. These islands mean the world to me and that is why I feel that I need to do this.”

Speaking about age and health, two factors that may be held against him if he receives a nomination, Mr Smith said he is still in his right frame of mind and as healthy as he needs to be to pursue the task.

“I have a clean bill of health. I am ready to go, physically, mentally and emotionally,” he said. “… My mind, body and heart are all in agreement that I can again serve the will of the people.”

When contacted for comment on the nomination process for Exuma, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said the party had not decided on any candidate and that the decision was still being mulled over by the party’s candidates committee.

Mr Smith, a native of Exuma, was first elected to Parliament in 1968 and served in the Pindling Cabinet.

He told The Tribune that if he runs in the 2017 general election, he would like to be a standard bearer for the PLP.

When asked about Mr Smith’s comments yesterday, Mr Roberts refused to respond.