The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday defended Prime Minister Perry Christie for “personally taking charge” of preparing Bahamians for Hurricane Matthew, saying he did a “commendable” job throughout the ordeal.

Speaking to The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith said “not a damn soul” could accuse the prime minister of dropping the ball this time. Some political observers criticised Mr Christie and his administration last year for the handling of Hurricane Joaquin, which devastated the southern islands of the country in October 2015.

This time, the prime minister appeared to be more visible before the storm hit and during its passage through the country. It was a stark contrast from last year’s Joaquin preparation, which landed the government in hot water as it seemed to have not been prepared for the storm or be able to handle what was needed in its wake.

Mr Smith said: “I thought the prime minister appeared that he personally took charge in preparing the Bahamian people for Matthew and he did a commendable job as was the case with most government agencies, particularly the police and defence forces.

“NEMA still will make some mistakes, it’s a learning curve for them,” he said, referring to the National Emergency Management Agency’s call for people with heavy duty trucks to register on Thursday - the day the brunt of the storm hit New Providence - and help with search and rescue efforts.

“I commend the prime minister for the excellent job he did, not a damn soul can accuse him of dropping the ball this time.”

And despite the devastation left behind in New Providence, Andros, Grand Bahama and parts of the Berry Islands, Mr Smith said he did not think the PLP needed to postpone its November convention, but said it should be scaled back to focus on the necessary things.

“As for the convention, I believe we should hold the convention on time, scale it back to do those things that are required constitutionally, scale back on the social aspect. Just do what is required by the constitution, make the annual reports that the constitution requires - the treasurer and others have to report on the state of the party’s finances.

“They have nine years to report on so they must have a lot to report.

“(The party should hold) the nomination of all officers and the election of leader and deputy leader and scale it back as much as possible due to the fact that every life on New Providence has been impacted, all in Grand Bahama, all in Andros, many in Chub Cay (in the Berry Islands).”

He continued: “There is some damage in Exuma, so many Bahamians who would wish to come to their party’s convention would find it very difficult so we should scale it back.”

When contacted yesterday, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said “there is no consideration being made” to postpone the convention as it has been long decided to “go full steam ahead”.