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”.
Comments
Well_mudda_take_sic 8 years, 1 month ago
Here's what one well-known Bahamian journalist had to say about George Smith's role in the history of the Bahamas as far back as 1982: ".....the Bahamas was in the throes of a criminal takeover by South American drug cartels. The Colombian flag was raised over Norman's Cay in George Smith's Exuma constituency by the notorious gangster Carlos Lehder, who drove ordinary visitors away at gunpoint and orchestrated hourly cocaine flights to the US. The 1984 Commission of Inquiry found that Smith had accepted gifts and hospitality from Lehder, who is now serving a long sentence in an American jail. In fact, one parliamentarian said at the time that 'Pindling and his crew make the Bay Street Boys look like schoolchildren.'" Smith will tell you he has since welcomed the Good Lord into his life and sought, found and received forgiveness and redemption for all of his earlier transgressions.....WHAT A BUNCH OF POPPY COCK FOR ANYONE WHO REALLY KNOWS THIS SCOUNDREL!
licks2 8 years ago
Why these persons who seem to just "want something" telling our PM of the wonderful job he is doing just don't stop. . .they know only thing our PM has done so far is "run he mouth" and travel from island to island. . .with the bulk of the work still outstanding! The main time his allies are out and about "cleaning up" with the government jobs to pick-up after the storm. . .with all the "all for me baby" gusto as they ever were!
This crew cannot help themselves if seems. . .THE PLP WILL BE THE PLP. . .ROWING OTHERS FOR DOING SOMETHING AND CALLING IT WRONG. . .WHILE DOING THE VERY SAME THING RIGHT UP IN YA FACE THEM!!
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