The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Deputy Chief Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

AT A time when Bahamians are struggling to survive amid the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew, Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis on Friday lauded the relief efforts of his party’s “hard working” members and supporters.

Dr Minnis said in a statement that the FNM’s parliamentarians and candidates stepped up to help family, friends, and neighbours in their time of need.

This comes at a time when the party leader faces immense criticism over deciding to hit out at the government over its handling of relief efforts despite having toured North Andros and Grand Bahama with Prime Minister Perry Christie but not sharing his sentiments with him.

Ahead of Matthew’s pasage, Dr Minnis announced that the FNM would suspend all political activities until the category four storm passed.

However, during a press conference on Tuesday, he lambasted the government on its performance in preparing for the storm and in dealing with Matthew’s aftermath.

“It has been awe inspiring to see so many Bahamians that have stepped up in the past week to help their fellow Bahamians through this horrific ordeal," he said in the statement on Friday. "As I have travelled the islands assessing the damage, talking with those affected and delivering much needed supplies it has been inspirational to hear their stories of survival and heroism. 

"Over the past two days the FNM has been able to deliver supplies and goods to those struggling in North Andros and Grand Bahama.

“I am proud of the FNM Members of Parliament, candidates, and members that have stepped up to help their family, friends and neighbours in their time of need. It has been great to see that Mr Renward Wells has been working in Bamboo Town to make sure that all of his constituents' yards are cleaned up and that they have what they need regardless of what colour they wear. 

"I am glad that Mr Frankie Campbell and Mr Marvin Dames have led their teams in Southern Shores and Mt Moriah, respectively, to make sure that residents' yards are clear and that they have dumpsters available to haul away debris. 

"These are just a few examples of the hard work of the many FNMs around the country working to restore it to its proper glory. As you see our teams working hard in your neighbourhoods please let us know how we can help you, as we are all in this together.”

He continued: “While it has been a struggle for many Bahamians this past week, I am thankful there has not been any reported loss of life or major injuries. We will get through this working together with our neighbours, friends, and family to help each other rebuild. The FNM will continue to do all we can to provide assistance to all Bahamians as needed and help the Bahamas fully recover.”

FNM Chairman Sidney Collie has defended Dr Minnis throughout the criticism.

On Thursday he sought to place blame on Mr Christie, saying he had been the only one who made the response to the storm political.

He said: “It is our duty as the Official Opposition to speak up for the Bahamian people - to give them a voice - and that’s exactly what Dr Minnis is doing. The Leader of the Official Opposition and potentially the next Prime Minister of this country must ensure the people are getting the assistance they need and deserve. 

“It is unfortunate that the Prime Minister sees fit to assert that his government would never play politics as he launches a political attack on Dr Minnis and his efforts to help Bahamians.  t is paramount to the people that the storm recovery does not involve any sort of political cronyism as we move forward. 

"Dr Minnis - like all of us - are watching out for the Bahamian people to ensure that does not happen.  We can, and should, all agree on that central premise – that Bahamians deserve recovery efforts and help that are free of any corruption and entanglements,” Mr Collie continued.

On Wednesday, Mr Christie called Dr Minnis’ accusation that the government’s recovery and restoration efforts will involve cronyism and victimisation “one of the most idiotic” statements he has ever heard. A day later he said he was "distressed" about the politicisation of the relief efforts and said his government did not have time to get distracted by politics and become "tribal" in the aftermath of a natural disaster.