The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Please allow me space in your column to express my views on a story that appeared in your Tuesday, November 23, 2021, edition under the headline, “Mitchell says Minnis should go quietly”.

The story writer states that the Most Hon Dr Hubert A Minnis, MP for the Killarney Constituency and Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, was speaking at the Free National Movement’s Church Service in Freeport when he told those attending that he made the decision to call an early election recognising that tough times were coming for the country and his administration needed a new mandate to make difficult decisions.

The leader went on to say, “Many still ask the question why was the election called, we have some headwinds that are coming… In order to manage those headwinds that we see coming it was essential to have a new mandate because very, very difficult decisions have to be made. We were determined to obtain that mandate so that we could make those difficult decisions and built a better Bahamas.”

The story writer contacted Fred Mitchell Progressive Liberal Party Chairman for comment.

He had this to say, “this is not a matter for the Progressive Liberal Party to comment on, but Dr Minnis would have to live with knowing he is recorded in history as the only Prime Minister that did not last one full term in office. He sat in the chair and the constitution gave him the authority.”

Now I thought Mitchell did well up to the point that he said that this was not a matter for the Progressive Liberal Party to comment on; he should have stopped right there! Everything said afterwards is hogwash.

In 1997, an election was not due until August, but the then Prime Minister did not complete the full term, he called the election in March.

I mean prior to Independence and post the majority rule victory of the PLP the then Premier Lynden O Pindling called an election just one year into his term so to say the least Mitchell is no doubt here truly misleading.

The second point is, what does he mean by Dr Minnis should go quietly? Has Mitchell lost his mind? Dr Minnis is the former Prime Minister and presently leader of Her Majesty’s Official Opposition and the MP for Killarney elected to serve in the Parliament for the next five years.

Dr Minnis has absolutely nowhere to go but to the Parliament and in this Parliament, he will be everything but quiet!

He has already told this administration this much at the 50th anniversary church service in Nassau.

Dr Minnis’ duty is to hold this Administration’s feet to the fire and stand up for the rights of not just Killarney constituents, but for all Bahamians.

I think I get it, Mitchell fears a strong voice for the people in the Parliament so he seeks to silence him with lies and a narrative that is not representative of the truth; would someone please remind Mitchell that Dr Minnis has a whole term in ahead of him.

The third point is he went on in his comments to state that the Minnis Administration’s handling of the Pandemic was a failure.

Mitchell, Mitchell the elections are over you won, no need to attempt to perpetuate your propagander, sorry we know better.

Even the people who supported the PLP conceded that the Dr Minnis Administration did a stellar job handling the pandemic.

Face it Mitchell your administration is only able to relax restrictions because of the yeomen’s job done by Dr Minnis and the FNM in handling this pandemic.

Be reminded when you speak publicly you are not at Gambier House, here in the public domain you have people who can think for themselves.

Lastly everyone, even me, would like to give you and your government a fair opportunity to begin to implement your agenda and show that your new administration is up to the task.

But my tolerance is drawing quickly to an end for these silly statements and your lackluster performance.

I can only ask you to focus on getting your programmes started and stay away from FNM business as it does not come before you. Mitchell.

If you are not aware the FNM is no longer the government you and the PLP are, so get a move on it!

A word to the wise is indeed sufficient!

THE COUNCILMAN

Nassau,

November 24, 2021.