The Tribune

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT

tsmith-cartwright@

tribunemedia.net

THE war of the political chairmen continued this weekend with Free National Movement chairman Carl Culmer accusing opposition supporters of intimidating Family Island voters – a charge his counterpart in the Progressive Liberal Party quickly denied.

Mr Culmer released a statement over the weekend stating PLP “goons” were on islands represented by PLP leader Philip “Brave” Davis threatening to victimise anyone who did not vote for the incumbent candidate.

In the statement, Mr Culmer said: “It has come to my attention that several senior civil servants and hired PLP goons and troublemakers from New Providence are threatening residents of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador with impending victimisation if they support the FNM’s candidate, Mrs Felicia Knowles, in the upcoming general election.

“Some residents have even been told that they will have to flee these islands because their entire livelihoods will be taken away from them if they support the FNM. With threats like these we can clearly see that there is no ‘new day’ in the PLP.

 “Similarly, in years past, their promise of a ‘fresh wind’ was nothing more than the unbearable stench of corruption and irresponsible governance, and their bogus ‘bridge to the future’ was quickly condemned and deemed impassable once a select group of friends, families, and lovers safely crossed over.”

 The Tribune reached out to PLP chairman, Senator Fred Mitchell, for a response and he dismissed the allegations as a mere “smokescreen”. The PLP chairman also mentioned the FNM campaign’s visit to Mt Alvernia in Cat Island in July where many photos and videos emerged on social media with the team posing on what is viewed by many as sacred grounds.

 Mt Alvernia, now a tourist attraction, was the home of hermit Father John “Jerome” Hawes, a Catholic priest. Hawes, also an architect, built The Hermitage atop Mt Alvernia himself. The Catholic Church released a statement expressing displeasure about what appeared to be the politicisation and desecration of the sacred spot.

“We knew that Carl Culmer was living politically in cloud cuckoo land,” Senator Mitchell said. “He and his partisans should do their work and stop making up excuses for failure.

 “It is not necessary to say more because this is a smokescreen for a losing FNM campaign in Cat Island. They have never apologised for the desecration of the Catholic shrine, but now as usual want to blame the PLP for their failures.”

 Meanwhile, in his statement, Mr Culmer said no matter what the PLP is presenting itself as in recent times, the party remains the same as it has been over the years.

 “The PLP has continually tried to swing the Bahamian people into believing that they have changed. No amount of new faces, no amount of fanciful slogans and campaign rhetoric can ever deter from the fact that they are and will remain the same old PLP,” Mr Culmer said.

 “While Davis fights for his political life after abandoning the residents of these islands, I continue to encourage all persons in the constituency to be fearless, and to vote Davis out of office. Mrs Knowles should be given a chance to deliver for her people.”

 “To the young people of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador, do not be afraid. Be courageous and vote your conscience. Vote for your future. For your entire lives you have seen just how little Davis has done for your communities. There is hope for you with Felicia Knowles and the FNM. Your dreams of a good education, entrepreneurial opportunities, and land ownership can and will be made a reality.”

 Mr Culmer said Mr Davis has ignored his constituents for far too long, and now the chickens have come home to roost.

 Mr Davis has represented Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador since 2002.