Bahamian Prime Minister: “Recovery Is On the Way”

Bahamian Prime Minister: “Recovery Is On the Way”
By K. Nancoo-Russell

Grand Bahama Free National Movement (FNM) members and supporters celebrated the party's 40th anniversary with a church service at the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King yesterday, on the heels of a mass rally at Clifford Park in New Providence on Saturday night.

During his address at the rally, party leader Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham reported that the country is moving past the worst economic crisis it has faced in generations.

"We have come through very difficult times and there are still many challenges ahead. But, despite the most severe economic crisis in generations, we have come through the worst and recovery is on the way," he said. "Through God's grace, hard work and discipline we are making progress. The Bahamas is moving in the right direction."

The government's program of transforming and renewing the country's infrastructure will improve the quality of life of every Bahamian, he said, and will ensure its place as the leading tourism destination in the region and one of the most livable countries in the Caribbean.

Ingraham referred to recent comments made by Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie that the major issues that will arise in the discussions leading up to the next general election are employment and crime, and said he agrees, but added that he believes it will also be about leadership.

"Back in 2005, when 1,200 people were laid off from the Royal Oasis in Grand Bahama, Perry Christie and the PLP promised all manner of hope and help," he said. "Well, you know what they got from that side – misery and heartache. It was the FNM which had to finally settle outstanding monies promised to Royal Oasis workers by our predecessors but never paid."

Ingraham boasted that two weeks ago, when the Our Lucaya Resort laid off some 200 employees, the government coordinated a "one-stop-shop" for the displaced workers, where they were able to apply for several services including the unemployment benefits.

He said the PLP often blames the FNM for any bad things that happen in the country, but refuses to give the party credit for any of the good things.