It would be most appreciated if you would spare a few minutes to read and inwardly digest the contents of this letter. Thank-you.

It was thirty-four (34) years ago, just 3 years after the original Progressive Liberal Party Government had been in power, that I, Edison Key, a young white Bahamian from Abaco, made the conscious decision to align myself with this new political party.

Given the political and racial climate of The Bahamas at the time, one must appreciate that the decision that I made was a highly unpopular one, seeing that I lived in an all white town and the PLP was perceived as a "black party".

Needless to say, that decision has over the years cost me dearly and in doing so gave me an appreciation of the sorrow of banishment as a leper that Miriam must have felt in the book of Numbers. Nonetheless, I stood by my decision because I believed then in the principles of justice and right as espoused by the PLP, which are the same principles that I believe in today.

The general election of 1972 catapulted me into an even greater role within the party, as I campaigned door to door for the two PLP candidates, the late Sherlin Bootle in the North and the late Gordon Hudson in the Marsh Harbour Constituency.

I recall vividly the events that transpired at the first major rally of that election which was convened at the public dock in Marsh Harbour. As I sat beside the late Sir Lynden Pindling, the meeting came to an abrupt halt when an explosion, the magnitude of a case of dynamite, was discharged within a short distance of the dock and it was only by the grace of God that we escaped with our lives.

When the results of the election were announced, Sherlin Bootle was victorious in the North and Gordon, had it not been for Moores Island, would not even have claimed his deposit.

But the full impact of the hatred toward me, personally, was not manifested until the following morning when I learned that my single engine plane that was parked at the Marsh Harbour airport, had been bullet ridden during the night.

Yes, like you and others, I know what it feels like to have threats made against my life and the lives of my family. I endured the election wars of 1972 and the war of succession that ensued in 1973, the year of our Independence. And yes, I am grateful and proud of the important role that I, together with other like-minded, proud Bahamians, played in our fight for one Bahamas for all Bahamians. And yes, this white boy from Abaco, sat side by side with Sir Lynden and our delegation in the House of Commons in London, when the matter of our Independence was debated. And the rest, as they say, is history.

As the 1977 General Election drew near, the Leader asked if I would carry the banner for the PLP in the Marsh Harbour Constituency. I did, and came within 13 votes of winning.

The record will show that I have carried the banner for the PLP for the past 6 elections, spanning 25 years, having won in 1982 and 1992 and receiving appointments to the senate three times.

Sometime later, following my defeat in the 1997 election, I made the decision to hang up my gloves and step aside from active politics to make way for the party to identify another suitable individual to run in the South Abaco Constituency. However, as the time of the 2002 election drew nearer and the party still had not come up with a candidate, you will recall how you used great persuasion to convince me to run one last time, and I might add, against the wishes of my family. Nevertheless, I decided, for the sake of the party to take up the challenge yet again.

The 2002 Election proved a great victory for our party and for me personally, because even though I was unsuccessful in securing the South Abaco seat, I nevertheless, came within 24 votes of winning, thereby gaining over 400 votes from the previous election of 1997.

Prime Minister, by now you're probably asking yourself, 'Where is all of this leading?' But sir, I beg your indulgence for just a little while longer.

You see, I also supported you as the successor and leader of our party, because, like those thousands at the Clifford Park, pre-election raffles, I too believed if anyone could make a difference and restore this country to some semblance of normalcy, and stability, it would be you.

Just like the thousands of young people who, with raised arms, shouted "We ready now," I too felt a kindling of faith and excitement as you spoke with such sincerity of a new Bahamas where all Bahamians could participate; where there would be no victimization but rather help and hope would be available to all and as an assurance of your honourable intentions, you would institute a strict code of ethics for all members of your government.

I believed sincerely then that you had the makings of a great leader and like so many thousands, I too allowed myself to get caught up in the excitement.

But wait!

Early in July of 2002, just 2 short months after winning the election, I came in possession of a 'Confidential' document which, according to its contents indicated that a major contract of some $38 million annually or $190 million over a 5 year period was about to be awarded by one of the key Government ministries and there was a proposed scheme in place in the contract to defraud the Bahamian tax payers by way of the Public Treasury of millions of dollars...

Upon receiving this information, and as I felt duty bound to appraise you of what was about to transpire, I traveled to Nassau and placed the document in your hand, feeling confident that I was doing the right thing and believing that with your code of ethics policy, you would institute the necessary action to prevent this and future infractions. I know I did the right thing and I have no regrets.

But what I did not expect, Prime Minister, was that I would be ostracized, black-listed if you prefer, by this new PLP Government...

I have been made to feel like an outsider, a traitor, if you will, and have been subjected to more indignity and affront than I have had to endure in my entire life time, while the real culprits, who should have been relieved of their duties and banished from public service, have instead been promoted as board members in various ministries and given approvals and licenses for a myriad of projects. And they say crime doesn't pay?

Just briefly, Prime Minister, place yourself in my position and try to feel what I have been feeling for the past 20 months since election

2002. While you are doing so, try to recall that I was very reluctant in accepting your offer to serve as a Senator in your new PLP Government.

In almost 2 years as a Senator in your Government, I have been invited to only one Parliamentary meeting.

From the day I delivered that revealing document to you, Edison Key has been aborted - across the board.

In most cases, when your ministers have visited Abaco, for whatever reason, I have no prior knowledge of their proposed visit and if I am informed, it is by locals.

There have been scores of applications and requests by supporters here in Abaco to various ministries, including your own, that I have personally hand delivered, and not one single one has been acknowledged.

I have, on my own, brought at least 4 potential investors to your office, Prime Minister, and their only reason for coming initially, was to request permission to do a feasibility study for possible future investment.

These four viable investment projects, totaling approximately $105 million dollars in new capital, were presented to you personally and or your various cabinet ministers. Had they even been considered, there would have been created an additional 600 jobs for Bahamians, covering Nassau, Grand Bahama and Abaco.

Even now, I am totally embarrassed by the fact that not one single one of these well-meaning investors, even receive an acknowledgement from your Government. No, not even a thank-you for their interest in trying to boost the economy of the Bahamas, despite being assured after the meetings that they would be informed of a decision within 2 weeks.

Could it be, that they too were given the cold shoulder, because Edison Key brought them?

I know nothing of the Government's plans for Abaco, or even if there are any plans for Abaco, and for the past year and a half, the only information I received is gleaned from word on the street.

As far as the much-publicized Winding Bay project goes, all I say is "What Winding Bay project?"

Transfers and promotions have taken place within the departments of Immigration, Customs, The Police Force and I hear a director of Tourism has been appointed for Abaco. In fact, I read that in the newspaper.

Throughout my life, Prime Minister, I have practiced the precepts contained in the Golden Rule. Honesty to others and myself has always been my watchword, because for me, integrity is what matters,

For at least the past 12 months, I have felt increasingly uneasy and certainly concerned about the direction in which the new PLP is headed and after much agonizing I have finally come to the irrevocable conclusion that now is the time.

Sir, with effect from today's date, January 10th, 2004, I hereby resign my position as Senator in your Government.

Prior to the 2002 General Election, I had applied for and was receiving a paltry $900 per month parliamentary pension. I would appreciate if same could be calculated to reflect my recent status and same be re-instated at the earliest opportunity.

During my many years of unblemished parliamentary service, including 7 years as executive chairman of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation, I endeavored always to put service above self and to always conduct my affairs in a manner that would bring honor and upliftment to my party and the wonderful people of the Bahamas whom I have had the privilege to serve

I believe that I have been a good Ambassador and I shall continue to uphold the principles and ideals of the Progressive Liberal Party because I believe in those ideals on which the party was founded.

My association with the PLP has been a richly rewarding experience for me and one that I will cherish always and like the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4:7-8, 1 too can say "I have fought a good fight, 1 have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

I thank-you for appointing me a Senator and wish you continued good health.

God bless our Bahamaland.

Yours etc., Edison Key.