PRESS STATEMENT

Issued by: Raynard Rigby
National Chairman
Date: Thursday, 26th February 2004
 

"The PLP demands apology from the FNM"

The Progressive Liberal Party remains solidly and uncompromisingly committed to the leadership of Perry G. Christie and the Government of The Bahamas and their efforts to create a political environment where their exist fair-play and a heightened degree of responsibility. After almost two years in office, we are satisfied with our efforts to ensure that integrity is returned to the office of the government. Our commitment to integrity transcends any personality. Our mandate is to lead with distinction and with a deep sense and commitment to accountability and transparency and to always act in the best interests of the people of The Bahamas.

The statement issued by the FNM on Tuesday (24th February, 2004) brazenly alleging influence peddling and conflict of interest in the Government of the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie is yet another evil, wicked and devious plot by the FNM to seek to convey in the minds of the Bahamian people false and senseless accusations that can not stand the light of the day.

The fact of the matter is that the Government has not approved any such project involving Island Fresh Dairy. It is of no surprise that the FNM would stoop to a nasty and cheap game with the sole intent of attempting to discredit the integrity of the Government of The Bahamas. The fact that its leader, Senator Tommy Turnquest, wishes now to withdraw the accusations and say that they were merely asking questions about the proposed investment is a lame attempt and a feeble effort to justify the factual basis on which led the FNM to make such irresponsible, reckless and outlandish accusations against the Government and the Party.

A responsible party would know better than to act in such an irresponsible and politically immature manner. It is clear that the FNM and its band of irresponsible cronies are only motivated by the sheer lust of grabbing headlines and to steal the thunder from a Government that is working hard to fix the problems that were left behind by their reckless governance.

The PLP remains committed to the core principles of good governance, accountability and integrity. As the Prime Minister has said on numerous occasions, we are a Party that will not allow corruption to enter our midst.

This recent move by the FNM spells a sense of desperate hope for that ill-fated and misguided party. The Bahamian people demand a degree of civility and decency in our politics.

The Prime Minister's comments at the Party’s Convention are a matter of public record. No such announcement was made of any such project which was had received the Government's approval bearing the name of Island Fresh Dairy. The FNM has an obligation to put the evidence in the public domain that an approval had been obtained by the principals of Island Fresh Dairy and we say to them today, in rather frank and categorical terms, either put up or shut up.

Prime Minister Christie merely signaled the possibility of such a venture occurring in Abaco and that interest had been generated in such a venture by a Bahamian and American joint ventureship. To suggests that the mere sharing of a proposal of such a venture amounted to an approval by the Government and/or the National Economic Council is dishonest, misleading and politically irresponsible.

The PLP demands an immediate apology from the leadership of the FNM for its false, baseless and erroneous accusations.