Ingraham stresses need for decisive leadership

By BARBARA WALKIN

Senior FN Reporter

barbara@nasguard.com

The need for firm, decisive leadership and boosting the economy of Grand Bahama were just two of the concerns addressed by Free National Movement Leader Hubert A. Ingraham Saturday evening.

Ingraham was in Grand Bahama celebrating with hundreds of FNM officers and supporters as the party commemorated the anniversary of FNM's historic general election victory on August 19, 1992.

"In our next election the issue is going to be leadership, something the governing party has not provided and something that the FNM will provide," said Ingraham. "Back in 1992 you called for the FNM's 'delivery boy' to rescue you. Now it is 2006 and the so-called delivery boy is a man now, a man mellowed by the passage of time, wiser by experience and more than willing to confront the challenges ahead."

Ingraham said he is ready willing and able to provide the leadership needed at this point and time in the country's history.

Accusing the governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) of being incompetent, her added, "They have no policy, they have no philosophy, they make up the rules as they go along — hanging on to coat tails."

The PLP leadership is in and out of Freeport often and regularly, but "make no mistake about it, they've not come to deliver and they've not come because they care about you, they've come because they are feeling the heat in Nassau," Ingraham added.

Ingraham claimed that things are not going to get better in Grand Bahama under the PLP, further charging that "what they have done to you is proof that they mean you no good."

He said that under the PLP Grand Bahama and Grand Bahamians have experienced hard times, misery and deprivation.

"When we were in office Grand Bahamians were better off than they are today," Ingraham said. "The PLP did it to you before, they are doing it to you now and if you are foolish enough to elect them again ... they will do it to you again."

Ingraham described members of the Government as "wolves in sheep clothing" and "empty vessels."

"They tell me that things are so tough in Grand Bahama that at least one laundry is now requiring a deposit on clothes brought in for cleaning," the FNM leader said. "In Freeport nearly everybody is feeling the pinch. Even the mighty Port Authority is feeling the economic and financial pinch being inflicted on this city; that's why they are having so much firing, but Freeport needs to fire the PLP."

Accusing the government of being incompetent, Ingraham said that this is the reason for Grand Bahama's weak economic position today. "You are in a wreck and can no longer hold to the good fortune left to you by the FNM while in office," he said.

Ingraham noted that the PLP has let Grand Bahamians down, "but it doesn't have to be. But, some people like punishment so if you don't like punishment vote FNM."

However, he added, "if you like what you have, if you like what they are doing to you then stick with them, but if you want better vote FNM."

Ingraham said the FNM knows what it takes to get Grand Bahama up out of where is it today.

"We did it before and we can do it again!" he declared. "Fourteen years ago, August 19, 1992, was a special day in Grand Bahama. This day we celebrate life. Because of this day the Shipyard facility and Bradford Marine were made possible. This day made Pelican Bay and this day made Our Lucaya."

"I know that things in Grand Bahama are tough now. Can you imagine how tougher things would have been in this island if the FNM Government had not put in place those investments during our two terms in office? Can you imagine?" he asked.

"Where can I go to find footprints of the PLP Government? What have they done in the past four years?" Ingraham questioned. "The FNM is ready, united and willing to lead this country and provide for the Bahamian people a quality lifestyle."

Noting that many residents in Grand Bahama are suffering, Ingraham added, "So you know it is time to roll them out. We want all six seats in Grand Bahama in the next election. Marco City, Eight Mile Rock and West End and Bimini are trying to play me too close. But we are going to make the right decision for the best people to run in those seats. We are going to act on behalf of the people.

"The fat lady is about to sing! We don't hear any argument from the PLP on who they choose to run. They select their people and they get full support.

"I came back to lead this party to victory and we are going to roll them out — a united force to govern The Bahamas," said Ingraham.

GREETING SUPPORTERS — Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) Hubert Ingraham is mobbed by party supporters on his arrival to address the FNM rally Saturday evening, celebrating the party's first victory as Government of The Bahamas on August 19, 1992. (Photo by BARBARA WALKIN)

© 2006 The Freeport News