Free National Movement leader Hubert Ingraham slammed the Progressive Liberal Party at an FNM rally in Georgetown, Exuma Friday night, saying the governing party is riddled with corruption.
Former Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham said the PLP government is proving to be as corrupt as the last PLP, however, he added that the new PLP is not as effective as the last.
“Oh there is lots of wheeling and dealing going on, lots of what they call ‘insider trading,’ Mr Ingraham told the rally. “And then, there is scandal after scandal: the Korean Boat scandal; allegations of ‘kick-backs’ for some contracts; conflict of interest problems, alleged ‘kick-backs’ at immigration, visa issuance irregularities, political interference at BAIC, at the Registrar General’s Office, and at BTC, and now public feuding between the chairman and the general manager at the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC).”
That WSC feud has forced Minister of Works and Utilities, Bradley Roberts to intervene. Mr Roberts said he would call a press conference in the coming days to announce the fate of the two WSC leaders.
Said Mr Ingraham: “The Prime Minister has proven in office what many of us who know him have long maintained οΎ– that he is powerless to remove inefficient or corrupt members from his inner circle. This is so even though the allegations continue to mount.”
The FNM leader then charged that each PLP minister seems to have his/her own agenda, in a government where rules and regulations governing the public service are ignored. He said in the meanwhile, Prime Minister, Perry Christie seems incapable of reigning in his “loose cannons.”
“I am truly sorry for him. That is one of the many reasons why I propose to relieve him. I promise I’ll get the job done. I did it before, I’ll do it again,” he said.
“Don’t be fooled by the PLP. They’re very interested in themselves; you count for less. They hardly think about or remember you, the people, until its time to ask for your vote. Today, your MP, a nice Exumian, is without influence or say. Exuma needs a voice in government and it will have that voice and say and that influence in the next FNM.”
Mr Ingraham asked the attendees for their vote in the next general elections, adding that his service had been about lending assistance to the jobless, to the physically and/or mentally impaired, to the aged and to all those least able to help themselves.
He said upon becoming the government again, the FNM would continue along the path of removing people from a culture of dependency on politicians and ensure that economic and social justice is available to all, irrespective of political affiliation, race or economic position.
“We are moving forward rapidly now, formulating our plans for our next term in office. Many of you are already in contact with us. Let us hear from all of you. We are inclusive; we care about, and will listen, and heed your views,” said Mr Ingraham. “And so, I remind you of the importance of registering to vote. I especially encourage all those who did not register to vote in the last elections, including those who would not have reached the age of majority (18) before the last elections, to register now.”
By: MINDELL SMALL, The Nassau Guardian
