Paving the road for young politicians, Opposition Leader, Dr. Hubert Minnis on January 2 introduced John Bostwick II, son of John and Janet Bostwick, as the replacement senator for Senator Zhivargo Laing, who resigned his position effective December 31, 2012. He said that Mr. Laing will continue to support the Free National Movement (FNM), who recognised his dedication and “excellent” service to the party.
Dr. Minnis said the party has a new system of choosing, where the executive body submits the names of who they feel qualifies to be senators and the best to represent them moving forward.
The opposition leader said he believes that national success depends on the long-term planning of a country, so experts could accurately measure the growth and success or failure of planned execution at the end of periodic reviews.
“When I sat down and went through the process, I thought that the individual at this particular time who met those requirements, whom we wanted to step into the chair at this time, was young John Bostwick,” said Dr. Minnis.
“What I admire about Bostwick is, not only he is young, but he and many of the young people that are joining the party, represents the future direction of the FNM. These are individuals who, with time, would take the party from strength to strength. Bostwick, I think, has a lot to offer. He’s a visionaire, in that he, most of all, believes in strategic planning. He believes in 20-year planning for a country, moving forward.
Dr Minnis said 11 names were submitted, four females and seven males.
“We want somebody, male or female, who is very knowledgeable about the Free National Movement’s foundation and the beliefs of the Free National Movement. We want somebody who is people friendly and individuals who would put country first before themselves. We wanted individuals who would not be arrogant, and very caring, responsible, and loving,” said the Opposition Leader.
Mr. Bostwick thanked his supporters, attributing the party leader’s confidence as an equitable confirmation of trusting the capabilities of young politicians, like himself.
“It is my most profound honour to be appointed to the senate by the Free National Movement, as a replacement for the Hon. Zhivargo Laing, whose resignation took effect on December 31, 2012. I would like to thank the Executive Council and all those who supported my appointment, especially I would like to thank our leader, Dr. Hubert Minnis, as the decision was ultimately his to make,” said Mr. Bostwick.
“He has stated repeatedly that the Free National Movement is committed to new directions, new thinking, new faces, while being committed to the intense defence of its record in office, and the active promotion of solutions to the myriad of problematic issues presently threatening our national development. The FNM’s appointment of a born, free-thinking nationalist, such as myself to the Senate at this time, is confirmation of our leader’s position and his belief on the worthiness of young, independent-minded, professionals throughout this country.”
Mr Bostwick said that as a Senator he will continue to hamper on the myriad of issues with a view to being proactive rather than reactive, with regard to promoting real solutions to ensure the future is in fact bright. He called for all Bahamians to come together and promote Bahamians first.
By Gena Gibbs
Bahamas Information Services