Nassau, Bahamas - The following is the statement by W. A. Branville McCartney, on his resignation as Minister of State for Immigration for The Bahamas.

"With a profound spirit of service and sacrifice and the unwavering support of my wife and family I entered the political arena to pursue a lifelong ambition. Six years ago I was afforded an opportunity of a lifetime. As leader of The Free National Movement, Tommy Turnquest invited me to join this awesome political machinery.

Subsequently, I have been the benefactor of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s political precision and decisiveness. One need look no further than his decision to introduce me to citizens of the Constituency of Bamboo Town as evidence of his unique ability to think, reflect, consider and make the right decision.

Earning the confidence of Mr. Ingraham and his selection of me to serve in his Cabinet, first as Minister of State for Tourism and Aviation and then as Minister of State for Immigration, two integral engines which drive the primary state of affairs of this great country, rank in very high priority over my achievements in politics thus far. That the Free National Movement has achieved since its election to a 3rd non consecutive term as the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas gives me hope for what we can and must achieve in the future and I am humbled to have participated so instrumentally to this end. I am indeed proud to be FNM.

Much has happened in my political and personal life which has propelled me to the point where I must take this opportunity to inform the nation that in a letter dated 28th February, 2010, I have advised both The Governor General and The Prime Minister of my resignation as Minister of State for Immigration with immediate effect.

My decision, to demit office at this time, was well thought out and soberly contemplated over a period of time. It was not an easy decision, but one that needed to be made, because of my determination and resolve that it was and continues to be the right thing to do, not in any way motivated by conventional wisdom, the prevailing consensus or the latest snapshot of public opinion, but right according to my personal convictions. The factors that motivated this run the full gamete of issues and emotions, some more compelling than others. In the forefront are my feelings of stagnation and the inability to fully utilize my political potential at this time.

The situation that faces us as a nation today is very serious. Some have suggested that we as a nation are powerless to change the very circumstances we face, and have even gone as far as to suggest that the result of the Elizabeth by-election means that there is no urgent and compelling reason for anyone to act to this end.

Through my frequent interaction with the constituents of Bamboo Town and residents of other Constituencies throughout the length and breadth of this nation I have come to appreciate that Bahamians have not given up, but have simply rejected the 20th century ideology of Bahamian politics. With our millennium minds we can see that while our challenges are ageless the answers do not have to be. We do not have to succumb to uncomfortable and illogical catch 22 scenarios.

Bahamians are now more open minded and are now showing a higher intolerance or aversion to prejudice in any form. But the one thing that has not changed for us is that regardless of our backgrounds we all know what decency, respect for others and courtesy looks like and how ugly it looks when the standard is breached. Politics is no exception.

I personally believe that we disrespect our constituents and our people when we belittle others in order to gain political millage. It is also my belief that our current political system is headed in the wrong direction. I was taught by my parents to gain respect on my own merit and accomplishments, and not by highlighting the weaknesses of others. Respect must be the order of the day no matter your political persuasion.

I have already proven myself on many levels and have much to be proud of, but it would be wrong of me to assume that I have proven myself to you without demonstrating the strength and diversity of knowledge you deserve. A goal of my recommitment to my family, Bamboo Town and the entire nation is to utilize my God-given talent to assist in every way possible to propel our country forward so that everyone experiences inclusion.

We are facing tough times, but I confidently believe that the nation has been mobilized by Mr. Ingraham and the FNM and rallied for a great national effort. I have learned why this Prime Minister and Leader of the FNM is the most successful leader of our party. And it is because of this that I say, I have no sympathy with and will give no credence or comfort to those who would want to use this resignation to undermine his leadership of the FNM and/or The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

I intend to focus on my family. I intend to focus on the Constituency of Bamboo town and give them both the representation and support they need and deserve at this time. My strengths will be invested in making them stronger. My energy and ambition will hopefully lead to greater opportunities for them. There have indeed been some very thrilling high points along the way, one of which I am very proud to share with you today. My wife Lisa, my daughters Kasia and Tai and I have welcomed a new member to our family, Lawrence Khail McCartney. The birth of each of our children has provided us unbounded joy and emotion and a welcome reminder that life is more about the moments than the occasions, and success in life depends on how well you are able to determine and manage the order of your priorities- by the acceleration of some, the abeyance of others and the acceptance that in life nothing comes before its time.

To my Bamboo Town Family I will make a further more personal statement to you in the days to come. Until then be assured of my commitment to ensure that you experience a rebirth like none before as my plans for your continued growth and development unfold. I cannot mask my affection for the constituency of Bamboo Town and I am very grateful to Mr. Ingraham and the Free National Movement for bringing us together.

Bamboo Town will be ready and the FNM party will continue to lead this great national effort to a fourth election victory with my full, unwavering and steadfast loyalty and support."