Nassau, Bahamas (May, 21st, 2015)-
In a properly
functioning democracy there will always be differing opinions on issues of
leadership and strategic direction. One of the Hallmarks of the Free National
Movement has been and will continue to be its tolerance for such public
dissension within and without its ranks, which is a fundamental commitment we
have to transparency and a participatory democracy.
Unlike other
political parties who seek to tamp down any Public debate or obvious inside
dissension under a cloud of secrecy at all costs, which often carries over into
their public service lives, the FNM does not aim to do such.
Today, in our
nation we continue to witness the obvious circling of wagons around members of
our honourable chambers by their party officials, despite breaching the
public’s trust and right to know in respect to government actions or inactions.
The FNM was founded
on the principals of transparency and public debate to flesh out ideas to move
the country forward. We therefore, are not disturbed by Mr. Frank Watson's
comments although he clearly shares a minority view in the Party based upon the
last convention results and current support. This is not the first time Mr.
Watson and others have publically expressed similar views without effect. We
encourage Mr. Watson to continue to offer his considerable experience to our
leadership team in a constructive way and to utilize the many avenues available
to him within the party to influence its membership by sharing his point of
view.
As a former Deputy
Leader and DPM, Mr. Watson is acutely aware of the party’s structure and the
route for resolution of any internal disagreement. We again encourage him to avail himself of
these mechanisms for the greater good of the party and indeed the country as we
aim to recapture the government of the Bahamas.
