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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Roberts remarks at PLP NGC Meeting 21st Jan 2016‏
By Bradley B. Roberts
Jan 22, 2016 - 11:16:49 AM

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Remarks Bradley B. Roberts Monthly National General Council Meeting Progressive Liberal Party at theLynden Pindling Center Farrington Road, Nassau N.P. Bahamas on Thursday, 21 January 2016

SALUTATIONS


Fellow Councilors:

I extent a warm welcome to all for the first meeting of a brand new year and one that will be a very busy one as were prepare for General Election 2017.

I said in my address at the Bamboo Town Branch meeting last evening that former FNM Deputy Leader Brent Symonette, a senior party member and major financial contributor was in the press no longer than yesterday calling for an FNM convention this year to settle the Party’s leadership issues. I told that PLP Bamboo Town meeting Tuesday night that if Dr. Minnis is unable to secure the confidence and support of his party to lead them, then how could the Bahamian people repose their confidence in him to lead this country at this critical juncture? There still remains reasonable doubt over Minnis’ ability to inspire confidence and make right and sensible decisions in the best interest of The Bahamas.

Eileen Dupuch Carron, a very strong supporter of the FNM in her editorial this morning disclosed that the Opposition FNM is split over the leadership of Dr. Minnis.

Mrs. Carron opined that Dr. Minnis has had ample time to unite his party behind him and to demonstrate the leadership qualities needed to wrestle the government from the PLP.

In her opinion Minnis has failed.

We have never seen the FNM in such disarray and so divided. Minnis, she said, is just not a political leader.

If anyone has any doubt about Elieen’s support for both Hubert Ingraham and Loretta Butler Turner has to go to sleep with one eye open.

Then there was the naïve FNM novice and two time loser Chairman Pintard in this morning paper disclosing that the FNM will hold a convention this year but no voting for officers would take place, enflaming the ire of anti-forces with the FNM.

My Brother and Sisters, let’s not take any comfort in the turmoil within the FNM but begin the selection process for the finest and progressive men and women to carry our Party’s banner in the 38 Constituencies. I shall announce the members of the Candidates committee before we adjourn tonight and to allow the process to begin to interview the numbers who are eager to carry the PLP banner in 2017.

Since we last met I was elated that after three years in office this term, the government has resumed the recognition of persons who have made major contributions to the growth and development of our Bahamaland. I am delighted to convey warm congratulations to two of our newest knights, both of whom served as MP’s with distinction: Sir Charles Carter and Sir Franklyn Wilson. Their contributions are well known throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas.

I extend special congratulations to Trustee Tom Basden.

Also on Tuesday evening of this week that I had the occasion to address the god people of Bamboo Town. At that time I assured Bamboo Town of what the PLP represents and say it again this evening because my message is consistent and unwavering.

Councilors, you can rest assured that your 62 year old PLP, the grandfather of all political parties in this country remains democratic. We continue to advance the big tent policy and we remain committed to seeking and recruiting men and women who love this country; who love public service and men and women of honour - team players who are prepared to put the welfare of this country and the public’s interests above narrow selfish interests.

Over the past 62 years this organization has given countless Bahamians a national platform from which to use their God given talent to contribute to the growth and development of The Bahamas. Some have stayed the course; some have parted company over any number of differences, but the fundamental objectives and organizational attributes of the PLP remained firm and consistent.

Those qualities and organizational attributes you can count on my brothers and sisters as they have been tried and proven and have stood the test of time.

We will demonstrate that big tent quality again tonight as we welcome a fine Bahamian son to our family.

Before I formally introduce him, I wish to comment briefly on this issue of governance.

In the area of governance, notwithstanding the personal differences you may have with any number of personalities and styles within the party’s hierarchy, the leadership of the PLP has remained the most progressive in its ideology and vision in the development of this country.

The last four years have seen one of the most transformation and reform driven legislative agendas since independence. We are debating public service reform and there is a raging public debate on National Health Insurance.

Regardless of the spin in the newspapers, talk radio or social media, one thing is certain and indisputable. Under the FNM, and may I add in the 21st century - Bahamians were still begging, borrowing, frying fish and fritters to scrap together enough money to save the lives of their dying loved ones because they had no health insurance. Families have gone bankrupt trying to save the lives of their loved ones.

My brothers and sisters, this cannot continue in the 21st century. The time for talk has passed; it is time for action and the government has moved ahead with the implementation of National health Insurance. It is one of the most transformational pieces of legislation and public institutions to be created in this Bahamas, extending insurance coverage to more than 200,000 Bahamians who are currently uninsured. NHI is right up there with National Insurance, College of The Bahamas and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force in terms of its importance to our continued growth and development.

With all the pontification by the FNM in the run up to the 2007 general election, they met a strong economy in place but failed to implement NHI and now they and their surrogates have so much to say about. But why did not raise their voices when as much as 700 Bahamians were needlessly dying each year because of a lack of access to adequate healthcare.

A good friend told me he was in the Town Center Mall yesterday and saw a large number of our white brothers and sister lining up to register. While some Doctors and the Opposition are taking the same line used in opposition to the introduction of National Insurance and Independence, the initial process of registration has begun in earnest.

I encourage all of you to get registered and collect your NIB Smart Card as soon as possible.

Ladies and gentlemen, I turn my attention to our newest brother.

Mr. Byran S. Woodside is a petroleum marketing expert, an Attorney-at-law and a former Minister of State in the Office of The Prime Minister.

He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, the University of London and the Eugene Dupuch Law School. He was called to the Bahamas Bar in 2003 and is a former Executive Director of Junior Achievers and Marketing Manager of the former Texaco Bahamas Limited (now Rubis).

Mr. Woodside is married with two children.

Mr. Woodside represents a cadre of accomplished Bahamian professionals who believe that Prime Minister Christie has the right vision, the progressive policies and the transformational legislative agenda necessary to move this country forward.

Beyond that, I will let Byran speak to you himself about the reasons why he decided to become a member of the Progressive Liberal Party.

Please give a hearty PLP welcome to Mr. Byran Woodside his Wife, Dad Mr. Mrs. Neville Woodside.



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