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Last Updated: Jan 1, 2008 - 9:11:17 PM |
 MY FELLOW BAHAMIANS :
I have today accepted the resignation of Mr. Shane Gibson from my Cabinet. I have done so with profound sadness and with the very deepest of regret. I have lost one of my ablest ministers.
Mr. Gibson’s accomplishments as the Minister responsible for housing are already legendary. It is a matter of public record that in a little more than three years, Shane caused more low-cost houses to be built in The Bahamas than in the entire two terms of the FNM Government. His dynamism, organizational prowess, and sense of urgency in getting the job done were evident throughout his stewardship of my Government’s housing programme.
Shane’s simultaneous handling of the ministerial portfolio for National Insurance was also a shining example of competence and dedication.
More recently, as Minister of Immigration, Shane Gibson’s tough, no-nonsense approach led to remarkable success in the interdiction and repatriation of illegal immigrants.
So, too, Shane’s distinguished career as a trade unionist, and his fair and balanced approach to dispute-resolution, served him well as a Minister of Labour who commanded the respect and admiration of employers and workers alike.
Against such a backdrop of stellar achievement, it will be understood why Shane’s resignation represents an occasion of deep regret for me. Indeed, to lose such a competent and capable individual from the cabinet is a loss for the entire country.
The loss for me is made even more painful by the fact that Shane, in addition to being a valued political colleague, is also a true and genuine friend.
But however sad Shane’s decision to resign may be, I also believe - as does he - that it is the correct course of action for him to take in all the circumstances. For that I applaud him, as indeed we all should.
Permit me to say to Shane’s wife, Jackie, their children, and to Shane’s parents how personally sorry I am over what they have been put though by some elements of the media and certain thoughtless and insensitive politicians who seem to think that a man’s wife and parents are fair game in politics.
I believe that I should also say how ironic it is that when substantiated allegations of serious impropriety were made against no fewer than three ministers in his own cabinet, the same man who now professes to be so concerned over Shane Gibson did absolutely nothing about it. Nor, for that matter, did any of the three ministers concerned. Instead, they all arrogantly carried on as if nothing had happened.
Now that Shane Gibson has resigned, however, these same gentlemen would do well to recall what they themselves did not do when they found themselves in circumstances that cried out even more loudly for them to do the right thing.
Be that as it may, they - and all others for whose heads the cap may fit - should be assured of one thing : there will be no more tolerance of any hypocrisy, double-standards, or deception from anyone. Truth will out. And then the Bahamian electorate can be the judges of us all.
I shall be elaborating upon this theme at the PLP Rally scheduled for this coming Tuesday at Pinewood Park.
In the meantime, the important business of the Government must continue without unnecessary distraction. As a consequence of Mr. Gibson’s resignation, I shall be announcing certain ministerial adjustments tomorrow. It is vital that this be done so that the Government’s policies and programmes for Immigration, Labour & Training can continue to be implemented without interruption, and with all the resoluteness, efficiency and sense of urgency that Shane brought so superbly to the job.
MY FELLOW BAHAMIANS:
There is still much work to be done. We were elected to serve. We intend therefore to press on with our agenda for action, an agenda that has already brought about the biggest economic expansion and the highest level of prosperity and empowerment this country has ever known.
Yes, there is much more to be done. And do it we shall, with your continued confidence and support.
Thank you and good night.
© Copyright 2007 by thebahamasweekly.com
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