By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Tribune Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson says he is confident the Free National Movement will be returned to office after next week’s general election, but predicts it will be a close race.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Watson admitted the Minnis administration’s first term in office was not “milk and honey,” but given the circumstances, the administration did the best it could and deserves to be re-elected.
The Minnis administration, elected in 2017, has navigated through major hurricanes such as 2017’s Irma and Dorian of 2019.
Following this came the coronavirus pandemic, which led to travel shutdowns and a major decline in tourism, triggered mass layoffs and had a serious affect on both public and private healthcare systems.
Given these challenges among others, Mr Watson said he believes the September 16 election will be a “close” race between the FNM and Progressive Liberal Party.
“I am confident that they will be returned,” Mr Watson said. “They’ll get the edge.”
He told The Tribune he was of the view, however, that the handling of the pandemic would play into how Bahamians vote.
“That is a problem, of course, and that’s why I figure it’ll be a close election. I don’t know what impact that is going to have on the outcome of the election.
“I think he (Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis) is going to win in the Family Islands, and he’ll probably pick up enough seats in New Providence to form a government. It’s going to be close I think.
“I think through it all they have managed to handle it fairly decently,” he said.
“Some things they didn’t do well and others they were better at but in a government, you have that kind of hit and miss. You think you are doing the right thing and then it turns out to be the wrong thing. So, given that, I think that they have in the circumstances, managed it really well.
“They have tried to do the best that they can. It wasn’t one of the periods where it was all milk and honey, but through it all I think they came out really well and deserve to be returned.”
Mr Watson was National Security Minister in a previous FNM administration.
The advanced poll is tomorrow and more than 10,000 people have applied to the Parliamentary Registration Department to participate in this vote, according to acting Parliamentary Commissioner Lavado Duncanson last week.
In August, officials revealed some 30,000 people were eligible to cast their vote in the advanced poll.
Mr Duncanson has said department officials are doing all they can to make early voting registration available for eligible voters before the application deadline which was on September 4.
Comments
Dawes 2 years, 7 months ago
He thinks FNM will win in Family islands? Like Abaco?
hrysippus 2 years, 7 months ago
Abaco? Good question. Ben and Roscoe shoulda waited for this election to run in, they may just have got themselves elected.
bahamian242 2 years, 7 months ago
The FNM will win, but not like last Election. We may see a 40% turnout, and maybe 60% for FNM. No one wants to go into the Grave with Brave.
killemwitdakno 2 years, 7 months ago
I ain't brave enough.
TalRussell 2 years, 7 months ago
I'm soliciting Comrade Frank to put his voice and gifted talents — behind the new 2021 - 2026 government to take the lead as a colony to brungs about a — total extraction of all indoor Air conditioning. along with removing/demolition all Windowless buildings, — by the year 2041.
The Colony's new promotional campaign: — Visit/Relocate to a Colony — Where it's 1200 Out Islands, Cays, and Inlets, — does take its Fresh-air, Seriously.
— Even **Sir Cecil — would step forward to confess — *his rush be a building of windowless schools — was a damn bad idea, — Yes?
DonAnthony 2 years, 7 months ago
Yes. Dearest comrade Tal what is your election prediction? Red or yellow shirt?
TalRussell 2 years, 7 months ago
@ComradeAnthony, if HenryTaylor were alive and were I to telephone console the lengthy years' cherished bond with our family — dating back to my late Father — even he that was so wise at political reads — might say, — Comrade Tal, would you mind if I struggle with that question, and get back to you, — Yes?
DonAnthony 2 years, 7 months ago
Are you talking about my family member, Sir Henry Milton Taylor? He was a wise, generous representative😀
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 7 months ago
Which chapter are you on now and what title are you using?
M0J0 2 years, 7 months ago
Abaco and Freeport have not forgotten. Only way the FNM will see a win is if they have a new leader.
TalRussell 2 years, 7 months ago
@ComradeMojo, Abacoians by thousands are doing virtual spits at the grounds in front of anyone approaching them whilst wearing — 2021 campaign cocky red colors. — There is always that election day — But?
— But, isn't that why we go to such lengths and spend so many millions of dollars by holding elections. Yes?
Cobalt 2 years, 7 months ago
Frank Watson and others may get a big surprise. Too many Bahamians are irrational, unreasonable, and illogical. They demand miracles from the government and when it’s not provided they get angry and vote out the government. If the PLP wins the people will turn on them and vote them out as well.
TalRussell 2 years, 7 months ago
@ComradeCobalt, you're making a big mistake by attacking like the opposing opposition is but a fringe protest party, — Forgetting, they've entered the election with much substance as a 'government in waiting' — well-equipped, oiled, and funded to brung the Red government down. — Yes?
JokeyJack 2 years, 7 months ago
Yall so jokey. Lincoln and the Coalition of Independents got this on lock. There will be 21 COI, 4 DNA, 9 PLP, 5 FNM.
xtreme2x 2 years, 7 months ago
LOL...SORRY BUT SUCCESS DO NOT COME IN THAT FASHION. YOU HAVE TO EARN YOUR KEEPS.COI HAVE NOT DONE THAT AS YET.
ThisIsOurs 2 years, 7 months ago
And thank God. Lincoln reminds me of Bradley Roberts good in a fight if the fire isnt turned on you. And we have seen too many leaders get in and turn all their fire on the people. It was a mistake to select him as leader, dont know if their chances woukd have been different but serious people would have at least taken them more seriously
JokeyJack 2 years, 7 months ago
The beauty of democracy is that you get to choose to re-elect those who you feel have "EARNED IT". If, for you, that is either the PLP or the FNM then wit God's mighty power behind you PLEASE go and vote for whichever one you want. That is democracy. The people choose. IF they choose to live in mud puddles with outside toilets, then they should get to live that way. A way of life is a cultural thing - and nobody should interfere with a country's culture. Carry on bro. I just don't understand why yall bother to vote though. You get the same thing with both - so does it really matter which wins?
ohdrap4 2 years, 7 months ago
There are 6 former miss bahamas running.
Be interesting if they can unseat the arrogant.
TalRussell 2 years, 7 months ago
Start spreading the news, Comrade Lincoln Bain — may yet advance to becoming a part of the 2021 election day moment as "the Widowmaker," — Most instrumental at hauntin' the Red Party's official House-elected seats count. — Yes?
JokeyJack 2 years, 7 months ago
Not this time Tal. Nobody worrying about whether their vote causes PLP or FNM to win - because it don't matter which one of them win. Thankfully, neither will win, and we will all soon benefit from a new COI government.
carltonr61 2 years, 7 months ago
Watsons opinion is a no brainer.
crawfish 2 years, 7 months ago
In an interview yesterday, Mr Watson admitted the Minnis administration’s first term in office was not “milk and honey,” but given the circumstances, the administration did the best it could and deserves to be re-elected.
Your one point is accurate, " They did the best they could do", however their best was an absolute FAILURE. Not only was the Government unprepared to help Abaco and Grand Bahama post Hurricane Dorian, they were EXPERT AND VERY EFFECTIVE at discouraging and in some cases stopping relief efforts from coming in.
The people of Abaco and Grand Bahama WILL NEVER FORGET.
JokeyJack 2 years, 7 months ago
It's not all about relief efforts. Their biggest failure is not putting into effect the Freedom of Information Act, and explaining where the VAT money (nearly 9 billion dollars) has gone. Well, that's my opinion - but maybe to most Bahamians 9 billion dollars ain't much money while they sitting with their light turned off.
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