The Tribune

FOR the eighth consecutive and final time, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham officially became the candidate for the Free National Movement for the North Abaco constituency early yesterday morning.

Flanked by scores of supporters, the Prime Minister paid the nomination fee of $400 and turned over the necessary documents at exactly 9.30am at the Administrators Office in Cooper's Town, North Abaco.

After the short process, Mr Ingraham addressed his FNM supporters at "Ingraham Park" directly adjacent to his home.

He thanked them for their faith in him and promised he would continue to work for them as long as they would have him.

"I am honoured to have the opportunity to nominate myself for the eighth consecutive and final time as the candidate for this constituency. We have travelled far, we have made much progress but we have many more things to do. We wish to complete some of the things we have started," he said.

"One of the great things that we are hoping to do over the next year or so is create a port in North Abaco, work on that should start shortly. That would create a better balance for the economic growth and development for the island of Abaco. I wish to express my gratitude to you from my wife and my family for all the support you have given and continue to give to me. I pledge that I will continue to work for you each and everyday of my life. I shall never be able to repay you fully for all you have done for me, but I will continue to repay you in instalments as long as I live."

The Prime Minister said his proudest moment as a Member of Parliament was to be able to provide the people of North Abaco with basic essentials.

He said: "Just being able to be of service to people was great. Where my house is now was the last house built here. This was all bush. We had no electricity, no running water, no telephones, cable was a joke and you couldn't even dream about cell phone. We have made good advances. From a small fishing village to where we are today. We are very thankful."

Monday night, PLP leader Perry Christie at a rally in Carmichael Road said he is confident the Prime Minister would lose his seat in North Abaco.

In response, Mr Ingraham laughed and said: "He is always making stupid statements. Me? Lose my seat, that's a joke."