The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FORMER FNM leader and North Abaco MP Hubert Ingraham has delayed his resignation to gain time for a potential by-election candidate and a more informed public opinion on the proposed gambling referendum.

Previously scheduled for July 19, the anniversary of his first election to Parliament, Mr Ingraham’s resignation will now become effective August 31 after he was asked by party leader Dr Hubert Minnis to reconsider the proposed date.

Welcomed by a crowd of around 40 supporters at the House of Assembly, Mr Ingraham tendered his resignation letter to House Speaker Kendal Major shortly after 9.30am yesterday.

“Greg Gomez, one of the four persons who applied to the party has spent some time in the United States of America and he hasn’t been home for quite a year yet, he has applied and I want him to be considered like the other four candidates, my postponement will facilitate that,” Mr Ingraham said.

“I think the Bahamian people ought to have an opportunity to reflect upon the proposed referendum and be educated and informed about it, and I want to make sure it’s not a rushed referendum.

He added: “It has been said that I have some part to play in when it’s going to come, so I have now played my hand.”

His decision to delay the date of his resignation will also allow the former prime minister to make a farewell address to parliament when it reconvenes on July 25.

Setting the record straight on the timeline of his resignation, Mr Ingraham said he has no desire to hold on to his seat after spending more than half his life in front line politics.

He added that his return to parliament was primarily to ensure that he did not vacate his seat, pointing to the rule that an MP must not be absent for more than three months.

“I said on the night of election that I don’t intend to take my seat in the House of Assembly, in order for me to have a seat I have to swear in.”

“There was no circumstance under which a leader such as myself, who has been leader of the party for 19 years, can take a party into election, lose the election, and who wants to stay on,” he said.

“If you were a young person or first shot,” he added, “the party might well say fine, but we think you ought to stay, we think you have opportunity for the future.

“Someone like me who has served for three terms, it’s unthinkable.

“Why would I stay on to be a Member of Parliament? What is there in that for me, I’ve spent more than half my life in the House of Assembly. It’s time for me to go, people have told me it’s time for me to go, and I’m happy with it.”

Mr Ingraham stepped down as leader of the FNM at a special convention in May.

Yesterday, he said he plans to remain a member of the party and is committed to working upon its request.

“I owe a special debt of gratitude to all the Bahamian people for the generosity of their support which permitted me to serve as Prime Minister for 15 years,” he said.

“Our people have always been my inspiration. Whatever I have accomplished in making the quality of life for Bahamians better over my 35 years of public life is the best expression of my love and appreciation for the opportunities afforded me by this country and its people.”

He added: “It has been a singular privilege and honour to serve in the august House of Assembly of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

Mr Ingraham thanked his wife Dolores and his entire family for their support during his 35 years of national service and added that leaving public office with his head “held high” was one of his greatest accomplishments.