The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has always believed in Bahamians, the new opposition leader affirmed yesterday.

Speaking after the official opening of Parliament and in response to the Speech from the Throne, Dr Hubert Minnis said the FNM never lacked faith in the Bahamian people and would not oppose any initiatives or programmes put forward by the new government - provided that it benefits the country.

Dr Minnis' comments come after the PLP won the May 7 election on the slogan "Believe in Bahamians".

He said of the speech: "It was very long and exhaustive. I will have to analyse the entire thing. What is definitely beneficial for the Bahamian public we will not oppose, as we want to ensure that the Bahamian populace gets the best for their money.

"It was very interesting that they believe in Bahamians and they want Bahamians to share in the opportunity - that is exactly what we (the former FNM government) were doing when we made the Bahamas a share system."

Dr Minnis said throughout the FNM's term in office, their objective was to create opportunities and "spread the wealth" to all Bahamians.

"Our whole idea was to spread the wealth so that Bahamians, small, average, over-the-hill Bahamians, would get uplifted financially," he said. "We have always believed in Bahamians."

While Dr Minnis said he wants to examine Prime Minister Perry Christie's speech before commenting in detail, he noted that oil exploration was one topic that was not covered.

Dr Minnis said considering the possibility of an oil spill devastating the country's number one industry and affecting 80 per cent of jobs in the Bahamas, proper regulations and safeguards must be the priority.

He said: "Our party has always felt you can't drill for oil without the proper regulations in place. You must understand that it is a lucrative business - any oil company, their business is to make money, our business as the government is to protect the Bahamian populace."

Regarding the FNM convention this weekend, Dr Minnis said: "I would hope that whoever comes out victorious, we will continue to work together so that within the next five years, we will be able to replace the present government and be back where we were before."

As leader of opposition, Dr Minnis said he intends to consult former prime minister Hubert Ingraham, using his "wealth of knowledge" to the party's benefit.