The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham bid farewell as the Free National Movement’s longest serving leader at the party’s convention this weekend.

Celebrating the party’s record of national social and infrastructural advancements during his 19 years at the helm, Mr Ingraham assumed responsibility for the sweeping loss at the polls earlier this month.

He officially stepped down as leader of the FNM on Saturday, marking the exodus of one of the last leaders in the Western Hemisphere – elected during the 1990s – to demit office.

“The Bahamian people in their majority have now determined that it is time for me to go,” Mr Ingraham said.

“I accept their decision and I thank them for the confidence they previously reposed in me for 15 years as Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

He added: “Indeed, I thank the Bahamian people for having me for a longer period of time than I desired or expected. I am happy though, that it is they, the people of The Bahamas, who made the decision for me to go; I confess that I am happy to go.”

Formerly the chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party – having served as an MP and cabinet minister – Mr Ingraham was elected as leader of the FNM as the “improbable choice” in May 1990.

“I retired after 12 years as your leader and you summoned me back three years later,” he said.

“I express my gratitude to you for permitting me to lead you into four general elections; in three we became the Government.

“This party and the Bahamian people made me what I could never, as a boy, have dreamed of becoming.”

Mr Ingraham highlighted the party’s ascent to governance from a four-time losing streak to its historic win in 1992, when former leader Sir Kendal Isaacs and then-deputy leader Sir Orville Turnquest “danced in victory” for the first time.

“We all remember the victory of 1992 when finally the veil was lifted, the pall removed,” he said. “Bahamians of every race and class, from every walk of life, every political affiliation, and in every one of our islands, believed that they could enjoy the full, unfettered benefits of citizenship.”

Mr Ingraham said: “In winning, we changed The Bahamas forever. We replaced fear with fair. We provided competent, honest, and productive governance.”

Notwithstanding record milestones, Mr Ingraham said the party’s failure to establish full gender equality under the constitution, and strengthen policy on children born to illegal immigrants, were major disappointments.

He charged the party to hold the governing party accountable on all “outlandish” election campaign promises, centring on crime, the economy and education.

Mr Ingraham said: “Our successors in Office will now reap the fruits of our labour. The economy has begun to grow, and the tide, instead of ebbing, is beginning to rise.

“I am deeply satisfied and deeply proud that during three non-consecutive terms in office we successfully implemented our policy initiatives first formally outlined and pronounced in my address to our 1990 Party National Convention.

He said: “We must never forget from whence we came and what we did to fulfil our promise of deliverance to the Bahamian people.”

Since 1992, Mr Ingraham said the FNM government has ushered in a new modern era through the liberalization and privatisation of telecommunications industry and computerisation of the public sector and government services.

Key initiatives outlined include: established modern network of Community Health Clinics and introduced free anti-viral treatment for HIV-infected individuals; construction of new schools and the expansion of national school plan from pre-school to tertiary level education; establishment of an Industrial Tribunal, Bahamas Securities Exchange, local government; and notably during their final term: the relocation of the Port of Nassau; redevelopment of the Lynden Pindling International Airport; upgrades at the Princess Margaret Hospital; the National Prescription Drug Plan; and widespread infrastructural upgrades, namely the New Providence Infrastructure Upgrade Programme.

“I wish to thank all those whose labour and support helped make our achievements in Government possible,” he said.

“I also recognize and thank with much appreciation all who served in my Cabinet beginning in 1992. Each of you was an important part of the team that delivered.”

Mr Ingraham said: “I acknowledge with gratitude the tremendous love and affection and goodwill which you, the membership and supporters of our Party, have bestowed on me over the years. Know that it is returned in full measure.

“I am proud of our service. I did my best. I remain confident that the work I did will speak for me long after I depart this life. You are my people and I am forever in your debt.”