The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the PLP is making “lavish” promises to gain votes in North Abaco.

Speaking at a rally in Abaco, Mr Ingraham said it was the FNM that has made 
Abaco the envy of other Family Islands, after it was neglected by the first PLP regime.

“In Government, the FNM invested heavily in Abaco after decades of neglect by the PLP. We are the party which brought Abaco to a level of development which makes it the envy of other Family Islands – we righted the wrongs and neglect of decades.

“He (Prime Minister Perry Christie) and his Cabinet Ministers have been lavish with their promises, of new jobs in exchange for votes, new business opportunities in exchange for votes and new infrastructure development in exchange for votes.”

In addition to reconstructing and paving the Abaco Highway and other important roads, under the FNM public utilities including water, electricity and telecommunications were improved and cable television and the internet were introduced, said Mr Ingraham.

He said the former administration invested “heavily” in Abaco, building new schools, health clinics, an international airport in Marsh Harbour and a new electricity power plant at Wilson City.

Mr Ingraham noted foreign investment in Abaco also increased under the FNM.

“We restored the name of the Bahamas internationally and made Abaco investor ready resulting in increased investment by second home owners and by resort developments like Winding Bay and Baker’s Bay,” he said.

Mr Ingraham said the FNM has left a number of plans that just need to be followed through by the government.

“This PLP government doesn’t have to dream up plans and export them here. Abaco already has its plans for continued sustainable development on the table,” he said. “The PLP simply needs to implement them!”

Along with plans for phase one and two of the new subdivision adjacent to central Pines, Mr Ingraham said plans for further upgrades and new infrastructure has also started.

“In short,” he said, “we planned the new Central Abaco Township inclusive of a community hospital the construction of which is progressing – we left plans for a new Police Compound, a public library, and an Amphitheatre capable of hosting cultural and other civic gatherings.

“We left plans in place for the development of a new 78 acre subdivision on Green Turtle Cay with provision for 159 new single family residential lots, 13 multi-family lots, and areas designated for the development of a new dock, a fire house, and open green space.”

Mr Ingraham called on Abaconians to vote for Greg Gomez and ensure North Abaco remains an FNM seat.

“Come Monday,” he said, “vote in your own self-interest and that of your children; vote to keep Abaco’s future bright; vote for honesty and integrity in Government, vote with your eye on the future, vote for Greg Gomez, vote FNM,” he said.