Former Prime Minister Perry Christie.
By KHRISNA RUSSELL
Deputy Chief Reporter
krussell@tribunemedia.net
FORMER Prime Minister Perry Christie suggested yesterday that Monique Pindling’s scathing assessment of the Progressive Liberal Party should not have been aired in a public setting, but added he did not feel personally attacked by her overview of the PLP.
The day after Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP Philip “Brave” Davis defeated Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin for the leadership post by a huge margin of 1,004 to 300 votes, Mr Christie was also adamant that with the new executive team now elected, the party “could be the next government” in the next general election.
Mr Christie said he was hopeful Mrs Hanna Martin, and former Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe, who was defeated by Senator Fred Mitchell for the chairman post, would not feel slighted and see they still have major contributions to make in the party.
On Monday night, Ms Pindling, the daughter of the country’s first Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling said the PLP “has become weak,” “dishonest” and allowed the political ambitions of a “few men to dash the aspirations of a whole people.”
She also said some PLP members had become “anti-Pindling” but would invoke his name publicly to their own benefit. Her father led the PLP for more than 20 years.
Her remarks were the most pointed critique of the PLP made during the party’s convention.
When asked if he felt personally attacked by the comments, Mr Christie told The Tribune: “It would be unfair for me to attribute to her anything personal or peculiar to me because one I didn’t hear it, two I didn’t read it and three she is someone who is in the position to speak to me and would have spoken to me personally if I had been the cause of her anger.
“She would have been able to speak to me. She would have had a lot of opportunity to do so and knowing the relationship we have I am sure she would have availed herself of that opportunity.”
Earlier in the interview, the former Centreville MP said: “There are two types of speeches at conventions. One where people had particular experiences like someone is rude to them, someone didn’t pay attention to them, somebody didn’t honour their whatever and it’s a lot of regret and anger, that if you want it to be a teachable experience, that kind of speech is made to an internal session where you could question and you come up with a result of this will never happen again.
“You make a speech in the way she did it and it becomes a speech where someone reports it and it’s titillating to people to listen to and to hear, but the organisation hasn’t given itself the best opportunity to learn from that experience and do something about it.
“When people make speeches that are peculiar to certain circumstances that they experience if the organisation is going to benefit in a meaningful way, the right forum ought to be chosen for that speech (that’s) if you really want the organisation to have the best opportunity to benefit from it.
“So my regretting for any sort of public utterance is not to prevent somebody from speaking their mind but to promote their organisation’s ability to hear what has been said and to ensure that a teachable moment comes about where you are able to use it to avoid that having to be said again,” Mr Christie said.
Way forward
Regarding the way forward for the party with Mr Davis, Deputy Leader Chester Cooper and Mr Mitchell at the helm, Mr Christie said he looks forward to assisting in whichever capacity party officials desire. He said the PLP has to now be keen on rebuilding.
“I express the hope that those who lost – Mrs Hanna Martin in particular and Obie Wilchcombe who served with me –- would not see that the role they could play in the party diminished in any which way. They still have major contributions to make and they should disregard any suggestion to the contrary, that the new leader would find it appropriate and convenient to reach out to them with a view to them continuing to play a role in the movement of the PLP and becoming the next government of the Bahamas.
“This is something I regard as important in the aftermath of elections that where one side wins and the other side loses, leadership now must be demonstrated in being able to bring everyone together with the view to the PLP being able to fulfil its role in the democracy that we have. The goal now is to be the best opposition that we can be and to prepare ourselves to form the next government of the Bahamas and to act on the basis through planning and preparation that we could be the next government so that we are not ill prepared for governance if and when it comes,” Mr Christie said.
Mr Davis was elected PLP leader following a chaotic final national convention day, which suffered an embarrassing voting delay and disorganisation brought on by the underestimation of delegate turn out and electricity failures.
Addressing a crowd of elated supporters gathered in the ballroom who erupted into celebration and applause, Mr Davis thanked Mr Christie, who stepped down as PLP leader in May, and asked those in attendance to give admiration to Mrs Hanna Martin. He commended her work within the party.
Mr Davis then referred to accusations of corruption which have dogged the PLP. He said the party must have zero tolerance in the party for such acts, but said false accusations in this regard do considerable harm. He also attacked the current administration for not having done much thus far since the May general election.
Calling supporters to work, Mr Davis outlined his plans for the party, adding that Wednesday’s voting process was proof the party needed reforms.
Mr Davis said the party under his leadership will also seek to create a new candidates’ fund to support new leaders and to encourage those who are considering entering front-line politics.
Comments
banker 6 years, 6 months ago
He looks like he been through a bronzing machine -- the orange/Black Donald Trump of the Bahamas. Just in time for Halloween.
EasternGate 6 years, 6 months ago
LOL!!!
ohdrap4 6 years, 6 months ago
Excuse me, do you have some grey poupon?
TheMadHatter 6 years, 6 months ago
Hopefully Mrs Hanna Martin will have a chat with Chris Mortimer to see whether her wisdom, experience, and outstanding love of country can be put to use somewhere where it will be appreciated.
themessenger 6 years, 6 months ago
Jolly good, is this the same wisdumb and outstanding love of country Mrs. Hanna Martin displayed when millions of dollars walked out of a certain Ministry that she was in charge of? My recollection is that none of the missing millions were ever recovered and nobody went to jail either. If I was Mr. Mortimer and saw her coming,well, bush crack an I gone.
Honestman 6 years, 6 months ago
Just in private like everything else the corrupt PLP does. Go back to sleep Perry!
DDK 6 years, 6 months ago
"Ms Pindling, the daughter of the country’s FIRST Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling". Not so, Tribune, please check your history.
CatIslandBoy 6 years, 5 months ago
If my memory serves correctly, Sir Lynden O. Pindling was the first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Prior to Independence, the country was governed by a Premier.
TalRussell 6 years, 6 months ago
Comrade Former PM Perry, you headed for five-years a PLP regime that became 'compromised.' What may still never be defined as illegal.... but you has knows so much that was done with the public purse... was so damn wrong?
You has knows that the public purse was so abused to benefit those in, close and connected to the regime's PLP's, and their business associates and family members? You were as PM challenged to address corruption and public purse financial abuse accusations against members the PLP but again - you fell silent? Why was that?
sheeprunner12 6 years, 6 months ago
LORD ....... please just let this old POS die and go to PLP heaven (or hell).
BahamasForBahamians 6 years, 6 months ago
The lord may be kind enough to grant you your wishes, to yourself..
Lets hope someone even notices your gone.
Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 6 months ago
The unjust great wealth accumulated by Christie through corruption cannot be traced through local bank accounts. The bribes and kickbacks he received from foreign governments, foreign corporations and foreign individuals were paid directly into his family's bank accounts in places like Hong Kong and Switzerland. His wry smile instantly tells all of us he has no remorse whatsoever.....in fact, he is laughing out loud at his underlings .... us.....for whining so much about being royally ripped off by him!
sheeprunner12 6 years, 6 months ago
That is why a resolution should be debated in Parliament to freeze the assets of ALL members of the PLP Cabinet until the forensic audits are completed of every Government Department and agency ......... and NO pension for Perry.
SP 6 years, 6 months ago
"The bribes and kickbacks he received from foreign governments, foreign corporations and foreign individuals were paid directly into his family's bank accounts in places like Hong Kong and Switzerland"
Thanks to intricate international money laundering laws, Money leaves an easy to follow digital "paper" trail.
Christie AND Ingraham's goose reached the end of a long rope which U.S. and European fiduciary have been monitoring for decades.
It's just a matter of time. These guys are headed to prison, they know it, and it would surprise no one if they are actively involved in plea bargaining sentences as we speak!
TalRussell 6 years, 6 months ago
http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Comrades! Can You Not Feel The Love The thousands Natives? by TalRussell
sheeprunner12 6 years, 6 months ago
Is he dead yet???????????? ............... Brave wants to know
SP 6 years, 6 months ago
Unscrupulous conniving Perry Christie stopped his stem cell therapy to allow himself look older hoping for mercy in his presumed soon to come charge and incarceration for corruption!
We're going to lock his conniving, stupid, ass up no matter what tricks he tries and Hubert Alexander Ingraham is in the same boat too!
TalRussell 6 years, 6 months ago
Comrades! I thinks the former PM, looks likes he should looks after having the burdens of state lifted from his shoulders. Mind you, that Liquid Copper is said do wonders for ya skin and hair colouring. PM, all the best years ahead from active politics and do go spend some quality leisure time with your former law partner, the fisherman's from Cooper's Town Papa Hubert. Here's to a long, content and healthy retirement, for both former law partners.
birdiestrachan 6 years, 6 months ago
Banker knows well that roc wit doc is Donald Trump in the flesh. besides Both Mr .Small things Symonette and doc admire Trump. Mr: Christie looks well for his age, he is in his seventies. Many should pray to see his age, check out you all boy and make sure he does not get up before the sunrise. the sun may go back in. he is far from comely.
There are no perfect human beings. but Mr: Christie has done much to advance the average Bahaman, Urbane renewal, History will judge him and the PLP well. You folks can never say what has the FNM done to advance the Bahamas or Bahamians.
Love you Mr: Christie Enjoy the rest of the life that The almighty will give to you. It is a gift that none can take from you . enjoy. enjoy.
Honestman 6 years, 6 months ago
"Mr: Christie has done much to advance the average Bahaman,"!!!
Birdiebrain - there is no help for you.
OMG 6 years, 6 months ago
Advance the average Bahamian -UMM!. If that's true then it is at huge financial cost. Birdie study arithmetic and maybe you will understand how the he VAT money was wasted, lowest bid contracts were ignored, millions missing, and borrowing more than the country could afford. Oh does your advancing the average Bahamian include outdated power plants running on expensive fuel, potholed roads, run down clinics, lack of basic medication, lying on a gurney in PMH for hours if not days, Expensive basic food items, double taxation. Yep I feel very advanced ????????
stillwaters 6 years, 6 months ago
He has forgotten that he got fired and doesn't have to be hiding anything anymore........poor thing.......go enjoy your retirement like Mr Ingraham.......now there's a sensible fellow.
screwedbahamian 6 years, 6 months ago
The only Bahamians ADVANCED ( moved forward and upward to a better life) is himself, his family members, his Cabinet friends ( ministers give the presumption that something is expected to be accomplished) their family members, sweethearts, children out of wedlock and friends. Why goes the Bahamian Media keep going back to Disgraced Corrupt Politicians for news, there had to be a time when Bahamians take their deterring way of life serious and look to the future with solutions to make life better for ALL BAHAMIANS..
Porcupine 6 years, 6 months ago
May this country be lifted from the night.
Maynergy 6 years, 6 months ago
Amazon.com: Behind Grey Curtains eBook: P. Carl Gibson: Kindle Store https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Grey-Cu...">https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Grey-Cu... Editorial Reviews. From the Inside Flap. Behind Grey Curtains by P. Carl Gibson is insightful and amazingly helpful when planning any future trips to the islands.
John 6 years, 6 months ago
Christie looks like like a regular old Tarpum Bay paw. He has that Carey, Allen and Chrisite and McCartney blood and all these blood lines age gracefully. But Monique Pindiling put the dirty laundry out for all to see and now the PLP have a choice to wash it clean or stuff it back in the closet with Fwred Mitchell.
baldbeardedbahamian 6 years, 5 months ago
A sad old buffoon called Perry.................. When elected, his vision got blurry........... he could not even see............................... How corrupt his cabinet could be............... But got his pension so he merry.
birdiestrachan 6 years, 5 months ago
BAMSI. Urban Renewal. University of Bahamas. Air space that is all Mr. Perry Christie. and nobody can take these things away from him. He has done well. his record will speak well for him. Pay attention to doc, watch and see what he will do.
CatIslandBoy 6 years, 5 months ago
Come on guys, let's be fair to the "Old Geezer". While he might have been a poor leader, and presided over the worst government in Bahamian history, bar none, there is no evidence to suggest that he was corrupt and amassed millions of dollars in foreign bank accounts. There is no need to attack the man untruthfully, disparaging his character unnecessarily, while ourselves hiding behind fictitious names. Just let history judge him for who he was, and what he did.
ohdrap4 6 years, 5 months ago
could you tell us what he did?
or is there a campaign afoot to replace columbus statue with PGC's effigy?
Politcians and whores become respectable in old age.
birdiestrachan 6 years, 5 months ago
Cat Island the worst Government in Bahamian history is at the present time making their claim to fame as the worst Government ever and will ever be. stay tuned and enjoy the ride. No vision and no plans. Empty promises and spiteful actions yes indeed an abundance of that. .
sheeprunner12 6 years, 5 months ago
Politicians and whores become respectable in old age. .. ................ That's a classic!!!!!
Bahamians should NEVER forget the disgrace and cost that SLOP and PGC brought on the country ......... They should not be celebrated as heroes ......... They were leeches.
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