JAMES ALBURY, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister in Abaco and MP for Central and South Abaco. Photo: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
CENTRAL and South Abaco MP James Albury says he is not seeking re-election but will instead step back from frontline politics to do what’s best for his family.
Mr Albury, who won 66 percent of the vote in 2017, is the parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister in Abaco.
He told The Tribune yesterday he informed Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis of his intention not to run earlier this year, insisting it was a personal move and not one the Free National Movement forced him to make.
He said Central and South Abaco residents deserve an MP who can give them their full attention, something he “certainly” can’t do.
“I would have met with the Prime Minister earlier this year and given him my reasons as to why I didn’t want to run again. He accepted that and was very understanding. There was no pressure from any corner to force me out, this was a strictly personal decision.”
Mr Albury, 27, said ever since he was elected, he considered whether a position in frontline politics was something he wanted to continually pursue.
“Politics is a very stressful, overwhelming field to be involved in,” he said. “It’s always been a high-pressure job, which was fine, I knew and prepared for that. But my wife and I want to start a family of our own and want to pursue other avenues in our professional and social lives.”
Asked if he enjoyed his time on the frontline, he said: “In retrospect, politics is a really difficult field to be in. Thousands of people depend on the decisions you make and the actions you take.
“I’d say I enjoyed it. I’m still very passionate about politics and national service. It’s something I’m really grateful for, that I had the opportunity to do this.”
Mr Albury said Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged Abaco in 2019, affected his decision.
“It weighed on me,” he said. “Not only in my constituency, but in my personal life. My family lost just about everything in the storm. We lost quite a bit as well. It was a damaging experience. It took a great deal from us. The pressure in the constituency turned way up and there were so many more problems overnight. It caused a lot of pressure and a lot of things that needed to be done. It was not the only reason for my decision, but it played a factor just like every other in my life.”
Comments
proudloudandfnm 3 years, 2 months ago
Yeah man. Get as far away from minnis as you can.
tribanon 3 years, 2 months ago
You can say that again!
TalRussell 3 years, 2 months ago
Central and South Abaco's Comrade Jimmy, hasn't yet much-advanced still so young age since October 14th, 1993, claims em's are tired, Mr. Minnis? More like, em's lack of the maturity face certain reelection rejection by the very Abacoians that House-elected him in1994.
TigerB 3 years, 2 months ago
I remind you all that the MP Renardo Curry step down too after his 5 years.. I guess he was getting away from Perry... I don't think so. he had sense. Bahaiams are a difficult people...they are spoil for hands outs
tribanon 3 years, 2 months ago
And the very incompetent, arrogant, nasty and vindictive Minnis has created a situation where the vast majority of our people are now living from one handout to the next. And Doofas Minnis thinks that's good governance and leadership on his part. What a joke!!!!
BONEFISH 3 years, 2 months ago
Renardo Curry did not step down. He was defeated by Minister Darren Henfield in the 2017 general election.
James Albury is simply a poor MP. His performance both in and out of parliament has been dismal. H e basically disappeared to many of his constituents after hurricane Dorian.
FrustratedBusinessman 3 years, 2 months ago
I feel really bad for this dude, he gave up his US citizenship to get involved with the clownshow known as Bahamian politics. At least Ryan Pinder was able to get set up with Deltec and then Graham Thompson after leaving the political scene. James is still young and has a whole life ahead of him stuck in a country with declining economic prospects. Must suck to be in his shoes right now.
licks2 3 years, 2 months ago
Why did he had to give up his US citizenship? He is just an MP. . .no need to give it up. . .I DON'T THINK!!
Hoda 3 years, 2 months ago
I don't think he was prepared for the unreasonableness and silliness of Bahamians nor the reality of the job after dorian and covid. He should of ran for local govt like he said he wanted. Like .... said anyone getting into Bahamian politics looking for thanks, for Bahamians not to say things about you that find expedient in the moment, straight out lie, shouldn't do.
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