Premier Michael Dunkley has formally extended congratulatory remarks to the new Prime Minister of the Bahamas following the General Election held on May 10th.
In an excerpt from the letter to Dr Hubert Minnis, the Premier wrote: “…Bermuda is proud of our good relations with the Bahamas, and on behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, I extend heartfelt congratulations on your victory. During your campaign, you offered the people of the Bahamas renewed hope and the promise of a prosperous future for all. Our hope is that you are supported as you progress forward. Please accept our very best wishes as you and your colleagues work to provide the people of the Bahamas with the strong and committed leadership they deserve.”
Caribbean media news outlets are terming the General Election victory “an indictment on the politics” of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). The Antillean Media Group said voters delivered “a crushing defeat to Perry Christie’s PLP in a 35-4 parliamentary split”.
The report states: “Minnis’ Free National Movement (FNM) party secured the exit of virtually all of the PLPs senior political hierarchy, with former Prime Minister, Perry Christie, losing his Centreville seat to an FNM political newcomer, Reece Chipman.”
The report also said: “Allegations of PLP corruption and arrogance dominated the keenly-contested election campaign, with the 73-year-old Christie weeks ago earning the ire of the electorate as he defiantly boasted that ‘not even God’ could stop him.
“The extensive delay to the opening of the $4 billion Chinese-backed Baha Mar mega-resort, as well as allegations of rent-seeking PLP officials, dogged the incumbent administration and gave momentum to Minnis’ platform for transparency and Bahamian ownership of the economy. Controversial new taxes amid sluggish economic performance, rising unemployment and extensive crime were also major irritants against the Christie government.”
The report goes on to state: “According to IMF data, The Bahamas saw four consecutive years without economic growth during the Christie administration’s five-year term
