THE opposition Free National Movement claims that the government is about to fire more than 20 staff from various Urban Renewal centres.

In a statement issued last night, the party said: "It has come to the attention of the Free National Movement that the PLP government is getting ready to terminate a large number of Urban Renewal officers.

"We are reliably informed that some 22 individuals, inclusive of managers and facilitators, will be jobless by the end of June.

"This will have a devastating impact on many hard-working Bahamians and their families."

The FNM noted that the PLP claims to put Bahamians first, but said such an action would be a clear demonstration that they are prepared to throw Bahamians "onto the unemployment line."

The party said: "This naked and shameless act of victimisation of which the PLP government is set to engage will be protested and resisted by the FNM. The FNM has annually renewed all Urban Renewal staff since 2007 without regard to political affiliation.

"The Free National Movement cries shame on the Christie administration which says that it believes in Bahamians, but in fact only truly cares about PLP Bahamians."