By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

OUTGOING Minister of Environment Phenton Neymour has attributed the FNM’s defeat to the depressed economy and the party’s heavily criticised infrastructure development plan.

He also said his loss in the Exuma constituency was only ‘a detour and not a stop sign’ in his political career.

“I had expected to do much better,” he said.

“Basically I had won the majority of the polling stations in Exuma but I lost heavily in two polling divisions, which contributed to my defeat. But the results, I’ve always said, are the act of God.”

When results started coming in and he realised the PLP was set to win the election, Mr Neymour said he began to ‘look at the issues’ the FNM faced during their tenure, trying to identify those which could have possibly influenced voters.

“Going through my mind were some of those many challenges we faced over the five years – that we overcame – but may have negatively influenced voters,” he said.

“I know the economy influenced it significantly, I know the promises made by the PLP influenced it, I also know that some may have had other issues in regards to our infrastructural development.

“At the end of the day, we’ll do an assessment and see where we go.”

Mr Neymour made it clear that he and the FNM will not disappear.

He has already met and thanked various constituents and community leaders in Exuma.

“I feel very good to know that I’ve gotten the support of some key individuals in the Exuma constituency,” Mr Neymour said. “I will continue my fight. I’ve already begun now - I only see this as a detour and not necessarily a stop a sign. . . I’m in Exuma.

“I’m talking with people now who gave their support and I don’t intend to go anywhere.”

As for the FNM, he said: “We’re going to regroup, I am sure. We’re going to caucus, we’re going to have to restructure and ensure that the PLP lives up to the promises that they made. Also, hold them accountable and ensure that transparency, which is a part of our party’s platform, is maintained.”

Mr Neymour said of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham’s retirement from politics: “The first thing I want to say about the former Prime Minister is I believe he’s a true diplomat and he believes in conducting business in an honourable way.

“After losing the General Election and after contributing for so many years that was his decision - he made the decision to move on, to enjoy private life, and that is demonstrating statesmanship and great leadership. I learned a lot from him and I’m indeed very pleased to have served under him, in his government, and as a minister.”