‘PM should have returned to nation after robbery’

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie should have returned to the country immediately following the armed robbery of his Deputy Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and his wife, according to Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

He further criticised Mr Davis for acting as though there was not a “breach of National Security at the highest level” bevause he still travelled to Exuma hours after the ordeal on government business.

Such actions, Dr Minnis said during a press conference at his party’s headquarters, have shown criminals that they are in total control of the country.

Mr Christie is attending the memorial and funeral service of former South African President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. He left along with a delegation on Sunday, December 8.  In his absence, Mr Davis is the Acting Prime Minister.

Dr Minnis said: “The Acting Prime Minister jumped onto a plane, headed off to the Exumas as if the very fabric of our democracy was not threatened, as if the armed robbery of the acting Commander in Chief was no big deal. 

“Prime Minister Perry Christie continued on his journey to South Africa as if  nothing serious had happened, as if the incident involved some petty street justice, with individuals known to each other, nothing for the good people of the Bahamas to get too stressed about.

“Are they serious? Why are they down-playing the most serious breach of national security in our country’s history?

“A serious Prime Minister would have returned to town immediately and reassured a shocked and fear-filled nation that we and not the criminals are firmly in control.

“A serious Prime Minister would take serious action and  announce a full shake-up of his national security team given their admitted failure to address crime as promised as highlighted by their failure to provide adequate protection for the Acting Prime Minister.

“It is crystal clear that as the minister in charge of Urban Renewal has been held hostage in a home invasion, Urban Renewal 2.0 has failed.”

Dr Minnis said the FNM was committed to lend its help to the government.

“My colleagues and I in the FNM remain firm in our resolve to work hand in hand with the Christie Administration to break the back of crime. We are ready, willing and able to present solutions to this national catastrophe.”

Comments

dollarsnsense says...

What is this guy talking about. Though I despise the current government, there is no need for the PM to return home. 1. It doesn't resolve anything 2. It undermines the duties of his deputy, making it seem as if he has no confidence in him 3. Why shouldn't Brave finish his agenda? should he sit home and cry about it? the show must go on. Minnis needs to stop whining about everything. I lack confidence in his leadership skills just as much as Perry's. Man up son!

Posted 11 December 2013, 3:25 p.m. Suggest removal

henny says...

On most occasions I would agree with Dr. Minnis, but this time I disagree. What would the PM do but get off the long plane ride home and say "I am TOO TIRED to answer any questions" He was in South Africa. Planes don't run every 5 minutes, It wasn't like he was in Miami!! Mr. Davis apparently had no problem with him not being here and did what he was scheduled to do.

Posted 11 December 2013, 4:59 p.m. Suggest removal

ThisIsOurs says...

Hmmm, I'm not sure about the legs on this argument...if the DPM had been seriously injured yeah he should have come back, I don't think it was necessary otherwise unless there's some protocol....

Posted 11 December 2013, 4:59 p.m. Suggest removal

John says...

The only thing Perry Christie could have accomplished if he had returned from South Africa was missed Nelson Mandela's funeral. ANd crime is still going on.

Posted 11 December 2013, 5:49 p.m. Suggest removal

B_I_D___ says...

Dr. Minnis definitely missed the mark on this one...it was not THAT urgent a situation to recall the PM from AFRICA half way around the world. Was it bad, and a serious breach, yes, but it was contained, I am sure the DPM's residence is like Fort Knox right now. He is not hurt, and the business of running the country should continue. If he was injured and in hospital or something along those lines, then yes, do what you have to to return. Sorry dear Dr....don't have your back on this one.

Posted 12 December 2013, 9:31 a.m. Suggest removal

B_I_D___ says...

Laughing at LBT in the pic...sure it is just a file photo, but her expression in this instance pretty much sums it up...LOL

Posted 12 December 2013, 9:33 a.m. Suggest removal

positiveinput says...

lol like dude you still gone running on with that after we done say don't mention nothing.

Posted 12 December 2013, 10:51 a.m. Suggest removal

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