By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY 60 Exuma residents gathered last week to express “overwhelming support” for a new Progressive Liberal Party candidate in the 2017 general election, The Tribune understands.

Member of Parliament Anthony Moss currently represents Exuma and has won the seat three consecutive times.

However, according to official minutes of a meeting of leaders of the PLP Exuma constituency obtained by The Tribune, 56 PLPs expressed the desire to have a new candidate, one person did not vote and another failed to indicate clearly whether they would still support the three-time current MP.

Questions were also raised during the meeting over whether the branch could soon begin the groundwork to gather support for I Chester Cooper, a banking executive, as a potential candidate.

The PLPs came together at the Exuma Taxi Union Building at the Moss Town International Airport on April 7 to discuss the way forward for the constituency. Attending were stalwart councillors, Women’s Branch members and PLP Young Liberals, The Tribune understands.

“Discussions with the present member of Parliament, the honourable Anthony Moss, were held asking him to step aside for another candidate and that he should look for a building to house the Office of the Prime Minister here in Exuma,” the minutes read.

“Subsequent to this (it was discussed) that he should introduce the new candidate who appears to be Mr Chester Cooper.

“Since these discussions were held months ago, Mr Moss seems to have made no effort in these regards but rather stating publicly his intention to offer himself for re-election in 2017, leading to much discussions and confusion.

“This being said, we are here tonight as leaders in the various communities and supporters of the Progressive Liberal Party of the Exuma constituency to state which direction we want to go.”

The minutes continued: “(It was) asked if anyone knew Mr Cooper’s political background as we don’t want a repeat in elected candidates walking across the floor. A few persons suggested he came from a family of strong PLPs and it was stated that Mr Cooper was one of the persons during the last election that assisted the party financially.”

When contacted for comment, former Exuma MP George Smith said while he credits Mr Moss for his good intentions, his limitations have greatly affected progress on the island.

He urged the PLP to commit to finding a candidate with the ability to serve in the interest of Exuma constituents. He also suggested the island be split into two constituencies, to better serve its needs.

He said: “I am aware that a meeting of some 50 PLPs took place at the airport of Great Exuma. I commend those who were in attendance on their display of addressing all matters which is a concern to the people of Exuma and I hope that the practice of bodies of people continue to meet and rule.

“An honest assessment would show that Exuma has not had proper representation for the past 19 years and it’s not worked to the benefit of the people of Exuma and many missed opportunities are the result of that.

“I credit Mr Moss for his good intentions and his dedication to the people of Exuma, however his limitations greatly impacted his effectiveness. Nevertheless I hope that Mr Moss is treated with respect.”

“Exuma used to have two seats and Exuma was represented effectively during those periods. I hope that a fair Boundaries Commission has to meet and report before the next general election to see the wisdom and the good sense of restoring Exuma to two seats along with the Jumento Cays that make up the Ragged Island chain,” Mr Smith said.