By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

AFTER 24 years in frontline politics, Neko Grant, FNM MP for Central Grand Bahama, announced that he will not be seeking re-election, but will remain a member of the Free National Movement.

And while he said his decision not to run again was first announced in 2012, Mr Grant also criticised the current state of the Official Opposition, saying democracy “is fading” in the FNM and it is not the party he knew 25 years ago.

He also criticised those in the FNM who have dragged him through the mud and accused him of not doing anything to help the party.

Mr Grant – the longest serving FNM MP in the history of the party - made the announcement at his Bahama Terrace home on Sunday, supported by his wife, Barbara, son, Neko Grant II, his two grandchildren, and sister, Violet Wright.

Mr Grant believes that the FNM is challenged in more areas than one, and said that many changes need to be made now if the party wants to win the 2017 general election.

Despite being criticised by some party members, the FNM MP said that his conscience is clear and his heart is pure.

“I have been vilified by some, and demonised by others, but it didn’t bother me because I knew I did the best I could. I also supported the leader, and I have documents and I trust I will not have to produce them to prove where I have done that,” he said.

“But to be dragged in the mud by a senior member of the party is unacceptable, and for him to suggest I have done nothing and I do nothing, and that because I differ from the views of the leader that I am committing treason, well he has destroyed his legacy,” Mr Grant said, referring to senior FNM Maurice Moore.

“What did he do when he and several others voted against Sir Lynden O Pindling in Parliament? Was Sir Lynden not elected in convention by the Bahamian people and after eight of them voted against him he still enjoyed the support of the majority of the members of Parliament? That is something that Dr Minnis has never had in recent times. If there were six of us of the 10, that tends to be the majority who differed from him.”

Mr Grant was one of six FNM parliamentarians who stood against FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis and wrote a letter to the party’s Central Council outlining the Killarney MP’s weaknesses as a leader.

Mr Grant added: “Democracy in the FNM seems to be fading and the FNM that you and I would have known 25 years ago, is not the FNM that it is today. If they are to be successful there has to be a lot of changes made, not yesterday, but now.”

When asked if he will remain involved in the party, the MP said that he believes he is still a valuable member of the FNM.

“I have had the privilege of winning five consecutive elections, I believe I know how and what it takes to win elections, but what role I will play is to be determined,” he said.

He said that he was very satisfied with his accomplishments over the years while serving as a member of Parliament and as a former Cabinet minister in the Ingraham administration.

When asked by The Tribune why he made the announcement at this time, Mr Grant said: “I think now the time is right; they need to find a candidate to replace me and this gives them ample time to do so.”

Mr Grant said he indicated in April 2012 after he was nominated that it would be his last election cycle. He said he also informed Dr Minnis of his decision in May 2012.

Mr Grant, who has played an esteemed role since joining the party in 1974, said that he will always remain an FNM.

“When I put my family, my life, and limb on the line in 1992, I don’t know where many of those who purport to be these great FNMs were…and I will remain an FNM.”

Mr Grant was first elected as the MP for Lucaya on August 19, 1992 when the FNM was first elected to office. He was re-elected in March 1997, in May 2002, May 2007 and again in May 2012 for the newly created constituency of Central Grand Bahama.

During his political career, Mr Grant served as chairman of the Grand Bahama Housing Commission from 1992-1997 and as chairman of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation from 2000-2002.

Following the election in 2007, Mr Grant was appointed minister of tourism and aviation for one year. In July 2008, he was appointed minister of public works and transport.

Mr Grant recalled that his service as minister of public works was most rewarding, particularly because of the execution of his first road works contract in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, and Harbour Island in the amount of some $16 million.

The MP thanked the people of Lucaya and Central Grand Bahama for their confidence, love and support in the five consecutive elections. He also thanked members of “Neks Team” in Lucaya and Central Grand Bahama for their hard work and support over the years.

Last night, Dr Minnis released a statement thanking Mr Grant for his contributions to the FNM.

“Mr Grant has served with distinction and we celebrate his long and unwavering commitment to the principles of the Free National Movement and his dedication to his constituents, all of Grand Bahama and to the Bahamian people as he serves out the remainder of his term in office,” Dr Minnis said. “We wish Mr Grant and his family God-speed in their future endeavours.”