By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

CHAIRMAN Michael Pintard last night called the Free National Movement “the most powerful political organisation” in the country as the party officially introduced two of its general election 2017 candidates.

The party has ratified Dr Duane Sands and Shonel Ferguson to run on its election ticket in the Elizabeth and Fox Hill constituencies respectively.

During the joint constituency meeting last night at the Doris Johnson Senior High School, party leader Dr Hubert Minnis told scores of supporters that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is historically the most scandalous government to ever lead the country.

He said the FNM will remain as one, despite naysayers and doubters who do not believe it is capable of becoming the next governing party. 

Before the FNM leader addressed the crowd, Dr Sands and Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest repeated calls for supporters to rally around Dr Minnis and support his vision for the country.

“FNMs we are all together tonight and we will always be together, we are a party who will remain together with one voice, one team, one party and as one people,” the Killarney MP said.

Speaking to Fox Hill constituents, he continued: “You were with us in 1997 and we want you back. Like the song says, ‘Oh baby give me one more chance. Give me one more chance to show you that I love you. I was blind to let you go, but now I can see.’ I see you in his arms but God says come back.” 

“Perry Christie and this PLP has without a doubt been the worst government in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Scandal after scandal is all we hear nowadays. We will not forget the BAMSI fire insurance and then for 35 students at BAMSI they built a cafeteria seven times the size of College of the Bahamas’ cafeteria. Then they tell me that they are negotiating to give the Chinese 10,000 acres of property and you can’t even get one.

“When we talk about scandal, the Alfred Gray magistrate matter, scandal. The Rubis oil spill, scandal. Urban Renewal Small homes repair, scandal - and have they found the missing money at the post office? And what about the $1m over spent in the Ministry of Education?

“I ask them where is the money? Who put their hand in the cookie jar? I say to them give me my money. I want my money back.”

Dr Minnis said under his leadership, Bahamians will own a portion of the economy. He further promised promotions based on meritocracy in the public sector and not seniority. He said this is expected to keep young Bahamians in the country.

Last week the FNM officially introduced Howard Johnson for the South Beach constituency and Halston Moultrie as the hopeful for Nassau Village.