It was originally slated to be held last week Tuesday, but postponed due to Prime Minister Perry Christie’s illness. However, members and supporters of the Free National Movement will officially kick off a series of rallies leading up to the 2007 general elections with an initial “report card” rally tonight at the Prince Charles Shopping Centre.
The rally will begin at 7:30p.m. and FNM members, including its leader, Tommy Turnquest are expected to assess and grade the performance of the Progressive Liberal Party since it took office three years ago on May 2, 2002.
Last week, the Party decided that it would be inappropriate to hold a rally attacking the government and its leader on the same day that the prime minister was admitted to hospital with severe hypertension. The FNM said they were sensitive to the fact that although they engage in daily political activity, there is a time for everything, but on Monday, the Party’s leader said the rally would take place with a number of important issues to be aired, foremost among which is the recent heads of Agreement signed with Baha Mar Development Co. Ltd. to overhaul the Cable Beach strip.
The Party will also critique the government’ s prolonged decision on liquefied natural gas [LNG], the Caribbean Single Market and Economy [CSME] and Holy Cross MP Sidney Stubbs.
After being absent for over a year, Mr Stubbs resumed his seat in the House of Assembly last week when the Privy Council set aside his bankruptcy order. However, it has been reported that the Free National Movement may pursue other avenues to ensure that former Holy Cross Member of Parliament Carl Bethel recaptures that seat in a bye-election.
According to a press statement released by the FNM last week, after three years in office the PLP is viewed as the most “ineffective and useless government in our nation’s history.”
Speakers at the rally will include: Party leader, Tommy Turnquest; National Chairman, Carl Bethel; Montagu MP Brent Symonette and Lucaya MP Neko Grant.
By TAMARA McKENZIE, Nassau Guardian Staff Reporter
