I wish to formally advise the Bahamian Public that today I have informed the Honourable Speaker of The House of Assembly, that I have removed myself from participation and membership in the Progressive Liberal Party’s Parliamentary Caucus.  Additionally, I have resigned my membership from the Progressive Liberal Party, effective immediately.  I now serve as the Independent Member of Parliament for the Kennedy Constituency.

Seven years ago I entered public life a young idealist, devoid of cynicism.  Today, I see things as they truly are.  I see now what Kennedy meant when he endeavoured to be ‘an idealist without delusion’.

Mounted on one of my walls is a prized painting of Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and His Excellency The Governor General, Arthur D. Hanna.  I joined the Progressive Liberal Party, the Party of Pindling, Butler and Hanna because I believe in certain concepts which the Party traditionally embraced.  I believe that Bahamians should be first and primary in their own country.  I believe in the meritocracy which these architects of the modern Bahamas espoused when they opined, ‘that the only barrier to a man’s advancement should be based on his abilities, or his lack thereof’.

Upon my re-election to Parliament I vowed that I would uphold principles such as these and endeavour to make them clear and palpable in the body politic.  Alas however, many in public life now seem trapped in the quagmire of character assassination, self aggrandizement and catering to special interest.  Well, this is not for me!  I will not go that way!  Mine shall not be that course!

I was elected by the good people of the great constituency of Kennedy to serve.  Unfortunately however, my previous partisan affiliation threatens to render that service encumbered, deficient and compromised.  I do not intend to spend the entirety of this Parliamentary Session defending legacies and decisions to promote the advancement of the few.  Rather, I shall spend this time trying to create a better Bahamas, a glorious country for us all.

To my beloved Constituents, I wish to advise that this course of action was considered, pondered and deliberated for the better part of the last three (3) months.  It is not easy to leave a familiar place to venture into new and uncharted territories.  But it is there that my conscience leads me and I must answer this greater call.

I am not a man known for Bible pounding or scripture quoting.  For my part, I have always believed that a man’s religious convictions are matters for him and his God.  Not withstanding the same however, I do have some knowledge of the Bible.  Therefore, on an occasion such as this, I cannot help but recall the words of St. Paul in his Second Letter to the Corinthians.  At verse eight (8) he explains to those nascent Christians the paradox of Ministry.  Those words seem so very appropriate now…….. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed”.

I pray that God will strengthen me for present and future works and forgive me for past failings.  But paramount at this time, I pray that He will bless my Constituents in Kennedy and indeed The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Today I rededicate my life’s purpose to bringing about manifest and positive change for the Kennedy Constituency and the entire Bahamas!

Date:  10th January, 2008

From:  Kenyatta Gibson (MP)
Independent Member of Parliament Kennedy Constituently

Subject: Response to Press Release of Perry Christie

I was not surprised to read the Press Release issued by the soon to be former Leader of the PLP.  It is a typical example of the kind of reptilian and treacherous behaviour of which I complained in my Press Release of the 9th January, 2008.  Mr. Christie is a master of character assassination and an expert proponent of self aggrandizement.  Indeed all would recall how on every available occasion during his term in office he took the opportunity to remind the country that he spoke “as Prime Minister of The Bahamas”…… as if he would have allowed us to forget it.”

This washed up, has been, egotist may as well claim that he created the world in seven (7) days, as it is clear from his Release that he fancies himself on god of sorts.

I had hoped to depart in peace.  I had deliberately withheld any further comment in order to foster an atmosphere of peace.  But that is not Mr. Christie’s way.  Mr. Christie knows full and well the background behind my re-nomination as he made many promises to me as regards the same. But it is now convenient for him to distort those events.  Again no surprise!

Mr. Christie has once again revealed himself to be the cowardly bully that many in his Party know him to be.  He cannot discipline the older boys and girls in the high school, so instead he walks over the primary school and beats up the younger children.

I understand that there may be some ambiguity as regards my said Press Release.  So as to make it clear I wish the record to reflect that Perry Christie is no longer fit to lead the Party of Pindling, Butler & Hanna.  He is arch-mediocrity, captain of all things small and petty, master of all things which are insignificant and void.  He is best described as the man who is an expert at using shallow words dressed up in glittering phrases.  His word and promises count for nothing!

Mr. Christie, let me offer you some advice that most of your Parliamentary colleagues speak of privately behind your back.  They are the words which Cromwell uttered an English Parliament, “You have sat too long here for any good that you have done, Sir!  Depart I say, and let have done with you!  In the name of God, go!