FNM excluded from Majority Rule celebrations

By TAMARA McKENZIE Guardian Staff Reporter

"We have no plans to celebrate majority rule with the Progressive Liberal Party, as we have not been invited to any activities," claimed the leader of the Free National Movement, Tommy Turnquest Friday.

As today marks 37 years since the PLP won enough seats in the 1967 general elections to usher in the first majority government, Mr. Turnquest told the Guardian in a telephone interview that majority rule day is widely known to be a "PLP day".

He explained that the service held last year in commemoration of majority rule was considered to a be a "PLP event" and until any real efforts are made to depoliticize it would continue to be observed by PLPs.

PLP Chairman, Raynard Rigby, told The Guardian that the PLP did not "directly" invite the official opposition to join in the celebrations, as the FNM was officially invited last year, but "things did not work out."

"As you may recall, we invited them last year and it turned into an unnecessary political issue.

We thought this year, it would be best not to turn the celebrations into a political issue and we will spend the time solemnly reflecting on the importance of this day for all Bahamians," he said.

When asked his opinion on declaring Jan. 10 a national holiday, Turnquest said a lot of holidays already exist in The Bahamas and it would be "difficult" to add another.

"When we (FNM) examined making heroes day a holiday, it was said by many that we could not have an additional day."

Mr. Rigby said Friday that declaring Jan 10 a national holiday, is a fitting tribute to those brave, courageous and fearless soldiers who were instrumental in the winning of the 1967 general elections and who made significant contributions to the building of the modern Bahamas.

Also on Thursday, Bahamas in Prophecy, a religious based organization, called on government to appoint a special, non-partisan committee, to review and make recommendations to memorialize majority rule day (Jan. 10) and designate Jan.14 a national holiday.

The PLP is expected to hold a thanksgiving service tomorrow morning to commemorate the attainment of majority rule.

The 9:30 a.m. service in New Providence will be held at the Mt. Tabor Cathedral and at the East Upper Zion Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. in Grand Bahama.

POSTED Saturday, January 10, 2004

© 2003 The Nassau Guardian