Parliamentary Reaction: “Shocked, But I Wish My Brother Well”

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GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – One resident shared their sentiment on Iram Lewis’ departure from the official opposition, FNM.

Resident – Nassau, Bahamas:
“I probably would’ve done the same thing. Yes, I would’ve. I definitely would’ve made the same decision.”

The FNM, in a statement Wednesday, thanked Lewis for his many years of service to the party and as the Member of Parliament for Central Grand Bahama. However, they also mentioned that the constituency association recently wrote to the party requesting that Lewis not be renominated as the party’s standard-bearer in the next election.

On Thursday, Lewis’ parliamentary colleagues on the governing PLP side shared their views. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper says his departure proves what they’ve been saying all along, while Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis added that the decision came as a shock.

Chester Cooper – Deputy Prime Minister:
“The FNM is falling apart. The FNM has their share of issues, and I think it’s demonstrated by this defection to the COI.”

Michael Halkitis – Minister of Economic Affairs:
“It was a bit surprising. No doubt, a lot of thought and consideration went into it. Having, as he said himself in his speech, he has grown up in the belly of the FNM. So he was a longstanding member, serving two terms. So I’m sure it was a very agonizing decision for him.”

Meantime, Housing Minister Keith Bell had this to add:

Keith Bell – Minister, Housing:
“I am focused on governance, good governance, and the Progressive Liberal Party. Those other people, they can do whatever it is that they want to do.”

For Lewis’ former cabinet colleague, Darren Henfield, the shock still setting in.

Darren Henfield – Senator, FNM:
“I was shocked by the decision to join the COI. But at the end of the day, it is a democratic process. I determined that that is the best future for him, and I want to take this opportunity to wish my brother well.”

During Lewis’ resignation speech, he said the FNM today is not the same as when he joined. Words this resident seems to agree with.

Resident – Nassau, Bahamas:
“The FNM is falling apart. The FNM is not like it used to be. They’ve got some downfall.”