Deputy leader hopeful of the Free National Movement (FNM) Dr. Duane Sands says he believes Prime Minister Perry Christie has held on too long and has caused the damage to the country.
Dr. Sands added that he believes its time for fresh blood in the government.
“I think Perry Christie has clearly hung on well past his period of intellectual and administrative creativity and drive. The country is suffering as a result,” he said.
“You can call Perry Christie lots of things; fresh blood is not one of them. Whether you like him or not.”
Dr. Sands said he believes the process which him and MP for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner are going though is a matter of democracy, the same answer Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis gave.
“Certainly every country in the world, there are democratic processes that take place.
“Individuals according to the convention of the various political organizations are able to challenge at convention. Not is not only orderly it’s appropriate, its democratic. The same thing can happen within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)the problem is that the PLP is so frightened to allow democracy to reign that they will hold onto leaders well after their used by date.
Dr. Sands referred to “The Father of the Nation” Sir Lynden Pindling, who in his view held onto to leadership too long.
The MP for Long Island along with the recently appointed senator announced their bid to run for leadership of the FNM this week.
Dr. Sands said he is knowledgeable about other candidates who wish to run for positions of leadership within the FNM; however, did not reveal to The Journal those persons.
Dr. Minnis announced the launch of his official campaign “Roc wit Doc” to take place today at Our Lady’s Catholic Church parking lot at 7:30 p.m.; however, The Butler-Turner/ Sands team will also host its launch tonight.
Their launch will be just a half hour before in front of Parliament at 7:00 p.m.
“We will lay out our plans for the future,” Dr. Sands said.
“We will reveal the slogan under which we will run and we will be campaigning under the theme “forward together.”
