The Free National Movement (FNM) on Tuesday celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its historic win in the 1992 General Elections and recounted the many successes and achievements the party has enjoyed since breaking the Pindling-era.

Prior to that win at the polls 22 years ago, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) then led by former Prime Minister the late Sir Lynden Pindling was in power for 25 years.

FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said in a statement that the FNM’s time in government was transformative adding that the tremendous evidence of their work is manifested on every island and cay in this country.

“I am humbled and proud to lead this Party given our record. While the FNM has not always gotten it right, our heart has been in the right place,” he said. “On this the 22nd anniversary of the tremendous and historic first victory of the Free National Movement in the General Elections held on August 19, 1992, we pause to reflect upon the transformative achievements of the three successive FNM governments elected by the Bahamian people.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Hubert A. Ingraham the FNM firstly consolidated the dream of democracy which motivated the visionary founders of our party.”

Dr. Minnis added that it was with the leadership of the former prime minister that the FNM immediately moved to reinvigorate the Bahamian economy by renewing the economic vitality of Grand Bahama and in revitalising the national economy by attracting the massive redevelopment of Paradise Island through the attraction of the Sun International investment.

“The Arawak Cay Fish Fry was developed as a world renowned Cultural Centre by the FNM, after the PLP led debacle of massive Conch poisoning in 1991 and 19922 led to the collapse of economic activity on Potters Cay,” Dr. Minnis added. “Hair Braiders were licensed, regularised, and established on the Prince George Wharf, after generations of being run off Bay Street. The FNM rebuilt the World Famous Nassau Straw Market, which the PLP had allowed to stand in ruins for five years.

“Under the FNM, the minds of Bahamians were freed from censorship and government control by the opening of the airwaves to private Bahamian-owned radio and television stations. The world of information was opened to every Bahamian household through the introduction of a nationwide cable television system. It was the FNM which opened up a world of academic opportunities to thousands upon thousands of Bahamians, firstly with the Educational Loan Programme, and more recently with the system of National Scholarship Grants of up to $10,000.00 per annum to thousands of deserving students studying at The College of The Bahamas and colleges and universities abroad.”

According to Dr. Minnis, the FNM modernised the systems of securing annual motor licensing, modernised, rationalised and removed political interference from the process of shop and business licensing and has now greatly improved traffic flows, eliminated the clogged roads and intersections with the new road layout.

The party also reminded that in 2002 it took a stand for women’s rights and for equality and noted that today.

“Today the PLP, which voted for and then opposed the FNM’s attempt to secure equal rights for Bahamian men, women and children, is seeking to achieve the FNM’s vision, which they opposed in 2002,” Dr. Minnis’ statement added. “There is nothing different in substance between the PLP’s effort today, and the FNM’s effort in 2002.

“Today the PLP have matured to the point where they can now embrace the FNM’s vision and initiative, and seek to attain the equal status of Bahamian men and women which they had so bitterly opposed in 2002. On behalf of the Free National Movement I wish to thank those thousands of Bahamians who on three occasions entrusted the government of The Bahamas to our care.”