Free National Movement (FNM) candidate in the North Abaco bye-election Greg Gomez said the endless questions about his Bahamian ties need to end and charged that he is just as Bahamian as the other candidates.
Mr. Gomez said he is tired of people questioning his legitimacy and Bahamian citizenship in the run-up to the upcoming bye-election.
But just over two years ago during the Elizabeth by-election the FNM pummeled Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP Ryan Pinder over his ties, or lack thereof, to The Bahamas.
But, now during the lead up to the North Abaco bye-election it seems the tables have turned as the Mr. Gomez is now being pushed to answer questions about his link to this country and whether or not he was deported from the United States.
“There are reports that I’ve been deported from the United States. I just visited the US the other day and returned right here to Marsh Harbour, with an e-passport,” he said.
“By the way, if I was deported would the United States let me into their country? The answer is no.”
It has been reported that Mr. Gomez spent the last eight years living in the United States, leaving many to question his ties to The Bahamas and specifically North Abaco.
“I am Bahamian,” Mr. Gomez added. “And I am known throughout the length and breadth of Abaco, from Grand Cay to Crown Haven all the way to Dundas and Central Pines. Abaco knows me.”
Mr. Gomez’s competitors in the race have long contended that he was not qualified to run in this race.
In fact, now retired North Abaco MP and former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham even held off his resignation for a few days to allow Mr. Gomez to sort out residency issues.
But for FNM Chairman Darron Cash these issues have been cleared up and this is a non-issue.
“What (the PLP) is raising is very much a red herring,” Mr. Cash said. “The test that the leaders of the PLP ought to abide by when it comes to a relationship with the United States is whether or not they are free and clear to go into the United States and get back to The Bahamas.”
“Greg Gomez has already, since the time that he has been seeking the nomination, been to the United States and back. I challenge them whether or not there are some members of his government that can do the same.”
The bye-election is scheduled for October 15.
