Branville McCartney says: ...move this, our beloved country, forward toward the future of empowerment that has been promised to us for almost 40 years

Branville McCartney
Press Release –
10th April, 2011


I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Right Honorable Prime Minister for his support and assistance over the years, particularly in support of me as the representative for Bamboo Town in 2007, as well as the Junior Minister of Tourism and Aviation and the Minister of State for Immigration. During my term, I represented the government and the Bahamian people to the best of my ability. I did those things that I believed were agreed upon by the present government. I know that I did my best. I have no regrets, and may have further comments in the future.

However, for now, I am humbled and honored by the overwhelming show of love and support that I have received from Bahamians of all walks of life, at home and abroad, particularly those in the great constituency of Bamboo Town, since my resignation from the Free National Movement.

In recent days, I have also been overcome with humility by the growing number of people who have come forward to express their interest in working along with me to move this, our beloved country, forward toward the future of empowerment that has been promised to us for almost 40 years.

I do want the public to know, as I noted in my address to the House of Assembly on the 23rd March 2011, that when I entered public life, I did so because I saw Bahamian families who were beginning to feel trapped and powerless in a society that appeared to be imploding all around them. I did so because I recognized a force of complacency in our youth, brought on by years of neglect and disrespect, which was draining them of all self- respect to the point that they were, and still are, failing out of society in larger numbers than ever before. I said that I was motivated by the idea that I could possibly be one of a new generation of public servants who could offer a clear vision of meaningful change and be that difference when it came to shaping the future direction of what is, potentially, the greatest nation in the world. I want the Bahamian public to know that my intentions remain the same and I remain steadfast and committed to that purpose.

As I also noted in the House of Assembly on that day, I remain steadfast to ensuring that our society, from Grand Bahama to Inagua, Long Island to Rum Cay, from Bain Town to my beloved constituency of Bamboo Town, will continue, on an even greater scale, to be a society free from the forces of complacency, oppression, insensitivity, bitterness, and self-doubt – a society where people will feel safe and secure both in and out of their homes; a place where people will feel like people again. As I continue my work in this vein, I again wish to thank the many people of our great country for their encouragement.

To the people of Bamboo Town and The Bahamas, when you next hear from me publicly, I will not be alone in presenting a real vision and mission plan for our country that will speak to your desires, your dreams, and your possibilities.

Like America, who against all odds elected its first Black President; like Trinidad, with its first female Prime Minister; and like Haiti, electing “underdog” musician Michel Martelly as President, it is my utmost belief that together, as a people united, Bahamians and The Bahamas, will join other countries around the world in redefining what is possible.

I ask all to remain encouraged and know that I am using my time away wisely and creatively to ensure that the next government of The Bahamas will be prepared to represent them well, by putting together a plan that will once again put people first.

I close with a paraphrased version of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

Therefore, do not lose heart. Although, as a country, outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. These momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal greatness that will far out-weigh all the troubles we are experiencing now. So fix your eyes not on what you see, but on what is yet to be seen.

Continue to keep me, my family, and our beloved country in your prayers.

Bahamas Blog International