freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/292259486755 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 7/28/2008
Last Visited: 7/28/2008
Addressing the huge number of Abaco residents on Saturday, who gathered for a testimonial banquet in honour of Robert Percival Sweeting in Marsh Harbour, the Prime Minister displayed much emotion as he spoke highly of Sweeting, whom he believed has all his life sowed virtue and was well deserving of honour.
...
And, I thank the organizers for giving me the opportunity to pay tribute to an Abaconian, a man of Man-o-War, a great Bahamian, my friend, our friend, Robert Percival Sweeting," the Prime Minister said.
"Robert loves Abaco, including the Cays, most especially Man-O-War and I believe he can find his way around it blindfolded.He loves the people of Abaco, and they love him.Even those with whom he has had his disagreements still respect him."
Sweeting, although born in Nassau, grew up in Abaco and attended the school in Man-O-War where his parents made their home.He later married a fine lady from Hope Town by the name of Margaret Russell and started his own family.Today, they are proud parents and grandparents.
According to Prime Minister Ingraham, Sweeting sowed virtue all his life and contributed mightily to the progress of Abaco as a businessman and land developer.
...
"They soon found out that Robert Sweeting could more than hold his own, and that he was not to be intimidated or cowed by anyone when he was defending his cause, when he was speaking up for Abaco and The Bahamas," he said.
The Nation's leader noted that Sweeting is generous, and those who have been fortunate enough to count him as friend or colleague also know that he is fiercely loyal.One of his great loyalties, he said, has been to his political party, the Free National Movement.
"From the early days of the party Robert was a loyal member, supporter and activist who never failed to do his part when the chips were down.I became Leader of the party in 1990 and in 1992 a third parliamentary seat was created in Abaco," the Prime Minister said."Robert and many others stepped forward to seek the party's nomination for that seat.Since no consensus was at hand we decided to hold a sort of primary among FNM members and supporters.When the votes were counted Robert had not won.Perry Cook got the largest number of votes.
"Captain Leonard Thomp-son turned to me and said: 'Robert has been a faithful servant of our party.It's his turn.Tell the people that he is your choice and they will go along with that.' I told Captain Thompson that although Robert was indeed my choice, I couldn't do that because the people had already voted.But you know Captain Thompson; he insisted.We spoke to Perry Cook and he agreed that it was Robert's turn.
...
"From the bottom of my heart I thank you Robert for your service and I thank you Maggie for supporting him.
...
But when Robert's intended replacement defected to the other side and I saw how the campaign was going, I came to the conclusion that both he and I would have to offer again so that we could hold both Abaco seats for the FNM.So notwithstanding his farewell speech in the House and notwithstanding the fact that I did not consult him, I announced at the contract signing for the new Port of Marsh Harbour that both he and I would offer again in the 2002 general elections," he said.
"I counted on his loyalty and he did not let me down.I was made to understand that his family, most especially Maggie, was not happy about this turn of events, but Robert agreed to continue to serve.And we held Abaco for the FNM when all but five other constituencies - three in Grand Bahama, one in Eleuthera and one in New Providence- forsook us and fled.
"We were a small minority in the new House of Assembly and I must confess I wasn't much help to our Members in the House.I considered myself retired, so, during House Debates, I would speak and more often than not leave.For two and a half years Robert, Alvin, Ken, Brent, Lindy and Neko took the full brunt of PLP gloating, victimization, searing attacks and full-throttled frontal attacks.
...
Robert took the best they had to offer.
...
But the life and service of Robert Sweeting and others like him give the lie to these false representations.Robert was in every respect an honourable and conscientious Member of Parliament.
He had a enviable attendance record through three terms in the House.He was a good MP and a full participant in our parliamentary caucuses and in Parliamentary debate.
He also served with distinction as Chairman of the New Providence Port Authority and caused a number of important improvements to be carried out in that department.
Robert always looked after the interests of Abaco.On those occasions when I was preoccupied with national issues, Robert made sure that the people of Abaco were not ignored; and I mean all of Abaco, including my own constituents in North Abaco.Robert is a fair-minded man, and I believe that even our opponents came to recognize that and to respect him for it.He has his opinions on matters and despite his gentle nature he is not shy about expressing those views."
The Prime Minister concluded by saying that now that Sweeting has time to rest, he will be looking for some other way that his talents can be put to use again in the further service of our country.
E-mail this story to a friend | Printer-friendly version
23 online sources [ view sources ]
Profile is not claimed [ this is me ]
