bahamiangoddess
02-05-08, - 02:15 PM
5th February
PM: Senate Finally Fully Constituted
By Paige Ferguson
The country’s newest senator, Anthony Charles Musgrove, 35, received his instruments of appointment from Governor General Arthur Hanna at Government House last evening.
The country’s newest senator, Anthony Charles Musgrove, 35, received his instruments of appointment from Governor General Arthur Hanna at Government House last evening.
Affectionately known as "Tinny" by loved ones and members of the cabinet, Mr. Musgrove – deputy chairman of the FNM – is the youngest senator in the upper chamber.
"In national development you have the voice of many and [I am] the voice of youth as well as the voice of experience because despite my youthfulness, I’ve experienced much," the newly appointed senator said.
"And I hope that the experiences that I have had in life, and with my youthfulness, I hope that I can make a contribution that will assist in true national development."
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham noted that the Senate of The Bahamas is finally fully constituted as mandated.
"I am confident that Senator Musgrove will prove to be a valuable member of the Senate and that he will go on to distinguish himself in the public service," the prime minister said.
"Tinny has already demonstrated extraordinary strength of character and the good sense to take advantage of the opportunities made available to him to hold on to the outstretched hands that were extended to him. And he never forgets to express his gratitude."
When asked whether his appointment is any indication of a trek toward becoming a member of parliament, the senator said anything is possible.
"Well, you know in politics you never say never and at this stage I hope to be seen as a policymaker and if to be viewed as a politician later on, who knows?" he said.
"But in politics and in this game you never say never, and for now it is to contribute to the nationhood and to contribute to true policy developments."
Mr. Musgrove said with all the controversy surrounding his appointment and the completion of the Senate makeup, he is almost certain that Prime Minister Ingraham received the necessary advice to make the decision he made.
"Well you know the prime minister is the prime minister and I know that the prime minister realizes that he has to operate in the constraints and the confinements of the constitution, but he has decided to appoint me to Senate," he said.
"I am almost certain that he would’ve relied on the legal opinion; he himself being an attorney, he realizes the ramifications of not relying on the constitution."
Mr. Musgrove said despite the delay, it’s better late than never.
"I am honoured for him [the prime minister] to have asked me to serve in the Senate and I am elated to have excepted the invitation," he said.
"And I hope that I would make a contribution that would ensure that The Bahamas continues to develop and grow in the way that it should."
Mr. Musgrove’s appointment comes as a legal challenge brought by Opposition Leader Perry Christie remains before the courts.
Mr. Christie challenged the appointment of Tanya Wright to the Senate, arguing that the Opposition is entitled to the seat she fills.
Mr. Christie has also maintained that the final Senate seat – which is now going to be occupied by Mr. Musgrove – ought to be filled by an Opposition senator because the constitution mandates that the political balance in the House of Assembly be reflected in the Senate.
It’s not clear whether Mr. Christie will now mount a legal challenge to Mr. Musgrove’s seat.
PM: Senate Finally Fully Constituted
By Paige Ferguson
The country’s newest senator, Anthony Charles Musgrove, 35, received his instruments of appointment from Governor General Arthur Hanna at Government House last evening.
The country’s newest senator, Anthony Charles Musgrove, 35, received his instruments of appointment from Governor General Arthur Hanna at Government House last evening.
Affectionately known as "Tinny" by loved ones and members of the cabinet, Mr. Musgrove – deputy chairman of the FNM – is the youngest senator in the upper chamber.
"In national development you have the voice of many and [I am] the voice of youth as well as the voice of experience because despite my youthfulness, I’ve experienced much," the newly appointed senator said.
"And I hope that the experiences that I have had in life, and with my youthfulness, I hope that I can make a contribution that will assist in true national development."
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham noted that the Senate of The Bahamas is finally fully constituted as mandated.
"I am confident that Senator Musgrove will prove to be a valuable member of the Senate and that he will go on to distinguish himself in the public service," the prime minister said.
"Tinny has already demonstrated extraordinary strength of character and the good sense to take advantage of the opportunities made available to him to hold on to the outstretched hands that were extended to him. And he never forgets to express his gratitude."
When asked whether his appointment is any indication of a trek toward becoming a member of parliament, the senator said anything is possible.
"Well, you know in politics you never say never and at this stage I hope to be seen as a policymaker and if to be viewed as a politician later on, who knows?" he said.
"But in politics and in this game you never say never, and for now it is to contribute to the nationhood and to contribute to true policy developments."
Mr. Musgrove said with all the controversy surrounding his appointment and the completion of the Senate makeup, he is almost certain that Prime Minister Ingraham received the necessary advice to make the decision he made.
"Well you know the prime minister is the prime minister and I know that the prime minister realizes that he has to operate in the constraints and the confinements of the constitution, but he has decided to appoint me to Senate," he said.
"I am almost certain that he would’ve relied on the legal opinion; he himself being an attorney, he realizes the ramifications of not relying on the constitution."
Mr. Musgrove said despite the delay, it’s better late than never.
"I am honoured for him [the prime minister] to have asked me to serve in the Senate and I am elated to have excepted the invitation," he said.
"And I hope that I would make a contribution that would ensure that The Bahamas continues to develop and grow in the way that it should."
Mr. Musgrove’s appointment comes as a legal challenge brought by Opposition Leader Perry Christie remains before the courts.
Mr. Christie challenged the appointment of Tanya Wright to the Senate, arguing that the Opposition is entitled to the seat she fills.
Mr. Christie has also maintained that the final Senate seat – which is now going to be occupied by Mr. Musgrove – ought to be filled by an Opposition senator because the constitution mandates that the political balance in the House of Assembly be reflected in the Senate.
It’s not clear whether Mr. Christie will now mount a legal challenge to Mr. Musgrove’s seat.