Bamboo Town MP Renward Wells revealed yesterday that he is running in that constituency in the next general election and is "confident" that he will retain his seat in the House of Assembly.

Wells, who announced on November 4 that he severed ties with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and joined the Free National Movement (FNM), said despite the backlash he has received because of that decision, the majority of his supporters have indicated they would continue to stand behind him.

"I spoke to a lot of people in Bamboo Town, and by and large, about 80 percent of them are in full support of what I did," he said.

Wells admitted that some "hardcore" PLPs have expressed disappointment with his decision but he said they are in the minority.

"The people of Bamboo Town know me," he said. "It is still the same houses with the same people. They will decide, and I'm confident that I have done well by the people of Bamboo Town and they will elect me... I will be running there. I have always said you can change lines but they can't change minds."

Wells announced his resignation from the PLP in the House of Assembly, on the same that day that Fort Charlotte MP Andre Rollins, who resigned from the PLP back in June, also announced his allegiance to the FNM.

Responding to the move, Prime Minister Perry Christie suggested that the PLP will deal with both men during the next general election.

"I have faith that they will be dealt with effectively, decisively and they will see exactly how the Bahamian people feel when they subject themselves to a vote," Christie said.

Christie also suggested that FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis would regret the decision to invite Wells considering that Minnis previously called for Wells' dismissal over the controversy surrounding a letter of intent that Wells signed without approval last year. Several PLP members have expressed similar opinions.

Last week, PLP Bamboo Town Branch Chairperson Patricia Deveaux expressed disappointment with the manner Wells in which Wells jumped ship. She said he has proved to be "selfish and unreliable".

Wells said he understands why some in the PLP are seeking to discredit him. However, he said though his allegiance has changed, his views and dedication to the Bahamian people have not. He said he has remained consistent on his views on energy reform, food security and economic empowerment, among other things.

"I have said all of those things, and I have not changed that," Wells added. "That is what is important, not what party label people wear."

He said he believes that some of the people who have spoken out against him are doing so because they are hurt.

"I have loved those persons but I don't hold it against them," he said.

"This is politics. This is the big boys' game and you wear big boy shoes. I may not have appreciated what they said because what they said were untruths, but I understand the context and why people would feel the way they do and why they would respond in the manner which they have. But for me, I have moved on. This ship has sailed and it will continue to sail until it finds that home port, which is help for the Bahamian people."

Wells said he believes Minnis' views are in line with his.

Before joining the PLP in 2012, Rollins and Wells were members of the now defunct National Development Party.

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