Dear Editor,

As a long-time visitor, and a true believer that it "it is better in The Bahamas", I would like to express my support for the Free National Movement (FNM) candidate for Long Island Loretta Butler-Turner.
My first visit to The Bahamas took place in the mid-1970s, just one year after independence. I have vacationed in Nassau, the Family and Out Islands, more than 30 times since then. The Bahamas is my favorite country to visit. And Long Island is my favorite island.
In the past 10 years I have observed many positive changes on New Providence, in particular quality of life improvements for residents of Montagu. Much credit for these changes, I am told, is due to the dynamic "get things done" leadership of Loretta Butler-Turner, who represents Montagu. Now she is a candidate for Long Island.
Beautiful Long Island needs a take-charge and "get things done" leader. For too many years the infrastructure of this lovely island has been stagnating or deteriorating. Many roads are in disrepair; airports and air service to and from Nassau needs upgrading; too many people are out of work; and the landfills are a disgrace and source of environmental pollution.
I have personally met Butler-Turner and discussed these issues. She struck me as hardworking, intelligent, and sincerely motivated to create jobs by the common sense approach of improving infrastructure and tourism. This makes sense to me.
If elected to Long Island, I would expect to see a measure of improvement similar to what she has achieved on behalf of her constituents in Montagu.
I look forward to many more years of visiting your wonderful country and the Bahamaland's warm people. With leadership, like that provided by Loretta Butler-Turner, the future surely will be "better in The Bahamas".

- Patrick Harris, captain, United States Merchant Marine

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