Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday criticisms made by Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis about the government's response to Hurricane Matthew were "idiotic".

While touring Lowe Sound, Andros, with Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Christie hit back at Minnis, who claimed the government "dropped the ball on dealing with the storm".

"I am absolutely amazed at that," said Christie when asked about Minnis' comments.

"... It is an idiotic thing for him to say, because the context of him coming with us in the way I went with (former Prime Minister) Hubert Ingraham during hurricanes, was to put this above partisan politics, for us to acknowledge that if he had a recommendation to make we were open to hear it and to determine whether or not it is something we would implement.

"In my press conference, I indicated... that right here in Lowe Sound, a former chief councillor and administrator, she is now a reverend, said to make sure we're fair.

"She said to 'make sure people, regardless of their politics, receive whatever you have to give to the people'.

"I articulated that and that is why I'm so disappointed in what is really idiotic.

"It rates as one of the most idiotic things I've heard during a disaster, for the leader of the opposition, the alternative prime minister, to be able to make that kind of commentary.

"It disappoints me.

"I know we're in the silly season of politics, and they have to make decisions as to whether or not they can acknowledge that the government is doing a good job, but when it comes to a disaster, the work has yet to be done."

Christie said Minnis was "wrong" to bring politics into such a sensitive situation.

He highlighted that too many people were hurting for Minnis to contaminate the matter with politics.

Minnis' comments came at a press conference at his Parliament Street office on Tuesday, just days after he traveled with the prime minister to several islands severely impacted by the category four storm.

"I was not impressed," Minnis said.

"I thought the government dropped the ball in dealing with the storm.

"The precautionary methods were not taken.

"The government knew that such a storm was coming.

"How can you afterward be asking for trucks, volunteers, etc? All of that should have been done in advance.

"You knew the storm was coming; you knew the strength of the storm; you knew the potential damage; you knew what was going to happen to the south; and therefore they should have had already, trucks, chain saws, garbage bins, dumpsters all lined up to deal with [the aftermath] appropriately."

Minnis also questioned the need to appoint Minister of Labour Shane Gibson as the coordinator for the Hurricane Matthew relief and recovery efforts.

Christie explained why he appointed him.

"Shane Gibson is someone who in the aftermath of hurricanes has distinguished himself for the work he has done at the speed at which he did it," he said.

"That's why I chose him.

"I just know what's going to happen.

"That is the judgment a prime minister exercises.

"It has nothing to do with whether the PLP is going to get this or the FNM or the DNA (Democratic National Alliance) is going to get that.

"... He's (Gibson) not going to get involved with something that is stupidly political and we know that.

"He has accepted when I said to him that this is bigger than the administrative structure of NEMA and what their disaster preparedness act provides."

Minnis promised the Free National Movement (FNM) would implement mandatory evacuations under similar circumstances.

Jayme C. Pinder, Guardian Staff Reporter

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