Here follows a statement by Prime Minister Perry Christie May 10, 2017:

I called Dr Minnis earlier this evening to congratulate him on his party’s victory. I understand as perhaps few others the challenges that await Dr Minnis, and I wish him only success on behalf of our nation. He has my full support for a smooth transition.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Prime Minister of this great nation.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Bahamian people for that opportunity. To those who served alongside me, I thank them for their dedication to our shared ideals.

May God bless us all, and may God bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.