By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
More than 1,700 people registered to vote in yesterday's historic by-election were a no-show.
There are 4,943 people on the register. However, according to the unofficial figures only 3,210 people cast their votes yesterday.
In addition to the Progressive Liberal Party's Ryan Pinder and the Free National Movement's Dr. Duane Sands, candidates in the by-election included Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur and National Development Party chairman Dr. Andre Rollins.
The unofficial results show that Sands received 1,501 votes, Pinder got 1,500 votes, Stuart got 115 votes, Rollins received 73 votes and Moncur got 21 votes.
The Elizabeth seat became vacant last month when former PLP MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
In polling division number one, Sands received 108 votes; Pinder got 91 votes; Stuart got nine votes; Rollins received four votes and Moncur got two votes.
In polling division number two, Pinder received 145 votes; Sands got 111 votes; Stuart received five votes; Rollins got three votes while Moncur did not get any votes.
In polling division number three, Pinder got 141 votes; Sands received 134 votes; Stuart got 14 votes; Rollins got eight votes and Moncur got three votes.
In polling division number four, Sands received 188 votes; Pinder got 164 votes; Rollins got nine votes; Stuart got six votes, and Moncur received three votes.
In polling division number five, Sands got 106 votes; Pinder received 62 votes; Stuart received 16 votes; Rollins received six votes and Moncur got one vote.
In polling division number six, Sands got 157 votes; Pinder received 121 votes; Rollins got 11 votes; Stuart got nine votes and Moncur received one vote.
In polling division number seven, Pinder received 129 votes; Sands got 123 votes; Stuart and Rollins got two votes each, and Moncur got one vote.
In polling division number eight, Sands got 129 votes; Pinder received 106 votes; Stuart got nine votes; Rollins got five votes and Moncur got three votes.
In polling division number nine, Pinder got 86 votes; Sands got 85 votes; Stuart received 11 votes; Rollins received six votes and Moncur got two votes.
In polling division number 10, Pinder got 168 votes; Sands got 130 votes; Rollins got 12 votes; Stuart received 10 votes and Moncur got four votes.
In polling division number 11, Pinder got 164 votes; Sands received 122 votes; Stuart got 13 votes; Rollins got six votes while Moncur didn't get any votes.
In polling division number 12, Pinder received 123 votes; Sands got 108 votes; Stuart got 11 votes and Moncur and Rollins got one vote each.
Returning Officer Jack Thompson said five of Pinder's votes were challenged and were not counted last night.
Thompson added that one of Stuart's votes was also challenged.
Election officials will recount the ballots today.
February 17, 2010
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Ryan Pinder lashed on citizenship issue
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
Although Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder has announced that he has renounced his citizenship in the United States, a search of Florida voters yesterday still lists him as eligible to vote in that country.
Pinder is listed as a resident of Plantation, Florida.
Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest raised the issue of Pinder's citizenship last night, when he addressed the final Free National Movement rally ahead of today's by-election in Elizabeth.
"Now that the heat is on, Mr. Pinder is saying that he has renounced his U.S. citizenship," Turnquest said.
"...I have nothing against Americans; I just don't want them to run The Bahamas."
Turnquest said Pinder's mother, wife and children are all still American citizens.
Pinder voted in Broward County, Florida, by absentee ballot in the November 4, 2008 general election and municipal elections, he said.
Turnquest noted that Pinder requested an absentee ballot on August 26, 2008; the ballot was mailed to him at 11841 Tara Drive, Plantation, Fla, 33325 on September 26, 2008, and he returned the completed ballot on October 30, 2008.
For the March 10, 2009 municipal general elections in Broward County, less than one year ago, Pinder requested an absentee ballot on February 13, 2009 and the ballot was mailed to him at his Plantation address on February 24, 2009, Turnquest told the crowd.
"If he was interested only in The Bahamas why is he voting in the United States of America?" Turnquest asked.
"In fact, Leo Ryan Pinder only registered in The Bahamas for the very first time in his life in October 2008.
He has never voted in The Bahamas before; not in 1997 when he was 22 years old; not in 2002, nor in 2007. He is now 35 years old and he has never voted in The Bahamas. He has only voted where he is a citizen and where he was interested in the affairs of that country. He has only voted in the USA and never in The Bahamas. Is this someone you want to try Elizabeth?"
Last night, Pinder told The Nassau Guardian that the reason why his name still appears on the U.S. voter register is that that register is only updated during election time.
"My U.S. citizenship is not an issue and renunciation is not an issue in this campaign," Pinder said. "I am focused on the good people of Elizabeth, addressing their issues and concerns as the representative and I will not be brought down into the personal attacks that the Free National Movement has found themselves involved in."
Asked whether it is true that he has never voted in an election in The Bahamas, Pinder said, "I am a registered voter in the Clifton constituency."
Pressed repeatedly on the matter, the PLP candidate said, "I did not reside in The Bahamas and it would have been illegal for me to vote in The Bahamas having not resided in The Bahamas."
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also raised the citizenship issue when he addressed the FNM rally last night.
He said that in electing the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands to Parliament, voters need not have any concern that he is not qualified to be an MP.
"An essential qualification to be an MP is that you must be a citizen of The Bahamas, and you must be that on the day you nominate for a seat, and on the day of your election to Parliament," Ingraham said.
Pinder told The Guardian that he renounced his U.S. citizenship prior to nominating, but he insisted it was not done for political reasons.
"It was completely voluntary," he said.
Asked whether the PLP asked Pinder to give up his U.S. citizenship, one senior PLP official told The Guardian that the party's candidate's committee asked Pinder to do "certain things" but he did not go further, saying the party's hierarchy had committed to keeping its discussions private.
Last night Ingraham told supporters, "Dr. Sands is a Bahamian citizen. Since the day of Independence he has been a citizen of The Bahamas. He is not now and has never been a citizen of any other country. He has no citizenship to renounce. He has only one loyalty. That is to our flag. He registered and votes in Bahamian elections, been doing so since he was 20 years old."
The prime minister said Elizabeth voters will decide today whether they want an MP who will be a part of the decision-making apparatus and structure of the FNM government or have an MP who would be in opposition.
"The choice for tomorrow is clear," he said. "I await your judgment."
February 16, 2010
thenassauguardian
Although Progressive Liberal Party candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder has announced that he has renounced his citizenship in the United States, a search of Florida voters yesterday still lists him as eligible to vote in that country.
Pinder is listed as a resident of Plantation, Florida.
Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest raised the issue of Pinder's citizenship last night, when he addressed the final Free National Movement rally ahead of today's by-election in Elizabeth.
"Now that the heat is on, Mr. Pinder is saying that he has renounced his U.S. citizenship," Turnquest said.
"...I have nothing against Americans; I just don't want them to run The Bahamas."
Turnquest said Pinder's mother, wife and children are all still American citizens.
Pinder voted in Broward County, Florida, by absentee ballot in the November 4, 2008 general election and municipal elections, he said.
Turnquest noted that Pinder requested an absentee ballot on August 26, 2008; the ballot was mailed to him at 11841 Tara Drive, Plantation, Fla, 33325 on September 26, 2008, and he returned the completed ballot on October 30, 2008.
For the March 10, 2009 municipal general elections in Broward County, less than one year ago, Pinder requested an absentee ballot on February 13, 2009 and the ballot was mailed to him at his Plantation address on February 24, 2009, Turnquest told the crowd.
"If he was interested only in The Bahamas why is he voting in the United States of America?" Turnquest asked.
"In fact, Leo Ryan Pinder only registered in The Bahamas for the very first time in his life in October 2008.
He has never voted in The Bahamas before; not in 1997 when he was 22 years old; not in 2002, nor in 2007. He is now 35 years old and he has never voted in The Bahamas. He has only voted where he is a citizen and where he was interested in the affairs of that country. He has only voted in the USA and never in The Bahamas. Is this someone you want to try Elizabeth?"
Last night, Pinder told The Nassau Guardian that the reason why his name still appears on the U.S. voter register is that that register is only updated during election time.
"My U.S. citizenship is not an issue and renunciation is not an issue in this campaign," Pinder said. "I am focused on the good people of Elizabeth, addressing their issues and concerns as the representative and I will not be brought down into the personal attacks that the Free National Movement has found themselves involved in."
Asked whether it is true that he has never voted in an election in The Bahamas, Pinder said, "I am a registered voter in the Clifton constituency."
Pressed repeatedly on the matter, the PLP candidate said, "I did not reside in The Bahamas and it would have been illegal for me to vote in The Bahamas having not resided in The Bahamas."
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham also raised the citizenship issue when he addressed the FNM rally last night.
He said that in electing the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands to Parliament, voters need not have any concern that he is not qualified to be an MP.
"An essential qualification to be an MP is that you must be a citizen of The Bahamas, and you must be that on the day you nominate for a seat, and on the day of your election to Parliament," Ingraham said.
Pinder told The Guardian that he renounced his U.S. citizenship prior to nominating, but he insisted it was not done for political reasons.
"It was completely voluntary," he said.
Asked whether the PLP asked Pinder to give up his U.S. citizenship, one senior PLP official told The Guardian that the party's candidate's committee asked Pinder to do "certain things" but he did not go further, saying the party's hierarchy had committed to keeping its discussions private.
Last night Ingraham told supporters, "Dr. Sands is a Bahamian citizen. Since the day of Independence he has been a citizen of The Bahamas. He is not now and has never been a citizen of any other country. He has no citizenship to renounce. He has only one loyalty. That is to our flag. He registered and votes in Bahamian elections, been doing so since he was 20 years old."
The prime minister said Elizabeth voters will decide today whether they want an MP who will be a part of the decision-making apparatus and structure of the FNM government or have an MP who would be in opposition.
"The choice for tomorrow is clear," he said. "I await your judgment."
February 16, 2010
thenassauguardian
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Dr. Duane Sands always supported a health plan for all Bahamians
Tribune242 Editorial:
DURING THE Elizabeth by-election campaign over the past few weeks, the PLP has tried to make the voters of that constituency believe that Dr Duane Sands -- the FNM's candidate for the vacant seat -- is not interested in the poor because he was against National Health Insurance.
Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact we do not know of any doctor who publicly admitted to being against insurance for general health care. (The National Health Insurance Act 2006 was tabled in parliament by the Christie government on November 15, 2006).
However, there were many doctors, some of them quite vocal, who expressed the belief that the scheme as then proposed would not solve the Bahamas' healthcare problems. On the contrary it would never be able to deliver the standard of care promised by the PLP government's Blue Ribbon Commission.
In various statements, one before the Rotary Club of Nassau on March 16, 2006, Dr Sands made it clear that he believed every Bahamian was entitled to health care as of right.
"The goal of the Blue Ribbon Commission and the National Health Insurance plan are admirable and universally held," Dr Sands told Rotary. However, "they will not be achieved with this plan as currently outlined and will likely cause far more damage than ever anticipated."
Dr Robin Roberts, chairman of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform -- the brother of PLP chairman Bradley Roberts -- was of the same opinion.
In Dr Roberts' view the plan advanced by the PLP's Blue Ribbon Commission raised many unanswered questions. "We believe it to be our responsibility and the responsibility of all right-minded thinking Bahamians to raise those questions and to engage in true and meaningful consultation with Government in seeking answers," he said.
In expressing his concern, Dr Sands gave the analogy of a flight to London. "In the economy class," he said, "sit the majority of travellers. Space is limited but comfortable and the food is palatable. Up from there is business class, with larger seats, more space and sumptuous fare ... exceeded only by the plush and posh environment of first class. Same plane, same pilot no difference in destination or safety. One size does not fit all. Everyone cannot afford Atlantis or Ocean Club -- but they certainly should continue to exist."
It was because of his concern for those in economy class -- the poor of this country-- that he disagreed with the national health plan as then designed. He saw the plan as a "frightenly retrogressive step that will lead to less accountability, longer waiting times and reduced quality (of health care)." It was a plan that offered first class seats that could not be delivered to the poor.
"For the sake of all Bahamians," said Dr Robin Roberts, "let's take the time to get it right!"
But an election was around the corner. It was more important for the PLP to win that election rather than to get it right.
Tribune files are filled with public statements by Dr Sands, saying 'yes we need public health,' but let's get it right or the people's lot will be worse than what they now have.
And so how Dr Bernard Nottage -- who as Minister of Health on rejoining the PLP was given the task of taking the PLP's health plan to the people -- could say with a straight face that his "impression" was that Dr Sands did not support National Health Insurance, is beyond comprehension. No wonder the general public do not trust most politicians.
Dr Sands said it many times over that he supported national health insurance, but not the plan devised as an election-gimmick by the PLP government. He believed the Bahamian people -- especially the poor -- deserved better.
Now we invite Dr Nottage to recall one of the consultative meetings that Dr Marcus Bethel -- at the time the PLP government's Minister of Health -- held with a group of physicians at the School of Nursing. The meeting was to discuss government's national health insurance plan.
According to our records, Dr Nottage, who then headed his own party, the CDR -- he had not yet returned to the fold of his old party the PLP -- sat quietly throughout the discussion -- that is until towards the end. It was then that it is claimed he dropped his verbal "bomb." We understand that the gist of his angry remarks was that the Blue Ribbon Commission hadn't a clue what it was doing. It was basing its conclusions on faulty information, and as such the plan was not sustainable.
We certainly got the impression at the time that Dr Sands and Dr Nottage were singing from the same hymn sheet. But, one must remember that when Dr Nottage was singing his song, he headed his own political party in Opposition to the PLP. However, in the interim he rejoined his old government, became its Minister of Health and took the PLP's health scheme to the public. Today, he is in Elizabeth trying to get his party's candidate elected, and in the bargain misrepresenting the position of the opposition candidate -- Dr Duane Sands.
Really the PLP are just too much. This misrepresentation alone should make voters think twice before casting their ballots for the PLP candidate on Tuesday. Not that there's anything wrong with the candidate -- it's the party that's the problem.
February 12, 2010
tribune242
DURING THE Elizabeth by-election campaign over the past few weeks, the PLP has tried to make the voters of that constituency believe that Dr Duane Sands -- the FNM's candidate for the vacant seat -- is not interested in the poor because he was against National Health Insurance.
Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact we do not know of any doctor who publicly admitted to being against insurance for general health care. (The National Health Insurance Act 2006 was tabled in parliament by the Christie government on November 15, 2006).
However, there were many doctors, some of them quite vocal, who expressed the belief that the scheme as then proposed would not solve the Bahamas' healthcare problems. On the contrary it would never be able to deliver the standard of care promised by the PLP government's Blue Ribbon Commission.
In various statements, one before the Rotary Club of Nassau on March 16, 2006, Dr Sands made it clear that he believed every Bahamian was entitled to health care as of right.
"The goal of the Blue Ribbon Commission and the National Health Insurance plan are admirable and universally held," Dr Sands told Rotary. However, "they will not be achieved with this plan as currently outlined and will likely cause far more damage than ever anticipated."
Dr Robin Roberts, chairman of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform -- the brother of PLP chairman Bradley Roberts -- was of the same opinion.
In Dr Roberts' view the plan advanced by the PLP's Blue Ribbon Commission raised many unanswered questions. "We believe it to be our responsibility and the responsibility of all right-minded thinking Bahamians to raise those questions and to engage in true and meaningful consultation with Government in seeking answers," he said.
In expressing his concern, Dr Sands gave the analogy of a flight to London. "In the economy class," he said, "sit the majority of travellers. Space is limited but comfortable and the food is palatable. Up from there is business class, with larger seats, more space and sumptuous fare ... exceeded only by the plush and posh environment of first class. Same plane, same pilot no difference in destination or safety. One size does not fit all. Everyone cannot afford Atlantis or Ocean Club -- but they certainly should continue to exist."
It was because of his concern for those in economy class -- the poor of this country-- that he disagreed with the national health plan as then designed. He saw the plan as a "frightenly retrogressive step that will lead to less accountability, longer waiting times and reduced quality (of health care)." It was a plan that offered first class seats that could not be delivered to the poor.
"For the sake of all Bahamians," said Dr Robin Roberts, "let's take the time to get it right!"
But an election was around the corner. It was more important for the PLP to win that election rather than to get it right.
Tribune files are filled with public statements by Dr Sands, saying 'yes we need public health,' but let's get it right or the people's lot will be worse than what they now have.
And so how Dr Bernard Nottage -- who as Minister of Health on rejoining the PLP was given the task of taking the PLP's health plan to the people -- could say with a straight face that his "impression" was that Dr Sands did not support National Health Insurance, is beyond comprehension. No wonder the general public do not trust most politicians.
Dr Sands said it many times over that he supported national health insurance, but not the plan devised as an election-gimmick by the PLP government. He believed the Bahamian people -- especially the poor -- deserved better.
Now we invite Dr Nottage to recall one of the consultative meetings that Dr Marcus Bethel -- at the time the PLP government's Minister of Health -- held with a group of physicians at the School of Nursing. The meeting was to discuss government's national health insurance plan.
According to our records, Dr Nottage, who then headed his own party, the CDR -- he had not yet returned to the fold of his old party the PLP -- sat quietly throughout the discussion -- that is until towards the end. It was then that it is claimed he dropped his verbal "bomb." We understand that the gist of his angry remarks was that the Blue Ribbon Commission hadn't a clue what it was doing. It was basing its conclusions on faulty information, and as such the plan was not sustainable.
We certainly got the impression at the time that Dr Sands and Dr Nottage were singing from the same hymn sheet. But, one must remember that when Dr Nottage was singing his song, he headed his own political party in Opposition to the PLP. However, in the interim he rejoined his old government, became its Minister of Health and took the PLP's health scheme to the public. Today, he is in Elizabeth trying to get his party's candidate elected, and in the bargain misrepresenting the position of the opposition candidate -- Dr Duane Sands.
Really the PLP are just too much. This misrepresentation alone should make voters think twice before casting their ballots for the PLP candidate on Tuesday. Not that there's anything wrong with the candidate -- it's the party that's the problem.
February 12, 2010
tribune242
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham apologizes for non-disclosure of his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act
By Juan Mccartney ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night apologized to the nation for failing to disclose his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"This morning The Nassau Guardian's editorial called for me to apologize to the Bahamian people for my omission," Ingraham said at a rally last night. "I do so now. I offer no excuse. I blame no one for my not having done so. I'm sorry and I will correct this situation forthwith."
Ingraham's apology came as a result of his admission in a Guardian article published two days ago, in which he candidly admitted that he had failed to follow the disclosure.
"I said that I would do so as quickly as possible," said the prime minister. "I said that knowing that one of these disclosure statements has already been prepared for me and I have only to do a final check and sign and submit it. I regret that I have permitted my schedule to distract me from completing this obligation."
The Guardian has published several articles pointing out that outside of the electoral process, public disclosure has become a thing of the past.
Last week, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants President Reece Chipman had called for greater public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials, and also suggested that certified accountants verify the veracity of disclosure statements.
Ingraham claimed his apology was issued in order to demonstrate the difference between the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The PM further claimed that the PLP took "neither responsibility nor blame for anything."
During last night's rally, the prime minister also alleged that the PLP has been consistently distorting reality and playing the 'blame game'.
"When under a competent and trustful FNM government, our economy was booming and we had the lowest rate of unemployment ever and the highest household incomes ever - they claimed it was because the U.S. economy was doing well," he said. "When we began experiencing a downturn in our economy two years ago, they claimed it had nothing to do with the recession and high unemployment in the U.S. economy; they claimed it was my fault."
Ingraham also said that in the past few weeks - much like the past two years - the PLP has told the people of Elizabeth that the country's economic woes were all his fault.
"They say we have a high level of unemployment, people's lights have been turned off, many mortgage payments are behind, times are hard for many and many people are hurting. And they say government revenue is down and borrowing is up," he said. "This is true; true for The Bahamas, true for America; true for Europe and true for the Caribbean. But according to them this is my fault and the FNM's fault. We caused the global economic tsunami that has affected all countries in our part of the world. Next thing they'll be blaming me for the weather. But, you notice that now as the world economy is showing signs of improving, I'm not getting the blame for the improvement."
The prime minister said that unlike the PLP, he deals in "facts and reality, not fiction and delusion."
"They claim we're fixing your roads because of the by-election," he said. "You know that road paving began long before we knew there was gonna be a by-election. In fact we are paving and repairing and upgrading roads all over New Providence, including in the following constituencies represented in Parliament by members of the opposition: Bain and Grants Town, Farm Road and Centreville, Fort Charlotte, Fox Hill, Golden Gates, St. Thomas More and St Cecilia. Ain't no by-elections being held in any of them, eh?"
Ingraham claimed the FNM always works in the interest of all people.
"That's why roads are being paved all over Bahamaland," he said.
Mocking the PLP's slogan for its candidate Ryan Pinder, Ingraham said, "This ain't no time for 'Trying Ryan'."
"This is no time for a rookie," he said. "These are hard times. These are difficult times. These are tough times. This is the time for a tested hand, a proven hand, a familiar hand, a trusted hand. This is the time for [FNM candidate] Dr. Duane Sands."
Ingraham said Sands - a heart surgeon - is needed in the House of Assembly.
"We need you to send Duane Sands to the House so he can help your FNM team to create jobs and business opportunities," he said. "We need Duane Sands to help us to pursue the strategies needed to combat crime here in Elizabeth and across the country. We need Duane Sands to help us create an affordable national health insurance program. Duane Sands will not only be a fine representative for Elizabeth, he will also be a key figure on an FNM team that is delivering for you."
The Elizabeth by-election takes place on Tuesday.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night apologized to the nation for failing to disclose his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"This morning The Nassau Guardian's editorial called for me to apologize to the Bahamian people for my omission," Ingraham said at a rally last night. "I do so now. I offer no excuse. I blame no one for my not having done so. I'm sorry and I will correct this situation forthwith."
Ingraham's apology came as a result of his admission in a Guardian article published two days ago, in which he candidly admitted that he had failed to follow the disclosure.
"I said that I would do so as quickly as possible," said the prime minister. "I said that knowing that one of these disclosure statements has already been prepared for me and I have only to do a final check and sign and submit it. I regret that I have permitted my schedule to distract me from completing this obligation."
The Guardian has published several articles pointing out that outside of the electoral process, public disclosure has become a thing of the past.
Last week, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants President Reece Chipman had called for greater public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials, and also suggested that certified accountants verify the veracity of disclosure statements.
Ingraham claimed his apology was issued in order to demonstrate the difference between the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The PM further claimed that the PLP took "neither responsibility nor blame for anything."
During last night's rally, the prime minister also alleged that the PLP has been consistently distorting reality and playing the 'blame game'.
"When under a competent and trustful FNM government, our economy was booming and we had the lowest rate of unemployment ever and the highest household incomes ever - they claimed it was because the U.S. economy was doing well," he said. "When we began experiencing a downturn in our economy two years ago, they claimed it had nothing to do with the recession and high unemployment in the U.S. economy; they claimed it was my fault."
Ingraham also said that in the past few weeks - much like the past two years - the PLP has told the people of Elizabeth that the country's economic woes were all his fault.
"They say we have a high level of unemployment, people's lights have been turned off, many mortgage payments are behind, times are hard for many and many people are hurting. And they say government revenue is down and borrowing is up," he said. "This is true; true for The Bahamas, true for America; true for Europe and true for the Caribbean. But according to them this is my fault and the FNM's fault. We caused the global economic tsunami that has affected all countries in our part of the world. Next thing they'll be blaming me for the weather. But, you notice that now as the world economy is showing signs of improving, I'm not getting the blame for the improvement."
The prime minister said that unlike the PLP, he deals in "facts and reality, not fiction and delusion."
"They claim we're fixing your roads because of the by-election," he said. "You know that road paving began long before we knew there was gonna be a by-election. In fact we are paving and repairing and upgrading roads all over New Providence, including in the following constituencies represented in Parliament by members of the opposition: Bain and Grants Town, Farm Road and Centreville, Fort Charlotte, Fox Hill, Golden Gates, St. Thomas More and St Cecilia. Ain't no by-elections being held in any of them, eh?"
Ingraham claimed the FNM always works in the interest of all people.
"That's why roads are being paved all over Bahamaland," he said.
Mocking the PLP's slogan for its candidate Ryan Pinder, Ingraham said, "This ain't no time for 'Trying Ryan'."
"This is no time for a rookie," he said. "These are hard times. These are difficult times. These are tough times. This is the time for a tested hand, a proven hand, a familiar hand, a trusted hand. This is the time for [FNM candidate] Dr. Duane Sands."
Ingraham said Sands - a heart surgeon - is needed in the House of Assembly.
"We need you to send Duane Sands to the House so he can help your FNM team to create jobs and business opportunities," he said. "We need Duane Sands to help us to pursue the strategies needed to combat crime here in Elizabeth and across the country. We need Duane Sands to help us create an affordable national health insurance program. Duane Sands will not only be a fine representative for Elizabeth, he will also be a key figure on an FNM team that is delivering for you."
The Elizabeth by-election takes place on Tuesday.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ryan Pinder Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Elizabeth by-election candidate renounces his United States citizenship
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Progressive Liberal Party by-election candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder yesterday announced that he surrendered his United States citizenship. The decision comes after weeks of criticism in the political arena. However, yesterday he denied that his decision had anything to do with politics.
Pinder, who is the son of former politician Marvin Pinder, had dual citizenship in The Bahamas and the United States - his mother is an American.
"It happened a while back," he told The Nassau Guardian, referring to his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
"It's not a political decision for me. I'm a man that discusses the issues. The issues are important to the constituents of Elizabeth and it's a shame that this insignificant issue has caused a state of confusion."
"I love the country that I'm a part of. I love The Bahamas. I'm a Bahamian and that's where I stand," he stated.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham recently took an indirect swipe at Pinder.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian," Ingraham said speaking about the Free National Movement's candidate in the by-election.
"He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not dual, single," Ingraham said.
While some political observers believe that Pinder was pressured in making the decision, Pinder said that the choice to give up his U.S. citizen was his alone.
Asked whether the PLP asked him to renounce his citizenship, he said, "no, absolutely not."
Pinder, who has worked in the United States for several years as a tax attorney and returned to The Bahamas about three years ago, said he has no regrets about his decision.
"I work in Nassau, The Bahamas. This is my permanent place of work and permanent place of living. So I work in Nassau and this has no bearing on that."
In July 2008, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., the U.S. company that employed Pinder, named him to head the firm's new office in New Providence.
According to its website, Becker and Poliakoff is a diversified commercial law firm whose core areas of practice include real estate, condominium and homeowners association law, construction, international business and trade, government law and lobbying, civil and commercial litigation, and corporate securities and tax law. The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
In addition to Sands and Pinder, other candidates in the election are Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur and National Development Party chairman Dr. Andre Rollins.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Progressive Liberal Party by-election candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder yesterday announced that he surrendered his United States citizenship. The decision comes after weeks of criticism in the political arena. However, yesterday he denied that his decision had anything to do with politics.
Pinder, who is the son of former politician Marvin Pinder, had dual citizenship in The Bahamas and the United States - his mother is an American.
"It happened a while back," he told The Nassau Guardian, referring to his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
"It's not a political decision for me. I'm a man that discusses the issues. The issues are important to the constituents of Elizabeth and it's a shame that this insignificant issue has caused a state of confusion."
"I love the country that I'm a part of. I love The Bahamas. I'm a Bahamian and that's where I stand," he stated.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham recently took an indirect swipe at Pinder.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian," Ingraham said speaking about the Free National Movement's candidate in the by-election.
"He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not dual, single," Ingraham said.
While some political observers believe that Pinder was pressured in making the decision, Pinder said that the choice to give up his U.S. citizen was his alone.
Asked whether the PLP asked him to renounce his citizenship, he said, "no, absolutely not."
Pinder, who has worked in the United States for several years as a tax attorney and returned to The Bahamas about three years ago, said he has no regrets about his decision.
"I work in Nassau, The Bahamas. This is my permanent place of work and permanent place of living. So I work in Nassau and this has no bearing on that."
In July 2008, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., the U.S. company that employed Pinder, named him to head the firm's new office in New Providence.
According to its website, Becker and Poliakoff is a diversified commercial law firm whose core areas of practice include real estate, condominium and homeowners association law, construction, international business and trade, government law and lobbying, civil and commercial litigation, and corporate securities and tax law. The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
In addition to Sands and Pinder, other candidates in the election are Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur and National Development Party chairman Dr. Andre Rollins.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie alleges unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth by-election
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie last night alleged that there were unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth ahead of Tuesday's by-election.
"The people of Elizabeth are witnessing and experiencing offers of temporary jobs, paving of roads and even track roads, installation of street lights, fancy promises about taking care of them, all to get them to vote against Ryan Pinder and the PLP," Christie alleged at a rally in the constituency last night.
"There is no doubt that the people of Elizabeth deserve everything that they can get and we support their receiving such entitlements. But the question must be asked, why wait until now?"
Christie said he found it interesting that after all this time in office, the FNM government "is only now just showing its face in Elizabeth."
"Santa Claus is coming to town in February," he said. "Imagine that."
In the weeks since attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned his Parliamentary seat, the national spotlight has been focused on Elizabeth, with constituents' needs being highlighted by the five candidates in the race.
Matching the articulation of those needs have been a slew of promises on how they will be addressed.
Christie urged residents last night not to be fooled by the election.
"The only party in this race that really cares about you is the same party that has always cared about struggling Bahamians - the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
Christie also encouraged Elizabeth constituents to show the Free National Movement just how smart they are.
"Let them know that you don't want to go just a little way with a few handouts," he said. "Tell them that you want to go all the way to freedom and dignity with the PLP. Tell them that this is politics at its most cynical level and that you reject it thoroughly."
Christie said Elizabeth voters have every right to ask the FNM government and the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands where they have been over the past two years.
He again expressed confidence in the outcome of the approaching election.
"I feel confident that at the end of the five days that remain, a new day for the people of Elizabeth will come to life; a new day will dawn; a new day that will bring in a new era of caring and compassionate representation; a new era of imaginative and innovative representation...," Christie said.
But the PLP leader told supporters, "We are almost there, but we're not there yet. Let's not lose sight of that fact. We've come a long way over the last couple of weeks but we still have some ways to go. There is still ground to be covered. There are still five days left and these last five days will be the hardest ground of all to cover."
He also said Pinder would play an important role in the next government.
"If you're looking for a stand-up political fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with his opponents and to debate them in public on the issues, then Ryan is your man," said Christie in a clear swipe at Sands for not participating in Jones Communications' candidates debate on Tuesday night.
Heaping more praise on Pinder, the PLP leader called the candidate "someone with bright, new, clearly-thought-out ideas for fixing the social and economic problems" that Elizabeth constituents face.
He also characterized Pinder as someone who feels deeply about the plight of disaffected youth, the unemployed and residents fearful of escalating crime.
Pinder told supporters last night that he is not the kind of candidate will would be reachable only when he needs votes.
"So Elizabeth, on this short march to victory, on which I hope you will partner with me, you can be sure of a PLP candidate who has your welfare and your future as priority, and who will offer sensible and realistic solutions to everyday problems," he said.
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie last night alleged that there were unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth ahead of Tuesday's by-election.
"The people of Elizabeth are witnessing and experiencing offers of temporary jobs, paving of roads and even track roads, installation of street lights, fancy promises about taking care of them, all to get them to vote against Ryan Pinder and the PLP," Christie alleged at a rally in the constituency last night.
"There is no doubt that the people of Elizabeth deserve everything that they can get and we support their receiving such entitlements. But the question must be asked, why wait until now?"
Christie said he found it interesting that after all this time in office, the FNM government "is only now just showing its face in Elizabeth."
"Santa Claus is coming to town in February," he said. "Imagine that."
In the weeks since attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned his Parliamentary seat, the national spotlight has been focused on Elizabeth, with constituents' needs being highlighted by the five candidates in the race.
Matching the articulation of those needs have been a slew of promises on how they will be addressed.
Christie urged residents last night not to be fooled by the election.
"The only party in this race that really cares about you is the same party that has always cared about struggling Bahamians - the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
Christie also encouraged Elizabeth constituents to show the Free National Movement just how smart they are.
"Let them know that you don't want to go just a little way with a few handouts," he said. "Tell them that you want to go all the way to freedom and dignity with the PLP. Tell them that this is politics at its most cynical level and that you reject it thoroughly."
Christie said Elizabeth voters have every right to ask the FNM government and the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands where they have been over the past two years.
He again expressed confidence in the outcome of the approaching election.
"I feel confident that at the end of the five days that remain, a new day for the people of Elizabeth will come to life; a new day will dawn; a new day that will bring in a new era of caring and compassionate representation; a new era of imaginative and innovative representation...," Christie said.
But the PLP leader told supporters, "We are almost there, but we're not there yet. Let's not lose sight of that fact. We've come a long way over the last couple of weeks but we still have some ways to go. There is still ground to be covered. There are still five days left and these last five days will be the hardest ground of all to cover."
He also said Pinder would play an important role in the next government.
"If you're looking for a stand-up political fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with his opponents and to debate them in public on the issues, then Ryan is your man," said Christie in a clear swipe at Sands for not participating in Jones Communications' candidates debate on Tuesday night.
Heaping more praise on Pinder, the PLP leader called the candidate "someone with bright, new, clearly-thought-out ideas for fixing the social and economic problems" that Elizabeth constituents face.
He also characterized Pinder as someone who feels deeply about the plight of disaffected youth, the unemployed and residents fearful of escalating crime.
Pinder told supporters last night that he is not the kind of candidate will would be reachable only when he needs votes.
"So Elizabeth, on this short march to victory, on which I hope you will partner with me, you can be sure of a PLP candidate who has your welfare and your future as priority, and who will offer sensible and realistic solutions to everyday problems," he said.
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
Dr. Duane Sands: I support National Health Insurance (NHI)
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
In 2006 when the debate over National Health Insurance (NHI) was raging, Dr. Duane Sands emerged as a key opposition voice to the plan as presented by the Christie administration.
Today, as the Free National Movement's candidate in the approaching by-election, Sands is making headlines for other reasons, but his opponents are quick to remind voters that four years ago he fought the battle against the highly touted program.
"My impression was he did not support National Health Insurance," said Dr. Bernard Nottage, who was minister of health in 2006 and is now the Progressive Liberal Party's coordinator for its Elizabeth by-election campaign.
"Indeed, my impression was he did not support universal health insurance. Dr. Sands is an influential physician who has worked in our system in both the private and public [sectors] for many years. And he knows the weaknesses and the faults of the system. He knows that there are people in this country who when they fall ill are denied care because they do not have the money to pay."
Sands on the other hand suggested that because he has worked in the system for such a long time, he has a good idea of what is realistic and what is not. And what the PLP was proposing in 2006, he said, was just not realistic.
"It's interesting that much of what is being said about me now is that I opposed National Health Insurance (NHI)," Sands said yesterday. "There's nothing further from the truth. I did not oppose National Health Insurance. I didn't then and I don't oppose it now.
"What I did oppose was something that was poorly conceived and likely to be poorly executed, and I thought that we were trying to sell the Bahamian public a bill of goods for political mileage. I say that without fear of contradiction. At the time, when I was a technical person in the Ministry [of Health], I said this cannot work, this will not accomplish what it is setting out to do."
In 2006, Sands was part of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform.
Back then he said, "I have absolutely no problem with a National Health Insurance Plan.
"I think it should happen now. I think we need to make dramatic changes in the way health care is delivered. We need to improve access for our Bahamian people, but I've gone on record, and I go on record today, as saying this plan as currently touted will not do what it's intended to do, and more importantly, I believe that we're not terribly far off from the proponents of the current [proposed] National Health Insurance Plan.
"I believe that there's enough talent in this country that if we sit down together and hash out the differences we can all develop a National Health Insurance Plan which we can be proud of, which would be sustainable and which would achieve the noble goals set out by the Blue Ribbon Commission [on National Health Insurance]. We're not terribly far off."
When the National Health Insurance Bill came to Parliament in 2006, Free National Movement members supported it, although they repeatedly pointed to what they called flaws in the Christie government's NHI plan.
In his contribution to the debate on December 6, 2002, then leader of the opposition Hubert Ingraham pointed out that the bill would not have created NHI.
"If, according to them (the PLP) people are dying because there is no National Health Insurance, then people will continue to die because this bill is most certainly not delivering National Health Insurance," Ingraham said.
The bill was passed, but had a short shelf life as it came mere months before the Christie administration's one term in government ended. Under the Ingraham administration, talk of NHI has taken on new form.
The government has said its national drug prescription plan is the first step to NHI and that there will be other steps in its planned phased approach, although no timelines have been given.
But Nottage is doubtful that any meaningful National Health Insurance Scheme will ever develop under the current administration.
"If poor people can't afford it now, how are they going to be able afford it in the future unless there is a national system which we were trying to implement, a system by the way which requires every person who is employed to make a contribution toward health care in the country, pooling the resources so that everybody pays and when one of us becomes ill [we] would not have to worry about having the cash to pay," he said yesterday.
The former health minister said some members of the medical profession are ambivalent about National Health Insurance.
"They want people to have good health care but they don't want to make the sacrifices that are required for them to have good care," he said. "And some of those sacrifices include having to forgo many of the benefits that health professionals have, and so I think it is that ambivalence that has created this opposition."
Sands said in 2006 that he is prepared to work with anyone to come up with a plan that will be sustainable and realistic.
Yesterday he said, "Let's not offer people something that it isn't. National Health Insurance, universal health care, health care reform are emotionally charged buzz words because health care is so critical in a personal way and in a national way. You've got to be very careful that you don't take people's emotions and run with them in a way that you hold out something that is not real. That's lying to people.
"What you need to be able to do is say 'here's where we are, here's where we'd like to go and we think this is where we can get to'. You've got to be honest. I think people understand and appreciate honesty."
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
In 2006 when the debate over National Health Insurance (NHI) was raging, Dr. Duane Sands emerged as a key opposition voice to the plan as presented by the Christie administration.
Today, as the Free National Movement's candidate in the approaching by-election, Sands is making headlines for other reasons, but his opponents are quick to remind voters that four years ago he fought the battle against the highly touted program.
"My impression was he did not support National Health Insurance," said Dr. Bernard Nottage, who was minister of health in 2006 and is now the Progressive Liberal Party's coordinator for its Elizabeth by-election campaign.
"Indeed, my impression was he did not support universal health insurance. Dr. Sands is an influential physician who has worked in our system in both the private and public [sectors] for many years. And he knows the weaknesses and the faults of the system. He knows that there are people in this country who when they fall ill are denied care because they do not have the money to pay."
Sands on the other hand suggested that because he has worked in the system for such a long time, he has a good idea of what is realistic and what is not. And what the PLP was proposing in 2006, he said, was just not realistic.
"It's interesting that much of what is being said about me now is that I opposed National Health Insurance (NHI)," Sands said yesterday. "There's nothing further from the truth. I did not oppose National Health Insurance. I didn't then and I don't oppose it now.
"What I did oppose was something that was poorly conceived and likely to be poorly executed, and I thought that we were trying to sell the Bahamian public a bill of goods for political mileage. I say that without fear of contradiction. At the time, when I was a technical person in the Ministry [of Health], I said this cannot work, this will not accomplish what it is setting out to do."
In 2006, Sands was part of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform.
Back then he said, "I have absolutely no problem with a National Health Insurance Plan.
"I think it should happen now. I think we need to make dramatic changes in the way health care is delivered. We need to improve access for our Bahamian people, but I've gone on record, and I go on record today, as saying this plan as currently touted will not do what it's intended to do, and more importantly, I believe that we're not terribly far off from the proponents of the current [proposed] National Health Insurance Plan.
"I believe that there's enough talent in this country that if we sit down together and hash out the differences we can all develop a National Health Insurance Plan which we can be proud of, which would be sustainable and which would achieve the noble goals set out by the Blue Ribbon Commission [on National Health Insurance]. We're not terribly far off."
When the National Health Insurance Bill came to Parliament in 2006, Free National Movement members supported it, although they repeatedly pointed to what they called flaws in the Christie government's NHI plan.
In his contribution to the debate on December 6, 2002, then leader of the opposition Hubert Ingraham pointed out that the bill would not have created NHI.
"If, according to them (the PLP) people are dying because there is no National Health Insurance, then people will continue to die because this bill is most certainly not delivering National Health Insurance," Ingraham said.
The bill was passed, but had a short shelf life as it came mere months before the Christie administration's one term in government ended. Under the Ingraham administration, talk of NHI has taken on new form.
The government has said its national drug prescription plan is the first step to NHI and that there will be other steps in its planned phased approach, although no timelines have been given.
But Nottage is doubtful that any meaningful National Health Insurance Scheme will ever develop under the current administration.
"If poor people can't afford it now, how are they going to be able afford it in the future unless there is a national system which we were trying to implement, a system by the way which requires every person who is employed to make a contribution toward health care in the country, pooling the resources so that everybody pays and when one of us becomes ill [we] would not have to worry about having the cash to pay," he said yesterday.
The former health minister said some members of the medical profession are ambivalent about National Health Insurance.
"They want people to have good health care but they don't want to make the sacrifices that are required for them to have good care," he said. "And some of those sacrifices include having to forgo many of the benefits that health professionals have, and so I think it is that ambivalence that has created this opposition."
Sands said in 2006 that he is prepared to work with anyone to come up with a plan that will be sustainable and realistic.
Yesterday he said, "Let's not offer people something that it isn't. National Health Insurance, universal health care, health care reform are emotionally charged buzz words because health care is so critical in a personal way and in a national way. You've got to be very careful that you don't take people's emotions and run with them in a way that you hold out something that is not real. That's lying to people.
"What you need to be able to do is say 'here's where we are, here's where we'd like to go and we think this is where we can get to'. You've got to be honest. I think people understand and appreciate honesty."
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
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