By Brent Dean ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
The decision by more than 1,700 registered voters not to participate in the Elizabeth by-election may indicate that a significant block of Bahamians either rejected, or are not interested in, the message being offered by either the Free National Movement or the Progressive Liberal Party.
When the recount is over, the winner of the by-election would have received just over 30 percent of the registered votes in the area.
With the PLP and the FNM having national base support somewhere between 30 and 40 percent each, it appears that not even all of the faithful showed up to vote on Tuesday.
The Bahamas is going through one of its worse economic periods since Independence. As a result of the global recession thousands of Bahamians are out of work. The level of violent crime in the country has also hit record levels.
In this context, an opposition party should be able to defeat the governing party in a by-election, in a classic swing seat.
The Christie-led PLP could not do this.
Conversely, it could be argued that the FNM should have done better. The PLP has moved from controversy to controversy since the last general election.
One PLP member of Parliament (Kenyatta Gibson) crossed the floor of the House of Assembly and joined the FNM; another (Malcolm Adderley) resigned, criticizing Christie; and former party senator (Pleasant Bridgewater) is about to face retrial on attempted extortion charges.
Neither party could use the strong negatives against the other to distance itself in this race. The voters in this swing seat have perceived little to no difference between the major parties.
The Elizabeth vote should force both leaders back to the drawing board to find new messages, policies and platforms if they are serious about running in 2012.
The results show that the Elizabeth campaign did not inspire.
However, what the results also show is that no matter how dissatisfied Bahamians may be with the PLP and the FNM, they will not support a third party.
The youthful enthusiasm of Cassius Stuart and Dr. Andre Rollins should be applauded. But if either man wants to ever sit in the House, he must put on either a yellow or red shirt.
This deep conservatism - Bahamians not being willing to try a third force - has a consequence. If Bahamians will not vote for others, then there is no pressure on either the PLP or FNM to reform their message; and there is also no pressure on the major parties to change the faces that lead the organization.
In this equation the major parties only need to defeat each other rather than seek to court voters.
Some observers argue that the number of voters who did not show up on Tuesday is likely less that 1,700. It is true that some people on the 2007 register may have moved or died since then.
This, though, would only reduce the number of non-voters by a few hundred.
The PLP and FNM must now face the reality that the degree of voter apathy in Elizabeth may exist in swing seats across the country.
The parties must determine if their message (or messengers) no longer appeal to voters.
Now, a saving grace for the major parties may be that many Elizabeth voters stayed at home waiting for the next general election, as they know that Tuesday's result will not change the overall balance of power in Parliament.
February 18, 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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Elizabeth by-election: FNM ahead by one vote
tribune242:
ONE vote decided the winner of the hotly contested Elizabeth by-election, unofficially leaving the FNM's Duane Sands as the representative for the area vacated by the PLP's Malcolm Adderley last month.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister and leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham said that the governing party would not be declaring victory just yet, admitting that things can go "either way" following today's recount.
As The Tribune predicted, the election came right down to the wire as Dr Sands unofficially won the contest with a total of 1,501, beating his closest contender PLP Ryan Pinder, who obtained 1,500 votes.
In the end third party candidates and low turn out made a huge difference in this election.
While typically for a general election the voter turn out is in the 90 per cent range, approximately 64 per cent of voters turned out on Tuesday.
Altogether third party candidates gathered a total of 141 votes. Literally had any of these votes cast for the NDP, BDM or Workers' Party gone to the PLP or FNM it could have been a game changer.
However, yesterday's "official unofficial results" left FNM's cautiously optimistic and PLPs saying they were not willing to give up as yet.
Returning officer Jack Thompson told The Tribune yesterday that there would be no official recount until today.
There were a lot of factors at play in the Elizabeth by-election, among which is the issue of contested and protest ballots. While the challenged votes were included in the tally, the protested votes were not.
According to Mr Thompson, voters whose names were on the register, but were disputed by party agents, were challenged and required to swear an oath.
Voters whose names were not on the register or had questionable voter cards were protested and required to vote on coloured ballots.
Mr Thompson did not have the official numbers of challenged or protested votes up to press time.
Weeks ago, members of each contending party in the by-election raised an alarm over irregularities with the voting register published by the Parliamentary Registration Department.
Party members claimed they were unable to find hundreds of people on the register during house-to-house visitations. They were not satisfied everyone on the list had lived in the constituency for three months.
One of the biggest side stories of this election was Tommy Turnquest's revelation at an FNM rally the night before that 35-year-old Ryan Pinder had never voted in the Bahamas but had deemed it important to vote in two US elections.
This fact left Mr Pinder vulnerable to open mocking by his opponents.
FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said when Ryan Pinder arrived at Thelma Gibson yesterday morning, the FNM supporters gathered outside sang the US national anthem.
When their candidate Dr Duane Sands arrived, the group sang the Bahamian national anthem.
NDP candidate Dr Andre Rollins said that he was embarrassed for Mr Pinder.
Dr Rollins said that had the FNM come out with this information sooner, the PLP candidate would have never been able to overcome it.
PLP candidate Ryan Pinder called Tommy Turnquest's revelation about his voting history "gutter politics" and said he was not going to respond.
However, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said this was nothing but FNM "propaganda" that was being used as a "red herring" to distract PLPs.
Roberts said it was "not a big deal" and that Turnquest's comments were not a matter of any substance. He further suggested that Pinder had renounced his US citizenship before he nominated and that the FNM was aware of this all along.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis chiming in on his candidate's voting history said he thought it was disingenuous of the FNM to reveal this information at the last minute giving Ryan Pinder no chance to respond.
He pointed out that during the time in question, Pinder was living and working in the United States and so would not have had the residency required to vote in a Bahamian election.
There were no major disturbances yesterday but police had to be called to quiet rowdy FNM and PLP supporters who gathered outside the polling station at Faith Temple, where the votes were tallied.
Tensions were mounting with supporters of both parties shouting at each other and becoming increasingly aggressive.
The man who was the catalyst for all the excitement on Tuesday, former PLP MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, was suspiciously quiet and spent the day away from the spotlight.
When contacted by The Tribune he refused to comment on the election proceedings, saying, "I'm not speaking today."
The election was plagued by low voter turnout and throughout the day swing voters said they were still unsure of who they were throwing their support behind.
The low voter turn out concerned both parties with leader of the opposition, Perry Christie, saying he and his members were getting anxious because voter turnout has been so low.
BDM candidate Cassius Stewart suspects the voter turnout was low because many of the people who appeared on the register weren't actually eligible to vote.
He said if a better analysis of the registry could be done, it may reveal that turnout among eligible voters could be closer to 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, supporters of both major parties are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this morning's recount.
February 17, 2010
tribune242
ONE vote decided the winner of the hotly contested Elizabeth by-election, unofficially leaving the FNM's Duane Sands as the representative for the area vacated by the PLP's Malcolm Adderley last month.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister and leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham said that the governing party would not be declaring victory just yet, admitting that things can go "either way" following today's recount.
As The Tribune predicted, the election came right down to the wire as Dr Sands unofficially won the contest with a total of 1,501, beating his closest contender PLP Ryan Pinder, who obtained 1,500 votes.
In the end third party candidates and low turn out made a huge difference in this election.
While typically for a general election the voter turn out is in the 90 per cent range, approximately 64 per cent of voters turned out on Tuesday.
Altogether third party candidates gathered a total of 141 votes. Literally had any of these votes cast for the NDP, BDM or Workers' Party gone to the PLP or FNM it could have been a game changer.
However, yesterday's "official unofficial results" left FNM's cautiously optimistic and PLPs saying they were not willing to give up as yet.
Returning officer Jack Thompson told The Tribune yesterday that there would be no official recount until today.
There were a lot of factors at play in the Elizabeth by-election, among which is the issue of contested and protest ballots. While the challenged votes were included in the tally, the protested votes were not.
According to Mr Thompson, voters whose names were on the register, but were disputed by party agents, were challenged and required to swear an oath.
Voters whose names were not on the register or had questionable voter cards were protested and required to vote on coloured ballots.
Mr Thompson did not have the official numbers of challenged or protested votes up to press time.
Weeks ago, members of each contending party in the by-election raised an alarm over irregularities with the voting register published by the Parliamentary Registration Department.
Party members claimed they were unable to find hundreds of people on the register during house-to-house visitations. They were not satisfied everyone on the list had lived in the constituency for three months.
One of the biggest side stories of this election was Tommy Turnquest's revelation at an FNM rally the night before that 35-year-old Ryan Pinder had never voted in the Bahamas but had deemed it important to vote in two US elections.
This fact left Mr Pinder vulnerable to open mocking by his opponents.
FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said when Ryan Pinder arrived at Thelma Gibson yesterday morning, the FNM supporters gathered outside sang the US national anthem.
When their candidate Dr Duane Sands arrived, the group sang the Bahamian national anthem.
NDP candidate Dr Andre Rollins said that he was embarrassed for Mr Pinder.
Dr Rollins said that had the FNM come out with this information sooner, the PLP candidate would have never been able to overcome it.
PLP candidate Ryan Pinder called Tommy Turnquest's revelation about his voting history "gutter politics" and said he was not going to respond.
However, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said this was nothing but FNM "propaganda" that was being used as a "red herring" to distract PLPs.
Roberts said it was "not a big deal" and that Turnquest's comments were not a matter of any substance. He further suggested that Pinder had renounced his US citizenship before he nominated and that the FNM was aware of this all along.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis chiming in on his candidate's voting history said he thought it was disingenuous of the FNM to reveal this information at the last minute giving Ryan Pinder no chance to respond.
He pointed out that during the time in question, Pinder was living and working in the United States and so would not have had the residency required to vote in a Bahamian election.
There were no major disturbances yesterday but police had to be called to quiet rowdy FNM and PLP supporters who gathered outside the polling station at Faith Temple, where the votes were tallied.
Tensions were mounting with supporters of both parties shouting at each other and becoming increasingly aggressive.
The man who was the catalyst for all the excitement on Tuesday, former PLP MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, was suspiciously quiet and spent the day away from the spotlight.
When contacted by The Tribune he refused to comment on the election proceedings, saying, "I'm not speaking today."
The election was plagued by low voter turnout and throughout the day swing voters said they were still unsure of who they were throwing their support behind.
The low voter turn out concerned both parties with leader of the opposition, Perry Christie, saying he and his members were getting anxious because voter turnout has been so low.
BDM candidate Cassius Stewart suspects the voter turnout was low because many of the people who appeared on the register weren't actually eligible to vote.
He said if a better analysis of the registry could be done, it may reveal that turnout among eligible voters could be closer to 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, supporters of both major parties are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this morning's recount.
February 17, 2010
tribune242
Elizabeth by-election: 1,700 voters a no-show
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
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
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
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