What is the whole truth behind Bluewater?
tribune242 editorial
AFTER a 14-year search for a suitable strategic partner and a lengthy, often acrimonious debate over the past few days, BTC opens its doors today as a privately owned company. Cable & Wireless, with a sound international reputation and solid financing is the new owner. Bluewater Ventures Ltd, the choice of the PLP government, is now history leaving a trail of mystery in its wake.
When one examines details of the bids that were published, it is difficult to understand why Bluewater -- the only company not to produce financials -- was the PLP government's company of choice. Many things have been suggested. Finance Minister Zhivargo Laing considered it a "fronting" operation with Bahamians hidden in the background. Whatever it was, all that has been made public -- and much is still hidden-- suggests that it was a company hastily thrown together especially for this bidding process.
At the end of a heated exchange between Opposition leader Perry Christie, whose government pushed the Bluewater deal to a hasty conclusion, and Prime Minister Ingraham who eliminated Bluewater, Mr Ingraham accepted that Mr Christie's last gesture before he left office "was beneficial to the Bahamas."
As he put out the embers of his dying government, Mr Christie took up his pen and ended the Bluewater deal.
"I would recommend," he wrote, "that the matter not proceed any further at this time."
Mr Christie argued that as his government had been voted out of office, it was only right that the final decision on the future of BTC be left for the new government.
Reading from the records on Monday, April 30, 2007 --two days before the general election -- Mr Ingraham said the PLP Cabinet met with Prime Minister Christie's approval. Mr Christie himself was absent, and so the deputy prime minister was in the chair. Mr Obie Wilchcombe was also absent from that meeting. It was at that meeting that the decision was made to sell BTC to Bluewater.
When asked by a House member what he knew about the Bluewater transaction, Mr Ingraham said he knew of a meeting also held at the Ministry of Finance when then Minister Bradley Roberts, "Brave" Davis, lawyer for Bluewater, and a "man from Bluewater" returned to the room and said "we have a deal."
Mr Ingraham said that before the 2007 election he had announced at an FNM rally that the PLP government had sold what was then BaTelCo to Bluewater. His speculation was that at the end "they ran scared," which caused the last minute change of mind.
As our readers will recall the hand-over in 2007 from one government to the next did not go smoothly. Although the FNM became the government on May 2, it was not until May 4th that it was able to assume office.
In the meantime several ministers of the former PLP government, said Mr Ingraham, went around announcing that the Bluewater deal had been approved and recommended that the persons involved should go to the Cabinet office to get "the letter."
By then the Ingraham government was in charge. Mr Ingraham said that the Secretary to the Cabinet came to him one day to inform him that "some people" were at the office saying that they wanted "the letter" -- obviously the letter approving the sale of BaTelCo to Bluewater.
Mr Ingraham thanked Mr Christie for going to London to testify at the hearing when Bluewater was demanding to be indemnified for the loss of BaTelCo. In Bluewater's agreement with the PLP, the Ingraham government would have had to pay $2.5 million if the exclusivity clause in the agreement had been breached. To get out of the Bluewater deal, the $2.5 million penalty clause was negotiated down to $1.9 million.
Mr Ingraham argued that although Mr Christie did not attend the Cabinet meeting that approved the sale of BaTelCo to Bluewater, the fact that he had given Cabinet members permission to meet, and agreed who should chair the meeting, he could not then unilaterally rescind their decision without another meeting and discussion. Mr Christie argued that he did not change the deal, but decided that his government was at an end and suspended it.
Mr Ingraham knows, said an angered Opposition leader, that "this was a process that I was going to guarantee the integrity of -- if only because Brave Davis was the lawyer -- I was not going to allow this matter to compromise the integrity of my government under no circumstances."
In a heated moment, Mr Christie probably suggested more than he intended. Obviously, he was not happy with the deal. His behaviour at the end shows a great deal of doubt. Already he had started the hand washing process.
Bluewater was a deal made on behalf of the Bahamian people. They are entitled to know the facts -- especially why Bluewater was given so many preferential concessions.
We feel it the duty of the Ingraham government to lay the whole Bluewater transaction on the table of the House so that it will be available for public scrutiny.
March 28, 2011
tribune242 editorial
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.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Exactly what do we know about Mr. Branville McCartney so far?
The enigma known as Branville McCartney
By Rick Lowe
Mr. McCartney recently resigned from the government, (as he should have), remaining in Parliament as an independent MP, and rumour has it he will start a new political party to contest the next general election.
Upon hearing this, one of my nephews e-mailed from Abaco to say how exciting this was and felt this new party would win if they could field some good candidates.
My response, after consulting my political crystal ball, was that he might not even win the Constituency he currently represents, (Bamboo Town) again, much less the government based on what we know about him and his policies and how he proposes to implement them to date.
Exactly what do we know about Mr. McCartney so far?
1. He thinks illegal Haitians should be repatriated.
2. He thinks Bahamians should be able to succeed.
3. He is opposed to Cable & Wireless buying BTC.
Now what do we find when we look at what the FNM and PLP think about these things?
Believe it or not, Mr. McCartney, or "Bran" as he is affectionately known, agrees with both the major political parties on the first two points, and agrees with the PLP on the third, since they changed their position on privatisation that is. So what's he got that the other two parties don't have? Problem is we don't know yet.
Until Mr. McCartney releases a position paper on major issues and how he will "plan or fix" things so Bahamians can get to know him, he stands for nothing original at this point. In fact he just might be so nationalistic that he sets the country back even further than the "devils" we know.
This quote from Nobel Laureate and economist, F.A. Hayek from his masterpiece, The Road to Serfdom, seems appropriate:
weblogbahamas
Mr. McCartney recently resigned from the government, (as he should have), remaining in Parliament as an independent MP, and rumour has it he will start a new political party to contest the next general election.
Upon hearing this, one of my nephews e-mailed from Abaco to say how exciting this was and felt this new party would win if they could field some good candidates.
My response, after consulting my political crystal ball, was that he might not even win the Constituency he currently represents, (Bamboo Town) again, much less the government based on what we know about him and his policies and how he proposes to implement them to date.
Exactly what do we know about Mr. McCartney so far?
1. He thinks illegal Haitians should be repatriated.
2. He thinks Bahamians should be able to succeed.
3. He is opposed to Cable & Wireless buying BTC.
Now what do we find when we look at what the FNM and PLP think about these things?
Believe it or not, Mr. McCartney, or "Bran" as he is affectionately known, agrees with both the major political parties on the first two points, and agrees with the PLP on the third, since they changed their position on privatisation that is. So what's he got that the other two parties don't have? Problem is we don't know yet.
Until Mr. McCartney releases a position paper on major issues and how he will "plan or fix" things so Bahamians can get to know him, he stands for nothing original at this point. In fact he just might be so nationalistic that he sets the country back even further than the "devils" we know.
This quote from Nobel Laureate and economist, F.A. Hayek from his masterpiece, The Road to Serfdom, seems appropriate:
"The effect of the people's agreeing that there must be central planning, without agreeing on the ends, will be rather as if a group of people were to commit themselves to take a journey together without agreeing where they want to go; with the result that they may all have to make a journey which most of them do not want at all."In the mean time it will be fun watching the political posturing until his cards are played for all to see, because at this point Mr. McCartney is little more than an enigma.
weblogbahamas
Sunday, March 27, 2011
PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham will close the current voters' register sometime after June 2011... only those on the new register will be eligible to vote in the next general election
PM will close voters' register in June or July
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Ingraham will close the current voters' register in June or July of this year - meaning that only those on the new register will be eligible to vote in the next election.
Once the current register is void, members of the Boundaries Commission will be appointed, the Prime Minister said.
"I can tell you this, sometime after June of this year I propose to cause the current register of voters to die - by that I mean to come to an end - which would mean only persons who are registered on the new register will be eligible to vote," said Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
"I've got to give 90 days notice of that. I'm now thinking of giving that notice sometime during the month of April, so sometime towards the end of June or July I intend to bring the current register to an end.
"The Boundaries Commission will be appointed after that."
When asked if elections will be called this year, Mr Ingraham quipped: "No man knows of the hour but one and he ain' talking."
March 26, 2011
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Ingraham will close the current voters' register in June or July of this year - meaning that only those on the new register will be eligible to vote in the next election.
This move will give the Parliamentary Registrar more time to peruse the new voters' register. It will also allow the Parliamentary Registrar to give the Boundaries Commission a more accurate representation of the number of eligible voters in each constituency.
Once the current register is void, members of the Boundaries Commission will be appointed, the Prime Minister said.
"I can tell you this, sometime after June of this year I propose to cause the current register of voters to die - by that I mean to come to an end - which would mean only persons who are registered on the new register will be eligible to vote," said Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
"I've got to give 90 days notice of that. I'm now thinking of giving that notice sometime during the month of April, so sometime towards the end of June or July I intend to bring the current register to an end.
"The Boundaries Commission will be appointed after that."
When asked if elections will be called this year, Mr Ingraham quipped: "No man knows of the hour but one and he ain' talking."
March 26, 2011
tribune242
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The House of Assembly Passed the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) Privatization Resolutions
House approves BTC sale
By KRYSTEL ROLLE
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
PM accidentally voted against sale, then changed vote
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) privatization resolutions were passed in the House of Assembly yesterday with 22 MPs voting in support of the resolutions and 18 voting against. The process to sell 51 percent of BTC to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) is now almost finished.
All members of the official opposition voted against the resolutions. Independent MP for Bamboo Town Branville McCartney also voted against the resolutions.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham initially made a mistake and he accidentally voted against the first privatization resolution. He was seemingly distracted, using his Blackberry phone, when his name was called to vote. Ingraham said, “No.”
When he realized the mistake, Ingraham quickly said, “Yes.”
His initial “no” vote led to loud cheers and laughter from opposition members.
When it came time to vote on the second resolution, Ingraham clearly said, “Yes.” This also led to laughter from the opposition, considering Ingraham’s initial mistake.
Both resolutions passed shortly after Ingraham wrapped up the debate yesterday evening.
“This is a historic day in the history of The Bahamas,” Ingraham said. “It is the culmination of a process that was started 14 years ago.”
In negotiating the BTC deal, he said the government was motivated by its desire to give Bahamians the best of what is available and to ensure that communications services are reliable and accessible.
Ingraham also accused the opposition of using the unions representing BTC employees as “pawns” in the fight against of sale of BTC to CWC.
Ingraham further criticized the leaders of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) — the BTC unions — for leading their members down “the wrong path.”
The unions have led protests and legal action seeking to block the sale to CWC.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears took offense to Ingraham’s “pawns” statement. He said the unions are mature groups with responsible leaders who can make independent decisions.
The BCPOU and BCPMU were seeking an injunction to stop the government from selling BTC.
However, Supreme Court Justice Neville Adderley said the unions lacked the legal capacity to institute and maintain the action in their own names.
The unions appealed the decision, but lost that bid before the Court of Appeal Tuesday.
The unions will face significant legal bills as a result of the failed court action.
Ingraham encouraged the unions to engage with CWC.
“I appeal to the leadership, to the unions, to begin to engage in discussions with their new bosses. Because they are going to be the bosses in short order and it makes good sense for them to have discussions,” he said. “Do not allow anyone to mislead you into believing that we do not have your best interests at heart. In fact, had they listened to me they wouldn’t have been stuck with the thousands of dollars in court fees.”
The legislation associated with the BTC sale will next be debated in the Senate.
3/25/2011
thenassauguardian
By KRYSTEL ROLLE
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
PM accidentally voted against sale, then changed vote
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) privatization resolutions were passed in the House of Assembly yesterday with 22 MPs voting in support of the resolutions and 18 voting against. The process to sell 51 percent of BTC to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) is now almost finished.
All members of the official opposition voted against the resolutions. Independent MP for Bamboo Town Branville McCartney also voted against the resolutions.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham initially made a mistake and he accidentally voted against the first privatization resolution. He was seemingly distracted, using his Blackberry phone, when his name was called to vote. Ingraham said, “No.”
When he realized the mistake, Ingraham quickly said, “Yes.”
His initial “no” vote led to loud cheers and laughter from opposition members.
When it came time to vote on the second resolution, Ingraham clearly said, “Yes.” This also led to laughter from the opposition, considering Ingraham’s initial mistake.
Both resolutions passed shortly after Ingraham wrapped up the debate yesterday evening.
“This is a historic day in the history of The Bahamas,” Ingraham said. “It is the culmination of a process that was started 14 years ago.”
In negotiating the BTC deal, he said the government was motivated by its desire to give Bahamians the best of what is available and to ensure that communications services are reliable and accessible.
Ingraham also accused the opposition of using the unions representing BTC employees as “pawns” in the fight against of sale of BTC to CWC.
Ingraham further criticized the leaders of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) — the BTC unions — for leading their members down “the wrong path.”
The unions have led protests and legal action seeking to block the sale to CWC.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears took offense to Ingraham’s “pawns” statement. He said the unions are mature groups with responsible leaders who can make independent decisions.
The BCPOU and BCPMU were seeking an injunction to stop the government from selling BTC.
However, Supreme Court Justice Neville Adderley said the unions lacked the legal capacity to institute and maintain the action in their own names.
The unions appealed the decision, but lost that bid before the Court of Appeal Tuesday.
The unions will face significant legal bills as a result of the failed court action.
Ingraham encouraged the unions to engage with CWC.
“I appeal to the leadership, to the unions, to begin to engage in discussions with their new bosses. Because they are going to be the bosses in short order and it makes good sense for them to have discussions,” he said. “Do not allow anyone to mislead you into believing that we do not have your best interests at heart. In fact, had they listened to me they wouldn’t have been stuck with the thousands of dollars in court fees.”
The legislation associated with the BTC sale will next be debated in the Senate.
3/25/2011
thenassauguardian
Friday, March 25, 2011
Free National Movement (FNM) Bamboo Town Constituency Association on Branville McCartney’s Resignation
Bamboo Town Association Blasts McCartney Over Resignation
By IANTHIA SMITH
For months tensions boiled within the governing Free National Movement (FNM) party and after remaining silent on the issue for quite sometime now, representatives of the FNM Bamboo Town Constituency Association are speaking out about Branville McCartney’s resignation.
In a press release issued late yesterday the association said, "We wish to express our considerable personal and collective disappointment over the resignation of Mr. Branville McCartney from the FNM and the abrupt manner in which it was done."
The release went on to say that Mr. McCartney did not inform the executives of the Bamboo Town Association prior to his decision adding that they learned of his decision at the same time it was made public.
The association said having worked for his election to the House of Assembly and on his behalf in Bamboo Town, they would have expected the basic courtesy of prior notification and consultation.
"Mr. McCartney had numerous opportunities to inform the association leadership of his decision, even as recently as last Thursday night, when two of our executives met with him. He could have telephoned our association chairman immediately prior to his resignation," the release added.
"Many in Bamboo Town still do not understand his abrupt resignation from the Cabinet and now his resignation from the FNM. The philosophy, manifesto, policies and leadership of the FNM have not changed since Mr. McCartney was elected to the House of Assembly as an FNM, and joined Mr. Ingraham’s Cabinet."
The association said it is its view that the majority of FNMs in Bamboo Town, as well as the majority of residents in the constituency support the government’s creation of a new partnership between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Cable & Wireless to create a cutting-edge telecommunications company that will move The Bahamas forward.
The associations’ members say they were stunned that when the big vote came in the House of Assembly, Mr. McCartney seemed more concerned about his own personal decision than the broader needs of the people of The Bahamas.
"We will continue to work for the new and better direction the country is moving in under the leadership of Prime Minister Ingraham and the Free National Movement," they said.
"The Bamboo Town Constituency Association is proud of the work our party has done under Prime Minister Ingraham’s leadership during the worldwide economic downturn.
"We pledge ourselves to ensuring that in the next general election Bamboo Town remains FNM country."
Mr. McCartney resigned from the FNM on Monday.
March 24th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By IANTHIA SMITH
For months tensions boiled within the governing Free National Movement (FNM) party and after remaining silent on the issue for quite sometime now, representatives of the FNM Bamboo Town Constituency Association are speaking out about Branville McCartney’s resignation.
In a press release issued late yesterday the association said, "We wish to express our considerable personal and collective disappointment over the resignation of Mr. Branville McCartney from the FNM and the abrupt manner in which it was done."
The release went on to say that Mr. McCartney did not inform the executives of the Bamboo Town Association prior to his decision adding that they learned of his decision at the same time it was made public.
The association said having worked for his election to the House of Assembly and on his behalf in Bamboo Town, they would have expected the basic courtesy of prior notification and consultation.
"Mr. McCartney had numerous opportunities to inform the association leadership of his decision, even as recently as last Thursday night, when two of our executives met with him. He could have telephoned our association chairman immediately prior to his resignation," the release added.
"Many in Bamboo Town still do not understand his abrupt resignation from the Cabinet and now his resignation from the FNM. The philosophy, manifesto, policies and leadership of the FNM have not changed since Mr. McCartney was elected to the House of Assembly as an FNM, and joined Mr. Ingraham’s Cabinet."
The association said it is its view that the majority of FNMs in Bamboo Town, as well as the majority of residents in the constituency support the government’s creation of a new partnership between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Cable & Wireless to create a cutting-edge telecommunications company that will move The Bahamas forward.
The associations’ members say they were stunned that when the big vote came in the House of Assembly, Mr. McCartney seemed more concerned about his own personal decision than the broader needs of the people of The Bahamas.
"We will continue to work for the new and better direction the country is moving in under the leadership of Prime Minister Ingraham and the Free National Movement," they said.
"The Bamboo Town Constituency Association is proud of the work our party has done under Prime Minister Ingraham’s leadership during the worldwide economic downturn.
"We pledge ourselves to ensuring that in the next general election Bamboo Town remains FNM country."
Mr. McCartney resigned from the FNM on Monday.
March 24th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Thursday, March 24, 2011
If Branville McCartney takes the third party course, he could be committing political suicide
Would you vote for a third party?
thenassauguardian editorial
Since the resignation of Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney from the Free National Movement (FNM) Monday, the national airwaves have been dominated by talk of the formation of a third political party to challenge the FNM and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The last major politician to try the third party route was former PLP deputy leader Dr. Bernard Nottage in 2002 when his Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) took on the two major parties. Dr. Nottage’s party failed and he lost his seat. CDR candidates were crushed as non-contenders at the polls.
At the time Bahamians were upset with the FNM, which was fractured and falling apart. They chose to go with a Perry Christie. He was a part of a major political force and he was also a new face to leadership. Christie ran as a “new PLP”, seeking to break with the somewhat tarnished legacy of the defeated old PLP.
At that 2002 election there was something new that was still a part of the mainstream for Bahamians to choose. Dr. Nottage could not compete with that.
Almost ten years later, a young, attractive and charismatic politician (McCartney) may try the same thing. He is not as politically accomplished as Dr. Nottage was at the time he led the CDR to defeat. However, McCartney may have an advantage if he pursues the same course.
At this general election, neither political party has anything new to offer at the leadership level. FNM leader Hubert Ingraham and PLP leader Perry Christie both entered the House of Assembly in 1977. Both men are known. Neither man can claim to be new. Neither man can suggest he can offer something he has not already offered during his long political career.
At this election it could be argued that a message could be presented, stating that Ingraham and Christie, and the FNM and the PLP, are the same thing and a new direction is needed for the country. In recent years there have been annual murder records; the down economy has persisted; and the Bahamian education system is doing poorly.
Though this environment exists, it is unclear if Bahamians will break with the PLP/FNM duopoly.
The key for any third party movement would be to determine if dissatisfaction with the parties could be harnessed into votes. If that dissatisfaction cannot be, starting a third party will only waste money.
Ultimately, Bahamians will have to decide if they will accept others at the national table of decision making or if they think only card carrying PLPs or FNMs should lead The Bahamas.
Before any third party enters the election arena it should understand what is at stake. If defeated badly at the general election, the force will look like a joke never to be considered again.
If McCartney takes the third party course, he would be risking his political career. His force would need to make some sort of impact.
3/23/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Since the resignation of Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney from the Free National Movement (FNM) Monday, the national airwaves have been dominated by talk of the formation of a third political party to challenge the FNM and Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The last major politician to try the third party route was former PLP deputy leader Dr. Bernard Nottage in 2002 when his Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) took on the two major parties. Dr. Nottage’s party failed and he lost his seat. CDR candidates were crushed as non-contenders at the polls.
At the time Bahamians were upset with the FNM, which was fractured and falling apart. They chose to go with a Perry Christie. He was a part of a major political force and he was also a new face to leadership. Christie ran as a “new PLP”, seeking to break with the somewhat tarnished legacy of the defeated old PLP.
At that 2002 election there was something new that was still a part of the mainstream for Bahamians to choose. Dr. Nottage could not compete with that.
Almost ten years later, a young, attractive and charismatic politician (McCartney) may try the same thing. He is not as politically accomplished as Dr. Nottage was at the time he led the CDR to defeat. However, McCartney may have an advantage if he pursues the same course.
At this general election, neither political party has anything new to offer at the leadership level. FNM leader Hubert Ingraham and PLP leader Perry Christie both entered the House of Assembly in 1977. Both men are known. Neither man can claim to be new. Neither man can suggest he can offer something he has not already offered during his long political career.
At this election it could be argued that a message could be presented, stating that Ingraham and Christie, and the FNM and the PLP, are the same thing and a new direction is needed for the country. In recent years there have been annual murder records; the down economy has persisted; and the Bahamian education system is doing poorly.
Though this environment exists, it is unclear if Bahamians will break with the PLP/FNM duopoly.
The key for any third party movement would be to determine if dissatisfaction with the parties could be harnessed into votes. If that dissatisfaction cannot be, starting a third party will only waste money.
Ultimately, Bahamians will have to decide if they will accept others at the national table of decision making or if they think only card carrying PLPs or FNMs should lead The Bahamas.
Before any third party enters the election arena it should understand what is at stake. If defeated badly at the general election, the force will look like a joke never to be considered again.
If McCartney takes the third party course, he would be risking his political career. His force would need to make some sort of impact.
3/23/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
To Opposition Leader Perry Christie: Get your "political operatives" under control
Christie urged to control party's 'political operatives'
tribune242 ediorial
IN THIS column yesterday we briefly discussed the dangers of politicians using "persons known to the police" to participate in public demonstrations and civil unrest.
We wrote that "one only has to look at what eventually happened to politicians in Jamaica who played this game too long. Edward Seaga is a case in point."
Although Seaga represented Jamaica's west Kingston constituency - stronghold to a powerful drug gang - it was Prime Minister Bruce Golding who inherited this precinct from him, eventually getting into political hot water at home, and difficulties with the United States when his government balked at extraditing a drug lord who had supported his party's elections over the years.
"The prime minister, Bruce Golding, had good reason to stall when the United States requested the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke on drug and gun charges last August, " wrote The Economist in its May 27 edition last year. "The Shower Posse gang Mr Coke allegedly runs--so named for showering its foes with bullets--is based in Mr Golding's own constituency in Tivoli Gardens, in the west of Kingston, Jamaica's capital. The gang's weapons are of military calibre and it has the loyalty of local residents. Any attempt to apprehend Mr Coke would surely cause widespread violence."
Mr Golding stalled as long as he could while relations deteriorated between Jamaica and the US. Eventually he was forced to send troops into tightly guarded Tivoli to flush Coke out. However, Coke had already fled, but not before 47 persons were dead, many others injured and at least 260 arrested -- most of them Coke supporters.
It was claimed that Coke's Shower Posse were paying troublemakers more than $1,000 a day to create diversions to distract the police. Eventually Coke was arrested and is now in a federal prison in the US awaiting trial.
Although Golding denied any connection with the drug lord, he eventually had to admit that his party had indeed retained a legal team to lobby president Obama to drop the charges against him.
Connections with such undesirables is deep-rooted in Jamaican society.
The dons had close ties to Jamaica's two major political parties and were believed to fund many political campaigns. They were noted for their "get-out-the-vote" operations at election time. Coke could be counted on to deliver Tivoli to Seaga, then later to Golding's Jamaica Labour Party. Elections in Jamaica are noted for their violence, often ending in death.
It's not surprising that over the years crime escalated in Jamaica -- too many criminals were politically protected.
What has taken place in parliament square these past few weeks to entice demonstrators to create a perception of large crowds is not the first time for the Bahamas. It has happened often. However, this is the first time that the payment of these persons -- many well known to the police-- is being openly discussed.
It is dangerous. It should be stopped immediately. Just as paid protesters have been demanding payment this week, they will soon be demanding protection from police as crime continues to escalate.
If some of Magistrate Hercules' tales from the past during the Pindling regime are to be believed this interference with the law is nothing new.
Opposition Leader Perry Christie has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with this practice. We suggest he go further and get his "political operatives" under control. Washing his hands like Pilate from the stench is not good enough -- firm action is needed.
March 23, 2011
tribune242 ediorial
tribune242 ediorial
IN THIS column yesterday we briefly discussed the dangers of politicians using "persons known to the police" to participate in public demonstrations and civil unrest.
We wrote that "one only has to look at what eventually happened to politicians in Jamaica who played this game too long. Edward Seaga is a case in point."
Although Seaga represented Jamaica's west Kingston constituency - stronghold to a powerful drug gang - it was Prime Minister Bruce Golding who inherited this precinct from him, eventually getting into political hot water at home, and difficulties with the United States when his government balked at extraditing a drug lord who had supported his party's elections over the years.
"The prime minister, Bruce Golding, had good reason to stall when the United States requested the extradition of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke on drug and gun charges last August, " wrote The Economist in its May 27 edition last year. "The Shower Posse gang Mr Coke allegedly runs--so named for showering its foes with bullets--is based in Mr Golding's own constituency in Tivoli Gardens, in the west of Kingston, Jamaica's capital. The gang's weapons are of military calibre and it has the loyalty of local residents. Any attempt to apprehend Mr Coke would surely cause widespread violence."
Mr Golding stalled as long as he could while relations deteriorated between Jamaica and the US. Eventually he was forced to send troops into tightly guarded Tivoli to flush Coke out. However, Coke had already fled, but not before 47 persons were dead, many others injured and at least 260 arrested -- most of them Coke supporters.
It was claimed that Coke's Shower Posse were paying troublemakers more than $1,000 a day to create diversions to distract the police. Eventually Coke was arrested and is now in a federal prison in the US awaiting trial.
Although Golding denied any connection with the drug lord, he eventually had to admit that his party had indeed retained a legal team to lobby president Obama to drop the charges against him.
Connections with such undesirables is deep-rooted in Jamaican society.
The dons had close ties to Jamaica's two major political parties and were believed to fund many political campaigns. They were noted for their "get-out-the-vote" operations at election time. Coke could be counted on to deliver Tivoli to Seaga, then later to Golding's Jamaica Labour Party. Elections in Jamaica are noted for their violence, often ending in death.
It's not surprising that over the years crime escalated in Jamaica -- too many criminals were politically protected.
What has taken place in parliament square these past few weeks to entice demonstrators to create a perception of large crowds is not the first time for the Bahamas. It has happened often. However, this is the first time that the payment of these persons -- many well known to the police-- is being openly discussed.
It is dangerous. It should be stopped immediately. Just as paid protesters have been demanding payment this week, they will soon be demanding protection from police as crime continues to escalate.
If some of Magistrate Hercules' tales from the past during the Pindling regime are to be believed this interference with the law is nothing new.
Opposition Leader Perry Christie has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with this practice. We suggest he go further and get his "political operatives" under control. Washing his hands like Pilate from the stench is not good enough -- firm action is needed.
March 23, 2011
tribune242 ediorial
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