Worker's party leader 'shocked' by NDP members move to the PLP
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
WORKERS' Party leader Rodney Moncur called an emergency party meeting last night after being "shocked" by news that ten executive members of the National Development Party left for the Progressive Liberal Party.
Mr Moncur said the memorandum of understanding, signed between the NDP and the Workers' Party late last year establishing an alliance for the next general election, had been broken.
For weeks the NDP had been in discussions with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney about possibly joining his newly formed Democratic National Alliance. The NDP was expected to soon make an announcement of their alliance with Mr McCartney's party but yesterday aligned with the official opposition in a surprising move.
Yesterday Mr Moncur said it appears as if the country's politicians were thrown into a tailspin by Mr McCartney's new party and view DNA as a real threat.
Development
"We've convened an emergency meeting of the central committee of the Workers' Party for tonight to discuss this new development. It is shocking because (Renward) Wells did not inform me of their decision however I received intelligence very early this morning that they were going to make the move," said Mr Moncur, telling The Tribune that Mr Wells confirmed this to him on Facebook before announcing it at a press conference yesterday.
He added that unlike former NDP leader Renward Wells, and the nine others who left with him, the Workers' Party will not give up the third party fight and "abandon" Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney and newly formed Democratic National Alliance.
"We shall not be like our allies and abandon Branville McCartney and the DNA," added the social activist and former candidate in the Elizabeth by-election. "We have heard what Bran McCartney and the DNA are offering to the Bahamian people and we are excited by it.
"I'm extremely disappointed that Wells could not stand on philosophical grounds and that he has allowed himself to succumb to filthy (politics). . .it's a bad political decision and he's on the wrong track. We shall support Branville McCartney and DNA and the only way we don't support him is if he say he ain' want us.
"We were encouraging the NDP to go into the DNA, we were in the background pushing them and telling them whatever the political plums that the PLP and FNM is offering its not worth it."
Yesterday Mr Wells, former NDP hopeful for Clifton constituency Latore Mackey and eight other executive council members announced they had joined the PLP.
A few NDP members were against the move and will carry on the party's name.
Messrs Wells and Mackey said the philosophy of PLP leader Perry Christie and the party's interest in change and young blood spurred them to cross party lines.
The move comes a few weeks after the NDP said it had heard the nation's cry for a viable alternative to the PLP and the Free National Movement, parties that have been heavily criticised by the NDP.
"We believe that it is high time for another party, other than the PLP or the FNM.
"It is absolutely the right time to do it," Mr Wells told The Tribune in March.
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.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Renward Wells - former National Development Party (NDP) leader says: Mr. Perry Christie is the gentlemen who is most able as a transitional leader to position The Bahamas and its economy to where we ought to go...
NDP chiefs flock to PLP
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
TEN members of the executive council of the National Development Party, including party leader Renward Wells, have left the fledgling party and joined the Opposition Progressive Liberal Party.
Mr Wells claimed that the former NDP members were not promised any post or nomination in the next general election by the PLP's leadership in exchange for their membership.
The parting members of the NDP said it is Mr Christie's political philosophy and the change in the political landscape over the last month - presumably the emergence of newly formed Democratic National Alliance - that spurred them to cross party lines.
"I have not been given no nomination for nothing and nobody else did," said Mr Wells at a press conference at ALCO House on Balfour Avenue yesterday. "The political landscape over the past month has dramatically changed. There's the introduction of a new element into that equation.
"There are three men vying for the top job of this country and of the three men who are vying for that job, at least from the perspective of me and the others, Mr Christie is the gentlemen who is most able as a transitional leader to position this country and this economy to where we ought to go. I say that unashamedly," he added.
For weeks the fringe party was in discussions with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney and was expected to announce its alignment with DNA as a unified third party choice at the polls. The Tribune understands that certain members of the NDP felt that DNA leader Branville McCartney was cold and not receptive to their ideas. The NDP also had an alliance with the Workers' Party, led by Rodney Moncur.
Latore Mackey, former NDP hopeful for the Clifton constituency, explained why discussions with other fringe parties broke down.
"We have went through an exhausting exercise trying to find the vehicle that will not just take the name of a party into a general election but the vehicle that will best take the message of that party. We've tried with the alternative parties, we've tried forming a coalition but there always was some impasse. The NDP bent over backwards trying to accommodate all and sundry but that has proven fruitless, it has become a position whereas we've allowed personalities to take control as opposed to realising that it is the message of deepening the democracy and empowering the people of this country."
A few members decided not to side with the PLP and will carry on the NDP's name.
Still Mr Mackey feels it will have been difficult for the young party to be successful in the next election. He said while the party did not lack ideals, it was short on members, money and notoriety needed to challenge the two major parties.
Since the party's inception in late 2008 the NDP has been critical of the political establishment and the PLP.
When asked to explain the turnaround, Mr Wells said while he did not agree with all of Mr Christie's political choices he was confident the former prime minister was a man who will govern according to the wishes of the people.
"What we have gotten from the PLP is an assurance that in the upcoming campaign and in the government of Perry Christie over the next five years, that the Bahamian people will be first. That is the assurance that we got," said Mr Wells.
In a statement released last night, the PLP welcomed the former NDP members to the party, saying their actions "demonstrate a key difference between the FNM and the PLP."
"The FNM believes in the acquisition of entire political parties through promises for public relations gains," the statement said. "Alternatively, the PLP invites and welcomes the best individuals into our tent. We are prepared to be the next Government of the Bahamas and welcome those who want to contribute to the good governance of the Bahamas.
"The PLP is a good fit for the former NDP leadership because we put people first. The PLP is committed to a new generation, innovative new ideas."
Thursday, May 05, 2011
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
TEN members of the executive council of the National Development Party, including party leader Renward Wells, have left the fledgling party and joined the Opposition Progressive Liberal Party.
Mr Wells claimed that the former NDP members were not promised any post or nomination in the next general election by the PLP's leadership in exchange for their membership.
The parting members of the NDP said it is Mr Christie's political philosophy and the change in the political landscape over the last month - presumably the emergence of newly formed Democratic National Alliance - that spurred them to cross party lines.
"I have not been given no nomination for nothing and nobody else did," said Mr Wells at a press conference at ALCO House on Balfour Avenue yesterday. "The political landscape over the past month has dramatically changed. There's the introduction of a new element into that equation.
"There are three men vying for the top job of this country and of the three men who are vying for that job, at least from the perspective of me and the others, Mr Christie is the gentlemen who is most able as a transitional leader to position this country and this economy to where we ought to go. I say that unashamedly," he added.
For weeks the fringe party was in discussions with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney and was expected to announce its alignment with DNA as a unified third party choice at the polls. The Tribune understands that certain members of the NDP felt that DNA leader Branville McCartney was cold and not receptive to their ideas. The NDP also had an alliance with the Workers' Party, led by Rodney Moncur.
Latore Mackey, former NDP hopeful for the Clifton constituency, explained why discussions with other fringe parties broke down.
"We have went through an exhausting exercise trying to find the vehicle that will not just take the name of a party into a general election but the vehicle that will best take the message of that party. We've tried with the alternative parties, we've tried forming a coalition but there always was some impasse. The NDP bent over backwards trying to accommodate all and sundry but that has proven fruitless, it has become a position whereas we've allowed personalities to take control as opposed to realising that it is the message of deepening the democracy and empowering the people of this country."
A few members decided not to side with the PLP and will carry on the NDP's name.
Still Mr Mackey feels it will have been difficult for the young party to be successful in the next election. He said while the party did not lack ideals, it was short on members, money and notoriety needed to challenge the two major parties.
Since the party's inception in late 2008 the NDP has been critical of the political establishment and the PLP.
When asked to explain the turnaround, Mr Wells said while he did not agree with all of Mr Christie's political choices he was confident the former prime minister was a man who will govern according to the wishes of the people.
"What we have gotten from the PLP is an assurance that in the upcoming campaign and in the government of Perry Christie over the next five years, that the Bahamian people will be first. That is the assurance that we got," said Mr Wells.
In a statement released last night, the PLP welcomed the former NDP members to the party, saying their actions "demonstrate a key difference between the FNM and the PLP."
"The FNM believes in the acquisition of entire political parties through promises for public relations gains," the statement said. "Alternatively, the PLP invites and welcomes the best individuals into our tent. We are prepared to be the next Government of the Bahamas and welcome those who want to contribute to the good governance of the Bahamas.
"The PLP is a good fit for the former NDP leadership because we put people first. The PLP is committed to a new generation, innovative new ideas."
Thursday, May 05, 2011
tribune242
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Branville McCartney and his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party will have a lot of competition this election season...
Politicians Dismiss DNA
By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas
After Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney quit the Free National Movement (FNM) he had one goal in mind – forming a party to challenge both the FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), but according to a politician whose organisation declined an invitation to join Mr. McCartney’s new party, he was not "equipped" to do so.
Omar Smith, along with Cassius Stuart, recently dissolved their party, the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) to join the FNM. They took their members along with them.
The men, who served as deputy leader and leader respectively, had been in talks with Mr. McCartney after he quit the FNM several months ago to become an independent MP.
Mr. McCartney was also in talks with the leaders of several other third parties trying to woo them to join his party.
However, the Bahama Journal recently reported that many of those leaders did not take his party seriously.
Mr. Smith explained why he chose not to team up with Mr. McCartney.
"When Mr. McCartney asked to speak with us – and we were more than willing to speak to anyone who was interested in national development – at that time he came to us and he said that he wanted us to join him. At that time I don’t think he was equipped, he didn’t have an organisation and he hasn’t put out a philosophy of what he wants to do," Mr. Smith said.
"I was curious to find out. I asked him and he didn’t have [a philosophy]. All he represented to me is that he wanted to challenge the PLP and the FNM and that wasn’t enough information. So, I wish him well, as I wish any young person who wants to do what he believes in. I think I have a little bit more experience in third parties than he has, but I wish him well and I wish him luck."
Mr. Smith was a guest on the Love 97 talk show, Issues of the Day with host, Algernon Allen yesterday.
When the BDM set out more than a decade ago, it sought to become a viable alternative to the two major political parties. But, the party failed to make waves on the political scene.
In fact, it has contested three elections since it was formed, but has failed to win any seat.
"After we were unsuccessful in three elections [2002, 2007 and the 2010 by-election] and after going door to door in so many constituencies and having people say that they supported what we were doing . . . [we realised that] there’s a different dynamic at work here. Bahamians want to make sure that their vote counts," he said.
"If they are under the impression that your organisation does not have the possibility of winning, or they don’t think you have the possibility of winning that particular seat, they will make sure that their second option gets there."
He continued, "I can still remember going up to these houses where I know these families were once PLP or FNM and they [said they] supported what we were doing. But, when they got to the poll they would say ‘Omar, listen I support what you’re doing, believe me, we support you, but we got to make sure that they don’t come in, we’ve got to keep them out’."
Mr. McCartney and his party will have a lot of competition this election season as there are several other third parties vying for a chance to become the government.
Attorney Paul Moss, activist Rodney Moncur and former journalist Ali McIntosh all have their own political parties.
"I want to encourage all of those people who believe in a cause and believe in certain principles that they’d like see come to fruition to go out there and advocate and push, however, when you look at the lay of the land and look at the reality of Bahamian politics you will come to realise that it is very very difficult to make those inroads," Mr. Smith said.
"There are certain resources that must come to bear for you to have an opportunity to make that leap into parliament. While I wish them well, I think the reality is going to be something different."
During his talk show appearance, Mr. Smith was berated by a number of callers, who suggested he was a hypocrite for becoming a part of an organisation that he had heavily criticised for more than a decade.
The callers noted that Mr. Smith and the BDM were especially tough on FNM Leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
But, he said, "If I’m in opposition to you it’s not my job to point out your strengths even though sometimes I did give credit where credit was due. It is not my position to build you up. It’s not my position to say the things that you are doing [well] for the most part. It is my position to critique you and say what you are doing wrong and say how they should be done. That is the way the process works," he said.
Mr. Smith said the FNM has given him and several of the new members assurances that they would be considered for seats and positions within the party.
"There are members outside of Mr. Stuart and myself who are frontrunners for constituencies for the next election. There’s a process within the organisation and I’m familiarising myself with the process and the members of our organisation have been received so well by the FNM and the branches," he said.
Mr. Smith says he is already campaigning.
May 4th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas
After Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney quit the Free National Movement (FNM) he had one goal in mind – forming a party to challenge both the FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), but according to a politician whose organisation declined an invitation to join Mr. McCartney’s new party, he was not "equipped" to do so.
Omar Smith, along with Cassius Stuart, recently dissolved their party, the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) to join the FNM. They took their members along with them.
The men, who served as deputy leader and leader respectively, had been in talks with Mr. McCartney after he quit the FNM several months ago to become an independent MP.
Mr. McCartney was also in talks with the leaders of several other third parties trying to woo them to join his party.
However, the Bahama Journal recently reported that many of those leaders did not take his party seriously.
Mr. Smith explained why he chose not to team up with Mr. McCartney.
"When Mr. McCartney asked to speak with us – and we were more than willing to speak to anyone who was interested in national development – at that time he came to us and he said that he wanted us to join him. At that time I don’t think he was equipped, he didn’t have an organisation and he hasn’t put out a philosophy of what he wants to do," Mr. Smith said.
"I was curious to find out. I asked him and he didn’t have [a philosophy]. All he represented to me is that he wanted to challenge the PLP and the FNM and that wasn’t enough information. So, I wish him well, as I wish any young person who wants to do what he believes in. I think I have a little bit more experience in third parties than he has, but I wish him well and I wish him luck."
Mr. Smith was a guest on the Love 97 talk show, Issues of the Day with host, Algernon Allen yesterday.
When the BDM set out more than a decade ago, it sought to become a viable alternative to the two major political parties. But, the party failed to make waves on the political scene.
In fact, it has contested three elections since it was formed, but has failed to win any seat.
"After we were unsuccessful in three elections [2002, 2007 and the 2010 by-election] and after going door to door in so many constituencies and having people say that they supported what we were doing . . . [we realised that] there’s a different dynamic at work here. Bahamians want to make sure that their vote counts," he said.
"If they are under the impression that your organisation does not have the possibility of winning, or they don’t think you have the possibility of winning that particular seat, they will make sure that their second option gets there."
He continued, "I can still remember going up to these houses where I know these families were once PLP or FNM and they [said they] supported what we were doing. But, when they got to the poll they would say ‘Omar, listen I support what you’re doing, believe me, we support you, but we got to make sure that they don’t come in, we’ve got to keep them out’."
Mr. McCartney and his party will have a lot of competition this election season as there are several other third parties vying for a chance to become the government.
Attorney Paul Moss, activist Rodney Moncur and former journalist Ali McIntosh all have their own political parties.
"I want to encourage all of those people who believe in a cause and believe in certain principles that they’d like see come to fruition to go out there and advocate and push, however, when you look at the lay of the land and look at the reality of Bahamian politics you will come to realise that it is very very difficult to make those inroads," Mr. Smith said.
"There are certain resources that must come to bear for you to have an opportunity to make that leap into parliament. While I wish them well, I think the reality is going to be something different."
During his talk show appearance, Mr. Smith was berated by a number of callers, who suggested he was a hypocrite for becoming a part of an organisation that he had heavily criticised for more than a decade.
The callers noted that Mr. Smith and the BDM were especially tough on FNM Leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
But, he said, "If I’m in opposition to you it’s not my job to point out your strengths even though sometimes I did give credit where credit was due. It is not my position to build you up. It’s not my position to say the things that you are doing [well] for the most part. It is my position to critique you and say what you are doing wrong and say how they should be done. That is the way the process works," he said.
Mr. Smith said the FNM has given him and several of the new members assurances that they would be considered for seats and positions within the party.
"There are members outside of Mr. Stuart and myself who are frontrunners for constituencies for the next election. There’s a process within the organisation and I’m familiarising myself with the process and the members of our organisation have been received so well by the FNM and the branches," he said.
Mr. Smith says he is already campaigning.
May 4th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Tommy Turnquest: ...the high level of violent crime in the country does not mean the governing Free National Movement (FNM) has failed in its anti-crime efforts
Turnquest: Govt has not failed on crime
By CANDIA DAMES
NG News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
In the lead-up to the 2007 general election, concerns about the high level of violent crime were high on the Free National Movement (FNM) party’s list of talking points.
At a rally on April 27, just days before the vote, then FNM leader Hubert Ingraham pointed out that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie had declared a week before the 2002 election that “any government which couldn’t get crime under control had no right to brag about anything else.”
“Now he’s going all over the country bragging about the little record they do have,” Ingraham told rally-goers that night.
“They didn’t bring crime under control and they did very little else. The PLP, which offered so much on the issue of crime, couldn’t even buy police new vehicles on time.
“Now they tell us they have a new major four-point crime plan. Where was that plan in the last couple of years?”
During the campaign, Ingraham and the FNM vowed strong action against crime.
The FNM won the election four years ago yesterday. The PLP’s record was not enough to win it re-election.
Today, crime and the fear of crime remain high.
But Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said yesterday that the high level of violent crime in the country does not mean the FNM has failed in its anti-crime efforts.
“We accept that crime is at an unacceptable level,” he said.
“We accept the fact that crime is a major issue in the country today, that as the government of The Bahamas it’s our responsibility to take the lead and to lead the way in the fight against crime.
“But our crime situation is multi-faceted. There are a lot of social problems that we have to deal with and that we continue to deal with.
“It’s not just a matter of providing additional resources to the police, which we have done. It’s also dealing with those social issues which we are addressing.
“It’s also dealing with the challenges within the judicial system which we are also dealing with. So it’s not the fact that we have failed in regard to it; I don’t think we have failed at all.
“I think we have to ensure that those hardened criminals who continue to beat our judicial system are put behind bars.”
In a statement slamming the FNM government on its fourth anniversary in office yesterday, the PLP pointed to the high murder rate, and added, “The FNM claims to have a plan for crime, but during the prime minister’s national address (last week) he promised to get back to the Bahamian people on his plan for crime.
“This is proof positive that the issues that are most important to the Bahamian people are not the priorities of the FNM government.
“Further, on their watch the fear of crime has increased so much so that people are afraid to leave their homes. Whatever measures the FNM government has taken were ineffective in arresting this scourge that threatens our national security and continued economic viability.”
Turnquest said of the 43 murders that have been recorded so far this year, 23 were as a result of conflicts and retaliation.
“When you look at those statistics you have to put this whole crime scenario in proper context,” he said.
Asked if the Ingraham administration has been aggressive enough in dealing with the crime problem, Turnquest said, “We have been extremely aggressive. While we haven’t been very talkative about it, we’ve been very steadfast in getting things done.
“That’s been our focus.”
He said the government has provided the necessary resources for law enforcement officers and the necessary infrastructure for the judiciary.
“We continue to be very focused,” Turnquest said. “Our strategy continues to be very resourceful, to be very focused.”
PLP’s 2007 CRIME PLAN
In its crime plan released right before the 2007 general election, the PLP promised to involve all stakeholders — the security forces, political organizations, central and local government and government agencies, civil society, and residents through island-wide consultations — on the appropriate elements needed for the implementation of its National Crime Prevention Programme.
The party pledged that within six months of a second term in office it would position the police force to be "more preemptive in the fight against crime in the 21st Century."
"We will make available the additional capital resources for effective police and defense forces," the party’s Action Agenda said.
"We will provide them with the necessary resources to ensure their modernization by the provision of cutting edge technology to assist with criminal investigation and communication tools."
The PLP also promised in its Action Agenda that the police force would receive an expanded fleet of patrol cars and officers along with the requisite resources to support 24-hour a day patrolling in the 25 districts of New Providence.
Additionally, it pledged to expand the number of police stations on Family Islands and in New Providence to ensure increased police presence.
"We will upgrade the system and response rate for calls to the police emergency numbers by ensuring that the ratio of cars to the mobile unit is appropriate and by providing the required amount of multi-purpose vehicles," the Action Agenda said.
The PLP also pledged to provide the necessary resources to continue the illegal drug fight.
The party further promised that if elected to a second term, it would: expand community-policing; encourage the establishment of additional community neighborhood watch programs; identify areas of potential conflict in communities and establish strategic alliances with the church; strengthen and promote the Witness Protection Program; and ensure a reduction in domestic violence.
The Action Agenda said the PLP would also introduce legislation to establish an Armed Forces Complaints Agency to monitor and investigate complaints against police, the defence force and the other uniformed agencies.
At the time of the document’s release, then Prime Minister Perry Christie said, "Ours is the only plan that offers innovative and viable strategies, and real hope, for conquering this menace (crime) once and for all."
5/3/2011
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
NG News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
In the lead-up to the 2007 general election, concerns about the high level of violent crime were high on the Free National Movement (FNM) party’s list of talking points.
At a rally on April 27, just days before the vote, then FNM leader Hubert Ingraham pointed out that Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie had declared a week before the 2002 election that “any government which couldn’t get crime under control had no right to brag about anything else.”
“Now he’s going all over the country bragging about the little record they do have,” Ingraham told rally-goers that night.
“They didn’t bring crime under control and they did very little else. The PLP, which offered so much on the issue of crime, couldn’t even buy police new vehicles on time.
“Now they tell us they have a new major four-point crime plan. Where was that plan in the last couple of years?”
During the campaign, Ingraham and the FNM vowed strong action against crime.
The FNM won the election four years ago yesterday. The PLP’s record was not enough to win it re-election.
Today, crime and the fear of crime remain high.
But Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest said yesterday that the high level of violent crime in the country does not mean the FNM has failed in its anti-crime efforts.
“We accept that crime is at an unacceptable level,” he said.
“We accept the fact that crime is a major issue in the country today, that as the government of The Bahamas it’s our responsibility to take the lead and to lead the way in the fight against crime.
“But our crime situation is multi-faceted. There are a lot of social problems that we have to deal with and that we continue to deal with.
“It’s not just a matter of providing additional resources to the police, which we have done. It’s also dealing with those social issues which we are addressing.
“It’s also dealing with the challenges within the judicial system which we are also dealing with. So it’s not the fact that we have failed in regard to it; I don’t think we have failed at all.
“I think we have to ensure that those hardened criminals who continue to beat our judicial system are put behind bars.”
In a statement slamming the FNM government on its fourth anniversary in office yesterday, the PLP pointed to the high murder rate, and added, “The FNM claims to have a plan for crime, but during the prime minister’s national address (last week) he promised to get back to the Bahamian people on his plan for crime.
“This is proof positive that the issues that are most important to the Bahamian people are not the priorities of the FNM government.
“Further, on their watch the fear of crime has increased so much so that people are afraid to leave their homes. Whatever measures the FNM government has taken were ineffective in arresting this scourge that threatens our national security and continued economic viability.”
Turnquest said of the 43 murders that have been recorded so far this year, 23 were as a result of conflicts and retaliation.
“When you look at those statistics you have to put this whole crime scenario in proper context,” he said.
Asked if the Ingraham administration has been aggressive enough in dealing with the crime problem, Turnquest said, “We have been extremely aggressive. While we haven’t been very talkative about it, we’ve been very steadfast in getting things done.
“That’s been our focus.”
He said the government has provided the necessary resources for law enforcement officers and the necessary infrastructure for the judiciary.
“We continue to be very focused,” Turnquest said. “Our strategy continues to be very resourceful, to be very focused.”
PLP’s 2007 CRIME PLAN
In its crime plan released right before the 2007 general election, the PLP promised to involve all stakeholders — the security forces, political organizations, central and local government and government agencies, civil society, and residents through island-wide consultations — on the appropriate elements needed for the implementation of its National Crime Prevention Programme.
The party pledged that within six months of a second term in office it would position the police force to be "more preemptive in the fight against crime in the 21st Century."
"We will make available the additional capital resources for effective police and defense forces," the party’s Action Agenda said.
"We will provide them with the necessary resources to ensure their modernization by the provision of cutting edge technology to assist with criminal investigation and communication tools."
The PLP also promised in its Action Agenda that the police force would receive an expanded fleet of patrol cars and officers along with the requisite resources to support 24-hour a day patrolling in the 25 districts of New Providence.
Additionally, it pledged to expand the number of police stations on Family Islands and in New Providence to ensure increased police presence.
"We will upgrade the system and response rate for calls to the police emergency numbers by ensuring that the ratio of cars to the mobile unit is appropriate and by providing the required amount of multi-purpose vehicles," the Action Agenda said.
The PLP also pledged to provide the necessary resources to continue the illegal drug fight.
The party further promised that if elected to a second term, it would: expand community-policing; encourage the establishment of additional community neighborhood watch programs; identify areas of potential conflict in communities and establish strategic alliances with the church; strengthen and promote the Witness Protection Program; and ensure a reduction in domestic violence.
The Action Agenda said the PLP would also introduce legislation to establish an Armed Forces Complaints Agency to monitor and investigate complaints against police, the defence force and the other uniformed agencies.
At the time of the document’s release, then Prime Minister Perry Christie said, "Ours is the only plan that offers innovative and viable strategies, and real hope, for conquering this menace (crime) once and for all."
5/3/2011
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Free National Movement (FNM) would be foolish to try to run an election campaign without making crime its lead issue
Reflections on the FNM years
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
Hubert Ingraham’s third mandate is nearing an end. Four years ago today he wrestled power away from his friend Perry Christie. Now, having chosen to run again, he stands on the brink of reelection for the fourth time or the end of a political career that has been historic.
When he won that mandate, Ingraham’s third, no one knew that much of the term would be spent responding to crises: a historic recession and a major crime problem.
Now, as the next general election nears, Ingraham and the Free National Movement (FNM) are preparing the message they think will successfully lead the winning campaign. The FNM must be careful, however, as it seems to be about to fall into the same trap Christie’s Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) fell into when it went into the last election.
The governing party must focus on tackling the issue most Bahamians are concerned about (crime) and it must not just tout its success building roads and laying pipes.
The PLP mistake
Christie and the PLP thought they had done a good job in governance when the 2007 general election came around. PLPs talked about the billions of dollars worth of investment projects on the way for the country that were negotiated by the PLP. They also talked about the more than 1,000 homes built by their administration while in office and the robust economy under PLP guidance.
In 2006, the last full year of Christie administration governance, the country’s economy grew by 3.5 percent in real terms.
The PLP went into the 2007 campaign thinking it had done enough to win reelection. It told the Bahamian people things were good, look at all the good things they had done. The party then lost to the FNM.
A major problem was that the PLP did not address several significant problems that concerned the electorate. It instead ran a campaign on the accomplishments it wished to highlight.
Then — as is the case now — the people were concerned about crime. The people were also concerned about the inability of Christie to control his Cabinet and party members.
Ingraham and the FNM realized this and pressed the issue. They ran a campaign on restoring trust in governance and they argued that the FNM had a leader who could better ensure that his members would not embarrass the country.
Knowing what issues are important to the country is critical. If a party has done much on the issues relevant to the people, it will be reelected. Vainly boasting of things the people are less concerned about could be disastrous.
The FNM’s third term
The FNM did well enough responding to the financial crisis of 2008. Those were dark days. The world narrowly missed a second Great Depression.
This crisis, and the subsequent recession, sent the Ingraham administration into crisis mode. It responded by expanding the social safety net. The unemployment benefit was created; welfare programs were expanded; and an electricity reconnection program was established for those who could not keep the lights on.
On the economic front, the big catch for the FNM in 2010 was an old fish: Baha Mar. The faltering project to transform the Cable Beach Strip was renegotiated and set in motion. It is expected that more than 4,000 Bahamians will be employed during the construction phase of the project.
While private sector spending declined as a result of the recession that set in after the financial crisis, the government increased its spending on infrastructure projects — and this spending has not stopped. It has morphed into what appears to be the cornerstone of the FNM’s campaign narrative.
“We are transforming New Providence and the historic city of Nassau into more than a world-class destination. We are seeking to make our capital island an urban center that works in terms of basic infrastructure, and that is a safe and inviting environment for artistic and cultural expression with an extensive network of parks, heritage sites and windows to the sea,” said Ingraham during his April 25 national address on the transformation and modernization of New Providence.
The Ingraham administration is spending hundreds of millions of dollars of borrowed money on this effort. New roads are being built; new water mains installed; new courts constructed; a new port is soon to open; the hospital is being upgraded; and straw vendors will soon have a new market.
Some of the infrastructure work is both necessary and urgent. The people in eastern New Providence have been living with poor water service for years. Some people rarely see clear water in the east. For them, brown rusty water is the norm. Low water pressure has also been a problem for these residents in recent years. The new water mains will help.
Overhauling New Providence is necessary. Addressing the citizenry on how the government is spending money borrowed on its behalf is also necessary. I would argue, however, that the upgrading of infrastructure is not the main issue on the minds of most Bahamians.
FNM must develop crime message and policy
Before the prime minister started his national address on the infrastructure works, he told the country that there was something else he would come back to speak about.
In the third paragraph of his text he said this, “Further, in short order, I will address the nation on crime, including the strengthening of existing facilities and the introduction of new measures to combat violent crime, an alarming murder rate, and a culture of criminality.”
By giving this note before he addressed his desired topic, the prime minister acknowledged that there is no getting around issue number one.
The high level of crime and violence in The Bahamas is startling. There have been three homicide records in the past four years and we are well on pace to set another record this year.
The Bahamas has one of the highest homicide rates in the region. There are about 26.6 homicides in this country per 100,000 population. The international standard strived for is five per 100,000. The United States was at this mark in 2009. Canada’s homicide rate in 2009 was 1.81.
The surge in killings in this country over the past two decades is significant. In 1991, 28 people were murdered in The Bahamas. This figure has more than tripled in 20 years and the population has not.
Our crime problem goes beyond homicides, however.
Over the last five years, armed robberies have trended up towards the highs of the mid-1990s. In the property crime category the 2010 police report reveals other disturbing trends. The 3,120 housebreakings recorded were the most in the country since 1998 (3,165).
Bahamians are afraid. Bahamians are spending more and more of their income on security. And while citizens bar themselves in, running from car to front door at nights, the bad guys are not being punished.
In his new book, “Reducing Murders in The Bahamas: A strategic plan based on empirical research,” police researcher Sergeant Chaswell Hanna reveals that from 2005 to 2009 there were 349 murders recorded and only 10 murder convictions and eight manslaughter convictions.
The FNM has done much to try to fix the crime problem. Along with refurbishing the courts, there have been three commissioners of police, two chief justices, four attorneys general and two directors of prosecutions during this term.
The government has also spent millions of dollars buying new equipment for police. Despite all of these measures, however, the crime problem is worsening.
Fortunately for the FNM, the PLP has no declared crime strategy yet. And, the PLP is allowing the election campaign to progress without making crime the focal point of its strategy.
Address what is relevant and victory is possible
The FNM would be foolish to try to run an election campaign without making crime its lead issue. It should not fear discussion of the topic most pressing on the minds of Bahamians. Not to do so would be to embrace the same folly that led to the PLPs demise in 2007. The PLP thought the scandals involving its members were just media-created nuisances, for example. The people thought the scandals demonstrated weak leadership and a party without discipline. The party did not address the issue, or the crime concerns people had at the time, and the election went to the opposition.
If the FNM shows that it has a robust set of new measures that would improve the conviction rate and keep offenders incarcerated, the people would listen. Because the PLP has offered no new crime solutions yet, the governing party could own the issue. What the opposition would come up with in response would look like a desperate attempt to catch up.
The governing party must not worry about its failures during the first four years of this mandate when it comes to crime. The record is there, it tried. What must be demonstrated is that the party has the will to keep trying and that it hears the cries of its people.
Just talking about roads and pipes will not lead the FNM to a fourth term in office.
5/2/2011
thenassauguardian
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
Hubert Ingraham’s third mandate is nearing an end. Four years ago today he wrestled power away from his friend Perry Christie. Now, having chosen to run again, he stands on the brink of reelection for the fourth time or the end of a political career that has been historic.
When he won that mandate, Ingraham’s third, no one knew that much of the term would be spent responding to crises: a historic recession and a major crime problem.
Now, as the next general election nears, Ingraham and the Free National Movement (FNM) are preparing the message they think will successfully lead the winning campaign. The FNM must be careful, however, as it seems to be about to fall into the same trap Christie’s Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) fell into when it went into the last election.
The governing party must focus on tackling the issue most Bahamians are concerned about (crime) and it must not just tout its success building roads and laying pipes.
The PLP mistake
Christie and the PLP thought they had done a good job in governance when the 2007 general election came around. PLPs talked about the billions of dollars worth of investment projects on the way for the country that were negotiated by the PLP. They also talked about the more than 1,000 homes built by their administration while in office and the robust economy under PLP guidance.
In 2006, the last full year of Christie administration governance, the country’s economy grew by 3.5 percent in real terms.
The PLP went into the 2007 campaign thinking it had done enough to win reelection. It told the Bahamian people things were good, look at all the good things they had done. The party then lost to the FNM.
A major problem was that the PLP did not address several significant problems that concerned the electorate. It instead ran a campaign on the accomplishments it wished to highlight.
Then — as is the case now — the people were concerned about crime. The people were also concerned about the inability of Christie to control his Cabinet and party members.
Ingraham and the FNM realized this and pressed the issue. They ran a campaign on restoring trust in governance and they argued that the FNM had a leader who could better ensure that his members would not embarrass the country.
Knowing what issues are important to the country is critical. If a party has done much on the issues relevant to the people, it will be reelected. Vainly boasting of things the people are less concerned about could be disastrous.
The FNM’s third term
The FNM did well enough responding to the financial crisis of 2008. Those were dark days. The world narrowly missed a second Great Depression.
This crisis, and the subsequent recession, sent the Ingraham administration into crisis mode. It responded by expanding the social safety net. The unemployment benefit was created; welfare programs were expanded; and an electricity reconnection program was established for those who could not keep the lights on.
On the economic front, the big catch for the FNM in 2010 was an old fish: Baha Mar. The faltering project to transform the Cable Beach Strip was renegotiated and set in motion. It is expected that more than 4,000 Bahamians will be employed during the construction phase of the project.
While private sector spending declined as a result of the recession that set in after the financial crisis, the government increased its spending on infrastructure projects — and this spending has not stopped. It has morphed into what appears to be the cornerstone of the FNM’s campaign narrative.
“We are transforming New Providence and the historic city of Nassau into more than a world-class destination. We are seeking to make our capital island an urban center that works in terms of basic infrastructure, and that is a safe and inviting environment for artistic and cultural expression with an extensive network of parks, heritage sites and windows to the sea,” said Ingraham during his April 25 national address on the transformation and modernization of New Providence.
The Ingraham administration is spending hundreds of millions of dollars of borrowed money on this effort. New roads are being built; new water mains installed; new courts constructed; a new port is soon to open; the hospital is being upgraded; and straw vendors will soon have a new market.
Some of the infrastructure work is both necessary and urgent. The people in eastern New Providence have been living with poor water service for years. Some people rarely see clear water in the east. For them, brown rusty water is the norm. Low water pressure has also been a problem for these residents in recent years. The new water mains will help.
Overhauling New Providence is necessary. Addressing the citizenry on how the government is spending money borrowed on its behalf is also necessary. I would argue, however, that the upgrading of infrastructure is not the main issue on the minds of most Bahamians.
FNM must develop crime message and policy
Before the prime minister started his national address on the infrastructure works, he told the country that there was something else he would come back to speak about.
In the third paragraph of his text he said this, “Further, in short order, I will address the nation on crime, including the strengthening of existing facilities and the introduction of new measures to combat violent crime, an alarming murder rate, and a culture of criminality.”
By giving this note before he addressed his desired topic, the prime minister acknowledged that there is no getting around issue number one.
The high level of crime and violence in The Bahamas is startling. There have been three homicide records in the past four years and we are well on pace to set another record this year.
The Bahamas has one of the highest homicide rates in the region. There are about 26.6 homicides in this country per 100,000 population. The international standard strived for is five per 100,000. The United States was at this mark in 2009. Canada’s homicide rate in 2009 was 1.81.
The surge in killings in this country over the past two decades is significant. In 1991, 28 people were murdered in The Bahamas. This figure has more than tripled in 20 years and the population has not.
Our crime problem goes beyond homicides, however.
Over the last five years, armed robberies have trended up towards the highs of the mid-1990s. In the property crime category the 2010 police report reveals other disturbing trends. The 3,120 housebreakings recorded were the most in the country since 1998 (3,165).
Bahamians are afraid. Bahamians are spending more and more of their income on security. And while citizens bar themselves in, running from car to front door at nights, the bad guys are not being punished.
In his new book, “Reducing Murders in The Bahamas: A strategic plan based on empirical research,” police researcher Sergeant Chaswell Hanna reveals that from 2005 to 2009 there were 349 murders recorded and only 10 murder convictions and eight manslaughter convictions.
The FNM has done much to try to fix the crime problem. Along with refurbishing the courts, there have been three commissioners of police, two chief justices, four attorneys general and two directors of prosecutions during this term.
The government has also spent millions of dollars buying new equipment for police. Despite all of these measures, however, the crime problem is worsening.
Fortunately for the FNM, the PLP has no declared crime strategy yet. And, the PLP is allowing the election campaign to progress without making crime the focal point of its strategy.
Address what is relevant and victory is possible
The FNM would be foolish to try to run an election campaign without making crime its lead issue. It should not fear discussion of the topic most pressing on the minds of Bahamians. Not to do so would be to embrace the same folly that led to the PLPs demise in 2007. The PLP thought the scandals involving its members were just media-created nuisances, for example. The people thought the scandals demonstrated weak leadership and a party without discipline. The party did not address the issue, or the crime concerns people had at the time, and the election went to the opposition.
If the FNM shows that it has a robust set of new measures that would improve the conviction rate and keep offenders incarcerated, the people would listen. Because the PLP has offered no new crime solutions yet, the governing party could own the issue. What the opposition would come up with in response would look like a desperate attempt to catch up.
The governing party must not worry about its failures during the first four years of this mandate when it comes to crime. The record is there, it tried. What must be demonstrated is that the party has the will to keep trying and that it hears the cries of its people.
Just talking about roads and pipes will not lead the FNM to a fourth term in office.
5/2/2011
thenassauguardian
Bahamian Students abroad expressed concerns about no absentee ballot voting system in The Bahamas
Bahamian Students Raise Voting Concerns
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
Several students who are studying law in the United Kingdom have voiced their concerns over the fact that there is no absentee ballot voting system in the country.
The students, who for most part, will have the opportunity to vote for the first time in the upcoming general election, are so concerned that they took those concerns to the very top – Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham who recently visited them.
The small group told the prime minister that it is unlikely that any of them would be able to return home to vote as they are studying abroad and wanted to know if plans were on the drawing board to implement an absentee ballot system.
"The government proposes to have voting extended to each high commission, embassy, and consulate for voting in the future," Mr. Ingraham told the students.
"I am waiting on the Opposition’s suggestions, which I asked of them from last November. Once we receive those we can move forward with having all Bahamians vote even though they reside outside of the country."
At the moment, anyone who wants to vote has to be physically present at the polling station in order to mark the ballot.
"It’s about time they do this," Ian-Marie Darville said, who is a student at Kent Law University in England and also the Bahamas Law Students’ Association (BLSA) public relations officer.
The students met with the prime minister and his wife, Delores, on Thursday by invitation from King’s College student, Barry Griffin Jr. who also serves as the BLSA president.
As it stands, applicants for registration must provide proof of citizenship.
A valid Bahamian passport is the first form of verification accepted.
A birth certificate is also acceptable along with an official ID such as a driver’s licence or a current voter’s card and other reasonable documents like a passport, birth certificate or baptismal certificate.
Registration takes place on a daily basis at the Parliamentary Registration Department, the Mall at Marathon and Town Centre Mall, the General Post Office, the Carmichael, Elizabeth and South Beach Post Offices, Commonwealth Bank on Mackey Street, or the National Insurance Board (NIB).
There are also six roving teams that go to major businesses.
Last week Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel told the Journal that he anticipated that some 50,000 people would have registered to vote by the end of April.
May 2nd, 2011
jonesbahamas
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
Several students who are studying law in the United Kingdom have voiced their concerns over the fact that there is no absentee ballot voting system in the country.
The students, who for most part, will have the opportunity to vote for the first time in the upcoming general election, are so concerned that they took those concerns to the very top – Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham who recently visited them.
The small group told the prime minister that it is unlikely that any of them would be able to return home to vote as they are studying abroad and wanted to know if plans were on the drawing board to implement an absentee ballot system.
"The government proposes to have voting extended to each high commission, embassy, and consulate for voting in the future," Mr. Ingraham told the students.
"I am waiting on the Opposition’s suggestions, which I asked of them from last November. Once we receive those we can move forward with having all Bahamians vote even though they reside outside of the country."
At the moment, anyone who wants to vote has to be physically present at the polling station in order to mark the ballot.
"It’s about time they do this," Ian-Marie Darville said, who is a student at Kent Law University in England and also the Bahamas Law Students’ Association (BLSA) public relations officer.
The students met with the prime minister and his wife, Delores, on Thursday by invitation from King’s College student, Barry Griffin Jr. who also serves as the BLSA president.
As it stands, applicants for registration must provide proof of citizenship.
A valid Bahamian passport is the first form of verification accepted.
A birth certificate is also acceptable along with an official ID such as a driver’s licence or a current voter’s card and other reasonable documents like a passport, birth certificate or baptismal certificate.
Registration takes place on a daily basis at the Parliamentary Registration Department, the Mall at Marathon and Town Centre Mall, the General Post Office, the Carmichael, Elizabeth and South Beach Post Offices, Commonwealth Bank on Mackey Street, or the National Insurance Board (NIB).
There are also six roving teams that go to major businesses.
Last week Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel told the Journal that he anticipated that some 50,000 people would have registered to vote by the end of April.
May 2nd, 2011
jonesbahamas
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Christian People Movement has joined forces with the Bahamas Constitution Party (BCP)
BCP to take part in general election
By CELESTE NIXON
Tribune Staff Reporter
cnixon@tribunemedia.net
The Bahamas Constitution Party announced that it will be participating in the next general election.
Describing itself as a "social and fiscal conservative party" the BCP issued a statement yesterday revealing that the party will be fielding 39 candidates in the upcoming elections.
It said: "We are planning to be ready to 'Govern on Day One' having spend the past 12-13 years in research, development and planning".
The BCP was officially launched in 1999, making its first appearance in the 2002 elections.
The Christian People Movement has also joined forces with the BCP "adding both value numbers to our agenda and vision for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas" said the statement.
The party's main goals include constitutional reform, urban renewal and youth programmes, implementation of new immigration policies, improved education, economic diversification and crime reduction.
The BCP plans to release their "Mandate 2012- Hope for Bahamaland" during an upcoming summer convention along with planned public appearances, town meetings and mini rallies to raise awareness and support for the party.
The BCP invites the public to view their "Hope for Bahamaland" plan at www.bahamasyouthrenewal.com.
April 30, 2011
tribune242
By CELESTE NIXON
Tribune Staff Reporter
cnixon@tribunemedia.net
The Bahamas Constitution Party announced that it will be participating in the next general election.
Describing itself as a "social and fiscal conservative party" the BCP issued a statement yesterday revealing that the party will be fielding 39 candidates in the upcoming elections.
It said: "We are planning to be ready to 'Govern on Day One' having spend the past 12-13 years in research, development and planning".
The BCP was officially launched in 1999, making its first appearance in the 2002 elections.
The Christian People Movement has also joined forces with the BCP "adding both value numbers to our agenda and vision for the Commonwealth of the Bahamas" said the statement.
The party's main goals include constitutional reform, urban renewal and youth programmes, implementation of new immigration policies, improved education, economic diversification and crime reduction.
The BCP plans to release their "Mandate 2012- Hope for Bahamaland" during an upcoming summer convention along with planned public appearances, town meetings and mini rallies to raise awareness and support for the party.
The BCP invites the public to view their "Hope for Bahamaland" plan at www.bahamasyouthrenewal.com.
April 30, 2011
tribune242
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