“McCartney A Dictator”
By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas
Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney appears to be a "bigger dictator" than his former boss – Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham – "who he could no longer work for," according to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
Days after the official launch of the DNA, The PLP said Mr. McCartney appears to be a "figure of contradiction and an enigma," which the party says raises more questions than answers about the honour of his initial political intent.
The PLP said on the face of it, the DNA’s structure and function is "rank with the stench of dictatorship."
The party says there is no published constitution that governs the structure, function, policies and processes of the DNA, nor is there an executive committee or council to execute mechanisms that form the basis of the DNA’s policies and processes.
"It appears that Mr. McCartney is a self-appointed leader who in turn appointed a chairman. He apparently unilaterally appointed his candidates," the party said in a press statement.
"To the casual political observer, this is not democracy, but dictatorship in its rankest form. This practice has no place in a free, modern democratic Bahamas and Mr. McCartney must clarify this apparent debacle to the Bahamian people.
The Opposition said he is setting a dangerous precedent for The Bahamas and must be viewed with "extreme caution and suspicion."
The party says Mr. McCartney has a lot of explaining to do to the Bahamian people.
"For example, why did he support the FNM’s heavy tax increases that have hurt Bahamians and slowed the economic recovery? Why did he support the FNM’s jobs programme for foreigners?" the party asked.
"How does he explain the failed work permit policy of the Department of Immigration under his leadership? Certainly Mr. McCartney had to know that using the Department of Immigration as a principal revenue generator for the government displaces many suitably qualified Bahamians from the job market."
The PLP noted that there have been no fewer than nine attempts in the past to form an alternative to the two major political parties – the PLP and the FNM.
The party said if history is an accurate or reliable predictor of the future, "we know what will happen to the DNA."
"But, the DNA is not the business of the PLP. Our business is winning the next general election and if they can help the PLP win the next general election, so be it.
May 17th, 2011
jonesbahamas
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The generic nature of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and the genetic make-up of the political character of its founder Branville McCartney
The generic and genetic make up of Bran's DNA
By SIMON
FRONT PORCH
After the roll-out of the country’s latest third party, two things are clearer: the generic nature of the Democratic National Alliance and the genetic make-up of the political character of its founder Branville McCartney.
Despite Mr. McCartney’s inability to resist the self-referential and narcissistic claim that it’s a Bran(d) new day, there is little original about the generic brand he is desperately peddling as new and exciting. He will never have to worry himself with being considered an original thinker, nor for that matter, much of a thinker.
Whether or not he purloined the lighthouse logo from an erstwhile ally, his green flavor, in only one sense of that word, was the party color of the defunct Bahamian Democratic Party. Green was the gloss Mr. McCartney used for much of his public relations even as an FNM, curiously painting his Bamboo Town headquarters green at one point.
Was it not always about Bran, with his mutable party colors, depending on whatever served his vaunting ambitions? We have seen this before with those inveterate party hoppers-cum-political chameleons whose loyalty is to themselves, not to a party or cause larger than their personal ambitions.
The DNA is decidedly green through and through, more of which later. For now, his party colleagues will come to realize that the DNA is not about a movement or an ideology or a vision. It is foremost a vehicle for Mr. McCartney’s vanity and pursuit of celebrity and power. Tellingly, he didn’t even go through the pretense of having himself elected as Leader.
When Mr. McCartney eventually abandons his self-creation, it will quickly collapse, fading into irrelevance much like those pathologically narcissistic former and current politicians who never grasped why “the people” never realized the genius such self-proclaimed geniuses saw in themselves when they looked in the mirror.
In his maiden address as the DNA’s self-anointed leader, Mr. McCartney shamelessly borrowed and unsuccessfully attempted to repackage ideas that have enjoyed currency for decades. His approximately 5000-word speech was a glaring and glib cut and paste job, long on other people’s ideas, desperately short on how to achieve or pay for them.
There was a cavalcade of clichés including: “redefine the possible”, “putting people first” and “change”. Many are not insulted simply because they have heard such slogans ad nauseum. They are also amused and stunned that Mr. McCartney believes that such fatuous rhetoric will propel him to the prime ministership.
Perhaps Mr. McCartney is owed some sympathy. Absent the clichés and stilted rhetoric, he would have been left with “Good evening” at the beginning of his address and “God bless The Bahamas” at its conclusion. As he wants to be considered a man of empathy, he might have shown more care and compassion for Hubert Ingraham, especially after attempting to make his own the Prime Minister’s vision and record.
IMAGINE
The unelected Leader of the DNA asked us to close our eyes and imagine. Among other dreams, we were invited to imagine the possibility of better public infrastructure, including roads and public schools, an enhanced natural environment and an improved public health system.
Bahamians don’t have to close their eyes to imagine these. In driving around New Providence and traveling to the Family Islands, one can see Mr. McCartney’s supposed dream becoming a reality — no thanks to him. After all, he abandoned Mr. Ingraham’s cabinet in the midst of the hard work of transforming and revitalizing New Providence and the Islands of The Bahamas.
Mr. McCartney also spoke of reducing government bureaucracy, advancing plans for agriculture and food security, as well as increasing opportunities for small businesses. Again, Bahamians need not keep their eyes wide shut in a dream world spun by Mr. McCartney.
The dreams of which he spoke are being advanced by Mr. Ingraham, who since 2007 navigated an extraordinary economic crisis, launched new social programs and put in place other measures for the long-term and economic security of Bahamians while Mr. McCartney was still in his political Pampers and trying out his training wheels as a politician.
The artifice and conceit as well as amateurish impetuousness that is at the heart of Mr. McCartney’s political character and DNA was on full display on live television during the not-ready-for prime-time launch of his self-promotion tour.
Those who are now on the Branville bandwagon may wish to caution their leader that protestations of how humbled one is while preening and primping at the same time, does not make for good television or believable rhetoric.
Still, as reality TV goes, the production quality of the launch of brand-Branville was reasonably good from a technological viewpoint. However, the showmanship, entertainment and slick visuals did not mask how generic and generally substance-free the whole affair was.
No matter how desperately one attempts to repackage porridge, in the end it’s still pablum. Some may recall that Pablum was also the trademarked name for a processed cereal for infants. Mr. McCartney deserves credit for a rare marketing feat, of which he may only be half-proud: His launch event was simultaneously, thus far, perhaps the best and the worst day for the DNA.
Many packed the ballroom at the Wyndham Crystal Palace while others watched on TV. But in the end, it’s about votes, not viewership. Bahamians love politics and a good show. The test is to translate such interest into concrete support.
Mr. McCartney has his true believers and those who will flirt with his DNA for various motives, some genuine, some suspect. Others will pat him on the back and tell him to keep up the good work, though they will never vote for his party.
NONSENSE
He will be well advised to discount much of the nonsense that will be whispered into his ears. While some may have projected their hopes onto him and the DNA, the reality post-launch and the managing of expectations will test the scant political maturity and experience he has.
Already, after months of build-up and media hype and leaks and drama, the DNA’s launch proved to be an exceptional disappointment for many, most especially in terms of Mr. McCartney’s keynote address and the initial group of candidates.
If this is the best that the DNA can offer in terms of policy, people and politics, their prospects are even worse than many initially imagined. One never wants to dilute one’s brand especially at the roll-out event.
Not only does the party which bills itself as democratic have an unelected head, there were no branch elections for its candidates. The DNA is not a democratic organization. It seems more like a cult of Bran and a clique of his supporters. To attempt now to both rubber-stamp Mr. McCartney as leader and ratify candidates retroactively will be laughable and democratic in name only.
As problematic, are the amateurish blunders made by a number of the McCartney-appointed candidates. A mistake by a new candidate is understandable. But, the DNA may be in for more difficulties if their candidates continue to make basic mistakes such as confusing Elizabeth Estates with the Elizabeth Constituency and not knowing the difference between being disenfranchised and disempowered.
Then there was the candidate who sought to scrub his answer to a question and have a do-over on live television. Not only was he not responding to a difficult question. One would have thought that we would have had a ready answer to such a basic question as asked by the reporter.
And, this is the group from among whom Mr. McCartney will select a cabinet to manage the country’s foreign and domestic affairs? As well-intentioned as they may be, by no stretch of the imagination can most Bahamians imagine that these individuals are capable of running, or know how to run, a country.
Credibility-wise, the biggest stumbling block for the DNA is that Bran McCartney may actually be that party’s most capable member. The man who has scant executive or political experience and no vision, except what he has borrowed, wants Bahamians to hand over the nation’s affairs to him and a band of neophytes.
When Bahamians close their eyes and imagine that prospect, they won’t see a dream to be realized. They will see a nightmare to be averted.
frontporchguardian@gmail.com
bahamapundit.com
5/17/2011
thenassauguardian
By SIMON
FRONT PORCH
After the roll-out of the country’s latest third party, two things are clearer: the generic nature of the Democratic National Alliance and the genetic make-up of the political character of its founder Branville McCartney.
Despite Mr. McCartney’s inability to resist the self-referential and narcissistic claim that it’s a Bran(d) new day, there is little original about the generic brand he is desperately peddling as new and exciting. He will never have to worry himself with being considered an original thinker, nor for that matter, much of a thinker.
Whether or not he purloined the lighthouse logo from an erstwhile ally, his green flavor, in only one sense of that word, was the party color of the defunct Bahamian Democratic Party. Green was the gloss Mr. McCartney used for much of his public relations even as an FNM, curiously painting his Bamboo Town headquarters green at one point.
Was it not always about Bran, with his mutable party colors, depending on whatever served his vaunting ambitions? We have seen this before with those inveterate party hoppers-cum-political chameleons whose loyalty is to themselves, not to a party or cause larger than their personal ambitions.
The DNA is decidedly green through and through, more of which later. For now, his party colleagues will come to realize that the DNA is not about a movement or an ideology or a vision. It is foremost a vehicle for Mr. McCartney’s vanity and pursuit of celebrity and power. Tellingly, he didn’t even go through the pretense of having himself elected as Leader.
When Mr. McCartney eventually abandons his self-creation, it will quickly collapse, fading into irrelevance much like those pathologically narcissistic former and current politicians who never grasped why “the people” never realized the genius such self-proclaimed geniuses saw in themselves when they looked in the mirror.
In his maiden address as the DNA’s self-anointed leader, Mr. McCartney shamelessly borrowed and unsuccessfully attempted to repackage ideas that have enjoyed currency for decades. His approximately 5000-word speech was a glaring and glib cut and paste job, long on other people’s ideas, desperately short on how to achieve or pay for them.
There was a cavalcade of clichés including: “redefine the possible”, “putting people first” and “change”. Many are not insulted simply because they have heard such slogans ad nauseum. They are also amused and stunned that Mr. McCartney believes that such fatuous rhetoric will propel him to the prime ministership.
Perhaps Mr. McCartney is owed some sympathy. Absent the clichés and stilted rhetoric, he would have been left with “Good evening” at the beginning of his address and “God bless The Bahamas” at its conclusion. As he wants to be considered a man of empathy, he might have shown more care and compassion for Hubert Ingraham, especially after attempting to make his own the Prime Minister’s vision and record.
IMAGINE
The unelected Leader of the DNA asked us to close our eyes and imagine. Among other dreams, we were invited to imagine the possibility of better public infrastructure, including roads and public schools, an enhanced natural environment and an improved public health system.
Bahamians don’t have to close their eyes to imagine these. In driving around New Providence and traveling to the Family Islands, one can see Mr. McCartney’s supposed dream becoming a reality — no thanks to him. After all, he abandoned Mr. Ingraham’s cabinet in the midst of the hard work of transforming and revitalizing New Providence and the Islands of The Bahamas.
Mr. McCartney also spoke of reducing government bureaucracy, advancing plans for agriculture and food security, as well as increasing opportunities for small businesses. Again, Bahamians need not keep their eyes wide shut in a dream world spun by Mr. McCartney.
The dreams of which he spoke are being advanced by Mr. Ingraham, who since 2007 navigated an extraordinary economic crisis, launched new social programs and put in place other measures for the long-term and economic security of Bahamians while Mr. McCartney was still in his political Pampers and trying out his training wheels as a politician.
The artifice and conceit as well as amateurish impetuousness that is at the heart of Mr. McCartney’s political character and DNA was on full display on live television during the not-ready-for prime-time launch of his self-promotion tour.
Those who are now on the Branville bandwagon may wish to caution their leader that protestations of how humbled one is while preening and primping at the same time, does not make for good television or believable rhetoric.
Still, as reality TV goes, the production quality of the launch of brand-Branville was reasonably good from a technological viewpoint. However, the showmanship, entertainment and slick visuals did not mask how generic and generally substance-free the whole affair was.
No matter how desperately one attempts to repackage porridge, in the end it’s still pablum. Some may recall that Pablum was also the trademarked name for a processed cereal for infants. Mr. McCartney deserves credit for a rare marketing feat, of which he may only be half-proud: His launch event was simultaneously, thus far, perhaps the best and the worst day for the DNA.
Many packed the ballroom at the Wyndham Crystal Palace while others watched on TV. But in the end, it’s about votes, not viewership. Bahamians love politics and a good show. The test is to translate such interest into concrete support.
Mr. McCartney has his true believers and those who will flirt with his DNA for various motives, some genuine, some suspect. Others will pat him on the back and tell him to keep up the good work, though they will never vote for his party.
NONSENSE
He will be well advised to discount much of the nonsense that will be whispered into his ears. While some may have projected their hopes onto him and the DNA, the reality post-launch and the managing of expectations will test the scant political maturity and experience he has.
Already, after months of build-up and media hype and leaks and drama, the DNA’s launch proved to be an exceptional disappointment for many, most especially in terms of Mr. McCartney’s keynote address and the initial group of candidates.
If this is the best that the DNA can offer in terms of policy, people and politics, their prospects are even worse than many initially imagined. One never wants to dilute one’s brand especially at the roll-out event.
Not only does the party which bills itself as democratic have an unelected head, there were no branch elections for its candidates. The DNA is not a democratic organization. It seems more like a cult of Bran and a clique of his supporters. To attempt now to both rubber-stamp Mr. McCartney as leader and ratify candidates retroactively will be laughable and democratic in name only.
As problematic, are the amateurish blunders made by a number of the McCartney-appointed candidates. A mistake by a new candidate is understandable. But, the DNA may be in for more difficulties if their candidates continue to make basic mistakes such as confusing Elizabeth Estates with the Elizabeth Constituency and not knowing the difference between being disenfranchised and disempowered.
Then there was the candidate who sought to scrub his answer to a question and have a do-over on live television. Not only was he not responding to a difficult question. One would have thought that we would have had a ready answer to such a basic question as asked by the reporter.
And, this is the group from among whom Mr. McCartney will select a cabinet to manage the country’s foreign and domestic affairs? As well-intentioned as they may be, by no stretch of the imagination can most Bahamians imagine that these individuals are capable of running, or know how to run, a country.
Credibility-wise, the biggest stumbling block for the DNA is that Bran McCartney may actually be that party’s most capable member. The man who has scant executive or political experience and no vision, except what he has borrowed, wants Bahamians to hand over the nation’s affairs to him and a band of neophytes.
When Bahamians close their eyes and imagine that prospect, they won’t see a dream to be realized. They will see a nightmare to be averted.
frontporchguardian@gmail.com
bahamapundit.com
5/17/2011
thenassauguardian
Philip Galanis says: Branville McCartney did not offer concrete solutions on how his new political party will tackle the myriad problems facing The Bahamas in his recent Democratic National Alliance (DNA) launch speech
McCartney's DNA offered no concrete solutions to country's problems
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
BRANVILLE McCartney did not offer concrete solutions on how his new political party will tackle the myriad problems facing the country, said former Senator Philip Galanis.
Mr Galanis' comments came days after the launch of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and the unveiling of 10 candidates who will vie for constituency seats under the party's banner in the next election. Mr Galanis said more tangible plans will likely be forthcoming over the next few weeks or months, but he believes that those looking for answers from Mr McCartney last week were disappointed.
"I would be very interested in understanding how Mr McCartney is going to be able to solve the country's issues and challenges.
"He spoke much about the things that need to be addressed, which we all know, but we didn't get a sense of how he's going to address that. I think that's what people want to hear, how are we going to get a hold on crime, how are we going to improve the economy and create jobs - people want specifics," said Mr Galanis when contacted by The Tribune yesterday.
"(For all the parties) if they are going to attract voters they are going to have to address issues of crime, unemployment and immigration.
"I wasn't particularly impressed with the (DNA's) candidates there were a couple that I thought would be good, but they didn't seem to have any depth," added Mr Galanis, a former senator and managing partner of chartered accounting firm Galanis, Horton & Co.
Still, Mr Galanis told The Tribune he believes that the DNA may siphon votes from the two established parties due to voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.
"I think he will affect both the PLP's and FNM's votes (though) I think it's more likely that he is going to attract FNM votes. In looking at the people in the room the other night many of them appeared to be FNMs.
"As a former FNM candidate and junior minister that would be his natural base but in all fairness there are a lot undecided people who are looking for change and who would welcome change if they think it will (shift) the established order," Mr Galanis added.
Officials in the Free National Movement and the Opposition Progressive Liberal Party have dismissed the chance that a third party can wrestle power from the two political parties, who have governed intermittently for decades.
However Mr Galanis said other countries with the Westminster system have seen impressive challenges to the dominant two-party system, a feat he thinks can be duplicated in this country. "I will not downplay the potential impact an alternative party can have particularly today when you consider the disaffection from and disappointment in the two mainstream parties.
"People are tired of the status quo, everywhere around the world in the Westminster Parliamentary model changes are taking place and alternative party models are making their presence felt in England, Australian and close at home in Trinidad and Tobago we saw the established parties significantly challenged in their recent elections.
"Third parties are making their presence felt around the world," said Mr Galanis.
May 16, 2011
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net
BRANVILLE McCartney did not offer concrete solutions on how his new political party will tackle the myriad problems facing the country, said former Senator Philip Galanis.
Mr Galanis' comments came days after the launch of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and the unveiling of 10 candidates who will vie for constituency seats under the party's banner in the next election. Mr Galanis said more tangible plans will likely be forthcoming over the next few weeks or months, but he believes that those looking for answers from Mr McCartney last week were disappointed.
"I would be very interested in understanding how Mr McCartney is going to be able to solve the country's issues and challenges.
"He spoke much about the things that need to be addressed, which we all know, but we didn't get a sense of how he's going to address that. I think that's what people want to hear, how are we going to get a hold on crime, how are we going to improve the economy and create jobs - people want specifics," said Mr Galanis when contacted by The Tribune yesterday.
"(For all the parties) if they are going to attract voters they are going to have to address issues of crime, unemployment and immigration.
"I wasn't particularly impressed with the (DNA's) candidates there were a couple that I thought would be good, but they didn't seem to have any depth," added Mr Galanis, a former senator and managing partner of chartered accounting firm Galanis, Horton & Co.
Still, Mr Galanis told The Tribune he believes that the DNA may siphon votes from the two established parties due to voter dissatisfaction with the status quo.
"I think he will affect both the PLP's and FNM's votes (though) I think it's more likely that he is going to attract FNM votes. In looking at the people in the room the other night many of them appeared to be FNMs.
"As a former FNM candidate and junior minister that would be his natural base but in all fairness there are a lot undecided people who are looking for change and who would welcome change if they think it will (shift) the established order," Mr Galanis added.
Officials in the Free National Movement and the Opposition Progressive Liberal Party have dismissed the chance that a third party can wrestle power from the two political parties, who have governed intermittently for decades.
However Mr Galanis said other countries with the Westminster system have seen impressive challenges to the dominant two-party system, a feat he thinks can be duplicated in this country. "I will not downplay the potential impact an alternative party can have particularly today when you consider the disaffection from and disappointment in the two mainstream parties.
"People are tired of the status quo, everywhere around the world in the Westminster Parliamentary model changes are taking place and alternative party models are making their presence felt in England, Australian and close at home in Trinidad and Tobago we saw the established parties significantly challenged in their recent elections.
"Third parties are making their presence felt around the world," said Mr Galanis.
May 16, 2011
tribune242
Monday, May 16, 2011
Prominent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) members want several PLP Members of Parliament to not receive nominations to run in the next general election
PLPs move to block nominations... Christie asked to make ‘bold’ decisions
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Three prominent members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) are appealing to party leader Perry Christie to ensure that several PLP Members of Parliament do not receive nominations to run in the next general election, claiming the party might be guaranteed a loss with them on the ticket.
Former parliamentarian George Smith, former PLP chairman Raynard Rigby, and Philip Galanis, who coordinated the party’s campaign in 2007, wrote to Christie recently and suggested the party could not win at the polls if it runs Shane Gibson (Golden Gates); Vincent Peet (North Andros), Obie Wilchcombe (West End and Bimini) and V. Alfred Gray (MICAL).
The party has not yet announced any candidates for those constituencies but there is a widely held view inside and outside the PLP that the incumbents will seek re-election.
Smith, Rigby and Galanis also suggested to Christie that former Minister Leslie Miller, who has already been ratified by the National General Council of the PLP for Blue Hills, be removed from the ticket.
“We also hold the view that the candidacy of Anthony Moss and Picewell Forbes must be carefully reviewed based on the need to have competent and capable candidates, worthy of service in the Cabinet of The Bahamas,” the men wrote.
In the letter, dated May 5, 2011, the prominent PLPs also pointed to the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner report, completed in 2007 after the party’s defeat at the polls.
The researchers hired by the PLP concluded that the PLP faced four fundamental challenges: Expanding the party's base; cleansing the party's reputation; conveying former Prime Minister Perry Christie's leadership qualities and advancing a progressive social agenda.
A majority of Bahamian voters surveyed by the internationally-renowned research group said they did not vote for the PLP because they perceived Christie to be a weak and indecisive leader.
The researchers — who reportedly surveyed more than 1,200 people — also concluded that the PLP lost in part because of perceptions that its government was scandal-ridden.
Smith, Rigby and Galanis said this “disturbing” perception must be addressed and it must be evident in the candidates selected.
“We also hold the view that the party and its leadership must seek to restore the confidence that the people lost in the party,” the authors of the letter added.
“...We are confident that the Bahamian people will see you as a different kind of leader if you act now to safeguard the interest of the party.
“In fact, the Bahamian people elected the PLP, under your leadership in 2002, because you took a principled position and publicly declared that you preferred to lose doing what was right rather than to win doing what was wrong.
“It is our view that this same approach must be employed by you during the upcoming election so that the Bahamian people can be convinced that your leadership will be transforming.”
Most of the MPs named in the letter have all come under fire at some point in various controversies that have ensnared the party.
Gibson resigned from Christie’s Cabinet in early 2007 after The Tribune newspaper printed photographs of him in an intimate embrace with the late actress Anna Nicole Smith. He was accused by the Free National Movement (FNM) of fast-tracking the residency application of Smith, who had become a close family friend.
However, Gibson was still nominated for the 2007 election and was re-elected.
However, the Greenberg report pointed to the Anna Nicole controversy as one of the reasons for the PLP’s defeat in 2007.
Around the same time as that debacle was grabbing headlines, another minister was embroiled in what some termed a significant scandal.
Peet — who was once a young minister in the Cabinet of the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling — faced a whirlwind of controversy after information came to light that his driver stole a substantial sum of money from his bedroom closet. At the time of the theft, he was minister of labor and immigration in the Christie Cabinet.
Peet sued Hubert Ingraham as leader of the FNM for comments he made at several rallies over the money-in-the-closet incident. However, there is no evidence the lawsuit went anywhere.
More recently, Wilchcombe was questioned by police in connection with the alleged attempted extortion of American actor John Travolta.
The MP was never charged with a crime and was one of the witnesses in the case against his friend and business partner, attorney Pleasant Bridgewater, who at the time was a PLP senator.
Many observers believe the incident hurt Wilchcombe’s chances of becoming deputy leader of the party. Many observers inside and outside the PLP also believe he could never make a successful bid at the leadership.
Prior to the Travolta matter, Wilchcombe had been widely viewed as a likely successor to Christie.
The alleged plot was reportedly hatched in January 2009, not long after Travolta’s teenage son died on Grand Bahama.
In October that year, Forbes, the South Andros MP, declared while on stage at a PLP convention that Bridgewater was a free woman.
But the jury in the case was still deliberating. Senior Justice Anita Allen (now Court of Appeal president) declared a mistrial in the case.
In an unrelated matter, Gray threatened to sue The Tribune and the Punch over certain allegations relating to his alleged conduct.
These matters have long faded from the headlines, but Smith, Rigby and Galanis believe they could come back to haunt the PLP during the approaching campaign season.
“WEAK AND INDECISIVE”
In the run-up to the 2007 general election, the FNM, using a string of alleged scandals in the then-governing party to bolster its case, pointed to Christie's perceived "weak and indecisive" leadership style.
The three authors of the letter to Christie believe this perception has not gone away.
They wrote: “We also cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a growing perception that you are indecisive.
“This is a perception that the FNM will attempt to use as their advantage. We have already seen signs of their use over the past few weeks.
“Faced with this reality, it is our considered view that to defeat the impact of the FNM’s characterizations of your style of leadership, bold decisions must be made about the party’s ticket in the next election.
“This will allow you to speak to the intellectual and moral depth of the team and to demonstrate to the public that those who have (and continue to have) a negative perception were dropped from the ticket, a bold decision that you made as leader.
“To show your strength as leader, you must act with boldness and the public will see that you understood what our defeat in 2007 was about.”
Explaining why they believe the Miller nomination should be withdrawn, Smith, Rigby and Galanis pointed to the recent controversy in which Miller found himself when the Department of Customs initially refused to release one of his containers.
Customs Comptroller Glenn Gomez had said documentation needed to clear the container was incorrect and he also claimed that Miller, a prominent businessman, owed the department a substantial sum of money.
Miller told The Nassau Guardian at the time that there were errors with the invoices. The container was eventually released after payment was made.
He also strongly denied he owed a substantial amount in duties.
Still, the authors of the letter believe this situation could reflect poorly on the party in the campaign.
Referring to Miller, Gibson, Peet, Wilchcombe and Gray, the three prominent PLPs wrote to Christie: “We also fully appreciate the fact that these men served in your Cabinet.
“This makes the decision more important as it is likely that upon the party’s return to the government, you are more likely than not to extend to them similar postings.”
They added, “It is our considered view that the cloud and perception that encircle them are too much for the party to address during an intense and fiercely divided campaign.
“As you know, the good of one man should never overshadow the good of the thousands of supporters who expect us to do all in our power to secure the party’s victory.
“This must be our sacred approach to the selection and identification of our standard bearers in this election cycle.”
Referring to Moss and Forbes, the letter writers said, “We have been led to understand that these men have lost considerable influence and ground in their respective constituencies and the party must ensure that their presence on the ticket will not lead to defeats in these areas.
“Exuma and South Andros are valuable to the party in forming the next government and therefore all efforts must be employed to ensure that our base is galvanized behind these incumbents, otherwise the party must begin the search for new ‘winning’ candidates.”
The party has already ratified the candidacy of attorney Arnold Forbes for Mount Moriah, but Smith, Rigby and Galanis also advised Christie that this decision ought to be reviewed.
May 16, 2011
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Three prominent members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) are appealing to party leader Perry Christie to ensure that several PLP Members of Parliament do not receive nominations to run in the next general election, claiming the party might be guaranteed a loss with them on the ticket.
Former parliamentarian George Smith, former PLP chairman Raynard Rigby, and Philip Galanis, who coordinated the party’s campaign in 2007, wrote to Christie recently and suggested the party could not win at the polls if it runs Shane Gibson (Golden Gates); Vincent Peet (North Andros), Obie Wilchcombe (West End and Bimini) and V. Alfred Gray (MICAL).
The party has not yet announced any candidates for those constituencies but there is a widely held view inside and outside the PLP that the incumbents will seek re-election.
Smith, Rigby and Galanis also suggested to Christie that former Minister Leslie Miller, who has already been ratified by the National General Council of the PLP for Blue Hills, be removed from the ticket.
“We also hold the view that the candidacy of Anthony Moss and Picewell Forbes must be carefully reviewed based on the need to have competent and capable candidates, worthy of service in the Cabinet of The Bahamas,” the men wrote.
In the letter, dated May 5, 2011, the prominent PLPs also pointed to the Greenberg Quinlan Rosner report, completed in 2007 after the party’s defeat at the polls.
The researchers hired by the PLP concluded that the PLP faced four fundamental challenges: Expanding the party's base; cleansing the party's reputation; conveying former Prime Minister Perry Christie's leadership qualities and advancing a progressive social agenda.
A majority of Bahamian voters surveyed by the internationally-renowned research group said they did not vote for the PLP because they perceived Christie to be a weak and indecisive leader.
The researchers — who reportedly surveyed more than 1,200 people — also concluded that the PLP lost in part because of perceptions that its government was scandal-ridden.
Smith, Rigby and Galanis said this “disturbing” perception must be addressed and it must be evident in the candidates selected.
“We also hold the view that the party and its leadership must seek to restore the confidence that the people lost in the party,” the authors of the letter added.
“...We are confident that the Bahamian people will see you as a different kind of leader if you act now to safeguard the interest of the party.
“In fact, the Bahamian people elected the PLP, under your leadership in 2002, because you took a principled position and publicly declared that you preferred to lose doing what was right rather than to win doing what was wrong.
“It is our view that this same approach must be employed by you during the upcoming election so that the Bahamian people can be convinced that your leadership will be transforming.”
Most of the MPs named in the letter have all come under fire at some point in various controversies that have ensnared the party.
Gibson resigned from Christie’s Cabinet in early 2007 after The Tribune newspaper printed photographs of him in an intimate embrace with the late actress Anna Nicole Smith. He was accused by the Free National Movement (FNM) of fast-tracking the residency application of Smith, who had become a close family friend.
However, Gibson was still nominated for the 2007 election and was re-elected.
However, the Greenberg report pointed to the Anna Nicole controversy as one of the reasons for the PLP’s defeat in 2007.
Around the same time as that debacle was grabbing headlines, another minister was embroiled in what some termed a significant scandal.
Peet — who was once a young minister in the Cabinet of the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling — faced a whirlwind of controversy after information came to light that his driver stole a substantial sum of money from his bedroom closet. At the time of the theft, he was minister of labor and immigration in the Christie Cabinet.
Peet sued Hubert Ingraham as leader of the FNM for comments he made at several rallies over the money-in-the-closet incident. However, there is no evidence the lawsuit went anywhere.
More recently, Wilchcombe was questioned by police in connection with the alleged attempted extortion of American actor John Travolta.
The MP was never charged with a crime and was one of the witnesses in the case against his friend and business partner, attorney Pleasant Bridgewater, who at the time was a PLP senator.
Many observers believe the incident hurt Wilchcombe’s chances of becoming deputy leader of the party. Many observers inside and outside the PLP also believe he could never make a successful bid at the leadership.
Prior to the Travolta matter, Wilchcombe had been widely viewed as a likely successor to Christie.
The alleged plot was reportedly hatched in January 2009, not long after Travolta’s teenage son died on Grand Bahama.
In October that year, Forbes, the South Andros MP, declared while on stage at a PLP convention that Bridgewater was a free woman.
But the jury in the case was still deliberating. Senior Justice Anita Allen (now Court of Appeal president) declared a mistrial in the case.
In an unrelated matter, Gray threatened to sue The Tribune and the Punch over certain allegations relating to his alleged conduct.
These matters have long faded from the headlines, but Smith, Rigby and Galanis believe they could come back to haunt the PLP during the approaching campaign season.
“WEAK AND INDECISIVE”
In the run-up to the 2007 general election, the FNM, using a string of alleged scandals in the then-governing party to bolster its case, pointed to Christie's perceived "weak and indecisive" leadership style.
The three authors of the letter to Christie believe this perception has not gone away.
They wrote: “We also cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a growing perception that you are indecisive.
“This is a perception that the FNM will attempt to use as their advantage. We have already seen signs of their use over the past few weeks.
“Faced with this reality, it is our considered view that to defeat the impact of the FNM’s characterizations of your style of leadership, bold decisions must be made about the party’s ticket in the next election.
“This will allow you to speak to the intellectual and moral depth of the team and to demonstrate to the public that those who have (and continue to have) a negative perception were dropped from the ticket, a bold decision that you made as leader.
“To show your strength as leader, you must act with boldness and the public will see that you understood what our defeat in 2007 was about.”
Explaining why they believe the Miller nomination should be withdrawn, Smith, Rigby and Galanis pointed to the recent controversy in which Miller found himself when the Department of Customs initially refused to release one of his containers.
Customs Comptroller Glenn Gomez had said documentation needed to clear the container was incorrect and he also claimed that Miller, a prominent businessman, owed the department a substantial sum of money.
Miller told The Nassau Guardian at the time that there were errors with the invoices. The container was eventually released after payment was made.
He also strongly denied he owed a substantial amount in duties.
Still, the authors of the letter believe this situation could reflect poorly on the party in the campaign.
Referring to Miller, Gibson, Peet, Wilchcombe and Gray, the three prominent PLPs wrote to Christie: “We also fully appreciate the fact that these men served in your Cabinet.
“This makes the decision more important as it is likely that upon the party’s return to the government, you are more likely than not to extend to them similar postings.”
They added, “It is our considered view that the cloud and perception that encircle them are too much for the party to address during an intense and fiercely divided campaign.
“As you know, the good of one man should never overshadow the good of the thousands of supporters who expect us to do all in our power to secure the party’s victory.
“This must be our sacred approach to the selection and identification of our standard bearers in this election cycle.”
Referring to Moss and Forbes, the letter writers said, “We have been led to understand that these men have lost considerable influence and ground in their respective constituencies and the party must ensure that their presence on the ticket will not lead to defeats in these areas.
“Exuma and South Andros are valuable to the party in forming the next government and therefore all efforts must be employed to ensure that our base is galvanized behind these incumbents, otherwise the party must begin the search for new ‘winning’ candidates.”
The party has already ratified the candidacy of attorney Arnold Forbes for Mount Moriah, but Smith, Rigby and Galanis also advised Christie that this decision ought to be reviewed.
May 16, 2011
thenassauguardian
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) receives "mixed reviews" from the general public on its official launch
'MIXED REVIEWS' AFTER DNA'S OFFICIAL LAUNCH
tribune242
AFTER its official launch on Thursday night at the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort, the Democratic National Alliance is getting "mixed reviews" from the general public.
According to numerous persons interviewed by this newspaper, many agreed that the DNA was successful in drawing a large crowd to their official launch - a feat unmatched to this date by any third party option since Independence.
While many speculated as well on the actual make-up of this crowd, whether persons were there primarily as supporters or mere spectators, it was still noted that for the DNA to fill the hotel's ballroom was an accomplishment "in and of itself."
However, the commentary on the actual content of Branville McCartney's speech was another matter.
According to one online blogger on The Tribune's website, tribune242.com, C'Mon Man, there was little difference in Mr McCartney's speech from any other that was delivered by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham or PLP Leader Perry Christie.
"If you closed your eyes during Bran's speech last night, it would have been difficult to discern from the content of the speech Bran from Hubert Ingraham or Perry Christie because all I heard was the same old politician speak. We gonna do dis for you, we gonna do dat for you and we gonna make all your dreams come true without ever saying where the money gonna come from to do these things.
"We Bahamians say we don't like to be talked down to, but everytime a politician talk to us like this they are talking down to us by telling us what they think we want to hear. It would have been refreshing for a politician to just be honest for a change and tell it like it is the good, bad and the ugly. Otherwise we will only be changing faces with the same old politics," the blogger noted.
Erasmus Folly, a regular blogger on tribune242.com also wrote that he was not impressed with the DNA's launch.
"The candidates leave much to be desired. The guy from Exuma already proved he doesn't understand business. The others, I don't know enough about, but I am not convinced. I'd like to see Bran win his (seat), with maybe one or two others from that party and see if they can sound sensible in Parliament over the next five years.
"Then perhaps see for the following election if they can offer more or win other credible candidates to their cause. I'd like to see change, but if it is wishy washy, then it is a waste of time. Faith in the people, which he drones on about, is a very, very vague term and means nothing. I'm always wary of fluff, too much talk of 'listening' and a speech without a clear and discernible plan of action.
"It is not enough to say that if you put the 'people first' everything will work out. Tyrants and leaders obsessed with their own charisma always talk most loudly about putting the people first and rarely manage to deliver anything of the kind," he said.
'Watching Jane' -- another blogger --added: "I like Bran as a person, but I must say I was not impressed by the speech, it lacked substance and was far too long!'
However there were also positive reviews of the DNA's launch from online viewers and those persons interviewed yesterday.
"Philosopher King" wrote that that the DNA is off to a good start, and "Androsian Finest" said that Mr McCartney needs to "work fast" and do what he needs to do because the FNM "is up to something."
"We in Andros have your back - we for you. DNA all the way! Last night was great," the blogger wrote.
Stanley Jackson Sr added that congratulations are in order for Mr McCartney and the DNA for their "overwhelmingly" successful launch.
"Never in Bahamian history has a third party garnered such huge support. Mr McCartney's delivery was excellent, well poised and answered every question necessary and more at this juncture as an introductory for the DNA. Indeed he offers hope Obama style . . . which is sorely needed in our country after 44 years of failure, rampant corruption, film flam, double talk, razzle dazzle and broken promises from the PLP and FNM who find themselves hopelessly compromised by special interest and unable to govern," he said.
May 14, 2011
tribune242
tribune242
AFTER its official launch on Thursday night at the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort, the Democratic National Alliance is getting "mixed reviews" from the general public.
According to numerous persons interviewed by this newspaper, many agreed that the DNA was successful in drawing a large crowd to their official launch - a feat unmatched to this date by any third party option since Independence.
While many speculated as well on the actual make-up of this crowd, whether persons were there primarily as supporters or mere spectators, it was still noted that for the DNA to fill the hotel's ballroom was an accomplishment "in and of itself."
However, the commentary on the actual content of Branville McCartney's speech was another matter.
According to one online blogger on The Tribune's website, tribune242.com, C'Mon Man, there was little difference in Mr McCartney's speech from any other that was delivered by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham or PLP Leader Perry Christie.
"If you closed your eyes during Bran's speech last night, it would have been difficult to discern from the content of the speech Bran from Hubert Ingraham or Perry Christie because all I heard was the same old politician speak. We gonna do dis for you, we gonna do dat for you and we gonna make all your dreams come true without ever saying where the money gonna come from to do these things.
"We Bahamians say we don't like to be talked down to, but everytime a politician talk to us like this they are talking down to us by telling us what they think we want to hear. It would have been refreshing for a politician to just be honest for a change and tell it like it is the good, bad and the ugly. Otherwise we will only be changing faces with the same old politics," the blogger noted.
Erasmus Folly, a regular blogger on tribune242.com also wrote that he was not impressed with the DNA's launch.
"The candidates leave much to be desired. The guy from Exuma already proved he doesn't understand business. The others, I don't know enough about, but I am not convinced. I'd like to see Bran win his (seat), with maybe one or two others from that party and see if they can sound sensible in Parliament over the next five years.
"Then perhaps see for the following election if they can offer more or win other credible candidates to their cause. I'd like to see change, but if it is wishy washy, then it is a waste of time. Faith in the people, which he drones on about, is a very, very vague term and means nothing. I'm always wary of fluff, too much talk of 'listening' and a speech without a clear and discernible plan of action.
"It is not enough to say that if you put the 'people first' everything will work out. Tyrants and leaders obsessed with their own charisma always talk most loudly about putting the people first and rarely manage to deliver anything of the kind," he said.
'Watching Jane' -- another blogger --added: "I like Bran as a person, but I must say I was not impressed by the speech, it lacked substance and was far too long!'
However there were also positive reviews of the DNA's launch from online viewers and those persons interviewed yesterday.
"Philosopher King" wrote that that the DNA is off to a good start, and "Androsian Finest" said that Mr McCartney needs to "work fast" and do what he needs to do because the FNM "is up to something."
"We in Andros have your back - we for you. DNA all the way! Last night was great," the blogger wrote.
Stanley Jackson Sr added that congratulations are in order for Mr McCartney and the DNA for their "overwhelmingly" successful launch.
"Never in Bahamian history has a third party garnered such huge support. Mr McCartney's delivery was excellent, well poised and answered every question necessary and more at this juncture as an introductory for the DNA. Indeed he offers hope Obama style . . . which is sorely needed in our country after 44 years of failure, rampant corruption, film flam, double talk, razzle dazzle and broken promises from the PLP and FNM who find themselves hopelessly compromised by special interest and unable to govern," he said.
May 14, 2011
tribune242
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Can Branville McCartney succeed where Dr. Bernard J. Nottage failed?
As Third Parties Enter
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Third parties are today all the rage.
Some who now yearn to jump ship from this or that small third party’s helm are apparently concerned far more with burnishing their egos rather than with even trying to deal with the real issues that now face the Bahamian people.
Even now – we wait to hear, see and understand what difference any of these can reasonably make in the time left before general elections must be called.
No matter what some self-styled leaders might or might not do – when the rubber hits the road, the Bahamian people will have the last word.
While we do not expect it – we will not be particularly bent out of shape were some who now vie under this or that label that is neither PLP or FNM to do better than even they might now imagine.
Only time will tell if – this time around – they do better than all others that have ever sought to make a dent in a status quo that respects and reflects the joint-hegemony or rule of the Progressive Liberal Party and their nemeses in the Free National Movement.
These parties are today as they have always been: entities that bear all the markings of brothers in arms bent on running things in a place that is probably too small for both – and so they fight as they have been fighting for the past very many years.
That fight now pits two of Sir Lynden’s and Sir Cecil’s men against each other; wit their struggles mediated and oiled by money.
This is the backdrop against which the smaller and so-called "third parties must vie.
Interestingly enough, some of these efforts have been – from the get-go- little more than artfully constructed machinery designed to dupe gullible media.
In recent times, there has been one party that – at one time – seemed to be on track for making a difference that could have been decisive.
We refer to Dr. Bernard J. Nottage and his idea-rich Coalition for Democratic Reform.
As the record shows, the CDR’s leader was decisively beaten when he dared try and go up against this nation’s two largest and richest and best organized political machines.
When Dr. Nottage sought to lead the Progressive Liberal Party [from the inside, so to speak] he was again trounced.
In recent times, as Branville McCartney has tried to do what he thinks he must, the thought has apparently taken hold of him that he can succeed where Dr. Nottage failed.
As in the case of all others who are looking, we shall see what will become of this man’s dreams of greatness in a Bahamas where money talks and in which Big Money speaks really big.
In contradistinction to Dr. Nottage and his CDR, most of today’s so-called Third Party efforts seem to be built on little more than press releases, promises and artful grand-standing.
This stuff always borders on the farcical, particularly when some of those who would lead throw good money and bad to the winds.
Here media matters; and for sure, when media personnel starved for copy are prepared to ‘big up’ practically everybody who turns up wearing the legend that, they are leading this or that "party".
That we live in a media-saturated culture is self-evident. This is now so pervasive that there are now people who just love to see their names in print; and who know that the press will report their every word once they say that they are leading a party.
Making matters even worse has to do with the fact that practically every man and his uncle now have access to media that could broadcast their views to the world.
Whether these views are coherent or not, practically everyone can feast off some of that ego boost that comes with being known.
If they are agreed on anything, practically every man and every woman who would lead this or that so-called Third Party, is agreed that old folks should cede power to men and women who are either young or younger.
In more than one celebrated case of this ilk, there are men and women who have grown old waiting for their chance to take hold of the reins of power.
And then, there are some other men and women who have an appetite to be seen and heard and thought of as having something of the "visionary" sort to say about where this country of ours should be headed.
While some of these efforts are ‘slick’ enough in appearance, we fear that they will rise no higher than a proverbial lead balloon.
Time will tell and the Bahamian people will be heard.
May 11th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Third parties are today all the rage.
Some who now yearn to jump ship from this or that small third party’s helm are apparently concerned far more with burnishing their egos rather than with even trying to deal with the real issues that now face the Bahamian people.
Even now – we wait to hear, see and understand what difference any of these can reasonably make in the time left before general elections must be called.
No matter what some self-styled leaders might or might not do – when the rubber hits the road, the Bahamian people will have the last word.
While we do not expect it – we will not be particularly bent out of shape were some who now vie under this or that label that is neither PLP or FNM to do better than even they might now imagine.
Only time will tell if – this time around – they do better than all others that have ever sought to make a dent in a status quo that respects and reflects the joint-hegemony or rule of the Progressive Liberal Party and their nemeses in the Free National Movement.
These parties are today as they have always been: entities that bear all the markings of brothers in arms bent on running things in a place that is probably too small for both – and so they fight as they have been fighting for the past very many years.
That fight now pits two of Sir Lynden’s and Sir Cecil’s men against each other; wit their struggles mediated and oiled by money.
This is the backdrop against which the smaller and so-called "third parties must vie.
Interestingly enough, some of these efforts have been – from the get-go- little more than artfully constructed machinery designed to dupe gullible media.
In recent times, there has been one party that – at one time – seemed to be on track for making a difference that could have been decisive.
We refer to Dr. Bernard J. Nottage and his idea-rich Coalition for Democratic Reform.
As the record shows, the CDR’s leader was decisively beaten when he dared try and go up against this nation’s two largest and richest and best organized political machines.
When Dr. Nottage sought to lead the Progressive Liberal Party [from the inside, so to speak] he was again trounced.
In recent times, as Branville McCartney has tried to do what he thinks he must, the thought has apparently taken hold of him that he can succeed where Dr. Nottage failed.
As in the case of all others who are looking, we shall see what will become of this man’s dreams of greatness in a Bahamas where money talks and in which Big Money speaks really big.
In contradistinction to Dr. Nottage and his CDR, most of today’s so-called Third Party efforts seem to be built on little more than press releases, promises and artful grand-standing.
This stuff always borders on the farcical, particularly when some of those who would lead throw good money and bad to the winds.
Here media matters; and for sure, when media personnel starved for copy are prepared to ‘big up’ practically everybody who turns up wearing the legend that, they are leading this or that "party".
That we live in a media-saturated culture is self-evident. This is now so pervasive that there are now people who just love to see their names in print; and who know that the press will report their every word once they say that they are leading a party.
Making matters even worse has to do with the fact that practically every man and his uncle now have access to media that could broadcast their views to the world.
Whether these views are coherent or not, practically everyone can feast off some of that ego boost that comes with being known.
If they are agreed on anything, practically every man and every woman who would lead this or that so-called Third Party, is agreed that old folks should cede power to men and women who are either young or younger.
In more than one celebrated case of this ilk, there are men and women who have grown old waiting for their chance to take hold of the reins of power.
And then, there are some other men and women who have an appetite to be seen and heard and thought of as having something of the "visionary" sort to say about where this country of ours should be headed.
While some of these efforts are ‘slick’ enough in appearance, we fear that they will rise no higher than a proverbial lead balloon.
Time will tell and the Bahamian people will be heard.
May 11th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Branville McCartney's inaugural speech at the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party's launch - Thursday May 12, 2011
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, young women and young men.
It would indeed be remiss of me to start without thanking all of you who are gathered here this evening. It is not by chance that we are here; this is no haphazard occurrence, but this is our chance, our opportunity, to redefine history, to REDIFINE THE POSSIBLE!
I am humbled beyond measure by your presence here this evening and I truly believe that you are not here simply because you have nothing better to do, but because you believe that Change is necessary, and you know, like I know, that our country is not the country we envisioned it to be. You and I are here because we believe that our country is destined for greatness and needs leaders and visionaries that will help us to attain the greatness and prominence that is duly ours on the world stage. You are here simply because you and I alike have recognized that we have been misrepresented and ostracized from the governance of our country.
Tonight, this momentous occasion is a proclamation that a great beacon light of hope and optimism is ready to shine across our island nation and radiate the lives of all Bahamians so that we can begin to dream and wish and desire and believe in a Bahamas that is for Bahamians and a paradise not just for tourist but for natives to enjoy the beauty and bounty of this land.
I alone am not the DNA nor will I ever be; no man is an island; I know unequivocally that it is IMPOSSIBLE to even think that I can do this on my own. I know that I will only be as successful as my team is and I truly believe in the forces of unison; I know that I am not superior to any of you or any of my candidates and pledge to always engage the thoughts and ideas of the public and my candidates, recognizing the value of multiple minds and always mindful of the fact that “two heads are always better than one”.
Tonight, commences the journey of a lifetime. What will evolve out of tonight and the days, weeks and months ahead will have such a lasting and positive impact on our country that generations nowhere in the making; so far removed, would be beneficiaries of this revolution. Tonight, we are here to mark the beginning of a NEW BAHAMAS; we are here to embark on a historical and critical journey in shaping the future of our country so that we can all be proud to say that, “I AM A BAHAMIAN”.
We are also here to defy the odds to demystify the notion that another party cannot thrive in the political arena; to clarify all misconceptions; And let me set the record straight; we are not a third party; we are an alternative party…and a viable alternative at that. I am indeed very mindful of the fact that some of you have gathered here tonight out of immense trials and tribulations; some of you have been so depressed and oppressed by the scorches of torment and persecution. When you leave here however, I hope that your spirits are lifted and rejuvenated because on the horizon is the dawning of a new day, of a new era in the political landscape of our county.
My fellow Bahamians! Look around you - to your left and to your right. What you are about to experience is the beginning of a new future in Bahamian history. This is the beginning, the beginning of a NEW BAHAMAS.
Allow me to engage you for a second…I want you to close your eyes and allow me to paint a picture of what our country could look like…I want you to envision the many possibilities that exist.
Imagine our country in all its natural beauty; with litter free roads and well-landscaped gardens, with stunning architecture and properly maintained buildings. Imagine sidewalk cafes, well lit streets, rows of theatres especially designed for young Bahamian playwrights, and a downtown that is world renowned and envied by the rest of the world, with Bahamian art and crafts galore! Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine parks, nature and bike trails where citizens truly enjoy the outdoors and beaches are sparkling clean and truly enjoyed by our citizens. Just imagine little children running around outside, playing the games of the good ole days; Imagine a Bahamas where citizens are no longer prisoners in their homes; where burglar bars are not a necessity. Imagine being able to sit on your land looking at your garden that now provides your household with fruits and vegetables. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine being able to walk out of your house and down the street to jump on a bus that you know is safe and secure and family oriented. Imagine a public transportation system that is first world and traffic congestion is a thing of the past. Imagine not having to leave your home at 6:30 am just so that you can drop your children to school, in order to make it to work on time. Imagine that possibility!
Imagine an educational system that facilitates learning, and our public school system is more competitive than the private. Imagine your child excited and enthusiastic about learning and schools that are safe for both teachers and students. Imagine classrooms with the latest technology for learning; where children do not want to leave their learning environments. Imagine a tertiary institution that attracts students from around the world and joins the top ranks of colleges and universities around the world. Imagine a Bahamian Harvard. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine a hospital that is not over crowded. Imagine not worrying about the cost of healthcare. Imagine that your first option for healthcare service is from the public system and you no longer need or want private care. Imagine that you do not have to travel abroad for world-class medical treatment because you can get it right here in your own country. Imagine a public health care system that is the envy of the region. Imagine the possibility!
Imagine our family of island as producers of fruits, vegetables and livestock that are not only organic, but produced in our own soil by our own people. Imagine being exporters of produce and not importers. Imagine the days when food sustainability is not a far-fetched concept but a prosperous reality. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine when you are able to make your dreams reality, when you are able to open your own business without hassle and bureaucracy. Where you are encourage and not discouraged to become an entrepreneur. Imagine owning that bed and breakfast that you always dreamed of on the island of your choice. Imagine the limitless possibilities that await you. Imagine these possibilities!
Open your eyes now…You no longer have to simply imagine those things, they can be a reality; they will be a reality when the DNA becomes the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
The DNA is here to create the same paradise for Bahamians that only tourists and foreigners seem to enjoy. The DNA is here to encourage your to dream beyond your wildest imagination; we are here to dare you to think the unthinkable, to do the impossible. The DNA is here to move this country forward, upward, onward and we are here to do it together!
I want to assure you that this campaign will NEVER be about me; this is about US about what we as a people can do together; because when we work together, we can do the Impossible. I want you to know that the reason I stand before you tonight is not just to present a new party to you; not just to run for office but to partner with you to transform our nation; to galvanize a movement that will reshape our future and re-establish our destinies.
Tonight my fellow Bahamians, we as a people and a nation are about to enter into a new era in Bahamian history, an era that has long been promised to us, but has yet to be delivered. Tonight, we – you and me, we and us - are about to begin rewriting the Bahamian historical narrative, a narrative that will forever change the face of the Bahamian landscape. And despite whatever present misconceptions there may be of us as a people and as an island nation, we, my fellow citizens of what is about to be the greatest little nation in the world, are about to begin re-defining our image and re-defining what is possible in The Bahamas! I ask you, can you feel a brand new day? Can you feel a brand new day? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, young men and young women, we are gathered here tonight to affirm the greatness of our beloved Bahamaland.
I stand before you tonight humble and grateful for the overwhelming show of support that you have shown to The Democratic National Alliance. I stand before you tonight humble and grateful for the opportunity that you are giving the DNA, to serve all of you on a national level. I, and the historic slate of candidates who are about to embark on this journey – some of whom you will meet tonight – stand before you, with the utmost humility and gratitude, and say thank you for letting us be partners with you in leading our nation forward into greatness. With your help, and the help of God, THIS TOO SHALL COME TO PASS.
With the DNA as your next government, we will work to ensure that all of you are empowered to use your God-given, natural gifts and talents to bring about the necessary change that will affirm our greatness - as a nation and as a people - to the world! And I say, again, IT SHALL COME TO PASS!
In 1967, the Bahamas was at a crossroad. The Labor movement was under attack, and Bahamian workers were being denied their due rights in their own country. At the time, one author said that the “building of schools and hospitals (were) carried out haphazardly and on the basis of preference.” Ministers of the government got rich off of the public purse and foreign favors. Government abuse and corruption were rampant, and the Prime Minister, at the time, was said to be the “biggest road-builder in the country.” The poor and uneducated were being buried under a mountain of taxes.
The Leader of the then opposition, Mr. Lynden Pindling, wrote in 1965: “The Bahamas was anything but a paradise for the indigenous people.” He pointed out that the government, at the time, “never introduced a development plan for the islands to improve the situation of Bahamians both socially and/or economically.” A sad commentary which still rings true today.
But, after decades and decades of being second-class citizens in their own country, our people finally stood up and said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Disillusioned, fed up, and angry at being ignored and feeling disempowered in their own country, our parents, our grand-parents, and, for some, even great-grand parents decided they wanted change. And the rest is history.
In 1992, we once again found ourselves at a crucial historical crossroad. Under siege by a menacing drug culture, oppressed and disenfranchised, a great number of Bahamians were fearful to speak out for change, fearful that they and their families would have to endure debilitating victimization and marginalization in a society where a few men could determine whether a majority had and did not have.
But little did anyone know at the time, there was a new generation of Bahamians lurking in the shadows – a new generation of independent thinkers - both young and old – who refused to be denied access to the Bahamian dream of ownership any longer. They were tired of ownership being for the few and the select. They, like we do today, insisted that ownership be for all. And just like many of you here tonight, they too were unafraid of the victimization that had crippled so many of their parents and those in their parents’ generation. They understood that the best way to fight the terrible victimization that had stifled the true voice and will of the people was at the ballot box. And after 25 years, these young Bahamians went into the polling stations, marked their X’s for a new government. They were not afraid to send the same message back to the same government who decades before told them that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And again the rest was history!
And now, some 38 years after the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Black, Aquamarine, and Gold which gave Bahamians the courage to dream of promised destinies, here we are again.
In 2011, 44 years after majority rule promised to liberate us, promised us that we would no longer have to unduly suffer in our country, promised us that we would be transformed, history has brought us back to an old familiar crossroad.
We are gathered here tonight, 44 years after Bahamians had become enchanted by the thought that majority rule and independence could bring them economic, political, and societal empowerment and upward mobility, unfortunately the menacing truth is that the overwhelming majority of hardworking Bahamians still have insufficient wealth to take care of their own personal needs; the overwhelming majority still have no voice or say in the way that their society is organized and how decisions are made; and an overwhelming majority of Bahamians are still treated unfairly and unequally. Decades after majority rule and independence, Bahamians are still feeling disillusioned, fed up, and angry at being ignored and feeling disempowered in their own country.
Am I the only one who thinks that our nation deserves more from its leadership?
In this election season, we as a people must decide whether we want real, sincere, and honest change or more of the same.
Tonight, my fellow Bahamians, I implore you to join with us and let us together build The Bahamas, which we DESERVE after 44 years of majority rule and 38 years of independence. Tonight and every night until the day of election we must say in one loud resounding voice –we WILL be the change we want to see! Now, more than ever, is the time for change - a time for a new breed of governance to move our country safely past this most pressing, socially volatile crossroad in our country’s history.
Tonight, in making the DNA’s case for change, I will not present you with an extensively, convoluted list of visionary promises just to impress you. Like you, I am tired of the rhetoric; of plenty talk and no action. My track record speaks for itself and I am not afraid to get the job done. We in the Democratic National Alliance believe in delivering a simple, clear concise action plan for our nation. And the one simple truth that we firmly believe is that once you put people first, everything else will take care of itself. If we put people first, then perhaps we will no longer boast a national grade point average of a “D” that has made the outside world question our brilliance and our intelligence.
If we put people first, perhaps it will move to an “A” that will once again make us the respected and competitive, intellectually brilliant nation that we were meant to be and that many expect us to be; not only regionally but globally.
Putting people first means a dynamic transformation of our country’s educational system, where education will serve as the catalyst for growth and progress because it is both inspirational and engaging; where education will serve the purpose for which it is designed, and that is to produce critically minded, socially conscious individuals who, aware of their social and environmental conditions, will be able to use their acquired knowledge and learned skills, as well as resources available to them, to plan and affect change in their lives, the lives of others in their society, the region, and the world.
In putting people first again, as its simple and primary vision, the DNA will provide the transformative framework by which we can begin the process of developing and nurturing a community of life-long learners who will keep our nation highly competitive in this 21st century global economy, while, at the same time, contributing to and driving national, regional, and indeed worldwide development.
When we put people first and strongly emphasize education, the College of the Bahamas is transformed to the University of the Bahamas and BTVI becomes a truly autonomous, high-tech, state-of-the-art technological and vocational institute, with both institutions producing a trained workforce that can provide expertise and advance ideas on public policy, on good governance, sustainable economic growth, and respect for human rights; then we the citizens of the Bahamas will reap the rewards sewn by the seeds and fertile soils that grow in an educated society.
If we recognizing that status, emoluments and the education of our educators determine the quality and success of all our educational pursuit, then putting people first in education would mean that educators must have an honored place in society. It means that we must be willing to invest heavily in teaching preparation, teaching induction, and the professional development of our present educational planners, administrators, and teachers to ensure that the school system is well managed and the delivery of education is effective.
Putting people first in our vision means that the Bahamas will no longer be seen as just one island of 21 by 7, but a whole chain of diversely unique islands and cays, each with its own characteristically unique population of people and natural environments. Putting people first once more will mean that Grand Bahama and our Family of Islands, which have proven to be a crux and developmental nightmare for past and present governments, will no longer be overshadowed by New Providence. And the DNA’s plan for putting people first will strive to ensure that the country’s total land mass is properly mobilized and utilized so that each island and its people can play an integral part in the country’s social and economic development and well-being.
Indeed, as the frontline organization when it comes to building lively communities, local governments will be given a renewed opportunity to assist the national government in ensuring that their communities are functioning successfully. A DNA government that puts people first will recognize local governments’ role in promoting awareness of social needs and investments. It will allow its duly elected officials to foster a sense of responsible-wellbeing among all sectors in their respective communities so as to help us, as a government, build stronger relationships with businesses and civic groups in the community. Putting people first will mean local government and national government working in partnership with key stakeholders – in the best interest of the people – to address major issues and concerns that continue to stagnate our national progress.
Putting people first will mean that our society and our economy will become healthy, stable, prosperous and secure.
It will mean a new form of government, where Prime Ministers will be limited to two (2) five (5) year terms – no do-overs, no make-ups –encouraging the nurturing of leaders and leadership skills. Members of Parliament will be responsible to the people who elect them, and work towards nation building, one constituency at a time.
It will mean truly effective, responsible, and participatory governance that is by the people, for the people, and of the people; where the people’s voice matters and their concerns are not flippantly waved away.
It will mean that our communities will once again become safe and secure because our men and women in uniform and members of the judiciary - who are charged with maintaining law and order in our society - will be free from political will and interference and properly equipped and empowered – with tools and with training – to administer justice and effectively reduce the growing levels of crime and violence and problems with immigration that plague our society - once and for all.
It will mean a diversification of our industry structure so as to challenge the rich, creative talents, gifts, abilities, and ingenuity of our people, producing an atmosphere of variety, healthy competition, and entrepreneurship.
Putting people first means energy and food security; it means efficient and effective management of our natural resources, protection of our marine resources, revitalization of urban renewal and community development, authentic and trans-form-a-tive advance of Bahamian culture, rebuilding Christian values and focusing on strengthening the family and family morals;
The DNA’s plan for putting people first will mean that Bahamians, will be empowered to achieve their fullest potential in determining their own destinies. The DNA will institute the proper systems of social protection that will enable us to promote the well-being of our people by protecting them from vulnerability and deprivation so that they can all pursue the Bahamian dream of being able to own a piece of the Bahamian land and a home, to adequately feed themselves and afford good health care, and to have enough money to sustain themselves and retire with dignity.
That is why our vision – that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas be transformed into a nation where Bahamian people will be esteemed as the most precious resource - above all natural and material resources - and the nurturing of our intellectual and creative brilliance will help us become a genuinely democratic, economically prosperous, and socially mobile 21st century nation – is comprehensive, short, simple, succinct, and unambiguous.
Under a DNA government, our mission will also be concise and clear; and that is, our mission will ensure that the needs and aspirations of Bahamian people - to be owners with the government in the political, cultural, and economic development of the nation - are met.
We will be devoted to upholding, protecting, and deepening the democratic rule of law in society, promoting openness and accountability in governmental affairs, social justice and equality, and the right of the people to govern and have authority in determining their own destinies, will undoubtedly be a priority.
Now I understand that, after tonight, there may be folks - over the next few weeks and months leading up to the election – who will be determined to ridicule and discredit me, the candidates of the DNA, our vision, our mission, and our efforts, telling you, among other things, that our timing is not right.
But didn’t the UBP tell the Bahamian people the same thing in 1967; that the time was not the right time for leadership under a Pindling administration? Well we all know that for the people who were segregated and being socially and economically oppressed, there was no better time for change. Change came and the country moved forward.
25 years later, in 1992, Mr. Pindling said the same thing to the Bahamian people - that the time was not right for an Ingraham lead government. But the people felt that it was, and they voted for change. Change came and the country moved forward.
Now in 2011, people will try to convince you, persuade you, plead with you that this is not the right time for the DNA. From now until the day when voters march into the voting booth, there may be some crying that the vision of the Democratic National Alliance is not “well-timed.” The detractor to change will do this because they recognize that the DNA is fast becoming the people’s choice for the next government of the Bahamas.
To paraphrase Martin Luther King, our painful history and experience as people in the Bahamas shows us that change is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. So, for the DNA, we will enter a peaceful election campaign and season, peaceful because this time, we will be led by our intellect and not by our emotions, peaceful because we will not be picking any fights during this season, peaceful because Bahamians are proud, decent intelligent people who will appreciate, respect and admire a new entity that exhibits respect for all, irrespective of political affiliation or opinion.
Our job and our duty to this nation, as a party and as a people, is painfully clear; We have an obligation to uphold the democratic principles that will move our country forward to a common, loftier goal.
So that, in the future – sentiments like “ it is not possible to be the President of the College of the Bahamas – Bahamians need not apply” will be unfathomable – YOU will have rewritten the narrative and forever be known in Bahamian history as the generation that gave us the first president of the University of the Bahamas - Because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
When they tell you that it is not possible for you to run and manage a profitable telecommunications corporation in your own country, you must be the generation that is noted in history for creating a telecommunications giant that all others come to for technological and communications advice – Because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
When they tell you that it is impossible for you to own and operate a major hotel resort in a country where tourism is king and the sun shines 365 days a year, you must redefine the possible and be noted in history as the generation that empowered the greatest hotelier in the region and perhaps world; because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
And in the very near future – maybe even as soon as tomorrow – when they tell you that McCartney is too young, too inexperienced, and too out of his time to lead you to a brighter future; that it is impossible for anyone other than The Progressive Liberal Party or The Free National Movement to win, you must be the generation that says, like America, who against all odds elected its first Black president; like Trinidad, with its first woman Prime Minister; and even like Haiti, electing “underdog” musician Michel Martelly as president, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE; We must be the generation that fights for change and to truly redefine what is possible. Together, we – you and me must be that generation that changes the course of Bahamian history by redefining the possible.
There’s a lighthouse in the distance, and the light is shining bright. It is time for us to take control of our ship and steer it towards the light of the lighthouse. There is room enough for all. Once inside the port of safety, we will work together to make sure that there is economic, political, and social stability for all Bahamians.
Take heart my fellow Bahamians, the storm will soon be over; the rain will go away, and we will make it through it; I believe it is already done! I thank you, and encourage you to keep on redefining the possible; under a DNA government, we will once again rely on the spiritual values upon which our nation was built to move us closer to becoming a genuinely free and democratic sovereign nation, where no man, woman or child shall ever be a slave or bondsman to anyone and their labor will no longer be exploited or their lives frustrated by deprivation.
I know that, under a DNA government, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas can become the greatest island nation in the region and the world, and that is why we, the Democratic National Alliance sacrificed our comforts for the comfort of the generations to come. That is why those whom I will introduce to you in short order have put themselves forward to be servants of you, the people; We want to ensure that our society, from Grand Bahama to Inagua, Long Island to Rum Cay, from Bain Town to my beloved Bamboo Town, will no longer be a place where the forces of complacency, oppression, insensitivity, bitterness, and self-hate weigh us down and cripple us; we want to ensure that ours is a society where people will feel safe and secure both in and out of their homes and people will feel like people again.
Remember, this election is for our children, and their children, and their children also. Going into this election season be reminded of Albert Einstein’s observation that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results amounts to insanity. For the sake of our children, and their children, we must decide whether we want change or more of the same.
We can no longer ignore the handwriting on the wall. The time for change is now. If that change does not begin with us, then who will it begin with? If it does not begin now, then when?
I am happy to have joined you tonight in what will be etched in the history books as one of the greatest demonstrations of deepening democracy, of courage, and of change in our country. And what I wish to emphasize most, is that this historical event would not be possible without you…your support and your belief in our dream to create a Bahamas where future generations will look back and understand and appreciate the stance that we have taken and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
On behalf of my absolutely fabulous wife, Lisa, and my children, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to serve. Thank you for this opportunity, along with our accomplished slate of candidates, to be the agents of change. To help you realize and fulfill the power of the dream and to challenge you to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE!
Thank You; God Bless You; and God Bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
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It would indeed be remiss of me to start without thanking all of you who are gathered here this evening. It is not by chance that we are here; this is no haphazard occurrence, but this is our chance, our opportunity, to redefine history, to REDIFINE THE POSSIBLE!
I am humbled beyond measure by your presence here this evening and I truly believe that you are not here simply because you have nothing better to do, but because you believe that Change is necessary, and you know, like I know, that our country is not the country we envisioned it to be. You and I are here because we believe that our country is destined for greatness and needs leaders and visionaries that will help us to attain the greatness and prominence that is duly ours on the world stage. You are here simply because you and I alike have recognized that we have been misrepresented and ostracized from the governance of our country.
Tonight, this momentous occasion is a proclamation that a great beacon light of hope and optimism is ready to shine across our island nation and radiate the lives of all Bahamians so that we can begin to dream and wish and desire and believe in a Bahamas that is for Bahamians and a paradise not just for tourist but for natives to enjoy the beauty and bounty of this land.
I alone am not the DNA nor will I ever be; no man is an island; I know unequivocally that it is IMPOSSIBLE to even think that I can do this on my own. I know that I will only be as successful as my team is and I truly believe in the forces of unison; I know that I am not superior to any of you or any of my candidates and pledge to always engage the thoughts and ideas of the public and my candidates, recognizing the value of multiple minds and always mindful of the fact that “two heads are always better than one”.
Tonight, commences the journey of a lifetime. What will evolve out of tonight and the days, weeks and months ahead will have such a lasting and positive impact on our country that generations nowhere in the making; so far removed, would be beneficiaries of this revolution. Tonight, we are here to mark the beginning of a NEW BAHAMAS; we are here to embark on a historical and critical journey in shaping the future of our country so that we can all be proud to say that, “I AM A BAHAMIAN”.
We are also here to defy the odds to demystify the notion that another party cannot thrive in the political arena; to clarify all misconceptions; And let me set the record straight; we are not a third party; we are an alternative party…and a viable alternative at that. I am indeed very mindful of the fact that some of you have gathered here tonight out of immense trials and tribulations; some of you have been so depressed and oppressed by the scorches of torment and persecution. When you leave here however, I hope that your spirits are lifted and rejuvenated because on the horizon is the dawning of a new day, of a new era in the political landscape of our county.
My fellow Bahamians! Look around you - to your left and to your right. What you are about to experience is the beginning of a new future in Bahamian history. This is the beginning, the beginning of a NEW BAHAMAS.
Allow me to engage you for a second…I want you to close your eyes and allow me to paint a picture of what our country could look like…I want you to envision the many possibilities that exist.
Imagine our country in all its natural beauty; with litter free roads and well-landscaped gardens, with stunning architecture and properly maintained buildings. Imagine sidewalk cafes, well lit streets, rows of theatres especially designed for young Bahamian playwrights, and a downtown that is world renowned and envied by the rest of the world, with Bahamian art and crafts galore! Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine parks, nature and bike trails where citizens truly enjoy the outdoors and beaches are sparkling clean and truly enjoyed by our citizens. Just imagine little children running around outside, playing the games of the good ole days; Imagine a Bahamas where citizens are no longer prisoners in their homes; where burglar bars are not a necessity. Imagine being able to sit on your land looking at your garden that now provides your household with fruits and vegetables. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine being able to walk out of your house and down the street to jump on a bus that you know is safe and secure and family oriented. Imagine a public transportation system that is first world and traffic congestion is a thing of the past. Imagine not having to leave your home at 6:30 am just so that you can drop your children to school, in order to make it to work on time. Imagine that possibility!
Imagine an educational system that facilitates learning, and our public school system is more competitive than the private. Imagine your child excited and enthusiastic about learning and schools that are safe for both teachers and students. Imagine classrooms with the latest technology for learning; where children do not want to leave their learning environments. Imagine a tertiary institution that attracts students from around the world and joins the top ranks of colleges and universities around the world. Imagine a Bahamian Harvard. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine a hospital that is not over crowded. Imagine not worrying about the cost of healthcare. Imagine that your first option for healthcare service is from the public system and you no longer need or want private care. Imagine that you do not have to travel abroad for world-class medical treatment because you can get it right here in your own country. Imagine a public health care system that is the envy of the region. Imagine the possibility!
Imagine our family of island as producers of fruits, vegetables and livestock that are not only organic, but produced in our own soil by our own people. Imagine being exporters of produce and not importers. Imagine the days when food sustainability is not a far-fetched concept but a prosperous reality. Imagine these possibilities!
Imagine when you are able to make your dreams reality, when you are able to open your own business without hassle and bureaucracy. Where you are encourage and not discouraged to become an entrepreneur. Imagine owning that bed and breakfast that you always dreamed of on the island of your choice. Imagine the limitless possibilities that await you. Imagine these possibilities!
Open your eyes now…You no longer have to simply imagine those things, they can be a reality; they will be a reality when the DNA becomes the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
The DNA is here to create the same paradise for Bahamians that only tourists and foreigners seem to enjoy. The DNA is here to encourage your to dream beyond your wildest imagination; we are here to dare you to think the unthinkable, to do the impossible. The DNA is here to move this country forward, upward, onward and we are here to do it together!
I want to assure you that this campaign will NEVER be about me; this is about US about what we as a people can do together; because when we work together, we can do the Impossible. I want you to know that the reason I stand before you tonight is not just to present a new party to you; not just to run for office but to partner with you to transform our nation; to galvanize a movement that will reshape our future and re-establish our destinies.
Tonight my fellow Bahamians, we as a people and a nation are about to enter into a new era in Bahamian history, an era that has long been promised to us, but has yet to be delivered. Tonight, we – you and me, we and us - are about to begin rewriting the Bahamian historical narrative, a narrative that will forever change the face of the Bahamian landscape. And despite whatever present misconceptions there may be of us as a people and as an island nation, we, my fellow citizens of what is about to be the greatest little nation in the world, are about to begin re-defining our image and re-defining what is possible in The Bahamas! I ask you, can you feel a brand new day? Can you feel a brand new day? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, young men and young women, we are gathered here tonight to affirm the greatness of our beloved Bahamaland.
I stand before you tonight humble and grateful for the overwhelming show of support that you have shown to The Democratic National Alliance. I stand before you tonight humble and grateful for the opportunity that you are giving the DNA, to serve all of you on a national level. I, and the historic slate of candidates who are about to embark on this journey – some of whom you will meet tonight – stand before you, with the utmost humility and gratitude, and say thank you for letting us be partners with you in leading our nation forward into greatness. With your help, and the help of God, THIS TOO SHALL COME TO PASS.
With the DNA as your next government, we will work to ensure that all of you are empowered to use your God-given, natural gifts and talents to bring about the necessary change that will affirm our greatness - as a nation and as a people - to the world! And I say, again, IT SHALL COME TO PASS!
In 1967, the Bahamas was at a crossroad. The Labor movement was under attack, and Bahamian workers were being denied their due rights in their own country. At the time, one author said that the “building of schools and hospitals (were) carried out haphazardly and on the basis of preference.” Ministers of the government got rich off of the public purse and foreign favors. Government abuse and corruption were rampant, and the Prime Minister, at the time, was said to be the “biggest road-builder in the country.” The poor and uneducated were being buried under a mountain of taxes.
The Leader of the then opposition, Mr. Lynden Pindling, wrote in 1965: “The Bahamas was anything but a paradise for the indigenous people.” He pointed out that the government, at the time, “never introduced a development plan for the islands to improve the situation of Bahamians both socially and/or economically.” A sad commentary which still rings true today.
But, after decades and decades of being second-class citizens in their own country, our people finally stood up and said ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Disillusioned, fed up, and angry at being ignored and feeling disempowered in their own country, our parents, our grand-parents, and, for some, even great-grand parents decided they wanted change. And the rest is history.
In 1992, we once again found ourselves at a crucial historical crossroad. Under siege by a menacing drug culture, oppressed and disenfranchised, a great number of Bahamians were fearful to speak out for change, fearful that they and their families would have to endure debilitating victimization and marginalization in a society where a few men could determine whether a majority had and did not have.
But little did anyone know at the time, there was a new generation of Bahamians lurking in the shadows – a new generation of independent thinkers - both young and old – who refused to be denied access to the Bahamian dream of ownership any longer. They were tired of ownership being for the few and the select. They, like we do today, insisted that ownership be for all. And just like many of you here tonight, they too were unafraid of the victimization that had crippled so many of their parents and those in their parents’ generation. They understood that the best way to fight the terrible victimization that had stifled the true voice and will of the people was at the ballot box. And after 25 years, these young Bahamians went into the polling stations, marked their X’s for a new government. They were not afraid to send the same message back to the same government who decades before told them that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! And again the rest was history!
And now, some 38 years after the lowering of the Union Jack and the hoisting of the Black, Aquamarine, and Gold which gave Bahamians the courage to dream of promised destinies, here we are again.
In 2011, 44 years after majority rule promised to liberate us, promised us that we would no longer have to unduly suffer in our country, promised us that we would be transformed, history has brought us back to an old familiar crossroad.
We are gathered here tonight, 44 years after Bahamians had become enchanted by the thought that majority rule and independence could bring them economic, political, and societal empowerment and upward mobility, unfortunately the menacing truth is that the overwhelming majority of hardworking Bahamians still have insufficient wealth to take care of their own personal needs; the overwhelming majority still have no voice or say in the way that their society is organized and how decisions are made; and an overwhelming majority of Bahamians are still treated unfairly and unequally. Decades after majority rule and independence, Bahamians are still feeling disillusioned, fed up, and angry at being ignored and feeling disempowered in their own country.
Am I the only one who thinks that our nation deserves more from its leadership?
In this election season, we as a people must decide whether we want real, sincere, and honest change or more of the same.
Tonight, my fellow Bahamians, I implore you to join with us and let us together build The Bahamas, which we DESERVE after 44 years of majority rule and 38 years of independence. Tonight and every night until the day of election we must say in one loud resounding voice –we WILL be the change we want to see! Now, more than ever, is the time for change - a time for a new breed of governance to move our country safely past this most pressing, socially volatile crossroad in our country’s history.
Tonight, in making the DNA’s case for change, I will not present you with an extensively, convoluted list of visionary promises just to impress you. Like you, I am tired of the rhetoric; of plenty talk and no action. My track record speaks for itself and I am not afraid to get the job done. We in the Democratic National Alliance believe in delivering a simple, clear concise action plan for our nation. And the one simple truth that we firmly believe is that once you put people first, everything else will take care of itself. If we put people first, then perhaps we will no longer boast a national grade point average of a “D” that has made the outside world question our brilliance and our intelligence.
If we put people first, perhaps it will move to an “A” that will once again make us the respected and competitive, intellectually brilliant nation that we were meant to be and that many expect us to be; not only regionally but globally.
Putting people first means a dynamic transformation of our country’s educational system, where education will serve as the catalyst for growth and progress because it is both inspirational and engaging; where education will serve the purpose for which it is designed, and that is to produce critically minded, socially conscious individuals who, aware of their social and environmental conditions, will be able to use their acquired knowledge and learned skills, as well as resources available to them, to plan and affect change in their lives, the lives of others in their society, the region, and the world.
In putting people first again, as its simple and primary vision, the DNA will provide the transformative framework by which we can begin the process of developing and nurturing a community of life-long learners who will keep our nation highly competitive in this 21st century global economy, while, at the same time, contributing to and driving national, regional, and indeed worldwide development.
When we put people first and strongly emphasize education, the College of the Bahamas is transformed to the University of the Bahamas and BTVI becomes a truly autonomous, high-tech, state-of-the-art technological and vocational institute, with both institutions producing a trained workforce that can provide expertise and advance ideas on public policy, on good governance, sustainable economic growth, and respect for human rights; then we the citizens of the Bahamas will reap the rewards sewn by the seeds and fertile soils that grow in an educated society.
If we recognizing that status, emoluments and the education of our educators determine the quality and success of all our educational pursuit, then putting people first in education would mean that educators must have an honored place in society. It means that we must be willing to invest heavily in teaching preparation, teaching induction, and the professional development of our present educational planners, administrators, and teachers to ensure that the school system is well managed and the delivery of education is effective.
Putting people first in our vision means that the Bahamas will no longer be seen as just one island of 21 by 7, but a whole chain of diversely unique islands and cays, each with its own characteristically unique population of people and natural environments. Putting people first once more will mean that Grand Bahama and our Family of Islands, which have proven to be a crux and developmental nightmare for past and present governments, will no longer be overshadowed by New Providence. And the DNA’s plan for putting people first will strive to ensure that the country’s total land mass is properly mobilized and utilized so that each island and its people can play an integral part in the country’s social and economic development and well-being.
Indeed, as the frontline organization when it comes to building lively communities, local governments will be given a renewed opportunity to assist the national government in ensuring that their communities are functioning successfully. A DNA government that puts people first will recognize local governments’ role in promoting awareness of social needs and investments. It will allow its duly elected officials to foster a sense of responsible-wellbeing among all sectors in their respective communities so as to help us, as a government, build stronger relationships with businesses and civic groups in the community. Putting people first will mean local government and national government working in partnership with key stakeholders – in the best interest of the people – to address major issues and concerns that continue to stagnate our national progress.
Putting people first will mean that our society and our economy will become healthy, stable, prosperous and secure.
It will mean a new form of government, where Prime Ministers will be limited to two (2) five (5) year terms – no do-overs, no make-ups –encouraging the nurturing of leaders and leadership skills. Members of Parliament will be responsible to the people who elect them, and work towards nation building, one constituency at a time.
It will mean truly effective, responsible, and participatory governance that is by the people, for the people, and of the people; where the people’s voice matters and their concerns are not flippantly waved away.
It will mean that our communities will once again become safe and secure because our men and women in uniform and members of the judiciary - who are charged with maintaining law and order in our society - will be free from political will and interference and properly equipped and empowered – with tools and with training – to administer justice and effectively reduce the growing levels of crime and violence and problems with immigration that plague our society - once and for all.
It will mean a diversification of our industry structure so as to challenge the rich, creative talents, gifts, abilities, and ingenuity of our people, producing an atmosphere of variety, healthy competition, and entrepreneurship.
Putting people first means energy and food security; it means efficient and effective management of our natural resources, protection of our marine resources, revitalization of urban renewal and community development, authentic and trans-form-a-tive advance of Bahamian culture, rebuilding Christian values and focusing on strengthening the family and family morals;
The DNA’s plan for putting people first will mean that Bahamians, will be empowered to achieve their fullest potential in determining their own destinies. The DNA will institute the proper systems of social protection that will enable us to promote the well-being of our people by protecting them from vulnerability and deprivation so that they can all pursue the Bahamian dream of being able to own a piece of the Bahamian land and a home, to adequately feed themselves and afford good health care, and to have enough money to sustain themselves and retire with dignity.
That is why our vision – that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas be transformed into a nation where Bahamian people will be esteemed as the most precious resource - above all natural and material resources - and the nurturing of our intellectual and creative brilliance will help us become a genuinely democratic, economically prosperous, and socially mobile 21st century nation – is comprehensive, short, simple, succinct, and unambiguous.
Under a DNA government, our mission will also be concise and clear; and that is, our mission will ensure that the needs and aspirations of Bahamian people - to be owners with the government in the political, cultural, and economic development of the nation - are met.
We will be devoted to upholding, protecting, and deepening the democratic rule of law in society, promoting openness and accountability in governmental affairs, social justice and equality, and the right of the people to govern and have authority in determining their own destinies, will undoubtedly be a priority.
Now I understand that, after tonight, there may be folks - over the next few weeks and months leading up to the election – who will be determined to ridicule and discredit me, the candidates of the DNA, our vision, our mission, and our efforts, telling you, among other things, that our timing is not right.
But didn’t the UBP tell the Bahamian people the same thing in 1967; that the time was not the right time for leadership under a Pindling administration? Well we all know that for the people who were segregated and being socially and economically oppressed, there was no better time for change. Change came and the country moved forward.
25 years later, in 1992, Mr. Pindling said the same thing to the Bahamian people - that the time was not right for an Ingraham lead government. But the people felt that it was, and they voted for change. Change came and the country moved forward.
Now in 2011, people will try to convince you, persuade you, plead with you that this is not the right time for the DNA. From now until the day when voters march into the voting booth, there may be some crying that the vision of the Democratic National Alliance is not “well-timed.” The detractor to change will do this because they recognize that the DNA is fast becoming the people’s choice for the next government of the Bahamas.
To paraphrase Martin Luther King, our painful history and experience as people in the Bahamas shows us that change is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. So, for the DNA, we will enter a peaceful election campaign and season, peaceful because this time, we will be led by our intellect and not by our emotions, peaceful because we will not be picking any fights during this season, peaceful because Bahamians are proud, decent intelligent people who will appreciate, respect and admire a new entity that exhibits respect for all, irrespective of political affiliation or opinion.
Our job and our duty to this nation, as a party and as a people, is painfully clear; We have an obligation to uphold the democratic principles that will move our country forward to a common, loftier goal.
So that, in the future – sentiments like “ it is not possible to be the President of the College of the Bahamas – Bahamians need not apply” will be unfathomable – YOU will have rewritten the narrative and forever be known in Bahamian history as the generation that gave us the first president of the University of the Bahamas - Because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
When they tell you that it is not possible for you to run and manage a profitable telecommunications corporation in your own country, you must be the generation that is noted in history for creating a telecommunications giant that all others come to for technological and communications advice – Because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
When they tell you that it is impossible for you to own and operate a major hotel resort in a country where tourism is king and the sun shines 365 days a year, you must redefine the possible and be noted in history as the generation that empowered the greatest hotelier in the region and perhaps world; because you fought for change and you dared to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE.
And in the very near future – maybe even as soon as tomorrow – when they tell you that McCartney is too young, too inexperienced, and too out of his time to lead you to a brighter future; that it is impossible for anyone other than The Progressive Liberal Party or The Free National Movement to win, you must be the generation that says, like America, who against all odds elected its first Black president; like Trinidad, with its first woman Prime Minister; and even like Haiti, electing “underdog” musician Michel Martelly as president, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE; We must be the generation that fights for change and to truly redefine what is possible. Together, we – you and me must be that generation that changes the course of Bahamian history by redefining the possible.
There’s a lighthouse in the distance, and the light is shining bright. It is time for us to take control of our ship and steer it towards the light of the lighthouse. There is room enough for all. Once inside the port of safety, we will work together to make sure that there is economic, political, and social stability for all Bahamians.
Take heart my fellow Bahamians, the storm will soon be over; the rain will go away, and we will make it through it; I believe it is already done! I thank you, and encourage you to keep on redefining the possible; under a DNA government, we will once again rely on the spiritual values upon which our nation was built to move us closer to becoming a genuinely free and democratic sovereign nation, where no man, woman or child shall ever be a slave or bondsman to anyone and their labor will no longer be exploited or their lives frustrated by deprivation.
I know that, under a DNA government, The Commonwealth of The Bahamas can become the greatest island nation in the region and the world, and that is why we, the Democratic National Alliance sacrificed our comforts for the comfort of the generations to come. That is why those whom I will introduce to you in short order have put themselves forward to be servants of you, the people; We want to ensure that our society, from Grand Bahama to Inagua, Long Island to Rum Cay, from Bain Town to my beloved Bamboo Town, will no longer be a place where the forces of complacency, oppression, insensitivity, bitterness, and self-hate weigh us down and cripple us; we want to ensure that ours is a society where people will feel safe and secure both in and out of their homes and people will feel like people again.
Remember, this election is for our children, and their children, and their children also. Going into this election season be reminded of Albert Einstein’s observation that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results amounts to insanity. For the sake of our children, and their children, we must decide whether we want change or more of the same.
We can no longer ignore the handwriting on the wall. The time for change is now. If that change does not begin with us, then who will it begin with? If it does not begin now, then when?
I am happy to have joined you tonight in what will be etched in the history books as one of the greatest demonstrations of deepening democracy, of courage, and of change in our country. And what I wish to emphasize most, is that this historical event would not be possible without you…your support and your belief in our dream to create a Bahamas where future generations will look back and understand and appreciate the stance that we have taken and enjoy the fruits of our labor.
On behalf of my absolutely fabulous wife, Lisa, and my children, I wish to thank you for this opportunity to serve. Thank you for this opportunity, along with our accomplished slate of candidates, to be the agents of change. To help you realize and fulfill the power of the dream and to challenge you to REDEFINE THE POSSIBLE!
Thank You; God Bless You; and God Bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
tribune242
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