A U.S. view of Perry Christie
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
The analysis by officials from the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader Perry Christie after he announced the 2007 general election in April of that year, reveals that even though the Americans perceived the PLP and Christie as friendly bilateral partners, they also held the view that the Christie-led PLP was indecisive and disorganized, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.
"The timing of the elections are typical of Christie's style of governance — uncertain, waiting until the last possible moment, with action forced by outside events rather than strategic planning," said the embassy in the cable which was labeled as confidential.
The cable is titled, “PM Christie calls May 2 elections; tight race expected”. It was listed as classified by the then embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt. The last name of then Ambassador John Rood is at the end of the cable.
It is unclear who wrote the document. It may be a compilation of the insights of various officials at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
The embassy's analysis of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful. The cable noted that Christie lost an opportunity to call elections earlier in order to capitalize on Free National Movement (FNM) infighting.
In the fall of 2005, FNM MP for North Abaco and former party leader Hubert Ingraham entered the FNM leadership race and defeated incumbent party leader Tommy Turnquest after assuring Turnquest he would not run in the race.
Despite the confusion that ensued in the FNM from Ingraham's Machiavellian move, Christie waited for nearly a year and a half to call the general election. Christie and the PLP lost that election.
The decision by Christie to call the election at nearly the last moment allowed Ingraham time to raise money, rebuild the ‘FNM machine’ and to revive his image.
"Christie's decision to call elections now, also forced by outside deadlines, has risked church backlash against the PLP – no small thing in The Bahamas – by breaking tradition and calling elections and starting campaigns over Easter weekend," the cable continued.
"Usually, one would not bet against an incumbent party running on a strong economy, low unemployment and pending projects promising billions to the nation. However, poor management and indecisive leadership, combined with questions about the integrity of PLP parliamentarians have made this a race to watch."
The Americans accurately perceived PLP weakness in the run-up to the general election. Christie, however, appeared as confident in private as he was in public that the PLP would win the 2007 election.
The cable said that during an April 4 meeting with Rood, Christie boasted that his brilliant and incisive cutting of the constituency boundaries in the country would make the difference in a close election.
References to meetings between Bahamian and U.S. officials are common throughout the cables. The Americans took detailed notes of these meetings and created complex briefs for their files on the thoughts, words and perceptions of those they met with.
The U.S. Embassy perception of the two leaders of the two main Bahamian political parties in the run-up to the election was similar to that held by many Bahamians then and now.
“On the issues there is little to separate the parties. Bahamian politics is largely based on personality rather than policy, and the elections will likely be decided on the leadership styles of PLP leader Perry Christie and FNM leader Hubert Ingraham,” said the embassy in the cable.
“Ingraham is known from his time as prime minister as a decisive leader who accomplished much while suppressing dissension. His critics claim he rode roughshod over opponents.
“Christie has a well-deserved reputation as a waffling, indecisive leader, who procrastinates and often fails to act altogether while awaiting an elusive consensus in his Cabinet.”
The FNM and Ingraham share the same view of Christie. However, Christie has repeatedly rejected this label. He has said that he is a leader who consults in order to make proper decisions that do not have to be reversed.
Christie has also argued that crime was lower during his administration and the economy was in better shape as compared to the current state of affairs under the Ingraham administration.
Despite this brisk critique of Christie by the U.S., the Americans explicitly expressed confidence in both sides of the Bahamian political divide.
“Regardless of who wins, the United States can expect a strong partner in the Bahamian government. The PLP, while more left-leaning than the FNM, has been a valuable ally in law enforcement and an array of bilateral initiatives, including mega-ports and the Container Security Initiative,” said the embassy in the cable.
The cable added that while it took significant effort by embassy officials, the PLP government ultimately supported the U.S. on human rights and Security Council membership votes at the United Nations, “providing hope for greater multilateral cooperation from the PLP.”
However, the embassy did think that the FNM leaned more to its side.
“The FNM would likely be a stronger supporter of U.S. international goals and would take a more skeptical approach to Cuba – possibly even terminating the Cuban eye care program – and would certainly continue the excellent bilateral relationship we now enjoy,” according to the cable.
5/23/2011
thenassauguardian
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Branville McCartney and his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party - are as much a threat to the governing Free National Movement (FNM) - as Perry Christie and his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
Rallying the FNM's troops
thenassauguardian editorial
When Branville McCartney launched his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) last week who was in attendance at the launch was as interesting as what was said by McCartney.
The Free National Movement (FNM) usually dominates in the wealthier parts of the country.
Constituencies such as Yamacraw, Killarney, Clifton, St. Anne’s and Montagu are out of the reach of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). For various reasons, the middle and upper classes lean FNM.
At McCartney’s launch in that filled room at the Wyndham Cable Beach Resort, the people who looked excited, the people who chanted, the people who listened attentively dressed in their nice clothing looked like members of the same demographic groups the FNM does well in.
If an FNM landslide was imminent, losing a few supporters would not really matter. That would only mean that the party’s margins of victory in the various constituencies would be less.
In a close election, however, losing 100 to 200 FNM votes per constituency to a third party could cost the FNM most of the swing seats in the country.
We do not think FNM leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham fears McCartney. However, he should fear the loss of FNM votes at a time when the electorate still appears closely divided between the two main parties.
To avoid this Ingraham would need to take a divisive stand and not ignore McCartney. He would need to tell FNMs that a vote for McCartney is a vote for the PLP, as each FNM vote that goes to a party that cannot form a government makes it easier for PLP leader Perry Christie to take back the government.
Older leaders tend to dismiss young upstarts. The old chief thinks the young man cannot threaten him because he has no experience and no record. And sadly, the sycophants (yes-men) who surround political leaders allow them to believe they are invincible. If the chief says the newcomer cannot threaten him, they agree.
Ingraham must avoid this trap if he wants to be prime minister a fourth time. McCartney is as much a threat to the FNM as Christie – just in a different way. A successful FNM will need all of its base onboard. McCartney would need to be branded as a tool of the PLP, in a way, to ensure that the base does not transgress and support a FNM son who has for the time being gone rouge.
To be sure he is getting the right advice, the PM should also ensure that his inner circle includes some people who regularly tell him things he does not like to hear; and things he does not believe. This election will be tough. All assumptions need to be set aside and the political landscape and mood need to be realistically assessed if the governing party is to be successful.
All of those men and women who think every word and thought uttered by the leader is gospel are as dangerous as the other parties. They help leaders believe their inaccurate perceptions and bad ideas are brilliant. Sober antagonistic advice is more useful.
A battle looms at the polls. The party that embraces wise strategy, discipline and organization will win.
5/18/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
When Branville McCartney launched his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) last week who was in attendance at the launch was as interesting as what was said by McCartney.
The Free National Movement (FNM) usually dominates in the wealthier parts of the country.
Constituencies such as Yamacraw, Killarney, Clifton, St. Anne’s and Montagu are out of the reach of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). For various reasons, the middle and upper classes lean FNM.
At McCartney’s launch in that filled room at the Wyndham Cable Beach Resort, the people who looked excited, the people who chanted, the people who listened attentively dressed in their nice clothing looked like members of the same demographic groups the FNM does well in.
If an FNM landslide was imminent, losing a few supporters would not really matter. That would only mean that the party’s margins of victory in the various constituencies would be less.
In a close election, however, losing 100 to 200 FNM votes per constituency to a third party could cost the FNM most of the swing seats in the country.
We do not think FNM leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham fears McCartney. However, he should fear the loss of FNM votes at a time when the electorate still appears closely divided between the two main parties.
To avoid this Ingraham would need to take a divisive stand and not ignore McCartney. He would need to tell FNMs that a vote for McCartney is a vote for the PLP, as each FNM vote that goes to a party that cannot form a government makes it easier for PLP leader Perry Christie to take back the government.
Older leaders tend to dismiss young upstarts. The old chief thinks the young man cannot threaten him because he has no experience and no record. And sadly, the sycophants (yes-men) who surround political leaders allow them to believe they are invincible. If the chief says the newcomer cannot threaten him, they agree.
Ingraham must avoid this trap if he wants to be prime minister a fourth time. McCartney is as much a threat to the FNM as Christie – just in a different way. A successful FNM will need all of its base onboard. McCartney would need to be branded as a tool of the PLP, in a way, to ensure that the base does not transgress and support a FNM son who has for the time being gone rouge.
To be sure he is getting the right advice, the PM should also ensure that his inner circle includes some people who regularly tell him things he does not like to hear; and things he does not believe. This election will be tough. All assumptions need to be set aside and the political landscape and mood need to be realistically assessed if the governing party is to be successful.
All of those men and women who think every word and thought uttered by the leader is gospel are as dangerous as the other parties. They help leaders believe their inaccurate perceptions and bad ideas are brilliant. Sober antagonistic advice is more useful.
A battle looms at the polls. The party that embraces wise strategy, discipline and organization will win.
5/18/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Perry Christie - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader says: Branville McCartney and his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party are not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
“McCartney Not Ready”
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
A lot has been said in the wake of the official launch of Branville McCartney’s Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party.
But according to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader, Perry Christie, the former state minister of immigration, is not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
In fact, Mr. Christie dubbed the DNA’s launch at the Wyndham Nassau Resort last week as "one big party."
"He has taken a very bold step," Mr. Christie said in an interview with the Bahama Journal yesterday.
"However, in my view, he has precedents of persons who have tried third party politics before and have not succeeded or even come near to succeeding. I think he has ignored those precedents and done so to his detriment, but it is clear that he has been encouraged by a body of opinion that exists in the country that believe we should have an alternative to the Free National Movement (FNM) and the PLP or rather to Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham."
Mr. Christie, who has been in the political arena for close to four decades, said it is going to take more than a few Bahamian singers and new faces to win the Bahamian people over.
"When people come to vote, they will have to make a decision as to the future of their country and they will make a decision on the basis of real politics, that is parties with the capacity to govern and that is where Mr. McCartney has an incredible challenge and a major gap in what he is trying to do," he said.
"People will have to make a decision not on whether they give someone a seat, but on whether the people who they are voting for will form the next government and my opinion is that Mr. McCartney is not going to be in that consideration."
During the DNA’s launch, Mr. McCartney introduced Chelphene Cunningham as his party’s candidate for Garden Hills; Floyd Armbrister for Exuma; Sammy "Sammy Starr" Poitier for South Beach; Farrel Goff for Clifton; Ben Albury for Montagu; Adrian Laroda for MICAL; Roscoe Thompson for South Abaco; Charlene Paul for Elizabeth and Alfred Poitier for Kennedy.
Mr. McCartney hopes to retain his seat as the Bamboo Town MP.
But according to Mr. Christie, Bahamians will not be swayed by new faces, but by those who have stood the test of time.
In a recent statement, the PLP noted that on the face of it, the structure and function of the DNA is "rank with the stench of dictatorship."
"There is no published constitution that governs the structure, function, policies and processes of the DNA," the release said.
"There is no executive committee or council to provide the executing 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. To the casual political observer, this is not democracy, but dictatorship in its rankest form."
Mr. Christie again stressed that his party remains focused on preparing itself for winning the next general elections and that he believes the PLP is only one of two parties that can achieve that goal.
May 19th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
A lot has been said in the wake of the official launch of Branville McCartney’s Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party.
But according to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader, Perry Christie, the former state minister of immigration, is not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
In fact, Mr. Christie dubbed the DNA’s launch at the Wyndham Nassau Resort last week as "one big party."
"He has taken a very bold step," Mr. Christie said in an interview with the Bahama Journal yesterday.
"However, in my view, he has precedents of persons who have tried third party politics before and have not succeeded or even come near to succeeding. I think he has ignored those precedents and done so to his detriment, but it is clear that he has been encouraged by a body of opinion that exists in the country that believe we should have an alternative to the Free National Movement (FNM) and the PLP or rather to Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham."
Mr. Christie, who has been in the political arena for close to four decades, said it is going to take more than a few Bahamian singers and new faces to win the Bahamian people over.
"When people come to vote, they will have to make a decision as to the future of their country and they will make a decision on the basis of real politics, that is parties with the capacity to govern and that is where Mr. McCartney has an incredible challenge and a major gap in what he is trying to do," he said.
"People will have to make a decision not on whether they give someone a seat, but on whether the people who they are voting for will form the next government and my opinion is that Mr. McCartney is not going to be in that consideration."
During the DNA’s launch, Mr. McCartney introduced Chelphene Cunningham as his party’s candidate for Garden Hills; Floyd Armbrister for Exuma; Sammy "Sammy Starr" Poitier for South Beach; Farrel Goff for Clifton; Ben Albury for Montagu; Adrian Laroda for MICAL; Roscoe Thompson for South Abaco; Charlene Paul for Elizabeth and Alfred Poitier for Kennedy.
Mr. McCartney hopes to retain his seat as the Bamboo Town MP.
But according to Mr. Christie, Bahamians will not be swayed by new faces, but by those who have stood the test of time.
In a recent statement, the PLP noted that on the face of it, the structure and function of the DNA is "rank with the stench of dictatorship."
"There is no published constitution that governs the structure, function, policies and processes of the DNA," the release said.
"There is no executive committee or council to provide the executing 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. To the casual political observer, this is not democracy, but dictatorship in its rankest form."
Mr. Christie again stressed that his party remains focused on preparing itself for winning the next general elections and that he believes the PLP is only one of two parties that can achieve that goal.
May 19th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Friday, May 20, 2011
Picewell Forbes' friends and supporters claim that the PLP is "showing great disrespect" for him by allowing two candidates from his own party - Keod Smith and Charmaine Austin to openly campaign against him in the South Andros seat
MP attacks PLP over candidates
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FRIENDS and supporters of South Andros MP Picewell Forbes claim the PLP is "showing great disrespect" by allowing two candidates from his own party to openly campaign against him for his seat at the next general election.
And Mr Forbes himself told The Tribune yesterday how he feels a "disservice" has been done to him by his political party.
Speaking out for the first time on this controversial issue, Mr Forbes said the "entire country" knows he turned down two very lucrative job offers made to him by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for fear that his acceptance of them would cause "an embarrassment" to the party.
The furious MP said: "And this is the thanks I am going to get? I should not have to be going through this kind of (expletive)."
A close friend of Mr Forbes, who did not wish to be named, added: "By sending these two candidates to campaign for the South Andros seat, the PLP is showing great disrespect to Picewell.
"Where is Perry Christie? Why doesn't he act in Picewell's defence?"
Speaking out in defence of Mr Forbes, fellow PLP colleague Fred Mitchell, the MP for Fox Hill, told the media yesterday that in his estimation Mr Forbes was, and remains, the best candidate for the people of South Andros.
When asked for his opinion on the fact that the former MP for Mount Moriah Keod Smith and political newcomer Charmaine Austin were campaigning in the area, Mr Mitchell said he believes party leader Perry Christie has already made pronouncements on this that he would not go beyond.
"But I believe the incumbent is a good man, and I support him," Mr Mitchell said.
Out of the two other contenders for the South Andros seat, Mr Smith is said to be by far the most aggressive of the pair, having reportedly pledged to spend $17,000 fixing a dock in the Fresh Creek area, and also donating other cash to help in the staging of the island's annual Crab Fest celebrations.
These "grandiose shows" of money, coupled with the "door to door campaigning" has irritated some PLPs who sympathise with the fact that Mr Forbes is one of the most financially-challenged Members of Parliament.
During the radio programme 'Hard Copy' hosted by former BIS director Steve McKinney, many callers expressed the view that the leadership of the PLP should have by now stepped in and resolved this growing issue over the South Andros nomination.
This view was also shared by a senior FNM yesterday who used the opportunity to remind the Bahamian electorate that it was this same "indecisive leadership" within the PLP that caused the all-important 'independent voters' to turn against that party in favour of the FNM.
With the FNM not even naming a candidate for the seat as yet, some political observers also added that it was unfair to the area's current Member of Parliament to have to be "fighting amongst his own" before the "real battle even begins".
May 19, 2011
tribune242
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
FRIENDS and supporters of South Andros MP Picewell Forbes claim the PLP is "showing great disrespect" by allowing two candidates from his own party to openly campaign against him for his seat at the next general election.
And Mr Forbes himself told The Tribune yesterday how he feels a "disservice" has been done to him by his political party.
Speaking out for the first time on this controversial issue, Mr Forbes said the "entire country" knows he turned down two very lucrative job offers made to him by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for fear that his acceptance of them would cause "an embarrassment" to the party.
The furious MP said: "And this is the thanks I am going to get? I should not have to be going through this kind of (expletive)."
A close friend of Mr Forbes, who did not wish to be named, added: "By sending these two candidates to campaign for the South Andros seat, the PLP is showing great disrespect to Picewell.
"Where is Perry Christie? Why doesn't he act in Picewell's defence?"
Speaking out in defence of Mr Forbes, fellow PLP colleague Fred Mitchell, the MP for Fox Hill, told the media yesterday that in his estimation Mr Forbes was, and remains, the best candidate for the people of South Andros.
When asked for his opinion on the fact that the former MP for Mount Moriah Keod Smith and political newcomer Charmaine Austin were campaigning in the area, Mr Mitchell said he believes party leader Perry Christie has already made pronouncements on this that he would not go beyond.
"But I believe the incumbent is a good man, and I support him," Mr Mitchell said.
Out of the two other contenders for the South Andros seat, Mr Smith is said to be by far the most aggressive of the pair, having reportedly pledged to spend $17,000 fixing a dock in the Fresh Creek area, and also donating other cash to help in the staging of the island's annual Crab Fest celebrations.
These "grandiose shows" of money, coupled with the "door to door campaigning" has irritated some PLPs who sympathise with the fact that Mr Forbes is one of the most financially-challenged Members of Parliament.
During the radio programme 'Hard Copy' hosted by former BIS director Steve McKinney, many callers expressed the view that the leadership of the PLP should have by now stepped in and resolved this growing issue over the South Andros nomination.
This view was also shared by a senior FNM yesterday who used the opportunity to remind the Bahamian electorate that it was this same "indecisive leadership" within the PLP that caused the all-important 'independent voters' to turn against that party in favour of the FNM.
With the FNM not even naming a candidate for the seat as yet, some political observers also added that it was unfair to the area's current Member of Parliament to have to be "fighting amongst his own" before the "real battle even begins".
May 19, 2011
tribune242
Thursday, May 19, 2011
If Mr. Perry Christie was ever dumb enough to agree with Raynard Rigby, Philip Galanis, and George Smith to deny nominations to a number of his closest allies in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) - he would in that same gesture prove that he is unfit to lead The Bahamas
Nixing Preemptive PLP Purge
The Bahama Journal Editorial
There is a sense we are getting that tells us that there may be forces and elements currently at work in the precincts of the Progressive Liberal Party that would [if given their chance] help their organization to a defeat.
There are occasions in life when the sure thing can become the very thing that is lost – having been sacrificed to greed, jealousy and a species of one-upmanship run amok.
One such occasion now seems to be upon the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie as some of his party’s more senior members seek to persuade him [and the Party hierarchy] to deny nominations to a number of his closest allies; inclusive of Leslie Miller, Obie Wilchcombe, Vincent Peet – and Shane Gibson.
If Mr. Christie was ever dumb enough to agree with these men, he would in that same gesture prove that he is unfit to lead this nation.
In addition, we seriously wonder if the men who are trying to advise the former prime minister that he should so purge his party really understand the true import of what they are suggesting.
We cut – as it were – to the chase: Mr. Christie would prove himself a hypocrite of the highest order were he to be perceived as being party to this kind of proposed back-stabbing.
Like others who are all for probity in public life, we are also realistic enough to know and appreciate – as fact – that the Bahamian people are smart enough and savvy enough to appreciate – again as fact – that they are voting for men and not angels.
It therefore follows that, if the people in a constituency; members in a party – and others concerned – are prepared to support a candidate, that should be their choice.
Furthermore, Mr. Christie would be well-advised to watch carefully as this or that self-serving crew tries to get him to second-guess his earlier notions that there should always be some second chance for this or that person.
In addition, the PLP’s party leader would also be well-advised to tune in to what the people are saying at the constituency level – this because this is going to be decisive whenever general elections are called.
Clearly, those men who would have the PLP’s leader divest him and his team of some of their most precious assets are jesting.
If they are not jesting, they must be on some mission or the other designed to help the PLP to a resounding defeat.
No political organization can ever hope to succeed if it allows itself to become little more than a mechanism designed to service the needs of the few.
Indeed, all who have succeeded have done so because they have kept close to the people whose voices matter most; namely the masses.
Put simply, winning a seat in parliament has all to do with being – as the saying goes – popular.
It therefore follows that the people can and should be allowed their choices of candidate, warts and all.
These people know better than anyone else that election to parliament is not about selection to sing in a heaven-bound choir.
Evidently, there will arise occasions when the people decide that they want this or that man or woman to represent them, regardless.
We remember some of Whitney Bastian’s travails when he sought [and did not get] a PLP nomination. As the record shows, he begged, he cajoled and he was denied.
He went on to win the seat in South Andros because he was the people’s choice.
Clearly, then, the same principle applies to all others who find favor with the Bahamian people. This list could well include the likes of Leslie Miller, Vincent Peet, Obie Wilchcombe and [yes!] Shane Gibson.
We are today bemused by those men who have decided that, among all others, they are uniquely qualified to stand in judgment of some other men and women.
Like others who make it their business to take stock of matters political, we are sometimes left bemused by some of the stuff that comes to our attention.
We are today bemused not only because we know a thing or two about the men who are said to advising PLP leader to deep-six a number of his parliamentary colleagues.
In addition, they would have "their leader" renounce giving his nod to the candidacy of a man who was once a Cabinet Minister under the leadership of none other than the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie.
These men – again as we understand the matter at hand – would have the former prime minister sever connection with some of his parliamentary colleagues – men who have been with him through thick and thin.
May 17th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
The Bahama Journal Editorial
There is a sense we are getting that tells us that there may be forces and elements currently at work in the precincts of the Progressive Liberal Party that would [if given their chance] help their organization to a defeat.
There are occasions in life when the sure thing can become the very thing that is lost – having been sacrificed to greed, jealousy and a species of one-upmanship run amok.
One such occasion now seems to be upon the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie as some of his party’s more senior members seek to persuade him [and the Party hierarchy] to deny nominations to a number of his closest allies; inclusive of Leslie Miller, Obie Wilchcombe, Vincent Peet – and Shane Gibson.
If Mr. Christie was ever dumb enough to agree with these men, he would in that same gesture prove that he is unfit to lead this nation.
In addition, we seriously wonder if the men who are trying to advise the former prime minister that he should so purge his party really understand the true import of what they are suggesting.
We cut – as it were – to the chase: Mr. Christie would prove himself a hypocrite of the highest order were he to be perceived as being party to this kind of proposed back-stabbing.
Like others who are all for probity in public life, we are also realistic enough to know and appreciate – as fact – that the Bahamian people are smart enough and savvy enough to appreciate – again as fact – that they are voting for men and not angels.
It therefore follows that, if the people in a constituency; members in a party – and others concerned – are prepared to support a candidate, that should be their choice.
Furthermore, Mr. Christie would be well-advised to watch carefully as this or that self-serving crew tries to get him to second-guess his earlier notions that there should always be some second chance for this or that person.
In addition, the PLP’s party leader would also be well-advised to tune in to what the people are saying at the constituency level – this because this is going to be decisive whenever general elections are called.
Clearly, those men who would have the PLP’s leader divest him and his team of some of their most precious assets are jesting.
If they are not jesting, they must be on some mission or the other designed to help the PLP to a resounding defeat.
No political organization can ever hope to succeed if it allows itself to become little more than a mechanism designed to service the needs of the few.
Indeed, all who have succeeded have done so because they have kept close to the people whose voices matter most; namely the masses.
Put simply, winning a seat in parliament has all to do with being – as the saying goes – popular.
It therefore follows that the people can and should be allowed their choices of candidate, warts and all.
These people know better than anyone else that election to parliament is not about selection to sing in a heaven-bound choir.
Evidently, there will arise occasions when the people decide that they want this or that man or woman to represent them, regardless.
We remember some of Whitney Bastian’s travails when he sought [and did not get] a PLP nomination. As the record shows, he begged, he cajoled and he was denied.
He went on to win the seat in South Andros because he was the people’s choice.
Clearly, then, the same principle applies to all others who find favor with the Bahamian people. This list could well include the likes of Leslie Miller, Vincent Peet, Obie Wilchcombe and [yes!] Shane Gibson.
We are today bemused by those men who have decided that, among all others, they are uniquely qualified to stand in judgment of some other men and women.
Like others who make it their business to take stock of matters political, we are sometimes left bemused by some of the stuff that comes to our attention.
We are today bemused not only because we know a thing or two about the men who are said to advising PLP leader to deep-six a number of his parliamentary colleagues.
In addition, they would have "their leader" renounce giving his nod to the candidacy of a man who was once a Cabinet Minister under the leadership of none other than the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie.
These men – again as we understand the matter at hand – would have the former prime minister sever connection with some of his parliamentary colleagues – men who have been with him through thick and thin.
May 17th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
George Smith - former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP says that he hopes his party's supporters will see the wisdom in his words about the withdrawal of certain PLP candidates from the upcoming general election
Ex-PLP MP defends controversial letter
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
DEFENDING the letter he co-penned calling for the withdrawal of certain PLP candidates from the upcoming general election, former PLP MP George Smith said that in the passage of time he hopes his party's supporters will see the wisdom in his words.
Speaking with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith said he, with former PLP chairman Raynard Rigby and former campaign coordinator Philip Galanis, were not being critical of these particular candidates because they believed what was being said about them - but rather there is a "perception" that surrounds some of them.
"If the public perceives you to be something, that is what you are. I don't believe that anybody, principally the leader, can put affection for any individual above the good of the Bahamas, the good of the party, and I believe - since I believe the PLP is the best party in the Bahamas - we should remove as many stumbling blocks as possible. And it is not always easy to do that. Sometimes you have to ask your best friend to move aside," he said.
Mr Smith was referring to a letter that he, Mr Rigby and Mr Galanis wrote to PLP leader Perry Christie urging him to block the nominations of Shane Gibson, Vincent Peet, Obie Wilchcombe, V Alfred Gray, Leslie Miller, Anthony Moss and Picewell Forbes for fear that their nominations could hurt the party on a national scale if the varied pasts of some of them were once again highlighted during a general election campaign.
The PLP's leader went on record to express his disappointment that this "internal" letter had been leaked to the press.
However, Mr Christie said, he was not going to be distracted by this latest incident and that his party remains focused on supporting the "excellent candidates" and hardworking activists who comprise his party.
Vetting
"Each and every candidate is required to undergo a vigorous vetting process - a process that is open, fair and transparent. All voices are welcome, and the process is both balanced and inclusive," Mr Christie said.
While accepting this, Mr Smith said that a requirement not to run "tainted" candidates does not come from a fear that the FNM will gain some political mileage, but rather a belief that the people of the country ought to have faith that the people who represent them in Parliament will always put the welfare of the country above their own personal interests.
"That has to be obvious. If the public believes you are in there to enrich yourself, even if you don't, if the public believes it, they will question your activities.
"And, it's like if a fella' has a weakness in a particular area, if he is for instance a gambler, you have to be very careful how you expose him to the great temptation of money. That got one politician in trouble.
"Or if a fella' is a heavy womanizer, you have to be careful that you protect him from his own weakness.
"And some of us became victims and paid prices because of perception and that is how it is."
Mr Smith said that this advice is, of course, applicable to the FNM as well.
"They have people there who the people have had cause to question, Tommy Turnquest, and Dion Foulkes, and you have to recognise that my actions in this instance will do damage to my party," he said.
Mr Smith also highlighted, however, that he does believe in rehabilitation.
"If any wrong that I may have committed, if I was sentenced to a prison term, I would have been out long time. But I also believe that our society should be a forgiving society. So if some of these fella's would just step aside and acknowledge that my action in this particular thing was wrong, and not because it was legally wrong, it was perceived to be wrong. Step aside, and come back," he said.
Mr Smith gave the famous example of Jamaica's former Prime Minister, PJ Patterson, who was forced to resign as the Minister of Finance to later return as chairman of his party and then eventually become Prime Minister.
"I also believe that the problem we are facing in this country is, I am not sure if (Prime Minister) Ingraham and other people who call themselves leaders look at themselves and look and say am I a liability?" he laughed.
Having been roundly criticised on the talkshows for the now infamous letter, Mr Smith said people have a right to "cuss him."
But, at the end of the day he asked, "is my message right?"
May 18, 2011
tribune242
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
DEFENDING the letter he co-penned calling for the withdrawal of certain PLP candidates from the upcoming general election, former PLP MP George Smith said that in the passage of time he hopes his party's supporters will see the wisdom in his words.
Speaking with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Smith said he, with former PLP chairman Raynard Rigby and former campaign coordinator Philip Galanis, were not being critical of these particular candidates because they believed what was being said about them - but rather there is a "perception" that surrounds some of them.
"If the public perceives you to be something, that is what you are. I don't believe that anybody, principally the leader, can put affection for any individual above the good of the Bahamas, the good of the party, and I believe - since I believe the PLP is the best party in the Bahamas - we should remove as many stumbling blocks as possible. And it is not always easy to do that. Sometimes you have to ask your best friend to move aside," he said.
Mr Smith was referring to a letter that he, Mr Rigby and Mr Galanis wrote to PLP leader Perry Christie urging him to block the nominations of Shane Gibson, Vincent Peet, Obie Wilchcombe, V Alfred Gray, Leslie Miller, Anthony Moss and Picewell Forbes for fear that their nominations could hurt the party on a national scale if the varied pasts of some of them were once again highlighted during a general election campaign.
The PLP's leader went on record to express his disappointment that this "internal" letter had been leaked to the press.
However, Mr Christie said, he was not going to be distracted by this latest incident and that his party remains focused on supporting the "excellent candidates" and hardworking activists who comprise his party.
Vetting
"Each and every candidate is required to undergo a vigorous vetting process - a process that is open, fair and transparent. All voices are welcome, and the process is both balanced and inclusive," Mr Christie said.
While accepting this, Mr Smith said that a requirement not to run "tainted" candidates does not come from a fear that the FNM will gain some political mileage, but rather a belief that the people of the country ought to have faith that the people who represent them in Parliament will always put the welfare of the country above their own personal interests.
"That has to be obvious. If the public believes you are in there to enrich yourself, even if you don't, if the public believes it, they will question your activities.
"And, it's like if a fella' has a weakness in a particular area, if he is for instance a gambler, you have to be very careful how you expose him to the great temptation of money. That got one politician in trouble.
"Or if a fella' is a heavy womanizer, you have to be careful that you protect him from his own weakness.
"And some of us became victims and paid prices because of perception and that is how it is."
Mr Smith said that this advice is, of course, applicable to the FNM as well.
"They have people there who the people have had cause to question, Tommy Turnquest, and Dion Foulkes, and you have to recognise that my actions in this instance will do damage to my party," he said.
Mr Smith also highlighted, however, that he does believe in rehabilitation.
"If any wrong that I may have committed, if I was sentenced to a prison term, I would have been out long time. But I also believe that our society should be a forgiving society. So if some of these fella's would just step aside and acknowledge that my action in this particular thing was wrong, and not because it was legally wrong, it was perceived to be wrong. Step aside, and come back," he said.
Mr Smith gave the famous example of Jamaica's former Prime Minister, PJ Patterson, who was forced to resign as the Minister of Finance to later return as chairman of his party and then eventually become Prime Minister.
"I also believe that the problem we are facing in this country is, I am not sure if (Prime Minister) Ingraham and other people who call themselves leaders look at themselves and look and say am I a liability?" he laughed.
Having been roundly criticised on the talkshows for the now infamous letter, Mr Smith said people have a right to "cuss him."
But, at the end of the day he asked, "is my message right?"
May 18, 2011
tribune242
Raynard Rigby - former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman resigned from a crucial party election committee
Rigby resigns from PLP committee
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Many PLPs angered by letter to Christie
A day after The Nassau Guardian revealed that three influential members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) were seeking to block the re-nomination of several PLP members of Parliament, former party chairman Raynard Rigby resigned from a crucial party election committee.
The Nassau Guardian confirmed that Rigby resigned yesterday as the coordinator of the southwest constituencies for the party in the upcoming general election.
It was considered a key position as the PLP oils its machinery for what some pundits think will shape up to be a bitterly fought battle at the polls.
Rigby told The Guardian he had no comment on the matter.
As the party has already gone into campaign mode, Rigby was selected to organize the party’s efforts in southwest New Providence.
As was reported exclusively by The Guardian Monday, Rigby was one of the authors of a letter written to PLP leader Perry Christie, urging him to make “bold decisions” with respect to party nominations.
The other authors of the letter were Philip Galanis, a former parliamentarian who organized the party’s re-election effort in 2007, and George Smith, a former parliamentarian and Cabinet minister.
The three men are against the nominations of Shane Gibson (Golden Gates); Vincent Peet (North Andros and the Berry Islands); Obie Wilchcombe (West End and Bimini); V. Alfred Gray (MICAL); Picewell Forbes (South Andros); Leslie Miller (Blue Hills) and Anthony Moss (Exuma).
They also said the party must be in a position to defend Arnold Forbes (Mount Moriah) in the event he faces any attacks over a reported challenge in his professional life.
Wilchcombe, Gray, Miller and Arnold Forbes have been ratified by the party’s National General Council.
Still, Rigby, Smith and Galanis suggested that these nominations ought to be reviewed if the party is to have a chance of winning the election.
They believe that the various controversies would hurt the party’s chances at the polls.
Christie has already expressed disappointment that someone leaked the letter to The Guardian and many within the party are calling for the heads of the three authors.
They have come under fire from PLPs angry that they would even suggest the men are not suited to run on the PLP’s ticket.
Rigby, Galanis and Smith are themselves no strangers to controversy. They are among the most outspoken men in the PLP. Rigby has made several candid comments since the 2007 election that have angered some PLPs.
In 2008, Rigby blasted the opposition for “failing to properly address national issues”.
At the time, he said: "I think the opposition has demonstrated a degree of strength, however, there appears to be a lack of coordination between what is being done in Parliament and what is required to be done outside of Parliament by the party and its broad-based membership."
Earlier, he said a number of things went wrong for the PLP in the last election.
"People were not connected to our message. People did not understand what the government was trying to achieve by these anchor development projects," he said.
"People didn’t get a sense that the government was close enough to them."
Rigby — who made the remarks after the last general election while he was still PLP chairman — said the party probably made some errors in judgment as it related to selecting candidates.
"And I think by and large people bought into this question of Mr. Christie that he was weak and indecisive and we allowed the FNM, to a very great extent, to determine the issues in the election, and they focused purely on issues of leadership," he said at the time.
In 2009, Rigby said publicly that it was inappropriate for Wilchcombe to serve as chairman of the approaching PLP convention and run for the deputy leadership post.
And on numerous occasions, Rigby has publicly criticized Christie’s leadership.
But the various controversies were set aside several months ago when the party’s leadership appointed Rigby coordinator for the southwest constituencies for the approaching election.
Some observers viewed it as a “kiss and make-up” between Rigby and Christie.
Christie has repeatedly talked about the importance of the party getting an early start as the campaign season approaches.
It announced candidates for the 2007 election just several weeks before voters went to the polls.
In addition to Wilchcombe, Gray, Miller and Arnold Forbes, the PLP has already made key selections for the upcoming election.
They are: Renardo Curry (North Abaco); Dr. Andre Rollins (Fort Charlotte); Alex Storr (Long Island and Ragged Island) Tanisha Tynes (Lucaya); Clay Sweeting (North Eleuthera); Dr. Bernard J. Nottage (Bain and Grants Town); Fred Mitchell (Fox Hill); Frank E. Smith (St. Thomas More); Melanie Griffin (Yamacraw); Glenys Hanna-Martin (Englerston); Cleola Hamilton (South Beach); Dion Smith (Kennedy); Gregory Moss (Marco City); Dr. Michael Darville (Pineridge); Jerome Gomez (Killarney); Dr. Daniel Johnson (Carmichael); Senator Jerome K. Fitzgerald (Marathon); Senator Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles); Senator C.V. Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal V.O. Major (Garden Hills).
5/18/2011
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Many PLPs angered by letter to Christie
A day after The Nassau Guardian revealed that three influential members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) were seeking to block the re-nomination of several PLP members of Parliament, former party chairman Raynard Rigby resigned from a crucial party election committee.
The Nassau Guardian confirmed that Rigby resigned yesterday as the coordinator of the southwest constituencies for the party in the upcoming general election.
It was considered a key position as the PLP oils its machinery for what some pundits think will shape up to be a bitterly fought battle at the polls.
Rigby told The Guardian he had no comment on the matter.
As the party has already gone into campaign mode, Rigby was selected to organize the party’s efforts in southwest New Providence.
As was reported exclusively by The Guardian Monday, Rigby was one of the authors of a letter written to PLP leader Perry Christie, urging him to make “bold decisions” with respect to party nominations.
The other authors of the letter were Philip Galanis, a former parliamentarian who organized the party’s re-election effort in 2007, and George Smith, a former parliamentarian and Cabinet minister.
The three men are against the nominations of Shane Gibson (Golden Gates); Vincent Peet (North Andros and the Berry Islands); Obie Wilchcombe (West End and Bimini); V. Alfred Gray (MICAL); Picewell Forbes (South Andros); Leslie Miller (Blue Hills) and Anthony Moss (Exuma).
They also said the party must be in a position to defend Arnold Forbes (Mount Moriah) in the event he faces any attacks over a reported challenge in his professional life.
Wilchcombe, Gray, Miller and Arnold Forbes have been ratified by the party’s National General Council.
Still, Rigby, Smith and Galanis suggested that these nominations ought to be reviewed if the party is to have a chance of winning the election.
They believe that the various controversies would hurt the party’s chances at the polls.
Christie has already expressed disappointment that someone leaked the letter to The Guardian and many within the party are calling for the heads of the three authors.
They have come under fire from PLPs angry that they would even suggest the men are not suited to run on the PLP’s ticket.
Rigby, Galanis and Smith are themselves no strangers to controversy. They are among the most outspoken men in the PLP. Rigby has made several candid comments since the 2007 election that have angered some PLPs.
In 2008, Rigby blasted the opposition for “failing to properly address national issues”.
At the time, he said: "I think the opposition has demonstrated a degree of strength, however, there appears to be a lack of coordination between what is being done in Parliament and what is required to be done outside of Parliament by the party and its broad-based membership."
Earlier, he said a number of things went wrong for the PLP in the last election.
"People were not connected to our message. People did not understand what the government was trying to achieve by these anchor development projects," he said.
"People didn’t get a sense that the government was close enough to them."
Rigby — who made the remarks after the last general election while he was still PLP chairman — said the party probably made some errors in judgment as it related to selecting candidates.
"And I think by and large people bought into this question of Mr. Christie that he was weak and indecisive and we allowed the FNM, to a very great extent, to determine the issues in the election, and they focused purely on issues of leadership," he said at the time.
In 2009, Rigby said publicly that it was inappropriate for Wilchcombe to serve as chairman of the approaching PLP convention and run for the deputy leadership post.
And on numerous occasions, Rigby has publicly criticized Christie’s leadership.
But the various controversies were set aside several months ago when the party’s leadership appointed Rigby coordinator for the southwest constituencies for the approaching election.
Some observers viewed it as a “kiss and make-up” between Rigby and Christie.
Christie has repeatedly talked about the importance of the party getting an early start as the campaign season approaches.
It announced candidates for the 2007 election just several weeks before voters went to the polls.
In addition to Wilchcombe, Gray, Miller and Arnold Forbes, the PLP has already made key selections for the upcoming election.
They are: Renardo Curry (North Abaco); Dr. Andre Rollins (Fort Charlotte); Alex Storr (Long Island and Ragged Island) Tanisha Tynes (Lucaya); Clay Sweeting (North Eleuthera); Dr. Bernard J. Nottage (Bain and Grants Town); Fred Mitchell (Fox Hill); Frank E. Smith (St. Thomas More); Melanie Griffin (Yamacraw); Glenys Hanna-Martin (Englerston); Cleola Hamilton (South Beach); Dion Smith (Kennedy); Gregory Moss (Marco City); Dr. Michael Darville (Pineridge); Jerome Gomez (Killarney); Dr. Daniel Johnson (Carmichael); Senator Jerome K. Fitzgerald (Marathon); Senator Michael Halkitis (Golden Isles); Senator C.V. Hope Strachan (Sea Breeze) and Dr. Kendal V.O. Major (Garden Hills).
5/18/2011
thenassauguardian
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)