Fred Mitchell and journalistic ethics
tribune242 editorial
IN THE House of Assembly on Tuesday Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell held forth as though he were an authority on journalistic ethics.
At one time in his life he fancied himself as a journalist. Those of us properly trained in the profession considered him a scribbler of propaganda. We never took him seriously.
Obviously upset by the Wikileaks publication of confidential US embassy cables on Bahamian political affairs -- especially those pertaining to himself -- Mr Mitchell decided to take out his venom against the reporter who gave an accurate, objective report that quoted -- but did not interpret -- the content of those cables.
In a 2005 cable former US Ambassador John Rood saw "two Fred Mitchell's" - the polite and polished public Mitchell and the more private, but more revealing Mitchell. We have often seen a third side -- petulant, petty and vindictive -- and this is the side that Fred Mitchell exposed in the House on Tuesday.
Upset by the reports, he turned his venom on the Guardian reporter.
"I always envied my colleague, the Member for North Andros, that former lady friend of his who shall remain nameless who works at the Guardian and wrote that whole section about me," he told the House. "'That gal look good!"
"My only point is that journalism, the kind that The Nassau Guardian, The Tribune and The Bahamas Journal are to practice carried with it certain ethical standards and it is unethical to write a story about one subject of which you had a close personal relationship as if you are a disinterested party. It can be seen as malicious. But neither she nor her employers seem to get the point," he said.
What rubbish is the man talking?
Here he is complaining about an article that the reporter wrote about him. Is he referring to that article and the subject of that article when he complains that it was unethical of the reporter to write on a subject of which she had a close personal relationship as if she were a disinterested party? Knowing Fred Mitchell we are satisfied that she had no personal relationship with him. So who is the subject to whom he refers and how is that "subject" relevant to the article of which he complains?
The fact that this reporter can write on a subject in which Mr Mitchell claims she has a personal interest as though she were disinterested shows that she is a good objective reporter, who does not let personal relationships cloud her judgment. This is more than can be said about the writing of Mr Mitchell on his Bahamas uncensored website about which Ambassador Rood had reason to complain to then prime minister Christie. Mr Rood was concerned about what he perceived as Mr Mitchell's anti-American viewpoints.
According to Mr Mitchell there is public "fascination and revulsion" at the disclosures. Revulsion that public officials "would be so open and callous" with information they share with "American diplomats." He condemned these Bahamians for "spilling their guts" to junior diplomats. He seems to forget that the assessment on himself of which he complains was made by the Ambassador himself -- no junior diplomat.
But, talking about "gut spilling," according to the diplomatic cables, we have Mr Mitchell expressing his frustrations with the level of efficiency of the Christie cabinet.
In commenting on the practices of restrictions on cabinet debates in Commonwealth countries, Mr Mitchell "intimated, the Christie cabinet of the Bahamas operates much less efficiently since any minister can intervene and express a view on any issue before the government."
At a meeting with Ambassador Rood in March 2007, Mr Mitchell "expressed his frustration at the indecision in his own government stemming from the pending elections.
"Mitchell cited the delay in signing the airport management contract and the delay in moving ahead with discussions on the Flight Information Region as two examples," the cable said.
"He noted that if the elections had been called in November and held in December, the government would either be out of power already or be finished with the elections and able to govern effectively."
Now who is gut spilling? Here Mr Mitchell is caught "spilling his guts" on the very issue that today has many Bahamians concerned -- the indecision of the Christie administration.
This obviously is going to be an issue in this election. In May, 2007 Bahamians cut this indecision short by dismissing the Christie government at the polls. It would be surprising if -- despite what Mr Mitchell now says -- they would vote in 2012 for a repeat performance.
June 02, 2011
tribune242 editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Craig Butler - treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), resigned from his post and the opposition party
PLP treasurer resigns
BRENT DEAN
NG Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
Craig Butler, treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), resigned yesterday from his post and the opposition party and vowed to run as a candidate in the Kennedy constituency at the next general election.
“It should come as no surprise to political observers that I've grown disillusioned with this once great political organization, the PLP, to which my grandfather (Sir Milo Butler) dedicated and fought so diligently to secure our Bahamas,” said Butler at Rawson Square near the bust of his grandfather.
“I too joined the ranks feeling compelled to walk in his great footsteps and wanting to give of myself unselfishly as he so freely did. After a period of prayer, deep reflection and contemplation I have reached the end of my journey and today I sever all ties with the PLP.”
Butler, an attorney, was denied the PLP nomination to run as a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election in February 2010. He was again denied the PLP nomination to run as the party’s candidate in Kennedy at the next general election. Attorney Dion Smith received the nomination.
On the Star 106.5 FM radio talk show ‘Jeffrey’ with host Jeffrey Lloyd, Butler confirmed his candidacy for Kennedy in some form. This could be as an independent candidate or aligned with a political organization.
Butler has said that PLP leader Perry Christie has told him he will not get a nomination from the party.
Butler has also publicly acknowledged that he had a drug problem in the past, one he has overcome. In 2008, he was charged with causing harm to his wife Terrel, who is also an attorney. The matter was later dropped.
Butler, however, has argued that he deserves a ‘second chance’ similar to that given to others in the PLP who have made errors in the past.
“The measure of my character is filled with lifelong lessons and though my journey has been one with tremendous setbacks, it is precisely these lessons that have made me who I am today. I possess an indomitable spirit that has afforded me the opportunity to understand and appreciate the struggles of the down trodden and the marginalized,” said Butler.
He described the current PLP as, “not the organization for which Milo Butler so proudly and diligently fought for.”
Butler’s grandfather Sir Milo was the first Bahamian governor general. Craig Butler is also the brother of Free National Movement (FNM) Cabinet Minister and Montagu Member of Parliament Loretta Butler-Turner.
“As an offspring of Sir Milo Butler I found it impossible to sit idly by and allow others to dictate what my future should be,” he said.
“I wish to no longer be a spectator but an active participant in helping to formulate policies and solutions for our nation’s challenges, its growth and development, a Bahamas that would allow future generations to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.”
Butler became the PLP’s treasurer at the party’s convention in October 2009. In September 2009, the PLP treasurer before Butler, Sidney Cambridge, also resigned after he was charged by the government of the United States with money laundering.
Jun 02, 2011
thenassauguardian
BRENT DEAN
NG Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
Craig Butler, treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), resigned yesterday from his post and the opposition party and vowed to run as a candidate in the Kennedy constituency at the next general election.
“It should come as no surprise to political observers that I've grown disillusioned with this once great political organization, the PLP, to which my grandfather (Sir Milo Butler) dedicated and fought so diligently to secure our Bahamas,” said Butler at Rawson Square near the bust of his grandfather.
“I too joined the ranks feeling compelled to walk in his great footsteps and wanting to give of myself unselfishly as he so freely did. After a period of prayer, deep reflection and contemplation I have reached the end of my journey and today I sever all ties with the PLP.”
Butler, an attorney, was denied the PLP nomination to run as a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election in February 2010. He was again denied the PLP nomination to run as the party’s candidate in Kennedy at the next general election. Attorney Dion Smith received the nomination.
On the Star 106.5 FM radio talk show ‘Jeffrey’ with host Jeffrey Lloyd, Butler confirmed his candidacy for Kennedy in some form. This could be as an independent candidate or aligned with a political organization.
Butler has said that PLP leader Perry Christie has told him he will not get a nomination from the party.
Butler has also publicly acknowledged that he had a drug problem in the past, one he has overcome. In 2008, he was charged with causing harm to his wife Terrel, who is also an attorney. The matter was later dropped.
Butler, however, has argued that he deserves a ‘second chance’ similar to that given to others in the PLP who have made errors in the past.
“The measure of my character is filled with lifelong lessons and though my journey has been one with tremendous setbacks, it is precisely these lessons that have made me who I am today. I possess an indomitable spirit that has afforded me the opportunity to understand and appreciate the struggles of the down trodden and the marginalized,” said Butler.
He described the current PLP as, “not the organization for which Milo Butler so proudly and diligently fought for.”
Butler’s grandfather Sir Milo was the first Bahamian governor general. Craig Butler is also the brother of Free National Movement (FNM) Cabinet Minister and Montagu Member of Parliament Loretta Butler-Turner.
“As an offspring of Sir Milo Butler I found it impossible to sit idly by and allow others to dictate what my future should be,” he said.
“I wish to no longer be a spectator but an active participant in helping to formulate policies and solutions for our nation’s challenges, its growth and development, a Bahamas that would allow future generations to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.”
Butler became the PLP’s treasurer at the party’s convention in October 2009. In September 2009, the PLP treasurer before Butler, Sidney Cambridge, also resigned after he was charged by the government of the United States with money laundering.
Jun 02, 2011
thenassauguardian
Fred Mitchell - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs critical of U.S. Embassy officials in Nassau on WikiLeaks diplomatic cables
Mitchell critical of Americans over WikiLeaks cables
CHESTER ROBARDS
Guardian Staff Reporter
thenassauguardian
chester@nasguard.com
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell was critical yesterday of U.S. Embassy officials responsible for certain information contained in diplomatic cables obtained by The Nassau Guardian through the whistleblower organization WikiLeaks.
Mitchell said the Americans accepted “propaganda lines” about the Progressive Liberal Party.
“It strains credibility to me that U.S. professional diplomats, a person so high as a deputy chief of mission who was actually sitting in the seat of the ambassador, would accept and adopt uncritically propaganda lines from the Free National Movement (FNM),” Mitchell said in the House of Assembly during his contribution to the budget debate.
“That is simply not a professional report.”
During the years of the (Perry) Christie administration, deputy chief of mission was Dr. Brent Hardt.
One cable that followed a meeting between the Progressive Liberal Party and U.S. Embassy officials after the 2007 general election, painted the PLP as a party that “seemed more interested in photographs and a press release of the meeting to signal their continuing good relations with the U.S.”
Yesterday, however, Mitchell dismissed the cables as “untested” and “gossipy,”.
“But the country can learn from this,” Mitchell said.
“Our public officials including myself can learn the cautionary tale of being careful with your mouths, not to let these positions cause you to show off.
“...Secondly, that Bahamian public officials must stand up for The Bahamas at all times. Bahamians must come first.
“Thirdly that Bahamians should not allow their opinions of themselves to be governed by their ability to travel to the United States.”
Mitchell suggested that the U.S. Embassy consider disassociating itself with the information in the leaked cables so as to dismiss the notion that they were an official view of events.
And though Mitchell insisted that the cables have become (seemingly reliable) tools to attack the PLP, cables on the Free National Movement (FNM) has already been released as well.
“Here we have a press that does not support the PLP,” Mitchell said.
“They oppose the PLP. They have now used their resources to get these so-called cables. They do not get an independent panel to edit and release the information.
“Instead they arrogate to themselves the right to selectively choose what to release. Now in a situation where there is support for the FNM why would anybody not be surprised that the PLP is the subject of these attacks with the same tendentious propaganda and slogans of the FNM now repeated in the mouths allegedly of U.S. diplomats.”
Mitchell also scolded Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for “spilling all his guts” to “junior U.S. officials,” which the cables also exposed.
Mitchell was referring to a meeting Ingraham had in 2003 with a U.S. Embassy official in which Ingraham extensively discussed local politics, according to a cable.
“(Some people) wonder if it is possible for a former president of the United Stares to spill his guts to junior Bahamian diplomatic officers about his own people,” Mitchell said.
He called for current Minister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette to use this “teachable” moment in U.S./Bahamian political affairs to explain to the Bahamian people the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the role of The Bahamas as a member of a global community.
Mitchell contended that the cables have not changed The Bahamas’ relationship with the U.S.
“The relationship is sound as ever,” he said.
“These alleged cables do not change the fundamentals with the United States,” said Mitchell. “This is a teachable moment. And I call on the ministry to use its resources to teach the Bahamian people about their country and its role in the world.”
Jun 01, 2011
thenassauguardian
CHESTER ROBARDS
Guardian Staff Reporter
thenassauguardian
chester@nasguard.com
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell was critical yesterday of U.S. Embassy officials responsible for certain information contained in diplomatic cables obtained by The Nassau Guardian through the whistleblower organization WikiLeaks.
Mitchell said the Americans accepted “propaganda lines” about the Progressive Liberal Party.
“It strains credibility to me that U.S. professional diplomats, a person so high as a deputy chief of mission who was actually sitting in the seat of the ambassador, would accept and adopt uncritically propaganda lines from the Free National Movement (FNM),” Mitchell said in the House of Assembly during his contribution to the budget debate.
“That is simply not a professional report.”
During the years of the (Perry) Christie administration, deputy chief of mission was Dr. Brent Hardt.
One cable that followed a meeting between the Progressive Liberal Party and U.S. Embassy officials after the 2007 general election, painted the PLP as a party that “seemed more interested in photographs and a press release of the meeting to signal their continuing good relations with the U.S.”
Yesterday, however, Mitchell dismissed the cables as “untested” and “gossipy,”.
“But the country can learn from this,” Mitchell said.
“Our public officials including myself can learn the cautionary tale of being careful with your mouths, not to let these positions cause you to show off.
“...Secondly, that Bahamian public officials must stand up for The Bahamas at all times. Bahamians must come first.
“Thirdly that Bahamians should not allow their opinions of themselves to be governed by their ability to travel to the United States.”
Mitchell suggested that the U.S. Embassy consider disassociating itself with the information in the leaked cables so as to dismiss the notion that they were an official view of events.
And though Mitchell insisted that the cables have become (seemingly reliable) tools to attack the PLP, cables on the Free National Movement (FNM) has already been released as well.
“Here we have a press that does not support the PLP,” Mitchell said.
“They oppose the PLP. They have now used their resources to get these so-called cables. They do not get an independent panel to edit and release the information.
“Instead they arrogate to themselves the right to selectively choose what to release. Now in a situation where there is support for the FNM why would anybody not be surprised that the PLP is the subject of these attacks with the same tendentious propaganda and slogans of the FNM now repeated in the mouths allegedly of U.S. diplomats.”
Mitchell also scolded Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for “spilling all his guts” to “junior U.S. officials,” which the cables also exposed.
Mitchell was referring to a meeting Ingraham had in 2003 with a U.S. Embassy official in which Ingraham extensively discussed local politics, according to a cable.
“(Some people) wonder if it is possible for a former president of the United Stares to spill his guts to junior Bahamian diplomatic officers about his own people,” Mitchell said.
He called for current Minister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette to use this “teachable” moment in U.S./Bahamian political affairs to explain to the Bahamian people the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the role of The Bahamas as a member of a global community.
Mitchell contended that the cables have not changed The Bahamas’ relationship with the U.S.
“The relationship is sound as ever,” he said.
“These alleged cables do not change the fundamentals with the United States,” said Mitchell. “This is a teachable moment. And I call on the ministry to use its resources to teach the Bahamian people about their country and its role in the world.”
Jun 01, 2011
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Dr. Ian Strachan on the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and the strong support it has attracted on social media...
Dr Ian Strachan: Support for DNA on Facebook may not equal votes
By LAMECH JOHNSON
tribune242
PROFESSOR and political analyst Dr Ian Strachan said the new Democratic National Alliance should not make too much of the strong support it has attracted on social media, as this may not translate into votes.
Dr Strachan, a newspaper columnist and associate professor of English at the College of the Bahamas, pointed out that even though 14 per cent of registered voters are under 24 - "and that is a good thing" - the traditional swing vote will remain the deciding factor come election day.
He said: "I know the youth vote is very important, but the swing vote is more important because it consists of a wide range of persons. The youth vote is more first time voters and my instinct is that at the end of the day, most young people will vote what their parents vote.
"In the end, when all the campaigning is going on, most young people will feel the pressure of their parents working along with these parties and they will vote based on how their parents vote."
Since the creation of the DNA's Facebook page in April, the party has already accumulated more than 2,000 "likes" from Bahamian Facebook users - more than the PLP and the FNM combined.
The PLP's page, created in July 2008, had attracted 1,504 "likes" as of yesterday afternoon, while the FNM page, created around the same time had only 475.
But Dr Strachan said the new party should be careful about how it reads these numbers.
He said: "I know Facebook is important. I know it reaches people but I still believe that Bahamians prefer that face to face interaction over the Internet. They like to argue and debate in person."
He agreed that DNA is the clear front-runner in the struggle to become the third force in Bahamian politics party, but said the fact that the party is creating excitement among young people could create a misleading picture.
"We know that the youth vote is very important and the support on Facebook speaks to a generational difference that exists. However, it doesn't mean you've won their vote.
"Major parties in the previous elections had concerts and other events to target young voters and they showed up, but did they vote for them?" he asked.
Dr Strachan added that the weak Facebook showing by the PLP and FNM could simply be the result of a lack of effort.
"I'm quite sure if they had tried they could have more - though it remains to be seen what the PLP and FNM's strategy will be in gaining more supporters on Facebook," he said.
However, according to DNA leader Branville McCartney, the party's Facebook fame is an indication that attitudes are changing.
He said: "It tells me that people are very hungry for change and they want to see a positive change in this country.
"Over the past five years, there has been an intellectual revolution that started with social media and with young people.
"Social media is the way of the future and our way of reaching the people - through our website, through twitter, through Facebook, YouTube. Social media is a form of communication. I used it in Bamboo Town and now we're using it for the DNA and it's working."
June 01, 2011
tribune242
By LAMECH JOHNSON
tribune242
PROFESSOR and political analyst Dr Ian Strachan said the new Democratic National Alliance should not make too much of the strong support it has attracted on social media, as this may not translate into votes.
Dr Strachan, a newspaper columnist and associate professor of English at the College of the Bahamas, pointed out that even though 14 per cent of registered voters are under 24 - "and that is a good thing" - the traditional swing vote will remain the deciding factor come election day.
He said: "I know the youth vote is very important, but the swing vote is more important because it consists of a wide range of persons. The youth vote is more first time voters and my instinct is that at the end of the day, most young people will vote what their parents vote.
"In the end, when all the campaigning is going on, most young people will feel the pressure of their parents working along with these parties and they will vote based on how their parents vote."
Since the creation of the DNA's Facebook page in April, the party has already accumulated more than 2,000 "likes" from Bahamian Facebook users - more than the PLP and the FNM combined.
The PLP's page, created in July 2008, had attracted 1,504 "likes" as of yesterday afternoon, while the FNM page, created around the same time had only 475.
But Dr Strachan said the new party should be careful about how it reads these numbers.
He said: "I know Facebook is important. I know it reaches people but I still believe that Bahamians prefer that face to face interaction over the Internet. They like to argue and debate in person."
He agreed that DNA is the clear front-runner in the struggle to become the third force in Bahamian politics party, but said the fact that the party is creating excitement among young people could create a misleading picture.
"We know that the youth vote is very important and the support on Facebook speaks to a generational difference that exists. However, it doesn't mean you've won their vote.
"Major parties in the previous elections had concerts and other events to target young voters and they showed up, but did they vote for them?" he asked.
Dr Strachan added that the weak Facebook showing by the PLP and FNM could simply be the result of a lack of effort.
"I'm quite sure if they had tried they could have more - though it remains to be seen what the PLP and FNM's strategy will be in gaining more supporters on Facebook," he said.
However, according to DNA leader Branville McCartney, the party's Facebook fame is an indication that attitudes are changing.
He said: "It tells me that people are very hungry for change and they want to see a positive change in this country.
"Over the past five years, there has been an intellectual revolution that started with social media and with young people.
"Social media is the way of the future and our way of reaching the people - through our website, through twitter, through Facebook, YouTube. Social media is a form of communication. I used it in Bamboo Town and now we're using it for the DNA and it's working."
June 01, 2011
tribune242
To Mr. Fred Mitchell: [PLP Leader] Mr. Perry Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda
Fred Mitchell talks of FNM propaganda
tribune242 editorial
FRED MITCHELL has urged Bahamians to ignore the "biased opinion" of American diplomats who in their reports to Washington have characterised former prime minister Perry Christie as a procrastinating leader who "often fails to act altogether while awaiting elusive consensus in his Cabinet."
Mr Mitchell expressed surprise that US diplomats would "simply rehash the same unvarnished propaganda of the Free National Movement to describe the leader of the PLP and the policies of the PLP."
It would be interesting to know which face of Fred Mitchell has made this statement.
It is obviously the political Fred Mitchell, preparing for the hustings and anticipating a hard battle to return his party with its indecisive leader to the seat of power. However, in quiet conversation with his own conscience, the other side of Mr Mitchell must know that his statement is not true.
The indecisive leadership of Mr Christie is very much an election issue. It certainly wasn't an FNM faction within the PLP in 2009 that wanted Mr Christie removed as leader because it did not think it had a chance with him at its head. This group felt so strongly on the issue that someone within the party leaked the Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosner report on the reasons for the party's 2007 election defeat. This report, commissioned by the PLP after the 2007 election to analyse why the party lost an election it was so confident of winning, was made public by the dissident group to inform the public and to try to convince its own membership that Mr Christie was too indecisive to be at the helm.
The consultants' report, for which the party must have paid a "pretty penny", was blunt. In a nutshell, it said, the PLP lost the government after only a five-year test run, because at its helm was a nice, but weak leader heading what the public perceived to be a corrupt and scandal-ridden party. Maybe, the political side of Mr Mitchell would have us believe that the Rosner report was written by an FNM analyst. However - the other Mr Mitchell and his conscience knows otherwise.
Obviously, the report was ignored because recently three senior party members in a private letter -- again leaked to the press -- advised Mr Christie that he could prove to the public that he was indeed a decisive leader by blocking the nomination of certain politicians who were perceived to have led to the party's 2002 defeat. These were the same ones studied by the Rosner report and found wanting.
However, it appears that Mr Christie has chosen to ignore this letter. Instead he is "taking the high road" and looking "forward to a vigorous debate." And so, the Christie-led PLP is heading into an election with the same baggage that their highly paid consultants advised cost them the 2007 election.
Mr Christie's weakness for indecision was spotted early in his administration. One of the first acts of a government is to appoint its boards so that its administration can function smoothly from the beginning. The PLP won the government in May, 2002. By July no boards had been appointed. Mr Christie was being criticised for his procrastination. His reply to the criticism was given in a speech at Mission Baptist Church. Said he:
"The press and some people want to kill me because they say I ain't name them (government boards) yet. Well let 'em wait. Let me say this to you, I have been Prime Minister long enough to see that unless I do it the right way, I am wasting your time doing it the quick way."
And this was the story of his five-year administration. That is why when the FNM was returned in 2007 it found so much unfinished business, and agreements yet to be finalised.
And so, Mr Mitchell, Mr Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda. In five years Mr Christie did an excellent job in building his own reputation -- as the Rosner report concluded: He is a nice man, but a weak leader.
The serious times now facing this country demand a strong and decisive leader. We shall perish with indecision.
May 31, 2011
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
FRED MITCHELL has urged Bahamians to ignore the "biased opinion" of American diplomats who in their reports to Washington have characterised former prime minister Perry Christie as a procrastinating leader who "often fails to act altogether while awaiting elusive consensus in his Cabinet."
Mr Mitchell expressed surprise that US diplomats would "simply rehash the same unvarnished propaganda of the Free National Movement to describe the leader of the PLP and the policies of the PLP."
It would be interesting to know which face of Fred Mitchell has made this statement.
It is obviously the political Fred Mitchell, preparing for the hustings and anticipating a hard battle to return his party with its indecisive leader to the seat of power. However, in quiet conversation with his own conscience, the other side of Mr Mitchell must know that his statement is not true.
The indecisive leadership of Mr Christie is very much an election issue. It certainly wasn't an FNM faction within the PLP in 2009 that wanted Mr Christie removed as leader because it did not think it had a chance with him at its head. This group felt so strongly on the issue that someone within the party leaked the Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosner report on the reasons for the party's 2007 election defeat. This report, commissioned by the PLP after the 2007 election to analyse why the party lost an election it was so confident of winning, was made public by the dissident group to inform the public and to try to convince its own membership that Mr Christie was too indecisive to be at the helm.
The consultants' report, for which the party must have paid a "pretty penny", was blunt. In a nutshell, it said, the PLP lost the government after only a five-year test run, because at its helm was a nice, but weak leader heading what the public perceived to be a corrupt and scandal-ridden party. Maybe, the political side of Mr Mitchell would have us believe that the Rosner report was written by an FNM analyst. However - the other Mr Mitchell and his conscience knows otherwise.
Obviously, the report was ignored because recently three senior party members in a private letter -- again leaked to the press -- advised Mr Christie that he could prove to the public that he was indeed a decisive leader by blocking the nomination of certain politicians who were perceived to have led to the party's 2002 defeat. These were the same ones studied by the Rosner report and found wanting.
However, it appears that Mr Christie has chosen to ignore this letter. Instead he is "taking the high road" and looking "forward to a vigorous debate." And so, the Christie-led PLP is heading into an election with the same baggage that their highly paid consultants advised cost them the 2007 election.
Mr Christie's weakness for indecision was spotted early in his administration. One of the first acts of a government is to appoint its boards so that its administration can function smoothly from the beginning. The PLP won the government in May, 2002. By July no boards had been appointed. Mr Christie was being criticised for his procrastination. His reply to the criticism was given in a speech at Mission Baptist Church. Said he:
"The press and some people want to kill me because they say I ain't name them (government boards) yet. Well let 'em wait. Let me say this to you, I have been Prime Minister long enough to see that unless I do it the right way, I am wasting your time doing it the quick way."
And this was the story of his five-year administration. That is why when the FNM was returned in 2007 it found so much unfinished business, and agreements yet to be finalised.
And so, Mr Mitchell, Mr Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda. In five years Mr Christie did an excellent job in building his own reputation -- as the Rosner report concluded: He is a nice man, but a weak leader.
The serious times now facing this country demand a strong and decisive leader. We shall perish with indecision.
May 31, 2011
tribune242 editorial
Whitney Bastian - former South Andros MP predicts the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party will become the next government of The Bahamas
Bastian Predicts Sweeping DNA Election Victory
By Macushla N. Pinder
jonesbahamas
Former parliamentarian Whitney Bastian may not have a crystal ball, but he is convinced he knows exactly how the next general election will play out.
The former South Andros MP predicts the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party will become the next government of The Bahamas.
"The way things are going right now, I see the DNA winning at least 25 seats. It might be more than that. People say it is a wave moving. It is a not a wave; it is a tsunami," he said during a recent interview with the Bahama Journal.
"Everywhere you go, Bahamians, young and old, are trying to get something to identify with the DNA. I’ll even go to the extent to say take the green shirt off you. So, based on what I’ve seen over the last few weeks, this campaign will be one of the easiest campaigns I would have ever been involved in because this is a people’s movement. This is a different time from when those other guys formed their party."
According to Mr. Bastian, Bahamians are fed up with the governing Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
He claimed both political giants are only looking out for the chosen few in society.
"During our launch, we showed them that we can pull the crowds. And so, we are now number one. They (the FNM and PLP) are fighting for number two and three spots. We will win the next election and hence form the next government," he said.
"Over the next two to three months, my prediction will become clearer and clearer…People want change."
The DNA, which is the brainchild of former cabinet minister Branville McCartney, was officially launched earlier this month. Mr. McCartney claims that his party is the alternative to the two major political parties and not an alternative.
The party says it intends to run a full slate of candidates.
It has already unveiled its first 10 candidates, including Mr. McCartney, who hopes to retain his seat as the Member of Parliament for the Bamboo Town constituency.
Mr. Bastian said it is "just a matter of formality" before he is confirmed as the party’s candidate for South Andros, a constituency he represented from 2002 to 2007.
He lost the seat during the last election to PLP MP Picewell Forbes.
"It really doesn’t matter which tag I put on – DNA or a cat tag. They are prepared to support Whitney Bastian," he said.
"My love for Andros transcends any party name or affiliation because I was doing [a lot] before I got involved in frontline politics and I will continue to do for Andros and The Bahamas as a whole after frontline politics."
Mr. Bastian says he is confident that once given the DNA’s nomination, he would win his seat by an even larger margin than he did in 2002.
"I have been assured by the people that they will do this. While they try to tell me that they made a mistake, I said ‘no, you did exactly what you wanted to do at the time.’ And so, for the last four years, the people have been coming to me. I am confident they are not telling me any lies," he said.
"They have been coming to me, telling me, ‘Whitney, we are sorry for what we have done. We are now able to compare and contrast your representation with the present representation that we have….’ People have the confidence that I will be looking after their interest and I do have their interest at heart…"
There has been no word on when the next general election will take place.
But many Bahamians are viewing the decision to end the current voter register on July 14 as a surefire sign that it will not be long.
May 30th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By Macushla N. Pinder
jonesbahamas
Former parliamentarian Whitney Bastian may not have a crystal ball, but he is convinced he knows exactly how the next general election will play out.
The former South Andros MP predicts the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party will become the next government of The Bahamas.
"The way things are going right now, I see the DNA winning at least 25 seats. It might be more than that. People say it is a wave moving. It is a not a wave; it is a tsunami," he said during a recent interview with the Bahama Journal.
"Everywhere you go, Bahamians, young and old, are trying to get something to identify with the DNA. I’ll even go to the extent to say take the green shirt off you. So, based on what I’ve seen over the last few weeks, this campaign will be one of the easiest campaigns I would have ever been involved in because this is a people’s movement. This is a different time from when those other guys formed their party."
According to Mr. Bastian, Bahamians are fed up with the governing Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
He claimed both political giants are only looking out for the chosen few in society.
"During our launch, we showed them that we can pull the crowds. And so, we are now number one. They (the FNM and PLP) are fighting for number two and three spots. We will win the next election and hence form the next government," he said.
"Over the next two to three months, my prediction will become clearer and clearer…People want change."
The DNA, which is the brainchild of former cabinet minister Branville McCartney, was officially launched earlier this month. Mr. McCartney claims that his party is the alternative to the two major political parties and not an alternative.
The party says it intends to run a full slate of candidates.
It has already unveiled its first 10 candidates, including Mr. McCartney, who hopes to retain his seat as the Member of Parliament for the Bamboo Town constituency.
Mr. Bastian said it is "just a matter of formality" before he is confirmed as the party’s candidate for South Andros, a constituency he represented from 2002 to 2007.
He lost the seat during the last election to PLP MP Picewell Forbes.
"It really doesn’t matter which tag I put on – DNA or a cat tag. They are prepared to support Whitney Bastian," he said.
"My love for Andros transcends any party name or affiliation because I was doing [a lot] before I got involved in frontline politics and I will continue to do for Andros and The Bahamas as a whole after frontline politics."
Mr. Bastian says he is confident that once given the DNA’s nomination, he would win his seat by an even larger margin than he did in 2002.
"I have been assured by the people that they will do this. While they try to tell me that they made a mistake, I said ‘no, you did exactly what you wanted to do at the time.’ And so, for the last four years, the people have been coming to me. I am confident they are not telling me any lies," he said.
"They have been coming to me, telling me, ‘Whitney, we are sorry for what we have done. We are now able to compare and contrast your representation with the present representation that we have….’ People have the confidence that I will be looking after their interest and I do have their interest at heart…"
There has been no word on when the next general election will take place.
But many Bahamians are viewing the decision to end the current voter register on July 14 as a surefire sign that it will not be long.
May 30th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Rodney Moncur's Worker's Party dissolved... to join the newly formed Branville McCartney's Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
The Worker's Party dissolves to join DNA
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net
THE Worker's Party dissolved its organisation yesterday after 35 years in politics, to join the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
Leader Rodney Moncur said the party's membership is collectively migrating to the DNA "to respond to the call of the people of Elizabeth and, indeed, to the cry of voters elsewhere throughout the country for a single, united alternative to this FNM-PLP partnership.".
He said members of the party are ready to go to work.
"We have been in the field for over 30 years. We are mature men and women. There are no egos or hang ups. We are prepared to submit to a leader who will lead based on principle, based on the best interests of the nation. We are now ready to work and lock down," said Mr Moncur.
While campaigning in the Elizabeth bye-election, Mr Moncur said the party got the message from constituents that it would be good "if all the small parties could form a united group."
"We started hearing this joint dismissal of the FNM and PLP clearly in the Elizabeth bye-election in February 2010, when, for the first time in Bahamian history, a frightening percentage of the voters failed to show up at the polls leaving the hapless and embarrassed PLP and FNM to engage in a virtual dogfight, right down to the last vote," said Mr Moncur.
Mr Moncur said the nation was at a critical point in its political history, where for the first time, the Bahamian electorate are in a position to make a fair comparison between the FNM and PLP.
"Up until 1992, the FNM, in an independent Bahamas, had never been tried and tested in Government by the Bahamian people; and the PLP enjoyed overwhelming public support. So it was naturally impossible for any third party that would have been formed during those years to attract the support and build the capacity to challenge both the PLP and the FNM.
"By 2002, the Bahamian people had tried the PLP in Government for 25 years and in opposition for 10 years; and similarly the people had experienced the FNM in some form or other in opposition for 25 years and in Government for 10 years," said Mr Moncur.
"It was at that point that the serious evaluation of the two parties began to develop; it was at this point that voters for the first time could easily compare the two parties and their styles of governance," he said.
Mr Moncur said Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie are "equally balanced", because they represent "the two sides of the Pindling coin."
"Christie is hopelessly indecisive, Ingraham is dangerously rash and impetuous. While Christie claims to be people-oriented and compassionate, Ingraham painfully demonstrates abrasiveness and an utter lack of compassion. Whereas Christie is prone to become bogged down in endless counsels and analyses, Ingraham crawls up high on the rock of stubborn pig-headedness," said Mr Moncur.
"Whereas Christie's Ministers were a wild and uncontrolled bunch, having little respect for him, Ingraham's Ministers are said to be cowering in fear as he shouts them down and makes them submit to his one-man, iron-hand rule," he said.
Mr Moncur lamented the decision of the Bahamas Democratic Movement and members of the National Development Party (NDP) for allowing themselves to be "wooed and swallowed up by the old guard, the hapless and hopeless FNM-PLP, instead of joining forces with the DNA".
The country has never seen such an "upheaval" and "deep-seated rupture in the electorate" since 1971, when the Free PLP was formed, according to Mr Moncur. This climate has allowed Branville McCartney to emerge as "a credible and capable alternative," said Mr Moncur. He said Mr McCartney is the "medicine that will cure the country of both Ingraham and Christie".
Mr Moncur lamented the fact that both the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) and the National Development Party (NDP) allowed themselves to be "wooed and swallowed up by the old guard, the hapless and hopeless FNM-PLP," instead of joining forces with the DNA.
May 31, 2011
tribune242
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net
THE Worker's Party dissolved its organisation yesterday after 35 years in politics, to join the newly formed Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
Leader Rodney Moncur said the party's membership is collectively migrating to the DNA "to respond to the call of the people of Elizabeth and, indeed, to the cry of voters elsewhere throughout the country for a single, united alternative to this FNM-PLP partnership.".
He said members of the party are ready to go to work.
"We have been in the field for over 30 years. We are mature men and women. There are no egos or hang ups. We are prepared to submit to a leader who will lead based on principle, based on the best interests of the nation. We are now ready to work and lock down," said Mr Moncur.
While campaigning in the Elizabeth bye-election, Mr Moncur said the party got the message from constituents that it would be good "if all the small parties could form a united group."
"We started hearing this joint dismissal of the FNM and PLP clearly in the Elizabeth bye-election in February 2010, when, for the first time in Bahamian history, a frightening percentage of the voters failed to show up at the polls leaving the hapless and embarrassed PLP and FNM to engage in a virtual dogfight, right down to the last vote," said Mr Moncur.
Mr Moncur said the nation was at a critical point in its political history, where for the first time, the Bahamian electorate are in a position to make a fair comparison between the FNM and PLP.
"Up until 1992, the FNM, in an independent Bahamas, had never been tried and tested in Government by the Bahamian people; and the PLP enjoyed overwhelming public support. So it was naturally impossible for any third party that would have been formed during those years to attract the support and build the capacity to challenge both the PLP and the FNM.
"By 2002, the Bahamian people had tried the PLP in Government for 25 years and in opposition for 10 years; and similarly the people had experienced the FNM in some form or other in opposition for 25 years and in Government for 10 years," said Mr Moncur.
"It was at that point that the serious evaluation of the two parties began to develop; it was at this point that voters for the first time could easily compare the two parties and their styles of governance," he said.
Mr Moncur said Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie are "equally balanced", because they represent "the two sides of the Pindling coin."
"Christie is hopelessly indecisive, Ingraham is dangerously rash and impetuous. While Christie claims to be people-oriented and compassionate, Ingraham painfully demonstrates abrasiveness and an utter lack of compassion. Whereas Christie is prone to become bogged down in endless counsels and analyses, Ingraham crawls up high on the rock of stubborn pig-headedness," said Mr Moncur.
"Whereas Christie's Ministers were a wild and uncontrolled bunch, having little respect for him, Ingraham's Ministers are said to be cowering in fear as he shouts them down and makes them submit to his one-man, iron-hand rule," he said.
Mr Moncur lamented the decision of the Bahamas Democratic Movement and members of the National Development Party (NDP) for allowing themselves to be "wooed and swallowed up by the old guard, the hapless and hopeless FNM-PLP, instead of joining forces with the DNA".
The country has never seen such an "upheaval" and "deep-seated rupture in the electorate" since 1971, when the Free PLP was formed, according to Mr Moncur. This climate has allowed Branville McCartney to emerge as "a credible and capable alternative," said Mr Moncur. He said Mr McCartney is the "medicine that will cure the country of both Ingraham and Christie".
Mr Moncur lamented the fact that both the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) and the National Development Party (NDP) allowed themselves to be "wooed and swallowed up by the old guard, the hapless and hopeless FNM-PLP," instead of joining forces with the DNA.
May 31, 2011
tribune242
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