Source: Vanderpool-Wallace a front-runner in Fort Charlotte constituency bid
By KRYSTEL ROLLE
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
Minister of Tourism and Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace is reportedly considering running in the Fort Charlotte constituency during the next general election.
The constituency is currently held by former Education Minister and Attorney General Alfred Sears. Sears has been the MP for that constituency since 2002.
A Source within the Free National Movement has revealed to The Nassau Guardian that Vanderpool-Wallace is one of the front runners in the race to get the party’s nomination.
“He will most likely be chosen as the candidate for that area,” the party source said.
When asked about the possibility of him running in the Fort Charlotte constituency, without outrightly denying it Vanderpool-Wallace told The Nassau Guardian that he has not “made any official declarations.”
He mentioned, however, that his mother lives in the constituency and he often visits the area.
Vanderpool-Wallace has never ran for a constituency seat. Before moving into front line politics he served as director general in the Ministry of Tourism for 12 years. He has had a long and distinguished career in tourism in both the public and private sector of The Bahamas and in the region.
Vanderpool- Wallace also served as secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). He has also served as chairman of the Management Committee of the Bahamas Tourism Training Center, as a director of both the Central Bank of The Bahamas and the Bank of The Bahamas, and as chairman of the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas.
Vanderpool-Wallace was appointed to the Senate in 2008. He has served as the tourism minister since then, taking over from Neko Grant (now Minister of Public Works).
Sir Michael Barnett, now chief justice was the last FNM candidate in the Fort Charlotte constituency during the 2007 elections. He lost that bid to Sears.
It is unknown whether Sears will be seeking re-election in the area.
11/29/2010
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.
Showing posts with label Alfred Sears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alfred Sears. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Time for straw vendors to get their house in order
Time for vendors to get their house in order
tribune242 editorial
"SHOWBOATING" on the sidelines is what government is calling the position taken by the PLP in the case of the nine jailed straw vendors in New York. We see it as the PLP playing its usual game -- taking advantage of the ignorance of less fortunate people.
The position is that nine straw vendors went to New York in September on a shopping spree. According to their own admissions they knowingly purchased fake designer goods -- brand named bags and jewellery -- for resale at their market stalls on Bay Street. As they waited at the airport in New York to board their return flight to Nassau, loaded down with shopping bags of illegal goods, they were arrested and charged in a Manhattan court with conspiracy to defraud the US by trafficking in counterfeit merchandise.
Because Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a public statement to the effect that vendors at home should take note of what had happened to their colleagues and govern themselves accordingly, the PLP are trying to infer that the government had abandoned the straw vendors. They had no intention of helping them, said the PLP, until the PLP got on their case and embarrassed them into action.
This, of course, is not true. The government was not embarrassed by the PLP's senseless haranguing. On learning of the vendors arrest all agents of government moved in to provide whatever help they could. Mr Symonette received a daily report from the Bahamas Consulate in New York, which provided assistance to the vendors and kept their families informed.
Almost immediately the Ministries of Education and Labour and Social Development assisted the families and children left behind in Nassau. The government also engaged legal counsel to represent the vendors.
But apparently that is not enough. The PLP want the government to help them with their bail, find suitable accommodation for them until they go to trial, resolve the bond issue "and see whether -- since this is a government-to-government issue -- to see if we can't through the attorneys seek to get the charges dropped."
Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell and Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, both lawyers, should know that once a matter gets before the courts it ceases to be a government-to-government issue. Nobody can interfere with the judicial process. No one can do it in the Bahamas, nor can anyone do it in New York. It is, therefore, wrong to take advantage of less educated people, and make them believe that somehow governments can negotiate with the courts. Should offenders facing our courts in Nassau and jail time in HM Prison expect the same consideration from their government? These PLP lawyers should know that the symbol of a blindfolded justice sends out the message that all persons are equal before the Law and each gets equal justice -- regardless of who they happen to be. The most the Bahamas government can do is to ensure that the vendors have good legal representation and are judged fairly. The vendors cannot expect more than that - and it is wrong of the PLP to fool them into believing otherwise. The law cannot be bent to accommodate them. As for those still in Nassau, who want to find wiggle room to continue the illicit trade, they should take Mr Symonette's wise advise and get their stalls in order before the police have to come and do it for them.
The PLP should be the last to be crowing when we discover that when the matter of the counterfeit goods should have been settled in 2006, a "senior government official" in the PLP administration instructed a "senior police official" not to raid the vendors' stalls, but let them continue to sell their goods. These instructions came after police raided the warehouse on East Street, allegedly the supplier of the counterfeit goods, and were prepared to move onto the straw market to put a stop to the illegal trade there.
The police's lack of action in stamping out the trade in 2006 led the US government to unfairly conclude that Bahamian police officers were "complicit" in the straw market's counterfeit commerce. From the information we now have the police turned a blind eye to what was going on in the market on instructions in 2006 from a "senior government official."
This is why we find the holier-than-thou position now being taken by the PLP not only farcical, but insincere. If they are so concerned, why don't some of them take up a collection and help pay the bail for the ladies who are now in distress?
They should also go to the straw market and -- despite the famous remarks of one reverend gentlemen that "principles don't put food on the table" -- instruct the ladies that the continued illegal sale of counterfeit goods that once put food on their tables, will now land them in jail.
We recommend to the straw vendors that instead of being lulled into a stupor by PLP words excusing their actions, they should heed the sound advice of Mr Symonette, who said: "As a result of these charges, I highly recommend that Bahamians be guided accordingly."
In other words quickly clean up your act and abide by the law.
October 06, 2010
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
"SHOWBOATING" on the sidelines is what government is calling the position taken by the PLP in the case of the nine jailed straw vendors in New York. We see it as the PLP playing its usual game -- taking advantage of the ignorance of less fortunate people.
The position is that nine straw vendors went to New York in September on a shopping spree. According to their own admissions they knowingly purchased fake designer goods -- brand named bags and jewellery -- for resale at their market stalls on Bay Street. As they waited at the airport in New York to board their return flight to Nassau, loaded down with shopping bags of illegal goods, they were arrested and charged in a Manhattan court with conspiracy to defraud the US by trafficking in counterfeit merchandise.
Because Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, made a public statement to the effect that vendors at home should take note of what had happened to their colleagues and govern themselves accordingly, the PLP are trying to infer that the government had abandoned the straw vendors. They had no intention of helping them, said the PLP, until the PLP got on their case and embarrassed them into action.
This, of course, is not true. The government was not embarrassed by the PLP's senseless haranguing. On learning of the vendors arrest all agents of government moved in to provide whatever help they could. Mr Symonette received a daily report from the Bahamas Consulate in New York, which provided assistance to the vendors and kept their families informed.
Almost immediately the Ministries of Education and Labour and Social Development assisted the families and children left behind in Nassau. The government also engaged legal counsel to represent the vendors.
But apparently that is not enough. The PLP want the government to help them with their bail, find suitable accommodation for them until they go to trial, resolve the bond issue "and see whether -- since this is a government-to-government issue -- to see if we can't through the attorneys seek to get the charges dropped."
Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell and Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears, both lawyers, should know that once a matter gets before the courts it ceases to be a government-to-government issue. Nobody can interfere with the judicial process. No one can do it in the Bahamas, nor can anyone do it in New York. It is, therefore, wrong to take advantage of less educated people, and make them believe that somehow governments can negotiate with the courts. Should offenders facing our courts in Nassau and jail time in HM Prison expect the same consideration from their government? These PLP lawyers should know that the symbol of a blindfolded justice sends out the message that all persons are equal before the Law and each gets equal justice -- regardless of who they happen to be. The most the Bahamas government can do is to ensure that the vendors have good legal representation and are judged fairly. The vendors cannot expect more than that - and it is wrong of the PLP to fool them into believing otherwise. The law cannot be bent to accommodate them. As for those still in Nassau, who want to find wiggle room to continue the illicit trade, they should take Mr Symonette's wise advise and get their stalls in order before the police have to come and do it for them.
The PLP should be the last to be crowing when we discover that when the matter of the counterfeit goods should have been settled in 2006, a "senior government official" in the PLP administration instructed a "senior police official" not to raid the vendors' stalls, but let them continue to sell their goods. These instructions came after police raided the warehouse on East Street, allegedly the supplier of the counterfeit goods, and were prepared to move onto the straw market to put a stop to the illegal trade there.
The police's lack of action in stamping out the trade in 2006 led the US government to unfairly conclude that Bahamian police officers were "complicit" in the straw market's counterfeit commerce. From the information we now have the police turned a blind eye to what was going on in the market on instructions in 2006 from a "senior government official."
This is why we find the holier-than-thou position now being taken by the PLP not only farcical, but insincere. If they are so concerned, why don't some of them take up a collection and help pay the bail for the ladies who are now in distress?
They should also go to the straw market and -- despite the famous remarks of one reverend gentlemen that "principles don't put food on the table" -- instruct the ladies that the continued illegal sale of counterfeit goods that once put food on their tables, will now land them in jail.
We recommend to the straw vendors that instead of being lulled into a stupor by PLP words excusing their actions, they should heed the sound advice of Mr Symonette, who said: "As a result of these charges, I highly recommend that Bahamians be guided accordingly."
In other words quickly clean up your act and abide by the law.
October 06, 2010
tribune242 editorial
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Why are two Nassau Members of Parliament: Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears playing politics in Grand Bahama
Why are two Nassau MPs playing politics in GB?
thenassauguardian editorial
Apparently there is not enough political wiggle room in Nassau(perhaps because of over-crowding), so two Nassau-based politicians have come to play their political games in Freeport's backyard.
Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell and Member of Parliament Alfred Sears, along with Senator Michael Darville have been on a campaign of sorts in Grand Bahama, addressing all of the major issues taking place on this island.
It all started with the issue at Walter Parker and since that time they have been jumping on every major issue in Grand Bahama, so much so that it seems they may have bought homes here in the second city and have settled in.
While the issue at Walter Parker remains unsettled, Mitchell, Sears and Darville jumped on the MSC trucking issue and have shifted into full gear. On Monday night Sears and Mitchell were on the news giving their take on the trucking situation.
If one didn't know better, they may have thought that they were watching the national news on ZNS, but in truth, they were watching the Northern Bahamas newscast.
Yes, MP Mitchell and MP Sears were at it again.
It's like they have become the new activists for Grand Bahama. Have they both began their political campaigns early? If so, why have they chosen Grand Bahama to be their stage? Over the past few weeks both politicians have used Grand Bahama as the background to get up on their "soap box" and make their voices heard.
That leaves some Grand Bahamians wondering, if these opposition members(who don't even live in or represent Grand Bahama)have so much to say about issues taking place in Grand Bahama, what are Grand Bahama representatives doing?
Even if the reasons behind opposition members' involvement in Grand Bahama affairs may be questionable, the fact is, they are making their voices heard about the issues and at least have something to say. Where are the Grand Bahama representatives, and why are they so silent? Why are they letting" someone else dig up in their backyard" without saying a word?
Grand Bahama is represented by six members of Parliament, of which three are Cabinet ministers. Why haven't any of these representatives spoken out against Mitchell and Sears'"invasion"of their constituencies?
Is there some political rule both Sears and Mitchell have broken, or is it a free-for-all landscape in which all politicians operate?
MP Fred Mitchell represents Fox Hill and MP Alfred Sears represents Fort Charlotte so why are they in Grand Bahama so frequently these days gaining political mileage? No doubt both men are certainly racking up some serious frequent flyer mileage.
Interestingly enough many Grand Bahamians have been silent on the opposition's move on Grand Bahama. Normally, Grand Bahamians may have made some comments about the frequent presence of these two men and would have demanded answers.
Is the political landscape in Grand Bahama changing, or is it due to the fact that economic hard times are so affecting Grand Bahamians that for this moment in time, they don't care who fights for them or which political party they belong too?
If local representatives choose to remain silent, then it is obvious that at least for now, Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears have a lot to say in Grand Bahama.
9/21/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Apparently there is not enough political wiggle room in Nassau(perhaps because of over-crowding), so two Nassau-based politicians have come to play their political games in Freeport's backyard.
Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell and Member of Parliament Alfred Sears, along with Senator Michael Darville have been on a campaign of sorts in Grand Bahama, addressing all of the major issues taking place on this island.
It all started with the issue at Walter Parker and since that time they have been jumping on every major issue in Grand Bahama, so much so that it seems they may have bought homes here in the second city and have settled in.
While the issue at Walter Parker remains unsettled, Mitchell, Sears and Darville jumped on the MSC trucking issue and have shifted into full gear. On Monday night Sears and Mitchell were on the news giving their take on the trucking situation.
If one didn't know better, they may have thought that they were watching the national news on ZNS, but in truth, they were watching the Northern Bahamas newscast.
Yes, MP Mitchell and MP Sears were at it again.
It's like they have become the new activists for Grand Bahama. Have they both began their political campaigns early? If so, why have they chosen Grand Bahama to be their stage? Over the past few weeks both politicians have used Grand Bahama as the background to get up on their "soap box" and make their voices heard.
That leaves some Grand Bahamians wondering, if these opposition members(who don't even live in or represent Grand Bahama)have so much to say about issues taking place in Grand Bahama, what are Grand Bahama representatives doing?
Even if the reasons behind opposition members' involvement in Grand Bahama affairs may be questionable, the fact is, they are making their voices heard about the issues and at least have something to say. Where are the Grand Bahama representatives, and why are they so silent? Why are they letting" someone else dig up in their backyard" without saying a word?
Grand Bahama is represented by six members of Parliament, of which three are Cabinet ministers. Why haven't any of these representatives spoken out against Mitchell and Sears'"invasion"of their constituencies?
Is there some political rule both Sears and Mitchell have broken, or is it a free-for-all landscape in which all politicians operate?
MP Fred Mitchell represents Fox Hill and MP Alfred Sears represents Fort Charlotte so why are they in Grand Bahama so frequently these days gaining political mileage? No doubt both men are certainly racking up some serious frequent flyer mileage.
Interestingly enough many Grand Bahamians have been silent on the opposition's move on Grand Bahama. Normally, Grand Bahamians may have made some comments about the frequent presence of these two men and would have demanded answers.
Is the political landscape in Grand Bahama changing, or is it due to the fact that economic hard times are so affecting Grand Bahamians that for this moment in time, they don't care who fights for them or which political party they belong too?
If local representatives choose to remain silent, then it is obvious that at least for now, Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears have a lot to say in Grand Bahama.
9/21/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Monday, June 7, 2010
Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears and Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell both agree that the Government should Legalize Gambling for Bahamians
Mitchell, Sears say govt should legalize gambling
By KRYSTEL ROLLE ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The government ought to find the "courage and conviction" to legalize gambling in the country, according to two opposition MPs, who recently voiced their support for such a move.
Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears and Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell both agree that the Ingraham administration should immediately legalize some form of gambling for Bahamians.
Their announced support of gambling came more than a week after the Cabinet Office announced that the government will not proceed with the legalization of gambling. The government has instead concluded that a referendum should be held after the next general election so Bahamians can have the final say on the divisive issue.
However, Mitchell said he believes something should be done now.
"[Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham] is unable to exercise the courage of his conviction in the area of legalizing gambling in this country," said Mitchell in the House of Assembly during debate on the proposed new budget last Thursday. "I support the change in the law which will legalize gambling to all Bahamians without any discrimination whatsoever and the regulation of the gaming that's presently going on."
He added: "I need go no further than to say that the two religious leaders who last spoke on this issue, both the Roman Catholic and the Anglican, saw no intrinsic moral evil in gambling and so therefore the case against it in my view rests and the government should without delay move to allow Bahamians of adult age to exercise their specific choice of entertainment or investment if that is their desire. I do not gamble."
Sears said instead of opposing gambling, the churches should teach their members discipline.
"I heard the prime minister talking about taking away the concessions from persons under the Industries Encouragement Act (IEA)," Sears said as he made his contribution to the budget debate last week.
The prime minister announced last week that those businesses which have benefited from tax concessions for five years or more would have to pay 10 percent stamp tax duty on imports starting July 1.
Sears added that he would like Ingraham "to be just as biggety and just as bold" with the people affected by the IEA as he is with Atlantis.
"Concessions should be to attract," he said. "But we are still giving [them] away. You are taking [concessions] away from Bahamians, but yet Atlantis is getting $4 million cash and they're getting it to promote casino gambling. So you mean to tell me that my tax money is being given to Atlantis to promote casino gambling? And let me disclose right now that I support [it]. I represent Mr. Craig Flowers and I personally support the legalization of local gaming in The Bahamas."
Flowers was charged in a magistrates court several months ago with allowing his business to be used to conduct a lottery. The case is ongoing.
Sears said Bahamians will continue to gamble, if not in The Bahamas, elsewhere.
"You cannot have Bahamians going to Miami to buy lotto and my tax money is being spent to attract people here to gamble," he continued. "And my cousin and the church members are working in the casino. And the churches are going to Atlantis and asking them to let them have their functions in Atlantis and walking through the casino. Mr. Speaker, we must learn to make the tough decisions about public policy and not pander to special interests. Is it in the interest of The Bahamas?"
Ingraham told The Nassau Guardian recently that investigations had determined that the government could have brought in substantial revenues annually from the legalization of the numbers business.
"Quite candidly, I had hoped that we would have legalized the numbers business," Ingraham said.
"I'd hoped that we would have collected between $30 million and $40 million annually in revenue from the gambling business. Our investigations revealed that that's the kind of revenue we would have gotten as taxes.
"And I was hoping that we would not have to impose taxes on the Bahamian people, at least not to that extent, but that is not to be. So we have to get the money anyhow to provide the services that we have to provide to the population of The Bahamas."
The Cabinet Office statement said the government made the decision not to proceed with the legalization of gambling "after consultation with a wide range of community leaders and other citizens, including leaders of the church."
June 7, 2010
thenassauguardian
By KRYSTEL ROLLE ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The government ought to find the "courage and conviction" to legalize gambling in the country, according to two opposition MPs, who recently voiced their support for such a move.
Fort Charlotte MP Alfred Sears and Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell both agree that the Ingraham administration should immediately legalize some form of gambling for Bahamians.
Their announced support of gambling came more than a week after the Cabinet Office announced that the government will not proceed with the legalization of gambling. The government has instead concluded that a referendum should be held after the next general election so Bahamians can have the final say on the divisive issue.
However, Mitchell said he believes something should be done now.
"[Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham] is unable to exercise the courage of his conviction in the area of legalizing gambling in this country," said Mitchell in the House of Assembly during debate on the proposed new budget last Thursday. "I support the change in the law which will legalize gambling to all Bahamians without any discrimination whatsoever and the regulation of the gaming that's presently going on."
He added: "I need go no further than to say that the two religious leaders who last spoke on this issue, both the Roman Catholic and the Anglican, saw no intrinsic moral evil in gambling and so therefore the case against it in my view rests and the government should without delay move to allow Bahamians of adult age to exercise their specific choice of entertainment or investment if that is their desire. I do not gamble."
Sears said instead of opposing gambling, the churches should teach their members discipline.
"I heard the prime minister talking about taking away the concessions from persons under the Industries Encouragement Act (IEA)," Sears said as he made his contribution to the budget debate last week.
The prime minister announced last week that those businesses which have benefited from tax concessions for five years or more would have to pay 10 percent stamp tax duty on imports starting July 1.
Sears added that he would like Ingraham "to be just as biggety and just as bold" with the people affected by the IEA as he is with Atlantis.
"Concessions should be to attract," he said. "But we are still giving [them] away. You are taking [concessions] away from Bahamians, but yet Atlantis is getting $4 million cash and they're getting it to promote casino gambling. So you mean to tell me that my tax money is being given to Atlantis to promote casino gambling? And let me disclose right now that I support [it]. I represent Mr. Craig Flowers and I personally support the legalization of local gaming in The Bahamas."
Flowers was charged in a magistrates court several months ago with allowing his business to be used to conduct a lottery. The case is ongoing.
Sears said Bahamians will continue to gamble, if not in The Bahamas, elsewhere.
"You cannot have Bahamians going to Miami to buy lotto and my tax money is being spent to attract people here to gamble," he continued. "And my cousin and the church members are working in the casino. And the churches are going to Atlantis and asking them to let them have their functions in Atlantis and walking through the casino. Mr. Speaker, we must learn to make the tough decisions about public policy and not pander to special interests. Is it in the interest of The Bahamas?"
Ingraham told The Nassau Guardian recently that investigations had determined that the government could have brought in substantial revenues annually from the legalization of the numbers business.
"Quite candidly, I had hoped that we would have legalized the numbers business," Ingraham said.
"I'd hoped that we would have collected between $30 million and $40 million annually in revenue from the gambling business. Our investigations revealed that that's the kind of revenue we would have gotten as taxes.
"And I was hoping that we would not have to impose taxes on the Bahamian people, at least not to that extent, but that is not to be. So we have to get the money anyhow to provide the services that we have to provide to the population of The Bahamas."
The Cabinet Office statement said the government made the decision not to proceed with the legalization of gambling "after consultation with a wide range of community leaders and other citizens, including leaders of the church."
June 7, 2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Allyson Maynard-Gibson confirms decision not to run again
Maynard-Gibson confirms decision not to run again
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
IN the wake of Allyson Maynard-Gibson announcing that she will not run again in Pinewood in the next general election, PLP leader Perry Christie says his party is having difficulty "balancing the old with the new" as it moves to pin down its slate of candidates for the election battle.
Senator and former PLP cabinet minister Mrs Maynard-Gibson confirmed yesterday that she has declined a nomination from Mr Christie for the upcoming election, telling The Tribune she would like to give some younger candidates an opportunity to move up the political ladder.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with this newspaper, Mr Christie said the party which he hopes to lead into the next election has been inundated with interest from potential candidates hoping to receive nominations to run under the party's banner.
With an anti-incumbent movement growing throughout the world, PLP leader Perry Christie said that his party is faced with the same challenge as scores of people have been lining up to represent the PLP in seats that already have sitting Members of Parliament.
However, while having six or seven candidates vying for any given constituency, Mr Christie said that the party is having difficulty balancing "the old with the new".
Mrs Maynard-Gibson is the second member of the "old guard" of PLPs who it is suggested will not offer again for the party in the next election. PLP MP for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears is reportedly in consultation with his constituents as to whether or not to offer for re-election for the area.
Nonetheless, Mr Christie told The Tribune he is pleased to see the enthusiasm from younger members of the party.
"There has been a significant increase in young professionals wishing to enter public life on our side. It is really refreshing and bodes well for the future. Our only concern is there is not an equal amount of interest from women seeking to enter politics."
Mrs Gibson, as one of the most prominent female members of the party - and the second in a year to reveal her decision to step down from frontline politics, along with former deputy prime minister Cynthia "Mother" Pratt - says she will now focus on her role as a "mentor" to others outside of politics.
"Over the past five years, in other areas of my life, I have been an advocate for mentorship and I serve as a mentor. I tremendously enjoy this and find it very fulfilling," she said.
She said her determination to allow a younger generation to play a bigger role in the party is in keeping with her father's philosophy "that it is important to step aside to allow room for younger people and to help them prepare and excel at leadership."
"I would like to help the PLP find the right mix of experience and youthful, able enthusiasm that will propel it to victory in the next General Elections," said the former cabinet minister.
Mrs Maynard Gibson was appointed senator for the PLP after running unsuccessfully for the PLP in 2007. She was defeated by the FNM's Byron Woodside, in a result that was ultimately challenged but confirmed in favour of Mr Woodside in an election court challenge.
May 18, 2010
tribune242
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
IN the wake of Allyson Maynard-Gibson announcing that she will not run again in Pinewood in the next general election, PLP leader Perry Christie says his party is having difficulty "balancing the old with the new" as it moves to pin down its slate of candidates for the election battle.
Senator and former PLP cabinet minister Mrs Maynard-Gibson confirmed yesterday that she has declined a nomination from Mr Christie for the upcoming election, telling The Tribune she would like to give some younger candidates an opportunity to move up the political ladder.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with this newspaper, Mr Christie said the party which he hopes to lead into the next election has been inundated with interest from potential candidates hoping to receive nominations to run under the party's banner.
With an anti-incumbent movement growing throughout the world, PLP leader Perry Christie said that his party is faced with the same challenge as scores of people have been lining up to represent the PLP in seats that already have sitting Members of Parliament.
However, while having six or seven candidates vying for any given constituency, Mr Christie said that the party is having difficulty balancing "the old with the new".
Mrs Maynard-Gibson is the second member of the "old guard" of PLPs who it is suggested will not offer again for the party in the next election. PLP MP for Fort Charlotte Alfred Sears is reportedly in consultation with his constituents as to whether or not to offer for re-election for the area.
Nonetheless, Mr Christie told The Tribune he is pleased to see the enthusiasm from younger members of the party.
"There has been a significant increase in young professionals wishing to enter public life on our side. It is really refreshing and bodes well for the future. Our only concern is there is not an equal amount of interest from women seeking to enter politics."
Mrs Gibson, as one of the most prominent female members of the party - and the second in a year to reveal her decision to step down from frontline politics, along with former deputy prime minister Cynthia "Mother" Pratt - says she will now focus on her role as a "mentor" to others outside of politics.
"Over the past five years, in other areas of my life, I have been an advocate for mentorship and I serve as a mentor. I tremendously enjoy this and find it very fulfilling," she said.
She said her determination to allow a younger generation to play a bigger role in the party is in keeping with her father's philosophy "that it is important to step aside to allow room for younger people and to help them prepare and excel at leadership."
"I would like to help the PLP find the right mix of experience and youthful, able enthusiasm that will propel it to victory in the next General Elections," said the former cabinet minister.
Mrs Maynard Gibson was appointed senator for the PLP after running unsuccessfully for the PLP in 2007. She was defeated by the FNM's Byron Woodside, in a result that was ultimately challenged but confirmed in favour of Mr Woodside in an election court challenge.
May 18, 2010
tribune242
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Rape Charges Dropped Against Bahamian Cabinet Minister, Bradley Roberts
Rape Charges Dropped
By Candia Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas
12th January, 2005
Attorney General Alfred Sears announced last night that the woman who claimed Minister Bradley Roberts raped her dropped the charge against him bringing an end to the matter that has generated much public concern over the last two weeks.
A statement from the AG said that the woman showed up at the Office of the Attorney General accompanied by her lawyer, Anthony McKinney.
"Mr. McKinney indicated that he had recently been retained by the virtual complainant in respect of this matter", the statement said. "The virtual complainant presented the officials in the Office of the Attorney General with a letter withdrawing her complaint in clear and unequivocal terms".
According to the AG, her letter said, "My decision to withdraw my allegation is not based or due to any payment made to me or any offer to pay me in the future. My decision is made of my own free will without any pressure, duress or undue influence".
The statement said that the woman was interviewed by the director, and the deputy director of public prosecutions - who were both, satisfied that she was making a voluntary withdrawal of the allegation of rape against Minister Roberts.
"I have considered the file, the recommendation of the Commissioner of Police, the advice of my senior officials and the letter of withdrawal from the virtual complainant and I have decided, in the total circumstances, not to institute criminal proceedings against Mr. Roberts in respect of this matter".
The surprise announcement came amid a growing call for the minister's resignation and mounting criticisms against the police and the prime minister for the handling of the matter.
Earlier yesterday, the Free National Movement released a statement claiming that justice was "under assault by a rash, unfair PLP". It's a claim that PLP and government officials have vehemently denied, dismissing the FNM's comments on the matter as an attempt to gain political mileage from the situation.
Minister Roberts, who had maintained his innocence all along, was not available for comment on the revelation last night.
Only days ago, the woman's initial attorney, Wallace Rolle, indicated that she was looking forward to her day in court.
Last night, he said he was "shocked" when he listened to the news.
"I spoke with my client very early this morning", Mr. Rolle said. "I hadn't spoken to her since then. I believe that the pressure that had been put on her caused her to succumb. This is a sad day for me, not the fact that she had gotten another attorney, but it is sad for justice.
She got something like 100 calls a day from different people in the community asking her to withdraw the complaint. I am surprised by the level we have sunk in society".
Friday, January 7, 2005
The Bahamas Police have Cleared PLP Cabinet Minister- Bradley Roberts in relation to the rape claim made against him on December 5, 2004
Police Clear Roberts
By Candia Dames
Nassau, Bahamas
7th January, 2005
Attorney General Alfred Sears confirmed on Thursday that police have recommended that Minister of Works and Utilities Bradley Roberts not be charged in relation to the rape claim made against him on December 5.
"On Tuesday I received a recommendation from the Commissioner of Police that based on their collection of evidence and their assessment of the evidence in all of the circumstances that Mr. Roberts should not be charged", the attorney general said.
He continued, "Upon receipt of the evidence and the recommendation from the commissioner of police [the director of public prosecutions and the deputy director of public prosecutions] are reviewing the evidence along with the recommendation of the commissioner. In due course they will make a recommendation to me whether the recommendation of the commissioner will be confirmed or otherwise".
Minister Sears, who spoke with reporters during an event at the College of The Bahamas, was also asked whether he could remain impartial in this matter.
He said, "As attorney general I have a constitutional obligation. The constitution guarantees me independence as attorney general and I begin with the very simple proposition that no person is above the law - and that guided by the technical experts in the Office of the Attorney General, we will review the evidence in a dispassionate manner and in light of all of the circumstances a decision will be made".
If no charge is brought against the Minister, the attorney of the alleged victim plans to file an affidavit, asking a magistrate to hear the case in any event.
But Wallace Rolle told the Bahama Journal on Thursday that he is prepared to wait a few days to allow officials in the AG's Office to carry out their review.
He said he was disappointed to learn of the attorney general's confirmation.
"Certainly that won't deter my client and that won't deter me", he said. "I still believe that if the professionals in the AG's Office who would have an opportunity to look at the file don't want to press charges, we still have the option of going by way of private prosecution".
Sources in government also indicated that the Prime Minister was doing "the best thing" by also taking a wait and see attitude - and would only be prepared to ask Minister Roberts to step down if he is charged in connection with the matter.
The public debate surrounding the matter, meanwhile, continued to swirl on Thursday.
In grocery stores, in the halls of workplaces (perhaps even around the water coolers), on the streets, and on radio Love 97's "Issues of The Day" with Jeff Lloyd, the talk remained on the allegation and whether the Minister should step down.
The views, as one would imagine, were varied with some callers suggesting that an allegation is not enough for the Minister to resign; and others insisting that his resignation would be in order.
Not surprisingly, it was the same view expressed by the Free National Movement in a new statement.
The Official Opposition, in a release separate from what had been issued on Wednesday by the FNM Action Group, said the Bahamian people will not be well served having a minister who is unable to give fully of his time and good judgment to the affairs of the state.
"If it should run its course we have no doubt that Mr. Roberts will receive a fair trial in our courts and his accuser a fair hearing", said the statement, which was sent by party chairman, Carl Bethel.
"Until the process is concluded, we make no judgment about his guilt or innocence and we urge the Bahamian people to do likewise".
He made it clear that it is not the party's belief that a Minister of Government should vacate his office because any frivolous allegation is made against him.
"However, in the present case the allegation against Mr. Roberts is by no means frivolous", the statement said. "Neither does it appear that it has been frivolously made".
He also said a "rotten" example is being set by authorities in this case.
"Whatever procedure you use for Jack, you must use for Jill", said Mr. Bethel, who was apparently unconvinced by the assurance given a day earlier by the police commissioner that the case in question was treated the way any similar matter is treated.
Speaking to the Bahama Journal on Thursday, Mr. Bethel, a former attorney general, said he was very surprised that the matter has been forwarded to the Attorney General's Office.
"The discretion to bring a prosecution has traditionally been given over to the commissioner of police for many, many years", he said. "So I'm surprised that the commissioner of police would have forwarded a file like this under these circumstances to the Attorney General's Office".
But Commissioner Farquharson has stressed that forwarding the file to the AG's Office was nothing unusual and he assured on Wednesday that there is only one standard of law in The Bahamas despite the perception that some people may have.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Dr. Rodney Smith Controversy at The College of The Bahamas - COB
The controversy surrounding the new College of The Bahamas president, Dr. Rodney Smith was sparked by the Action Group of the Free National Movement - FNM
College Of The Bahamas Controversy Creates Setbacks
Nassau, The Bahamas
30/08/2004
The controversy surrounding the new College of The Bahamas president that was sparked by the Action Group of the Free National Movement is already having a negative impact on some of the institution’s plans, COB Council Chairman Franklyn Wilson admitted Sunday.
Mr. Wilson appeared as a guest on the radio Love 97 programme “Jones and Company”, where he took the opportunity to defend Dr. Rodney Smith and detail some of the plans for the college moving forward.
The Council Chairman also appealed to Bahamians not to politicize the College of The Bahamas. That appeal was triggered by statements from the FNM group, which Mr. Wilson labeled “despicable.”
In its most recent statement on the matter, the Action Group called for the resignation of Dr. Smith.
The pressure group questioned Mr. Wilson as to the reason why Dr. Rodney Smith reportedly changed his to name to Dr. David Smith when he sought employment in Freeport.
He, Chairman of the Council of the College of Bahamas Mr. Franklyn Wilson- needs to state unequivocally who is taking over the college: Is it Dr. Rodney, once employed by the Ministry of Education, or is it Dr. David Smith, who was "briefly" employed by Sunland Lutheran School, Freeport,” the statement read.
It continued, “It is the view of the Action Group that the issue of values involving Dr. Smith speaks to the future of the College of The Bahamas, and ought to have been given the highest priority among policymakers.”
But Mr. Wilson said it is “very, very tragic” that the FNM has seen fit to make such accusations.
“The College of The Bahamas is too important to our national development to complicate it in this way,” he said. “I make that appeal for good reason.
“Before this controversy arose, I had been in personal contact with certain Bahamians who one, happened to be wealthy and two, happened to be known supporters of the opposition party. They had seen the same résumé that you saw…and they were ecstatic. Based on that, I had received certain assurances as to certain financial support for the institution.
“After this controversy arose, they came back to me and said ‘Mr. Wilson let us hold off for the time being.’ So this action has had that type of adverse consequence. It’s not every day that someone who has served as president of a reputable college in America leaves that environment to go back to their home country (a developing country) to lead that country’s primary tertiary institution.”
Mr. Wilson also said the controversy is risking the possibility of COB getting invaluable exposure through newspapers and magazines that write specifically about tertiary level institutions.
“We feel very fortunate to have Dr. Smith,” he said. “The council engaged in a wide ranging review…we did so with remarkable transparency and aggressiveness.”
The show’s host, Wendall Jones, asked whether officials had found anything questionable in Dr. Smith’s records with the Ministry of Education given that the Action Group made the charges it made.
“I’m sure you must have had an opportunity to find out from the Ministry of Education what that possibly is,” Mr. Jones said.
Mr. Wilson responded, “The Minister has said that there is nothing in the Ministry of Education files that cause him to have second thoughts about having ratified and approved the appointment of the Council.
“The only thing in the Ministry of Education files that create any controversy in this context has absolutely nothing to do with what was implied by the Action Group.
Mr. Jones also asked about a case involving Ramapo College in New Jersey that named Dr. Smith as a defendant.
“The fact of the matter is if one wants to sue the Government of The Bahamas you don’t prepare any writ saying you’re suing the Government of The Bahamas, you sue the Attorney General, “ Mr. Wilson pointed out. “Dr. Rodney Smith was named in this action because someone was suing Ramapo College and the particular case involved a matter that was before the college, before his presidency.”
Mr. Wilson also revealed that Minister of Education Alfred Sears asked the Council to make certain inquiries after he was informed by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham that certain concerns were being raised about Dr. Smith’s history.
“He thought he would bring this to the attention of the Minister and encourage the Minister to ask the Council to investigate this line of inquiry,” he said. “Now, why do I disclose this at this time? I disclose it because it shows…what is the right way to act on certain matters. I salute Mr. Ingraham for the way he dealt with that.”
Responding to Mr. Jones’ comments that COB’s Council provided a very lucrative package for the new president in attracting him to the institution, Mr. Wilson said Dr. Smith took a salary cut in accepting the top position at COB.
He also pointed to the importance of the residence that has been secured for the president.
“I know no credible world class university that does not provide a residence for its president,” Mr. Wilson said. “It’s like having a governor general with no state house.”
Asked whether COB can afford the Eastern Road residence it is renting from BISX Chairman Ian Fair, as well as the rest of the package Dr. Smith is receiving, Mr. Wilson said, “We cannot afford to do otherwise, it is too important. The College of The Bahamas must be at the centre of the whole development of this country moving forward.
“We have to be about building a whole country, about inspiring a whole people. That requires leadership. That requires the College of The Bahamas doing it right, so we can not afford not to do it the right way.”
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