As Labor Flexes its Muscles

The Bahama Journal Editorial


Today by way of this commentary, we wish to put in clearer perspective what we perceive as the political import of what seems to be an increased degree of restiveness on the part of so very many public sector workers.

On occasion, their main gripe seems to concern money. At other times, workers and their representatives seem to be preoccupied with matters germane to respect.

But no matter the reason or the season, the fact remains that, politicians always pay some kind of price whenever public sector workers become roiled and riled to that point where they say that, they are sick and tired of things as they are.

This is so because, unlike their counter-parts in the private sector, ministers cannot ignore the fact that when they step forward to bargain with workers, there is always some political element somewhere in the details.

That is why it is always so very instructive to understand the import of some of history's lessons.

We make this reference to the importance of history as we reflect on what is currently taking place on the industrial scene.

In a sense, what we are currently witness is a kind of macabre footnote to some of the demonstrations that took place in the late 90’s as the then governing Free National Movement faced the ire of a powerful cadre of workers.

It is to be noted that, today’s emerging labor situation seems eerily reminiscent of the situation and circumstances that existed in 1999, when the Free National Movement and its leadership found themselves challenged and openly disrespected by angry workers.

And so, with general elections on the horizon, it is anybody’s guess as to how things will pan out for either the governing Free National Movement or its political nemeses in the guise of the Progressive Liberal Party.

And for sure, even as we focus on the two major parties, we are acutely aware of the fact that, there are other forces – some of them allegedly and reputedly with deep pockets – who might yet have a decisively important impact on how things turn out.

In addition, there are other forces that seem poised to have some effect on the outcome of those contests whenever they take place. Here we reference, the role that might yet be played by workers in their guise as voters; and [yet again] as we have previously suggested, we have a background context where, for want of a more comprehensive understanding of what national development should be about; the Bahamian people and their leaders now wallow in a mire of despond.

And as they wallow, we have a situation on the ground where the hard men and women with guns in hand and murder in their hearts, are doing their thing.

We also know it for a fact that, history itself teaches that, workers can seat or unseat those in power.

Here we are quite certain that the power in this truism is not lost on either the governing Progressive Liberal Party or on its nemeses on the opposition side of the political street in The Bahamas.

As such, it should come as no surprise to any one that Bahamian workers are restive at this precise moment. This is surely due -in part at least- to the fact that workers are voters.

Evidently, too, with Christmas on its way; with a national economy that is in a parlous state; with utility bills as high as ever and with money as scarce as hen’s teeth; some of this nation’s workers are today as mad as hell.

Evidently, there is no telling how things will turn out for those who are governing and for those men and women who wish to take hold of the reins of power.

While general elections are still some ways off, the fact remains that workers know that – when the chips are down- they have a tremendous amount of power at their command.

Here we would advise all who would hear and all who would know that, they had better listen to the voice of the worker.

And while, we advise that those who lead and those who would lead should listen to the cries of the people; this is not to say that we are demanding anyone to yield to this or that insistent demand.

At the minimum, therefore, those who would take one position as opposed to another should explain themselves to the people.

Once this tack is taken, they can then let the chips fall where they may.
In the ultimate analysis, then, what makes this situation so very important is the fact that workers are voters. This means that whenever they wish, they can bring a government to grief and despair.

December 9th. 2010

The Bahama Journal Editorial

Bahamas Blog International

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

Bahamas Blog International