Hubert Minnis is A Persona Non Grata in Bahamian Politics

Analysis: Hubert Minnis Has Fallen on His Own Sword

Hubert Minnis Final Act of Political Folly

By THE GATE KEEPER

Nassau, The Bahamas

Hubert Minnis has fallen on his own sword, a stark and brutal end to a political journey marked by both triumph and turbulence. In a recent leadership vote within the Free National Movement (FNM), Minnis suffered not just a defeat but a resounding rejection, receiving a mere 163 votes against Michael Pintard’s commanding 486.

This outcome raises a fundamental question: why would Minnis, once decisively rejected by the electorate in 2021, willingly submit himself to such public and profound humiliation? The answer may lie in a tragic blend of political hubris and strategic miscalculation.

This debacle is not merely a reflection of a leader out of step with his party; it is an emblem of a political career that has veered into the realm of self-sabotage. Minnis’s attempt to reclaim authority within the FNM was less a battle for leadership and more a misjudged skirmish that ended in his complete and utter capitulation.

His decision to run in the face of such obvious party sentiment was less an act of courage and more a misfire of epic proportions, illustrating a profound disconnect from the political realities of his diminished stature.

By thrusting himself into this leadership contest, Minnis has not only obliterated his political influence but has also inadvertently amplified Pintard’s stature, cementing his role as the party’s new cornerstone. Each vote for Pintard echoed as a resounding repudiation of Minnis, effectively banishing him from the political arena he once dominated.

The implications of this political suicide are far-reaching. Minnis’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of clinging to power beyond one’s expiry date.

It underscores a bitter truth in politics: that the refusal to recognize one’s waning influence can lead to ruinous consequences, transforming leaders into relics of their former selves.

In the aftermath of this debacle, the FNM finds itself at a crossroads, now rallying behind Pintard’s vision of renewal and distancing itself from the Minnis era—a period that will likely be remembered more for its ignominious end than its achievements. As for Minnis, his legacy will be marred by this final act of political folly, a sad denouement for a figure who once held the nation’s highest office.

This stark transformation within the FNM should serve as a critical warning to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP): stay alert and take nothing for granted, as political landscapes can shift dramatically and unexpectedly.

As this chapter closes on Minnis’s career, the lesson is clear: political power is as much about knowing when to hold on as it is about knowing when to let go. Unfortunately for Minnis, his grasp extended far beyond his reach, leaving him not just defeated but disgraced.

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Sidney Stubbs can Only Hold On to His Holy Cross seat in the House of Assembly as long as He has An Appeal outstanding in His Bankruptcy Matter

Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall indicated that if there is an appeal before the Privy Council, Mr. Sidney Stubbs needs to pursue that before he can ask the Supreme Court to annul the bankruptcy order issued against him in March

Stubbs Appeal In Doubt

 

 

 

By Candia Dames

Nassau, The Bahamas

29th November 2004

 

 

Nearly one week after Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall adjourned the Sidney Stubbs bankruptcy matter, officials of the Progressive Liberal Party say they have still not been able to confirm whether the Holy Cross Member of Parliament has an appeal before the Privy Council.

His attorneys could not say last Tuesday whether there was in fact an appeal and have not yet given an indication that there is one.

While the legal team filed a notice to appeal to the Privy Council in September, it still remains unclear whether it moved ahead with that intent.

A PLP official told the Bahama Journal that the uncertainty surrounding the alleged appeal is creating frustrations for the party, which is seeking to speed up the legal matter.

When he adjourned the case last week, Sir Burton indicated that if there is an appeal before the Privy Council, Mr. Stubbs needs to pursue that before he can ask the Supreme Court to annul the bankruptcy order issued against him in March.

When asked on Sunday whether he has an appeal before the Privy Council, Mr. Stubbs told the Bahama Journal that he does not speak to the press and any statement in this regard would have to come from his attorneys.

Up to last week, attorney Wayne Munroe, who represents Mr. Stubbs’s former creditor, said he had received no notice from the MP’s counsel that an appeal was indeed active.

The hierarchy of the PLP is reportedly concerned that the matter may be dragging on too long and was considering whether to indicate to Mr. Stubbs formally that the party needed to start preparing for the eventuality of a bye-election.

Mr. Stubbs can only hold on to his seat in the House of Assembly as long as he has an appeal outstanding in his bankruptcy matter.

It could be why he and his legal team are for now keeping quiet on whether they actually have an appeal active.

In September, the House of Assembly approved a resolution granting him an additional six months to pursue an appeal.

Last Tuesday, Sir Burton made it clear to the court that there was no appeal presently before him as it relates to Mr. Stubbs’s bankruptcy matter.

The Free National Movement has insisted that the Holy Cross-seat became vacant the moment Supreme Court Justice Jeannie Thompson declared the MP bankrupt in March.

When contacted on Sunday, the FNM’s candidate for Holy Cross Carl Bethel told the Bahama Journal that he wanted to steer clear of making too many public comments at this time on the matter which is still before the courts.

But he reiterated the position of his party as it relates to the latest debacle involving Mr. Stubbs.

“The government really has to decide whether they are going to honour and uphold the constitution or whether they’re going to play politics with it,” said Mr. Bethel, who is also the party’s chairman.

“They know that Sidney Stubbs has no appeal to the Privy Council.  His seat is vacant under the constitution and it is really an abuse of the constitution…the fact of the matter is if there is an appeal, the other side ought to have received concrete evidence of such a thing.”

Raynard Rigby, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman says Embattled Holy Cross Member of Parliament - Sidney Stubbs still has The Party Support

Raynard Rigby added that talk of a possible bye-election is premature, because Mr. Stubbs has not yet exhausted the time provided under the constitution for him to have his bankruptcy order discharged 

Chairman Says PLP Fully Behind Stubbs

 

 

By Candia Dames

Nassau, The Bahamas

22/07/2004

 

 

 

 

Despite his legal troubles, Holy Cross Member of Parliament Sidney Stubbs still has the full support of the Progressive Liberal Party, PLP Chairman Raynard Rigby said Wednesday.

“Mr. Stubbs lodged his appeal, the matter is still before the courts and so he is still entitled to due process under the constitution,” Mr. Rigby said.

He added that talk of a possible bye-election is premature because Mr. Stubbs has not yet exhausted the time provided under the constitution for him to have his bankruptcy order discharged.

Although Mr. Stubbs has said he has repaid the debt that led to Supreme Court Justice Jeannie Thompson declaring him bankrupt nearly four months ago, he still has to have the order reversed before he can participate in proceedings of the House of Assembly.

His time would expire around the same time that the House comes off its summer recess in late September.

“Our support is in line with the protection given to him under the constitution,” Mr. Rigby told the Bahama Journal.

“I’ve spoken with his attorneys and I have been advised that he still has a number of options available to him, and they are exploring those options with a view to bringing the matter to an end.

“If they are successful in their options then obviously there would not be a bye-election in Holy Cross.”

However, Mr. Rigby said earlier in the week that should a bye-election be called, his party would undoubtedly be victorious.

But Free National Movement supporters say this would be unlikely.

“Having been lost or hiding himself from the many embarrassing moments of his embattled colleague and party, Mr. Rigby appears to have lost touch with reality as to what is going on in New Providence and The Bahamas at this time,” read a statement from the Action Group of The FNM issued Tuesday.

“In its current state of unacceptability, the PLP would be hard-pressed to win a seat in a bye-election or any kind of election in New Providence or elsewhere in The Bahamas.”

Sources within the PLP, meanwhile, have told the Journal that thought is already being given to who the PLP would run should a bye-election be called, with some speculating whether this would be an ideal time for CDR leader Dr. Bernard Nottage to accept what amounted to an invitation from Prime Minister Perry Christie for him to rejoin the PLP.

Last week, Mr. Christie told the Journal, “Everyone knows that I have a great deal of personal affection and a great deal of political admiration for Dr. Nottage, and most certainly look forward to the time when a process can be engaged in - if that is the wish of Dr Nottage - towards his becoming a full fledged member again of the Progressive Liberal Party.  I believe that is where he ought to be.”

For now, PLP officials are saying on the record that they are hopeful that Mr. Stubbs would once again take his place on the backbench when Members of Parliament return from their summer recess in September.

Senator Edison Key Resigns From the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)

"I'm just looking for a bright future," says Edison Key

War In PLP - Key Leaves Party

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

24/02/2004

Claiming that forces within the party have launched an all out war to decapitate him politically, former Senator Edison Key has resigned from the PLP.

"I see this situation getting worse each day and I figured maybe this is the time to just give it all [up] if that's what they want," Mr. Key said in an exclusive interview with the Bahama Journal Monday.  "I was in my bed and this came to me that maybe I should just relinquish my ties with the PLP for the time being."

He added, "Let them do what they want to do, maybe they're better off without me."

Mr. Key's change of heart comes exactly one week after the Journal revealed in an exclusive report that he had resigned from the upper chamber on January 10.

Last Monday, when asked by the Journal if he intended to resign from the party, Mr. Key said, "I've been a part of the PLP from 1970.  I've been through all the struggles and trials and tribulations.  I ran here in Abaco when you [would have been considered] an outcast to even identify with the PLP, especially a white man in an all white area."

He said then that he would not leave the party.

But he said Monday that things have changed since last week and that some members of the party have lined up to throw daggers at him.

Mr. Key said in a letter to PLP National Chairman Raynard Rigby that, "This decision has come about due to the unfortunate chain of events that have occurred over the past 20 months culminating in my resignation as Senator in the new Progressive Liberal Party Government, effective January 10, 2004.  Kindly convey my very best wishes to all Stalwart Councilors when next council convenes."

Mr. Rigby said in a release to the press last night that, "As is the custom, the letter will be forwarded to the National General Council of the party and to the leadership council."

He added, "It is with regret that we have received Senator Key's resignation.  It is most unfortunate.  The party will continue its work in Abaco and the rest of The Bahamas."

Mr. Key reiterated to the Journal Monday, "It creates deep pain, it goes right to the soul and that's what I've felt for the last year and ten months under this administration.  I really feel sorry for them because it seems that they have no direction and no director.

"Maybe that's saying it pretty harsh, but I think it's time for the people of The Bahamas to wake up and get a government that will give The Bahamas back to the people.  It's now become a government that's become almost a dictatorial system and it's time for a change"

But he insisted that now was not the time to reveal the contents of his letter of resignation from the Senate, a copy of which he said has been sent to Senate President Sharon Wilson.

Last Thursday, Mr. Key told the Journal that his meeting with the prime minister "went well" and that he had a "frank" discussion with the nation's leader.

He said, though, that he feels that he no longer belongs as a member of the party so he has opted to pull out.  But he said he was not prepared to align himself with any opposition party because the Free National Movement, in particular, is also facing a leadership crisis.

"I'm just looking for a bright future," said Mr. Key, who was in Nassau on Monday.

When asked whether he thought there was a viable alternative to the PLP, the former Senator said, "If there were a strong opposition, the PLP [would be] in trouble.  But even the opposition needs [to get] it together.

"You see, I know how to fight the opposition, but I never had any ammunition to fight the PLP.  I have no bullets that can penetrate the PLP.  It's like shooting one of your own family.  You don't do that.  I'm talking in a political sense now."

The Journal also asked Mr. Key what it will take for him to rejoin the PLP. 

He said, "Hope and help - and help and hope that really means it, [a leader who] says what [he] means and means what [he] says.

"Good leadership."

Asked if he may consider joining an opposition party in the future?  He said, "You never know.  The king dies, a new king comes up."

Mr. Key also said he was hurt by a column that was published Sunday on bahamasuncensored.com, a website that is the offspring of fredmitchelluncensored.com, which says its views do not represent the views of Minister Fred Mitchell, his Ministry or the Government of The Bahamas.

The column states, "The PLP, like most other parties, has its hardliners.  There is a herd instinct.  And so not withstanding the fact of all the history that has gone on before, the immediate reaction of too many was to denounce him, to remind him of his race, and to tell him as impolitely as possible go about his business.

"Then there are those who have impugned his motives by saying that the real reasons are economic and the fact that certain personal benefits did not come to him.  But all politics is about personal benefit of one kind or another.  Another set urged the PLP to cut Mr. Key off at the knees, decapitate him politically if it could be done.

Edison Key Says That He Would Not Rescind His Letter of Resignation from The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)

There is no way in the world that I can go back on my decision of my resignation from the Progressive Liberal Party - PLP; and therefore it is final, says Edison Key 

Edison Key: "It is finished."

Key Shakes Up PLP

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

20/02/2004

Former Progressive Liberal Party Senator Edison Key revealed to the Bahama Journal last night that two government ministers asked him to rescind his letter of resignation, but he said there is no way on earth that will ever happen.

Mr. Key also said that he hopes that his resignation sent a strong message to the party that it needed to get its act together.

"I hope it will be a wake up call for the leadership in the party," he said.  "And I hope that it will only cause the support out there to grow stronger and [create] unity within the rank and file of the party."

He said he met with Works and Utilities Minister Bradley Roberts, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell and the Member of Parliament for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador Philip "Brave" Davis, Wednesday night who asked him to think twice about the decision he had made.

Mr. Key said these men are people whom he respects highly, but he said after a "frank talk we came to the final conclusion that my decision is final."

"Progressive Liberal Party and, therefore, we agreed that I need to submit an official resignation to the president of the Senate, which I will do very shortly and it will be official," he said. "In the meantime, I guess you could call me Senator."

 

Mr. Key spoke to the Journal about a meeting he had with Prime Minister Perry Christie in Nassau Thursday morning at which time he said he personally delivered a copy of his letter of resignation, which he was considering making public to the media.  He said he presented the letter in front of three Cabinet Ministers.

Mr. Key added he was "a little bit angry" that the prime minister did not get the original letter more than a month ago.

Mr. Key also said his letter outlined the manner in which he was treated since becoming a Senator under the re-incarnated PLP government.

He said he made it clear to Mr. Christie that he respected the office of Prime Minister, even though he criticized the country's leader earlier this week for lack of direction and poor leadership.

"The office of Prime Minister to me is an office that I respect next to the office of God," Mr. Key said.  "I am a Bahamian citizen.  I have nowhere to go and if we can't respect the person who holds the office, that's one thing, but the office of Prime Minister should be there to protect every single Bahamian for justice and right.

"I hope that prime ministers now and in the future will recognize the important role that they have to play as the leader of our country."

He said his meeting with the prime minister went "very well."

But he said, "I told him how I had tremendous hopes during the campaign and up until a few months after the election.  I told him how disappointed and hurt I am about the way I have been treated.  I told him this thing goes deep to my soul and there is no way in the world that I can go back on my decision of my resignation and therefore it is final.

"It is finished."

Mr. Key said he and the prime minister "parted on a very good note."

When asked if he thought his resignation hurt the party, he said, "I certainly hope not."

"I never had any intension to hurt the party.  That is not my intension.  I hope that it will only make them stronger and bring the people together in one accord and not divide it like it is today because it looks like we are becoming further and further apart."

Mr. Key added, "The decision I made was for Edison Key.  Other people will decide what they want to do."

"I've given 30-something years to this party and I'm still very much alive," he said.

Mr. Key added that he did not feel that he needed to attend a PLP council meeting held Thursday night because he didn't think Members of Parliament and party officers would speak freely if he were present. 

Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Senator, Edison Key Resignation from The Senate

Edison Key on Perry Christie and his poor leadership and lack of direction

PLP Senator Resigns

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

17/02/2004

Slamming the government of Prime Minister Perry Christie for what he called poor leadership and lack of direction, Progressive Liberal Party Senator Edison Key has resigned from the upper chamber.

"I've had it up to my eyeballs," Mr. Key said in an exclusive interview with the Bahama Journal Monday.

He said his letter of resignation - dated January 10 - was hand delivered to the prime minister's office, but he said he has not received any kind of reaction from Mr. Christie.

"I had hoped that Mr. Christie would have printed my resignation in full to the media so that the Bahamian people could see exactly why I resigned," Mr. Key said.

But Prime Minister Perry Christie told the Journal Monday evening that Mr. Key was revealing something to the Journal that he (Mr. Christie) was not aware of.

"I am not in receipt of a resignation from Mr. Key," the prime minister said.  "I have not seen it and I have asked my office to put a trace on it.  He has not telephoned me.  Anyone who has given as much to the PLP as Edison Key has should not demit public office in this way.  He has been a warrior.  He has the greatest admiration from me.  I am surprised that he has chosen to do it this way."

Mr. Key said that he has only been invited to one parliamentary meeting since May 2002.

"I don't feel like I need to waste any more of my life mixed up with this crew here," he said.  "I wish them well but I think they're in for a rude awakening at the end of the journey."

Although Mr. Key said he resigned five weeks ago, there has been no announcement from the government to this effect.

"I am very disappointed in the government and the leadership," Mr. Key said.  "I really serve no purpose in this new government."

But he was quick to add that he planned to remain a member of the PLP.

"I've been a part of the PLP from 1970," Mr. Key reminded.  "I've been through all the struggles and trials and tribulations.  I ran here in Abaco when you [would have been considered] an outcast to even identify with the PLP, especially a white man in an all white area."

When asked how he would characterize the performance of the Christie government since it came to power in May 2002, the former senator said, "On a scale of one to 10?  Maybe a three."

He said he was shocked that the prime minister has kept secret his resignation.  Members of the Senate reportedly did not know up to Monday that Mr. Key was no longer a senator.

"If you notice, it's all about Christie," he charged.  "I wish him well.  I don't want to say too much bad about him."

He added, "I'm surprised that the prime minister hasn't called me.  He hasn't responded to it.  I haven't gotten anything in writing from him.  I'm very disappointed and I just wish them well, but I have had it up to my neck bone."

Mr. Key said he did not feel valued as a senator.

"I've turned in dozens of applications and recommendations and not one of them has been acknowledged in over a year and a half," he said.  "There is no use me wasting my time...I'm not 16 anymore and there is no use me being a part of something that I'm on the outside of and I don't know what's going on. I'm a senator."

He also spoke to what he indicated was the uselessness of the senate.

"The senate has only met several times since the new government [came to office]," he said.  "It's a waste of money for the senators not to be a part of the overall decision making in the country.

"The government only expects when they send bills up there [for senators] to support whatever they send.  It's a rubber stamp and it needs to be considered whether the senate needs to stay in its present form or senators be elected so that they can speak their minds and say what they want to say."

Mr. Key served as a senator in the former PLP government from 1977 to 1982 and 1987 to 1992.  He also served as a Member of Parliament from 1982 to 1987 and 1992 to 1997. Mr. Key also served as chairman of the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation from 1985 to 1992.

National Politician Performance Awards (NAPPY) Bahamas

The 2003 Bahamas National Politician Performance (NAPPY) Awards 

The awards season is upon us and as we await the GRAMMYS, OSCARS etc.  Let's not forget the NAPPY awards

> > The Jerry Roker award goes to Fred Mitchell award - because ya can't find him in town.

> > The Stealth Award goes to Frank Smith, Kenyatta Gibson and Neville Adderley.  Like the stealth airplanes you know they are out there somewhere but they never show up on any radar.

> > The "Which way is up?" Award goes to Neville Wisdom, who when he found himself in a hole chose to get a bigger shovel rather than stop digging.

> > The "Stop peeing on me and telling me it's raining "Award goes to the PLP government from the Bahamian people who now all realize that they should not have believed the 2002 campaign promise to, "just put the head in."

> > The "Mort Goldstein Excellence in Business" Award goes to Frankie Wilson who continues to amass a fortune by proving the old adage "in a gold rush, it's not usually the miners who get rich - it's the guy selling the maps, picks and shovels."

> > The Milton Bradley Award goes to Sidney Stubbs.  Not only does he still owes $52,000 for the trip to China. But, also has the gall to continue to claim innocence in the Korean fishing boats scandal in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.  Not to mention abusing credit cards, vehicles hotel rooms etc.  So many games - so little time.

> > The Dragon Award goes to Raynard Rigby who puts out so much useless hot air he must be a fire breather.

> > The Janus Award goes to all those who professed to hate foreigners during the last campaign as opposition yet now actively begging, pursuing and praising foreign investors.  Making concessions, kissing Azzes etc.

> > (P.S. If you don't know, take the time to look up who was Janus).

> > The 'Check is in the mail' Award goes to Leslie Miller.  How can someone who makes so much continue to owe so many?  Pray that he never becomes Minister of Finance.  Did anyone bother to do a credit check beforehand?

> > The GQ/Photogenic Award goes to Ron Pinder for consistently being the best dressed, (and best smelling) MP - male or female.  Mr. Pinder has never met a camera he did n't like.  There were reports that Mr. Pinder once turned down the chance for a photo op.  But, that turned out to be false FNM propaganda.

> > The "Hooked on phonics" Award goes to Bradley Roberts who the remarkable ability to get things done... if only he could get through a speech and make it sound like his own.

> > The "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" Award goes to Vincent Peete and V.Alfred Gray who stood by while the Korean boat deal went down.  They claim no foreknowledge yet approval was given by each of their ministries.

> > The "Da Nile is not just a river in Egypt." Award goes to Perry Christie for the immortal quote "What sissies? ain't no sissies in my Government."  Runner-up Sidney Stubbs for the quote, "The Prime Minister never asked me resign."

> > The "Sherlock Holmes Get a clue" - Award goes to Glennis Hanna-Martin - who despite being very smart and having of what is considered the 'easiest ministry' along with an extremely competent permanent secretary at her disposal does not appear to have a clue.

> > The "Poor Taste" Award is a tie between DPM Cynthia Pratt and Kenneth Russell - who both tried to get political points of the Grand Bahama child murders.

> > The "Harry Houdini Great Escape" Award goes to Sidney Stubbs for avoiding prosecution in the Korean Boat deal.  Even though Minister Gray stated that laws had been broken and false documents filed.

> > The "Now you see him now you don't" Award goes to Dion Foulkes who disappeared off the scene faster than black man who stumbled on a KKK rally.

> > The "I've got friends in low places" Award goes to Phillip 'Brave' Davis for showing that not only does crime pay, but it pays very well... if you have the right clients.

> > The "Johnny Cochrane" Award goes to Michael Barnett who has represented Sir Lynden, Hubert Ingraham and now Perry Christie.  Someone needs to suggest him for QC or PC.

> > [Side note: In all recorded history, there has never been a reported case of an attorney being bitten by a snake... apparently snakes are not cannibalistic!]

> > The "Ready Fire Aim" Award goes to Neville Wisdom who just never seems to think things all the way through before taking action.  Mr. shoot first ask questions later.

> > The "Ready Aim Aim" Award goes to Perry Christie, who always seems cocked and ready but can never 'pull the trigger.'

> > The "Balds on a priest - nips on a nun"> Award - aka "The most useless appendage" Award goes to Koed Smith; maybe we do need an Ambassador to the Environment - but first someone needs to explain what he does, and with what authority?

> > The "Albert Einstein Great Idea" Award goes to PM Christie for the brilliant idea that both Minister of Education and Attorney General are part time jobs, even though both our Justice and Education systems continue to be in shambles.

Runner-up was Alfred Sears who let Mr. Christie talk him into trying to prove it.

> > The "Most Unknown Quantity" Award goes to Hubert Ingraham, as the
proverbial snake in the grass.  You never know when he will strike.  But you know his venom can be fatal.

> > The "Steve Urkel" Award goes to Tommy Turnquest.  He is a genius trapped in a nerd's persona; if he can only make the change to Stefan (the 'cool' alter ego) he'll be PM.  Perhaps a "Maury Povich makeover".

> > The "Iraqi Scud Missile" Award goes to Whitney Bastian.  He always seems to hit something but you're never quite sure what he was aiming at.

> > The "10% of something is better than 100% of nothing" Award goes to Tennyson Wells.  Mr. Wells has been a total disappointment as an independent.  He was much more effective when he was a part of a political party.

> > The "Cat got your tongue?"Award goes to Bishop Neil Ellis, who hasmlately been uncharacteristically silent and absent from the PM's entourage.

> > The "Didn't you used to be somebody important?" Award goes to B J Nottage.  Who is struggling to stay relevant?  But was a runner-up for the " unknown quantity" award.  Runner-Up: A seven-way tie ex- FNM Cabinet.

> > The 'Emperor's new clothes' Award goes to all those MP's who stood up in the House of Assembly and with a straight face commended Neville Wisdom for the great job he did with the 2002/2003 junkanoo.  Let's get real!!!

> > The "Dionne Warwick - Promises, Promises" Award goes to Allison Maynard Gibson who's ministry has yet to successfully implement one significant foreign investment project despite continuous promises.  Special mention should go to PM Christie for his promise during the 2003 PLP convention that "his government would announce billions of dollars before the end of the year." We assume that he meant 2003.  We're still waiting.

> > The "gee Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore" Award goes to Perry Christie and Mother Pratt who must by now realize that this was not the ride they signed up for.

> > The "You can dress 'em up, but you can't take ‘em out?" Award goes to Melanie Griffiths who's demeanor (or lack of) during the debate on the Willamae Pratt fire showed she still has along way to go.

> > The "Blood is thicker than water" Award goes to Sidney Stubbs for 'hooking up' his best friend, his brother in-law and his cousin in a single move.

> > The "At least wait 'til the body is cold" Award goes to all those wannabe PLP candidates who have recently been seen hovering over the Holy Cross constituency like vultures.

> > The "At least you could use some Vaseline or K-Y" Award goes to all those cabinet ministers and other government officials who are using their influence to direct business to their old law firms, or have the government rent their property, or award government contracts for 'kickbacks', or to get work permits approved in 2 or 3 days or to travel around the world first class or tending to their own private businesses on government time.

> > The "Barney Fife Award" goes to Alfred Sears.  Runner up Frank Watson no explanations required.