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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
The Honourable Marvin Dames, and The Deceitful Progressive Liberal Party - PLP
Monday, March 10, 2025
Branville 'The proven snake' McCartney Bombastically Speaks
FNM 'Judas' Branville McCartney Arrogantly Advises The FNM!
Stay out of FNM Business, Mr. Branville McCartney
Nassau, The Bahamas
Did you hear that foul piece of political ordure which the FNM traitor, Branville McCartney so arrogantly advised to the party - that he so cruelly abandoned? He had the audacity to gave counsel to the FNM about giving the former party leader Dr. Hubert Minnis a nomination to run in The next general election.
How politically arrogant could a turncoat become? No one with sense in the Free National Movement – FNM party takes Branville ‘The proven snake’ McCartney seriously.
His beloved Democratic National Alliance – DNA still exists, but is presently on life support and is only in need of some intense loving boost to live a bit more - to simply add some cash to the public treasury.
Go and revive your needy political house, Mr. McCartney, and invite your cousin – Dr. Hubert Minnis to be its leader. That way, you and your sweetheart of a coz could get a royal cut-hip to safely propel both of you into the nearest political graveyard – once and for all mon.
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Hubert Minnis All In Political Game
The Lost Cause of Hubert Minnis
Nassau, The Bahamas
This is an open letter to The Most Honourable, Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, MP, Killarney Constituency.
Dr. Minnis, you were the leader of the FNM for the 2017 general election. Under your watch, Mr.
Edison Key – an FNM incumbent, was heartlessly undercut and denied a FNM party nomination to run in the 2017 elections. You were the leader then – remember?Now, you and your supporters say you should be given the chance to run again, just because you are a FNM party incumbent candidate. Well bro, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Expulsis piratis restituta commercia Bahamas
We need a Bahamas where pirates are not in control
By Dennis Dames
I am impressed by Jamaica’s political maturity - when I consider it to that of the sluggish nature of Bahamian politicans and politics in The Bahamas. For example, I think that the system of national checks and balances in Jamaica is far more advanced than that of The Bahamas.
For instance, when I read about the Integrity Commission in Jamaica – I smile, because it would be like an unwanted hassle-breaker to Bahamian politicans! They would therefore not want any part in establishing such an honorable national office – in my humble view.
Our very our media and Bahamian people are still advocating for a simple Freedom of Information Act – after all these years of slick promises from no-good Bahamian politicans and national leaders.
We need a total rejuvenation of Bahamian politicans and in Bahamian politics in The Bahamas - in my dear opinion, because what we have been working and living with since 1973 is grossly inadequate for a solidly prosperous future for our beloved posterity and nation.
“Expulsis piratis restituta commercia”
Saturday, August 24, 2024
The Decline of The Bahamas
The Steady Decline of The Bahamian Nation - The Bahamas
Nassau, The Bahamas
Sunday, June 2, 2024
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
Saturday, April 22, 2023
The PLP and FNM are Two Peas in a Pod
The Progressive Liberal Party, PLP and the Free National Movement, FNM are Proving to be Two Peas in a Pot
The silent majority in The Bahamas is never impressed by the old same PLP and FNM!
By Dennis Dames
Their arguments are always unwittingly based on: We are essentially two peas in a pod. The silent majority is never impressed by this petty, dirty and corrupt brand of politics that we engage in – in The Bahamas.
It is the primary reason why we have not had a two term government in our beloved nation for more than a generation – in my opinion. The unimpressive political gangsterism and corruption stinks, and the voters obviously don’t like it!
So keep on defending blatant nonscense and the lack of accountability in government – senseless PLPs and FNMs. Your respective parties will soon be out of favor in the hearts and souls of the Bahamian people for good!Sunday, September 4, 2022
The Official Opposition, Free National Movement (FNM) party is in political upheaval
Inside troublemakers who support the return of the former FNM party leader, Dr. Minnis are apparently trying feverishly/violently to frustrate the leadership of one Michael Pintard
Dr. Hubert Alexander Minnis is the seemingly bitter former FNM party leader who refuses to "Get Lost!"
Leadership challenges faced by Pintard historically infamous
The Hon. Michael Pintard is the sitting leader of the FNM. He attained such status in a democratic fashion, decisively. Dr. Minnis is the seemingly bitter former leader, who did not offer himself for the role when Pintard disposed of several others through the “in order” convention voting process.
As I pointed out in an earlier opinion piece it doesn’t appear that Dr. Minnis is going away. The view here is that he continues to grandstand, is not really respectful of Leader Pintard, and there is, accordingly, this emotional spillover to his supporters. Thus the FNM party is in deep crisis. Pintard’s leadership is being assailed.
This is unfair and unprecedented in Bahamian politics.
This atrocious scenario never came about before because politicians and their followers of the past, though many of them were strong-minded, their characters did not lend themselves to violence against each other.
The country’s first political party, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) saw the leadership pass from Henry Milton Taylor to Lynden Oscar Pindling. Taylor and a few others were bitter about the new kids on the block taking over, but there was not much of a thought of challenging the new order.
After Pindling’s 30-plus years of leadership, Perry Gladstone Christie emerged as leader. There was the expected resentment and disappointment felt by those who preferred Dr. Bernard Nottage, but the party moved on handsomely. Christie delayed his time in PLP leadership, by failing to live up to his own reported time table to demit office. However, present PLP Leader and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis bided his time, and look where he is today!
The second political party in the country which produced the first government, the United Bahamian Party, had a very smooth transition from the longtime leader Sir Roland Symonette era to Sir Jeffery Johnstone.
The FNM itself, went through many changes, in true democratic fashion, never burdened by anything such as inside troublemakers, apparently trying feverishly/violently to frustrate the leadership of one Michael Pintard.
This is not right. Let the man do his job in peace.
From Sir Cecil Wallace to Sir Kendal Isaacs and back to Sir Cecil; to the three-time prime minister Hubert Alexander Ingraham; to Dr. Minnis; with interim leaders in place such as John Henry Bostwick, Cyril Tynes, and Tommy Turnquest; the FNM never faced anything even close to the present debacle.
It is therefore incumbent upon Pintard and the others within the FNM who have rationale, to immediately put the house in order.
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The Lincoln Bain of division, hate and entertainment
Lincoln Bain coalition real political motives are division, hate and entertainment
By: :
What have we here...
Response to Lincoln Bain response:
Monday, June 30, 2014
Shanendon Cartwright on Politics and good public policy in The Bahamas
Is good public policy good politics? Absolutely!
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas has reached a pivotal and significant crossroad in our national development. Bahamians through their increased level of frustration and disenchantment with government have placed the impact and relevance of political leadership in the spotlight.
While there is always a natural tendency to focus on particular personalities, Bahamians are asking a much broader question of whether or not our politics is serving us well. They feel that governments have not, in some cases, functioned at their optimum; and this observation is in vivid contrast to the many political campaigns that are constantly ambitious, aggressive, accomplished to a degree, deliberate and simply get things done.
Their discontent and dissatisfaction is anchored by a fundamental and ever-present irony. We live in a time when answers to our prevailing questions, and possible solutions to our most challenging problems, are literally at our finger tips by way of our smartphones or the click of a mouse. Yet, there seems, and “seems” being the operative word here, to be a limited capacity on behalf of our governments at times to efficiently grapple with many of our country’s short- and long-term problems.
If I may, however, offer an alternate perspective. The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is a dynamic country with some of the best minds in the world. We are a country with a small population but produce people with extraordinary gifts, talents and supreme intelligence that light up the world stage at a higher rate than many countries with 10 times the number of people. That’s why it is my absolute belief and contention that the Commonwealth of The Bahamas is the greatest nation on Earth.
We have the answers to our problems. In my humble view, progress on particular issues is slow because in many cases governments have retreated to the corner of what they believe to be safe politics rather than standing firm on bold transformative policies. They are obsessed with the question, “Is good public policy, good politics?” I say absolutely!
Why is it necessary to discuss, deliberate and dissect this? Well, it’s obvious to the Bahamian people if you listen to them as I do that solutions rarely make it to their destination because of the political gauntlet and the perpetual campaigning that goes on. Bahamians see continuous politicking and not enough governing. Now don’t get me wrong we love ourselves some politics in The Bahamas. However, dipped in to our enthusiasm for the rhetoric and political jostling lies an entrenched and burning hope and real expectation that governing will start and things will get better in the country we love.
Politics and policy
There is a dance that is always happening between politics and policy – a waltz if you will. Politics is the mechanism and way in which we the Bahamian people choose our elected officials; the way in which politicians vie for acceptance from the Bahamian people. Policy, on the other hand, is the medium through which the elected officials should be advancing real change and transformation for the empowerment of the Bahamian people and the development of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Policy is where real, legitimate, courageous, life-changing, inspiring leadership stakes its claim. It is where history will herald contributions and determine legacies. Put another way: You have won an election? Now truly lead, govern and make things better in The Bahamas for future generations.
Political parties morph into governing parties once elected and seem to take the posture sometimes that the voter’s initial discomfort or anxiety with a particular policy proposal is sufficient to stop it in its tracks. This position, although I believe unintentional, discredits and insults the intelligence and thoughtfulness of the Bahamian people who are more than capable of sifting and navigating through proposed policy and project debates that are supposedly created to benefit them and the country.
Herein, in my estimation, lies an unescapable truth. While I have attempted to make a distinction between politics and policy in their purpose, there is an unavoidable seam at which they do meet; hence my argument. In most cases where the policy may be good, it isn’t the policy that the Bahamian public reject. It is the lackluster collection of weak explanations, half-truths, poor communication and failure to adequately engage the Bahamian people as a legislative partner. They fail to competently make the Bahamian people aware of how a proposed policy benefits them. After all, aren’t we supposed to know and feel like it will be good for us? Isn’t that the purpose of public policy?
Good policy
Amazingly when good policy has far-reaching and long-term impact, members of the electorate are prepared to subject themselves to some temporary discomfort and uneasiness. It’s similar and analogous to going to the doctor for a vaccination. The short-term experience of getting a needle is not necessarily desirable to many, but the long-term benefits of being immunized are well known. Yes, I do get and can concede that it’s natural for Bahamians to be less skeptical about what their doctors say compared to politician. But, the principle is the still the same. Adequately explain and convince the Bahamian people how they and the country will reap the rewards of the policy and they will embrace it despite the imperfections. When good policy doesn’t resonate, it’s either bad policy or there is a lack of persuasion.
Let me add to those who are just totally pessimistic about politics. What I’m highlighting is persuasion based on what is authentic and true about the specific policy, its merits and shortfalls. Conveying half-truths, lies and using smoke and mirrors about the policy do not amount to persuasion; that’s deception and manipulation and Bahamians will make you pay a political price for such a deed.
It is truly fascinating to me and many Bahamians that a sentiment and conviction exist on behalf of some on the political frontline, both politician and political technocrats, that suggesting certain policy proposals may lead to a political death trap. Here’s the irony in such thinking. Politicos pride themselves on being political geniuses – strategists of the highest order. They use the terms “leader” and “leadership” loosely when they should be used sparingly because a major part of political prowess, political leadership, if you will, and political competency is the ability to sincerely connect with and to articulate to the people what you are proposing in order to convince them that the measure is good for all and the country. There is nothing admirable about shrinking from tough decisions masquerading as political savvy and shrewd strategy. A weak, timid or fair-weather stance will not lead to real progress in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; nor will it translate into meaningful change in the lives of Bahamians.
The greatest leaders across this God-given Earth have been persons, more often than not, who have lives that encompass vision, decisiveness, resolve, character, strength, selflessness and inspiration. The country we love – the Commonwealth of The Bahamas – will not flourish on easy decision making. Greater expectations demand greater responsibility from us as citizens; but also, especially our leaders. We need good public policies that will strengthen our economy and upgrade our fiscal standing so that Bahamians can enjoy real economic empowerment. We need good policies that will start to alleviate the debilitating scourge of crime and its elements. We need good policies that will ensure that our children have the best education in the world so that they can determine a better future for themselves. We need good policies that will make us a healthier nation regardless of socio-economic statuses. We need good policies that will better equip us to create even more world-class athletes and sporting programs. Most of all, we need good public policies to secure our Bahamian cultural identity and export it to the world.
Bahamians everywhere are demanding real change. They want to be inspired by a vision of a country that is only limited by what we can imagine. Bahamians want a Bahamas where the Bahamian is king. Bahamians have always been prepared to give, to sacrifice for the good of their country.
We are a giving people. It’s incumbent upon our leaders to advocate for and fight on behalf of the Bahamian people by presenting and communicating good public policy for their consideration that is sound, substantive, impactful, forward thinking and that cradles the hope and the aspirations of all Bahamians. There is no doubt in my mind that good public policy can transform, enrich and uplift the lives of Bahamians everywhere. And when the time is appropriate they will register their trust and approval at the ballot box. Is good public policy good politics? Absolutely!
• Shanendon E. Cartwright is a marketing and hospitality professional and the founder and facilitator of Vision 21 – an educational, motivational and interactive lecture series on leadership.
June 25, 2014
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Flip-floppers and double talk in Bahamian Politics
Double talk
An up close look at duplicity and hypocrisy in nat’l politics
BY CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
The political landscape is forever changing and with it comes shifting political positions.
For some politicians, their views on issues of national import evolve due to certain developments that cast new light on these matters. In some circumstances, this is quite understandable.
But for others, their positions shift based on political expediency and opportunity.
These are the flip-floppers, the hypocrites, the duplicitous bunch who may be stunned perhaps if confronted with past statements lined up against current views.
Very rarely do their words come back to haunt them; not because the evidence of their duplicity is not there, but because it often remains buried on the dusty pages of newspapers that are clipped and stored away.
These politicians depend on the short memories of the electorate, perhaps, or the failure of media to do a better job at making them accountable for their utterances and actions.
The examples of double talk stretch back years, and really take little digging to be exposed, especially in the technological age.
In opposition, some politicians latch on to pet issues — crime, the environment, education and others. But in government, they sometimes lose whatever ‘passion’ they might have had for these issues.
To be clear, the flip-floppers are not unique to any one party or philosophical grouping. They are on every side. They use words to score points, assuage fears and grab headlines.
Often, they change positions based on what side of the political aisle they may be on at the time. In opposition, a politician’s view on a subject may differ entirely from the view he or she might express in government.
The archives of The Nassau Guardian reveal more than enough flip-flopping, duplicity and hypocrisy to write many weeks of articles.
Consider these few examples:
Dr. Bernard Nottage on the Coroner’s Court
In opposition, Dr. Nottage was a passionate advocate for crime victims and strong in his concerns about alleged police abuse.
He seemed to have little trust in the Corner’s Court or in the police to investigate themselves.
But as national security minister, his tone is different.
After two men died in police custody just over a week ago, Dr. Nottage cautioned the public against making assumptions until all the facts are known.
“I can’t rush to judgment,” he told reporters. “I hold the commissioner of police directly responsible for the conduct of his officers. He knows that, he reports to me regularly and my experience thus far has been where justifiable complaints have been made against police officers, the commissioner has been resolute in pursuing the matter to its lawful conviction.”
Further expressing confidence in the police and the coroner to do their job, Dr. Nottage said, “It is my view that even without the coroner’s involvement if the matter could be investigated by police that a thorough job would be done.
“But I don’t think that would satisfy the public and so that is why the coroner, who is an independent institution, is very important in this matter.”
In September 2012, after The Nassau Guardian reported on several fatal police shootings, Nottage said criminals cannot expect to brandish weapons at police without facing consequences.
In December 2010, he was not a minister. Back then he expressed little faith in the police and in the Coroner’s Court.
On December 1, 2010, he called for an independent public inquiry into the death of Shamarco Newbold, a 19-year-old who was killed by police.
“It is not good enough to refer it to the Coroner’s Court, Mr. Speaker,” Nottage said in the House of Assembly.
“Neither is it good enough for there to be an internal inquiry on the part of the police.”
These days, it is good enough as far as Nottage is concerned.
As an aside, Nottage has yet to use his position of power to push for ‘Marco’s Law’ or the establishment of a sex offenders’ register, things he called for while in opposition, after the murder of 11-year-old Marco Archer in September 2011.
“I believe that out of this sad event will come new policies and perhaps even new legislation... possibly a Marco's Law. I shall push for that," he vowed back then.
The legislation would seek to strengthen the penalties associated with child molestation, he said.
Perhaps Dr. Nottage will use his weight before the end of this term to push for the things he called for in opposition.
Darron Cash and BTC
Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash has more than one example of being a flip-flopper, but for the purpose of this piece, I will focus on just one.
After Prime Minister Perry Christie told reporters last week that the government is considering appointing a select committee to examine the controversial 2011 sale of 51 percent of the shares of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC), Cash lashed out in a statement.
He said, “The suggestion that [Christie] wants a probe of the BTC sale to Cable and Wireless first evokes disbelief, then laughter and pity”.
Cash then urged the government to “bring it on”.
He said probing BTC would be a “meaningless journey” that would waste taxpayer dollars.
Cash also accused Christie of trying to deflect attention away from his “nine months of colossal failure and ineptitude”.
And he said the prime minister was attempting to tarnish the legacy of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Stunning words from a man who was so critical of the BTC deal back in 2011 that he wrote a lengthy article on why the deal was a bad one.
In fact, Cash himself urged then Prime Minister Ingraham to “take the Cable and Wireless/LIME deal back to the drawing board and design a better deal”.
Cash wrote, “I disagree with the government’s proposed action. I believe it is wrong for the country, this decision to sell the country short.
“It is a betrayal of future generations, and like a bad stock on BISX — in which you have little confidence — the government is selling the next generation (my generation) short.”
In that piece, Cash seemed to have suggested that the deal would have reflected poorly on Ingraham’s legacy. His tone has changed.
How could Darron Cash expect anyone to take him seriously?
If it is the FNM’s position that Christie’s contemplation of a probe is laughable or evokes pity, Cash should have been the last person to say so.
His position on the BTC deal was clear at the time he stated it.
Defending himself yesterday, Cash said, “As to my personal position regarding the sale of BTC, let me make one thing abundantly clear to the chairman of the PLP; my position on the sale of BTC has absolutely nothing to do with whether the present government should waste public money on a meaningless inquiry into that sale.”
The mid-year budget statement
This week, the Christie administration will present its mid-year budget statement, revealing adjustments in spending and providing a progress report on the state of public finances and the economy.
The practice of presenting the statement was instituted by the Ingraham administration, and every year during the debate that followed, the PLP’s position was that it was a waste of time.
In a statement on February 23, 2011, the PLP said the mid-year budget was “a waste of time, a public relations sham like so much of what this government does by sleight of hand”.
It was the message of the PLP during each debate of the mid-year budget under Ingraham.
For example, during debate in the Senate on March 16, 2009, then Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson repeated what her colleagues had to say in the House.
“The mid-year budget review is a waste of time, staff resources and money,” she opined. “The information in this mid-year budget could have been given in a one man press conference.”
A few days earlier, then Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney defended the Ingraham administration for bringing the mid-year budget.
“Our country should be forever grateful to our visionary prime minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, for having the fore thought to introduce this concept of a mid-year budget report to Parliament,” McCartney said.
“…This exercise is critical towards our government’s effort to encourage and promote accountability, transparency, best financial practices and proper budget planning”.
This year, the mid-year budget statement will apparently not be a waste of time because the PLP is bringing it.
Such is politics I suppose.
Unemployment numbers
The Department of Statistics recently released new unemployment numbers that show the unemployment rate in The Bahamas decreased slightly from 14.7 percent to 14 percent.
The latest survey was conducted from October 29 to November 4, 2012. It showed that 165,255 were listed as employed and 26,950 were listed as unemployed.
The governing party welcomed the news, saying it is evidence that Christie and his team are moving the economy in the right direction.
While it was only a slight decrease, Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis said it was good news nonetheless.
But unlike August 2011, the PLP had no concerns that the Department of Statistics did not count discouraged workers — that group of people who are willing to work but who have become so discouraged they have given up looking for work.
Back then when the department released numbers showing that the rate had dropped from 14.2 percent to 13.7 percent, the PLP criticized statisticians who had conducted the survey.
In fact, the party staged a demonstration. That’s right, a demonstration, placards and all.
During that protest, Elizabeth MP Ryan Pinder said unless discouraged workers are added to the unemployment figure, the overall statistics are “misleading”.
At the same protest, Halkitis said the Ingraham administration was excluding those numbers in an effort to show that the economy is turning around.
Why is no one in the PLP demanding that discouraged workers be included in the latest calculation of the unemployment rate? Could it be because they are now in power?
At the time of that 2011 protest, Director of the Department of Statistics Kelsie Dorsett fired back, saying both the PLP and the FNM too often use the statistics to gain political points.
“Both the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party have short-term memories when it comes to how the process works,” Dorsett told The Guardian.
With politicians flip-flopping on so many issues like unemployment numbers, it is likely that the electorate will become even more suspicious, jaded, skeptical and untrusting of politicians.
After all, nobody loves a hypocrite.
February 18, 2013
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Urban Renewal 2.0 is bigger than politics ...and for it to work effectively it has to be “above politics” ... says Prime Minister Perry Christie
Renewal 'Bigger Than Politics'
By DENISE MAYCOCK
Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
FREEPORT - Prime Minister Perry Christie says Urban Renewal 2.0 is bigger than politics and for it to work effectively it has to be “above politics”.
“Our politics must always take second place to the essential issue of moving the Bahamas forward,” Mr Christie said on Wednesday at the official launch of the programme in Grand Bahama at the Hilton Outten Convention Centre.
“This will be above politics. We send a clarion call to all to join us,” Mr Allen said.
July 19, 2012
Tribune242
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
...two big stories from the Free National Movement's (FNM’s) first mass rally of the 2012 general election season
A Broader Vision for Over-the-Hill
Front Porch
By Simon
There were two big stories coming out of the FNM’s first mass rally of the 2012 general election. First, Hubert Ingraham unveiled his party’s agenda for the next five years. In a nod to the Internet age and to younger voters, the FNM released its manifesto online as Ingraham made the announcement.
It was a PR bonanza reinforcing the image of competence and organization of Ingraham and his government. It further reinforced the image of tardiness and disorganization of Perry Christie and his party.
Earlier that week Christie announced that the PLP was ready to govern on day one. Despite this assertion, and an earlier claim that his party was prepared for the campaign, the opposition was caught flat-footed.
Almost a week into a four-week campaign, the opposition failed to produce a manifesto, and this from a party that has been agitating for the prime minister to hurry up and name the date of the election. If the PLP still has not produced a manifesto by today, nomination day, it does not bode well for the party in the minds of many voters.
The inability to beat or equal the FNM in releasing its manifesto is a major blunder by the opposition. When it is released, a part of the story will be the question of why it took so long. Many voters will ask what such a delay may portend of another Christie administration.
Upended
There was another major story emerging from Ingraham’s remarks at the mass rally. The prime minister effectively upended the opposition’s urban renewal mantra with a broader vision of urban redevelopment, incorporating potentially far-reaching initiatives.
Ingraham pledged a Back-to-the-Island Initiative which he hopes will be the beginning of “the largest migration ever back to the islands”. He suggested that it might relieve urban congestion and serve as a crime-fighting measure. The prime minister also pledged to launch, “the most comprehensive youth outreach and social intervention programs in the country’s history”.
He made a down-payment on that pledge on Sunday past by fulfilling a promise he made in his national crime address last year. That down-payment is an additional $1 million in grants for youth and urban outreach programs.
Urban redevelopment requires a comprehensive vision, a vision long held by community activists such as Rev. C. B. Moss. Ingraham’s vision includes social, economic and infrastructural development. He pledged an Urban Gentrification Fund to “help with the restoration of homes in designated historic areas of our traditional Over-the-Hill communities”.
Ingraham also proposed what holds the promise of becoming one of the most significant economic initiatives for Over-the-Hill in the modern Bahamas. That groundbreaking initiative is the Native Food Market. He suggested that such a market would offer “real hope and economic opportunities to scores of Bahamians. It will help to revitalize Over-the-Hill. It can help to reduce crime”.
He indicated that the market would include “a permanent space to exhibit and showcase the history of Over-the-Hill and of our rich African heritage. There will also be exhibition space to showcase traditions like ring play and traditional African dances”.
Much of what is being proposed builds on the dreams of cultural leaders like Edmund Moxey and his Jumbey Village, as well as the dreams of cultural icons like the late Kayla Lockhart Edwards and the late Jackson Burnside.
What Ingraham and the FNM are proposing outstrips the lesser vision of Christie’s urban renewal plans. Essentially, Ingraham has proposed an expansive vision of urban redevelopment.
It is a potentially grand vision with the extraordinary potential to empower individuals and communities Over-the-Hill and throughout the country. Sir Lynden Pindling’s government demolished Jumbey Village and what it represented. But it could not kill the dream.
Authentic
It is a dream that is being renewed and revitalized in unexpected ways. Such is the nature of authentic visions and life-giving dreams. They have a spiritual force that bends the arc of history towards their ultimate fulfillment.
It may be an irony of Bahamian history that neither Sir Lynden, the proclaimed Moses, nor Perry Christie, a protégé, effectively launched a sustainable program of transformation and redevelopment of Over-the-Hill.
This historic accomplishment may become one of the greater legacies of Hubert Ingraham. Like the Dissident Eight, and thousands of others, including Edmund Moxey, Hubert Ingraham had to leave the PLP to realize his progressive dreams.
Though stylized as the party of the poor, there were and remain core elements of the PLP fixed on an elitist worldview in which academic qualifications, social status and high net worth account for more than other qualities of character.
Being labelled as the Delivery Boy and Rude Boy by the PLP elite was an unmistakable dig at Hubert Ingraham’s socio-economic background. The inference: “How dare this poor boy who went to school barefoot, and who is not of our social standing, dream that he can become prime minister. He should be grateful for what we’ve done for him and mind his place.”
Today, the PLP remains strong in traditional Over-the-Hill neighborhoods. This, despite what many see as decades of neglect and betrayal of the residents of these communities.
What the Delivery Boy has accomplished in terms of dramatically improving the public amenities and services for residents of his constituency of Cooper’s Town and North Abaco is in stark contrast to what Christie has, as dramatically, failed to do in Centreville and Farm Road.
The greater the political power one obtains, the greater the obligation of serving the poor. It is a fundamental obligation of public service that one leaves a legacy of uplifting the poor. It is a test of a nation’s humanity, “how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor have the most urgent moral claim on the conscience of the nation”.
Solidarity
Small bore “urban renewal” efforts by any party or the mere application of bandages or tourniquets to the problems of poorer urban communities are insufficient and insulting. What is required are holistic responses in solidarity with those who live in these communities.
The PLP has too often taken for granted its support in poorer communities. The FNM has too often taken for granted that it might not find more fulsome support in the very same communities. The prime minister may be pleasantly surprised when he visits with residents of Bain Town and Grants Town this week.
Because of who he is, in terms of his record, biography and decades of public service, he will find that his message of an Opportunity Society will resonate with young people and residents Over-the-Hill. He should be equally attentive to the voices and talents, needs and aspirations of those whom he meets.
While some view Ingraham being referred to as Papa as paternalistic, others view it as a sign of affection. The Delivery Boy has become a father figure. What is deeply hypocritical is that those who fawned over Sir Lynden as “Moses” and participated in the cult of personality around “Chief” now feign alarm at Ingraham being called Papa.
If The Bahamas ever risked slipping into dictatorship it would have been in the Pindling years aided and abetted by those who served as his courtiers and sycophants as he victimized others and presided over a government of mass corruption.
The two last terms of Sir Lynden’s premiership were not his best. Indeed, they were arguably his worst. For Hubert Ingraham, 2007 to 2012 and potentially the next five years may be among his best. But, this is up to the Bahamian people. And to the man who has journeyed from a poor boy to the Delivery Boy to Papa, his elevation to statesman is a work in progress.
Apr 17, 2012