tribune242 editorial
IT IS a tragedy when a politician, so anxious to win an election, panders to the base emotions of an electorate. And in doing so ignores the damaging consequences that his divisive message could have, not only on this generation, but on many generations to come.
Apparently Mr Branville McCartney is so anxious to become the next prime minister of this country that he is willing to use the sorry plight of illegal Haitians, and their Bahamian-born children to pander to the fears of voting Bahamians. Such a campaign of hatred will not only split this community, but will eventually build up such an emotional force that when it breaks in years to come this nation's way of life would be completely destroyed.
One would have thought that the mass killing that targeted young teenagers in Norway these past few days would have been a sufficient tragedy to send a warning signal of what can happen when suspicion and division is built up in a community. Such an atmosphere can inspire one madman to destroy a nation's whole way of life.
Seventy-six people -- most of them teenagers -- were killed in Oslo last week because of one man's fear that Islam threatened Europe's Christian culture. Anders Hering Breivik, himself a young man, was against his country's "multiculturalism," which he believed enabled "the ongoing Islamic colonisation of Europe." And so he wrote a 1,500 page treaties on his beliefs, pleaded not guilty to committing any crime, and almost gloated over the killings, because as a self-proclaimed Christian nationalist he believed it his duty to recreate a Knights Templar in Europe to fight a holy war against Islam.
This bizarre behaviour is usually the end game in an atmosphere of hate and suspicion that can send evil sparks flying in a madman's fevered brain. One only has to read history to understand the underlying racial hatred that has sparked centuries of unrest and most of this world's wars.
Mr McCartney, founder of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), which he promises will be the next government, says that he will fight to change the country's constitution so that children born here to illegal immigrants will not be eligible for citizenship. If elected he will push for a referendum to carry out his plans.
Under the constitution, persons who are born in the Bahamas to illegal immigrants have the right to apply for citizenship between their 18th and 19th birthdays.
We agree with former PLP cabinet minister George Smith who accused Mr McCartney of "trying to pander to the xenophobia of many Bahamians who want to blame some of our social ills on people who by virtue of their circumstances find themselves in the Bahamas illegally."
And warned Mr Smith: "Political leaders should never pander to ignorance and people who are motivated by fear and this is probably what Mr McCartney... is doing."
We agree with Mr Smith. We also agree with retired Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez who sees Mr McCartney's "final solution" for Haitian children as "inhumane."
"I cannot understand anyone who is going to seek leadership in this country who is not going to deal with the situation in a humanitarian way," said the Archbishop.
And it is true what the Archbishop says. This country does owe much to immigrants. Many immigrants -- teachers, policemen, doctors and nurses -- helped build the Bahamas. Many of them came as immigrants from other Caribbean islands -- and never forget: our first black member of parliament was a Haitian.
As the Archbishop pointed out these children up to the age of 18 have known no other home.
They speak our language, they belong to our culture, their friends are Bahamian. As far as they are concerned they are also Bahamian. At the age of 18 are they to be thrown into a world that they do not know, because of the myopic prejudice of Bahamians who just a few generations before were also foreigners in a foreign land? Many of the forebears of our present Bahamians were not even born here, yet they became one with us -- flesh of the same flesh -- and put much effort into the building of this nation. What none of us must forget is at some stage or another -- and this includes Mr McCartney -- our forebears were strangers in a foreign land. Today we are all Bahamians. Were our forebears more humane than we are today?
Yes, the Haitian question is a troubling one, but Mr McCartney's solution lacks humanity. It is not the right way to go, and if through this election he builds up an even greater foreign phobia, future generations will not bless his name for lighting a spark that allowed hatred to spiral out of control.
July 29, 2011
tribune242 editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Bahamian voter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bahamian voter. Show all posts
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Bahamians are registering to vote in greater numbers for the next general election...
Bahamian Voters Eager
By IANTHIA SMITH
It seemed to be just what the parliamentary registration needed; something to boost the low registration numbers in the country and according to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Parliamentary Registration Department Sherlyn Hall an announcement by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on Friday did just that.
It was just three days ago the prime minister told reporters at a press conference that the voter register will be closed by July, an announcement that apparently put fire to many Bahamians who are now rushing to the registration booths.
Since that announcement, Mr. Hall said workers in his department have seen a massive increase in the numbers of Bahamians who have registered.
Since it began last year, the voter registration process was moving at a snail’s pace to the point where Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel made several appeals for Bahamians to get the ball rolling in that regard.
Since Friday, it seems Bahamians have gotten on board and Mr. Hall right now some 30,300 people are on the register.
"Since that time we have had tremendous increase from Friday and Saturday’s figures," Mr. Hall said. "They have not been factored in so we are really looking at a tremendous increase on that 30,300.
"For instance on Friday we took over 413 persons alone at the Urban Renewal Centres throughout New Providence. So we’ve seen a tremendous increase all of last week."
On Friday, Prime Minister Ingraham said, "Sometime after June of this year, I propose to cause the current register of voters to [close] and by that I mean that I want that register to come to an end, which would mean that only persons who are registered on the new register will be eligible to vote," he told reporters on Friday.
"I’m going to give 90 days notice of that. I’m now thinking of giving that notice sometime in April so that sometime towards the end of June or July, I intend to bring the current register to an end. The boundaries commission will be appointed after that."
The deputy permanent secretary added that the Family Islands’ representatives are also reporting an upswing with their registration numbers.
He said up to yesterday alone, the department was expecting that some 500 to 700 more people would have registered to vote in the capital.
"I think (the announcement the prime minister made) helped with these figures," Mr. Hall added. "I think that’s where the boost came from. I think the more we can get people excited and let them know that they can come in early, the better it will be for everyone and we are now seeing them doing that. This is the boost we’ve been waiting on for a long time.
"We are very pleased with how things are going and we are pleased with the numbers that have been coming out but we want to urge the public to continue to come out."
The Bahama Journal was able to speak to some of the new registrants yesterday.
They said after hearing what the prime minister had to say last week, they had no choice but to get out and register.
"It’s good to be prepared," Austin Grant said as he waited for his voter’s card photo to be taken. "The way things are going right now they could call the election any minute and I’d like to be ready. It’s always good to be ready and after today I’ll be ready."
Another registrant said, "The reason why I came out is because they said election is coming soon and I’m trying to get in front of the line. What the prime minister said really made me think so I had to come out."
"I’m out here registering to vote so I can have a say in my country and I’m doing it now before it closes," another registrant said.
While he has not indicated any dates as yet, many are speculating that Prime Minister Ingraham will call an election before the end of the year.
March 29th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By IANTHIA SMITH
It seemed to be just what the parliamentary registration needed; something to boost the low registration numbers in the country and according to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Parliamentary Registration Department Sherlyn Hall an announcement by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham on Friday did just that.
It was just three days ago the prime minister told reporters at a press conference that the voter register will be closed by July, an announcement that apparently put fire to many Bahamians who are now rushing to the registration booths.
Since that announcement, Mr. Hall said workers in his department have seen a massive increase in the numbers of Bahamians who have registered.
Since it began last year, the voter registration process was moving at a snail’s pace to the point where Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel made several appeals for Bahamians to get the ball rolling in that regard.
Since Friday, it seems Bahamians have gotten on board and Mr. Hall right now some 30,300 people are on the register.
"Since that time we have had tremendous increase from Friday and Saturday’s figures," Mr. Hall said. "They have not been factored in so we are really looking at a tremendous increase on that 30,300.
"For instance on Friday we took over 413 persons alone at the Urban Renewal Centres throughout New Providence. So we’ve seen a tremendous increase all of last week."
On Friday, Prime Minister Ingraham said, "Sometime after June of this year, I propose to cause the current register of voters to [close] and by that I mean that I want that register to come to an end, which would mean that only persons who are registered on the new register will be eligible to vote," he told reporters on Friday.
"I’m going to give 90 days notice of that. I’m now thinking of giving that notice sometime in April so that sometime towards the end of June or July, I intend to bring the current register to an end. The boundaries commission will be appointed after that."
The deputy permanent secretary added that the Family Islands’ representatives are also reporting an upswing with their registration numbers.
He said up to yesterday alone, the department was expecting that some 500 to 700 more people would have registered to vote in the capital.
"I think (the announcement the prime minister made) helped with these figures," Mr. Hall added. "I think that’s where the boost came from. I think the more we can get people excited and let them know that they can come in early, the better it will be for everyone and we are now seeing them doing that. This is the boost we’ve been waiting on for a long time.
"We are very pleased with how things are going and we are pleased with the numbers that have been coming out but we want to urge the public to continue to come out."
The Bahama Journal was able to speak to some of the new registrants yesterday.
They said after hearing what the prime minister had to say last week, they had no choice but to get out and register.
"It’s good to be prepared," Austin Grant said as he waited for his voter’s card photo to be taken. "The way things are going right now they could call the election any minute and I’d like to be ready. It’s always good to be ready and after today I’ll be ready."
Another registrant said, "The reason why I came out is because they said election is coming soon and I’m trying to get in front of the line. What the prime minister said really made me think so I had to come out."
"I’m out here registering to vote so I can have a say in my country and I’m doing it now before it closes," another registrant said.
While he has not indicated any dates as yet, many are speculating that Prime Minister Ingraham will call an election before the end of the year.
March 29th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Monday, January 25, 2010
National Development Party (NDP) threatens legal action against the Parliamentary Registration Department over rejection of party 'thumbs up' symbol
By AVA TURNQUEST
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
THE NATIONAL Development Party is threatening legal action against the Parliamentary Registration Department if it continues to reject its application for its party's symbol.
According to party leaders, Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel has repeatedly denied the NDP permission to register the "Thumbs Up" symbol as the party's official logo.
The "thumbs up" was first rejected in October 2008 because it was thought to be too similar to the Progressive Liberal Party's three fingered "crab" symbol and could lead to possible voter confusion.
The NDP hoped it would be able to use the symbol in the Elizabeth by-election and met with the Commissioner earlier this month anticipating that he would reconsider the party's application.
In a hand-delivered letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner on Saturday, Chairman of the NDP Executive Steering Committee Andre Rollins said that the party feels that there was "no similarity between a hand showing three fingers and a hand showing a single thumb."
"Any suggestion to the contrary indicated that the intelligence of the Bahamian voter is held in extremely low regard," he said.
Mr Rollins argued that in order to function, the political system ideally requires voters to comprehend and remain current with relevant issues; and be also knowledgeable of respective party positions on these issues.
He further stated that the critical analysis skills needed to address certain issues far surpasses competency needed to differentiate between party symbols.
"If we do not believe that voters can comprehend the various party positions on issues, are we then suggesting that we do not expect voters to vote on the issues? If we are to maximize the potential of our nation -- socially, culturally, economically and politically -- we must first raise our expectations of our people," he said.
January 25, 2010
tribune242
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
THE NATIONAL Development Party is threatening legal action against the Parliamentary Registration Department if it continues to reject its application for its party's symbol.
According to party leaders, Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel has repeatedly denied the NDP permission to register the "Thumbs Up" symbol as the party's official logo.
The "thumbs up" was first rejected in October 2008 because it was thought to be too similar to the Progressive Liberal Party's three fingered "crab" symbol and could lead to possible voter confusion.
The NDP hoped it would be able to use the symbol in the Elizabeth by-election and met with the Commissioner earlier this month anticipating that he would reconsider the party's application.
In a hand-delivered letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner on Saturday, Chairman of the NDP Executive Steering Committee Andre Rollins said that the party feels that there was "no similarity between a hand showing three fingers and a hand showing a single thumb."
"Any suggestion to the contrary indicated that the intelligence of the Bahamian voter is held in extremely low regard," he said.
Mr Rollins argued that in order to function, the political system ideally requires voters to comprehend and remain current with relevant issues; and be also knowledgeable of respective party positions on these issues.
He further stated that the critical analysis skills needed to address certain issues far surpasses competency needed to differentiate between party symbols.
"If we do not believe that voters can comprehend the various party positions on issues, are we then suggesting that we do not expect voters to vote on the issues? If we are to maximize the potential of our nation -- socially, culturally, economically and politically -- we must first raise our expectations of our people," he said.
January 25, 2010
tribune242
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Holy Cross Constituents in Support of Their Member of Parliament (MP), Sidney Stubbs Flirts with Contempt of Court in Mr Stubbs' Bankruptcy Case
The Bahamas Chief Justice, Sir Burton Hall dismissed Member of Parliament Sidney Stubbs' application to have his bankruptcy order overturned and indicated that the Supreme Court was not hearing an appeal in this matter
Holy Cross Voters Warned
By Candia Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas
24th November 2004
Constituents of Holy Cross who filed a summons in the Supreme Court in support of their Member of Parliament Sidney Stubbs could be in contempt of court, Chief Justice Sir Burton Hall determined on Tuesday.
The summons was actually filed by three constituents seeking to intervene in the proceedings, who also presented what purports to be a petition signed by 180 voters.
The current register has 3,912 registered voters in Holy Cross.
Sir Burton said in each case, the constituent describes himself as a “registered voter in the Holy Cross constituency” and “professes his satisfaction with the judgment debtor (Mr. Stubbs) as his representative.”
He said the application from Mr. Stubbs to have his bankruptcy order set aside or annulled arises out of a private matter and has nothing to do with the constituents.
“The filing of the summons on 17 November and the supporting affidavits raise serious questions as to whether it is an attempt to interfere with the due administration of justice by intimidating the court or the other party to the litigation by the demonstration of the popular support the judgment debtor has in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, irrespective of the merits of his case,” Sir Burton said.
He added, “I trust that parties to actions, and their counsel, would consider carefully the correctitude of documents which they think to file in court. In this case, I choose not to pursue further the question of contempt and take the course of striking out the summons and affidavits as irrelevant to any issue now before the court and an abuse of its process.”
Mr. Stubbs has insisted throughout the legal fight to have the bankruptcy order against him set aside that he continues to have the full support of his constituents.
He has said that he continues to work in Holy Cross as its MP, although the outstanding case is preventing him from taking his seat in the House of Assembly.
On Tuesday, Sir Burton dismissed Mr. Stubbs’s application to have his bankruptcy order overturned and indicated that the Supreme Court was not hearing an appeal in this matter.
Sir Burton, however, said that if Mr. Stubbs’s counsel can say that he does not have an appeal active before the Privy Council, the Supreme Court would be in a position to consider an application for annulment.
An annulment of the order would acknowledge that Mr. Stubbs has paid his debt and is no longer a bankrupt.
But he can only hold onto his seat if he has a pending appeal.
Attorney Wayne Munroe, who represents the MP’s former creditor, Gina Gonzalez, has insisted that Mr. Stubbs does not have any active appeal.
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