Bran: Documents show 'true democracy' denied to Bahamians for years
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
tribune242
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net
CITING the close working relationship between the leaders of the PLP and FNM in recently revealed Wikileaks documents, DNA leader Branville McCartney said it should now be painfully obvious that "true democracy" has been denied to the Bahamian people for many years.
"There is no doubt that both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have been friends for many, many years. They have been business partners and nothing has changed. They contact each other on a regular basis and they seem to want to ensure that each one of them will be successful in their own right. When people now speak about a two party system, it is indeed a two party system now; you have on one side the PLP and the FNM together, and on the other you have the DNA. There is no doubt about that," Mr McCartney declared.
Pointing to a US Embassy cable from 2003 released by Wikileaks, in which Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is quoted by a US official as saying that he speaks to and offers advice to PLP leader Perry Christie a few times a week, Mr McCartney said there is no surprise why both political parties want to make the upcoming election purely about both the PLP and the FNM.
"This is exactly what they want. If it's not Mr Ingraham, then it is going to be Mr Christie and vice versa. That's how it is and that is how it has been. They are playing yo-yo with the Bahamian people," he said.
This tactic, Mr McCartney said, denies the Bahamian people a true democratic process because as long as both leaders of the PLP and the FNM are working together, the Bahamian people never really have an option.
"They are working together, and they will try to work together to try and stop the DNA from becoming the next government of the Bahamas. That has been said to me personally. You would recall when Mr Christie was ill as prime minister, he called Hubert Ingraham to ask for his advice. What does that tell you? The Bahamian people ought to really see beyond that and go for an entity that will give true change for the country.
"If these guys were truly serious about change and serious about moving forward, both of them would have stepped down and allowed some of the other persons in the FNM and the PLP to take the reins."
The DNA is expected to travel to Grand Bahama next week and introduce the island to three of the six candidates they expect to name there for the upcoming general election.
The party has said it hopes to have a full slate of 41 candidates to challenge both the PLP and the FNM in every constituency.
Mr McCartney is the current independent MP for the Bamboo Town constituency.
May 24, 2011
tribune242
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 Branville McCartney fnm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branville McCartney fnm. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Is Bamboo Town MP - Branville McCartney - Ready To Lead The Free National Movement (FNM)?
IS BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY READY TO LEAD FNM?
thenassauguardian editorial
There seems to be a lot of talk these days about Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney taking over the leadership of the Free National Movement, and running for the post of prime minister.
At the outset, it should be pointed out that McCartney may have a long way to go before he finds himself ready for that position.
As far as becoming the leader for the FNM, well, let's just say while that road may be shorter than the one that leads to prime minister status, young McCartney may find the way to the FNM leadership to be an uphill battle.
His recent suggestions for the prime minister to"pass the baton"to a new generation of politicians reveals his thinking on the matter.
But does Branville McCartney have what it takes to take over the leadership of the party and eventually become the next prime minister of the country? Some say he hasn't paid his dues in politics yet and has to tow the line.
During a recent news conference at the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham when asked about possible challenges to his leadership of the FNM, said that he had no problems with anyone who wished to challenge him.
He added that he had no problems handing over the leadership of the party and going back into retirement, where he was when the party brought him back into front-line politics.
It may have seemed easy for the prime minister to say that, but anyone who knows him knows he won't sit back and be dictated to. In fact, Hubert Ingraham is infamous for his "take charge" personality.
It's probably part of what makes him a leader.
In spite of what he says, Hubert Ingraham will not allow just anyone to take over the FNM party, even if he's stepping down. He will no doubt have a say in who eventually runs the party.
But should that baton be handed to McCartney?
Hypothetically, let's imagine who would get the leadership of the Free National Movement if Prime Minister Ingraham chooses to move back into retirement.
Who are the possibles for leadership in the party - Zhivargo Laing, Brent Symonette, Neko Grant, Kenneth Russell, Tommy Turnquest, Carl Bethel, Dr. Hubert Minnis, Branville McCartney?
Do any of those names ring a bell for FNM leadership? Or does Ingraham have someone else in mind?
The public push of Branville McCartney for leadership and prime ministership does not in any way move Prime Minister Ingraham.
10/4/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
There seems to be a lot of talk these days about Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney taking over the leadership of the Free National Movement, and running for the post of prime minister.
At the outset, it should be pointed out that McCartney may have a long way to go before he finds himself ready for that position.
As far as becoming the leader for the FNM, well, let's just say while that road may be shorter than the one that leads to prime minister status, young McCartney may find the way to the FNM leadership to be an uphill battle.
His recent suggestions for the prime minister to"pass the baton"to a new generation of politicians reveals his thinking on the matter.
But does Branville McCartney have what it takes to take over the leadership of the party and eventually become the next prime minister of the country? Some say he hasn't paid his dues in politics yet and has to tow the line.
During a recent news conference at the House of Assembly, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham when asked about possible challenges to his leadership of the FNM, said that he had no problems with anyone who wished to challenge him.
He added that he had no problems handing over the leadership of the party and going back into retirement, where he was when the party brought him back into front-line politics.
It may have seemed easy for the prime minister to say that, but anyone who knows him knows he won't sit back and be dictated to. In fact, Hubert Ingraham is infamous for his "take charge" personality.
It's probably part of what makes him a leader.
In spite of what he says, Hubert Ingraham will not allow just anyone to take over the FNM party, even if he's stepping down. He will no doubt have a say in who eventually runs the party.
But should that baton be handed to McCartney?
Hypothetically, let's imagine who would get the leadership of the Free National Movement if Prime Minister Ingraham chooses to move back into retirement.
Who are the possibles for leadership in the party - Zhivargo Laing, Brent Symonette, Neko Grant, Kenneth Russell, Tommy Turnquest, Carl Bethel, Dr. Hubert Minnis, Branville McCartney?
Do any of those names ring a bell for FNM leadership? Or does Ingraham have someone else in mind?
The public push of Branville McCartney for leadership and prime ministership does not in any way move Prime Minister Ingraham.
10/4/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Monday, October 4, 2010
Branville McCartney: It does not make "good political sense" for the Bahamian people to know - at the last minute - who will lead the Free National Movement (FNM) into the next general election
FNM 'SHOULD NOT LEAVE LEADERSHIP DECISION UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE'
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
IT does not make "good political sense" for the country not to not know who will lead the Free National Movement into the next general election until the last minute, said Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney.
His comments came on the heels of a decision by the Free National Movement's national council not to hold a convention until 2011 - months before the next general election. It was speculated that if the party held a convention this year, Mr McCartney would have been nominated to challenge Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for the party's top spot, a nomination the former Cabinet minister has said he would accept.
Earlier, Mr Ingraham said the party's convention would be held on November 5, 2010, but on Wednesday he announced that he advised the council not to hold the event, citing financial challenges as a main reason.
The final decision was up to the council's vote, said Mr Ingraham, but some political observers see it as a way to block Mr McCartney from a leadership bid.
Yesterday Mr McCartney said he was fine with the council's decision, which indicates the party is satisfied with its current leadership.
"That is the voice of the party, the party has indicated what they wanted," he told The Tribune. "It would be good to know where the party is headed and not to wait for the last minute to determine where the party is headed and how the leadership team will look. That in my view doesn't make good political sense but I guess the party understands, and if the party wishes to go forward with the same leadership slate, that's fine."
Mr Ingraham has said he will announce at the end of the year whether or not he plans to offer himself as leader of the party leading up to the next general election which is slated for 2012.
Mr McCartney added that, despite some reports, he is not actively seeking an opportunity to grab the leadership of the party, but would not shy away from the opportunity if it arose.
"Some people say out there that I am looking for (the FNM's) leadership. I have always said that if I am given the opportunity - I cannot nominate myself - that's for the people of the FNM to do, not me. If I am given the opportunity I would welcome it."
He said the country has had 40 years of the same politics adding it is time for a shift in mindset.
"I do think we need to move on by way of our mindset. Our mindset has not changed for 40 years. We need to take it to another level, start thinking outside the box."
Aside from himself he said there are others within the party who are also fit to lead - such as Education Minister Desmond Bannister, State Finance Minister Zhirvargo Laing, Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and former leader of the FNM, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest.
Mr McCartney, former state immigration minister, resigned from Cabinet earlier this year, but remains a member of the FNM.
October 02, 2010
tribune242
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
IT does not make "good political sense" for the country not to not know who will lead the Free National Movement into the next general election until the last minute, said Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney.
His comments came on the heels of a decision by the Free National Movement's national council not to hold a convention until 2011 - months before the next general election. It was speculated that if the party held a convention this year, Mr McCartney would have been nominated to challenge Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for the party's top spot, a nomination the former Cabinet minister has said he would accept.
Earlier, Mr Ingraham said the party's convention would be held on November 5, 2010, but on Wednesday he announced that he advised the council not to hold the event, citing financial challenges as a main reason.
The final decision was up to the council's vote, said Mr Ingraham, but some political observers see it as a way to block Mr McCartney from a leadership bid.
Yesterday Mr McCartney said he was fine with the council's decision, which indicates the party is satisfied with its current leadership.
"That is the voice of the party, the party has indicated what they wanted," he told The Tribune. "It would be good to know where the party is headed and not to wait for the last minute to determine where the party is headed and how the leadership team will look. That in my view doesn't make good political sense but I guess the party understands, and if the party wishes to go forward with the same leadership slate, that's fine."
Mr Ingraham has said he will announce at the end of the year whether or not he plans to offer himself as leader of the party leading up to the next general election which is slated for 2012.
Mr McCartney added that, despite some reports, he is not actively seeking an opportunity to grab the leadership of the party, but would not shy away from the opportunity if it arose.
"Some people say out there that I am looking for (the FNM's) leadership. I have always said that if I am given the opportunity - I cannot nominate myself - that's for the people of the FNM to do, not me. If I am given the opportunity I would welcome it."
He said the country has had 40 years of the same politics adding it is time for a shift in mindset.
"I do think we need to move on by way of our mindset. Our mindset has not changed for 40 years. We need to take it to another level, start thinking outside the box."
Aside from himself he said there are others within the party who are also fit to lead - such as Education Minister Desmond Bannister, State Finance Minister Zhirvargo Laing, Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and former leader of the FNM, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest.
Mr McCartney, former state immigration minister, resigned from Cabinet earlier this year, but remains a member of the FNM.
October 02, 2010
tribune242
Friday, March 5, 2010
Branville McCartney’s Master Political Stroke
By Dennis Dames:
The resignation of Branville McCartney as junior minister of immigration in the Ingraham cabinet has created a lot of intense political talk around the town. It was a master political stroke that the public welcomes and appreciates – in my view.
The move has shown up the political weaknesses and complacency of the likes of Zhavargo Laing, Tommy Turnquest, Carl Bethel, and other young but politically sluggish FNMs – who appear strictly comfortable with a good and prestigious job, and clearly lack the political ambition and vision necessary to keep the torch of a young generation burning with robust confidence and anticipation.
They have long forgotten one of the chief planks in the FNM propaganda campaign prior to the 1992 general election. It was term limits for a prime minister and party leader. We did not want Pindling to reign for life; nor do we want Ingraham to do the same. We demand a system that promotes political competition, and dynamic and progressive leadership. We do not believe that two Bahamian women have born one leader each that are exclusively capable of leading the affairs of our nation.
Mr. McCartney is in tuned with the status quo – that is ready for a new and prosperous brand of politics in The Bahamas. Hubert Ingraham and his PLP counterpart – Perry Christie - are expired products lingering unattractively on the Bahamian political shelf. They have become trite in the eyes of the people who long for a new era of political leadership and direction.
Brad McCartney has essentially said: Here I am, send me! He has signaled his interest in becoming leader of the FNM in short order. He has put his dull colleagues on the spot, and has told the masses that he is not interested in being a friendly neighborhood yes-man who is prepared to go with the unpopular flow of political window dressing and shameless underhandedness from the top.
Branville McCartney represents a new breed of politicians in The Bahamas - who are eager to serve the people with a progressively ambitious and productive agenda. He appears ready to tackle the vexing illegal immigration issue that has plagued The Bahamas for decades and even to this day – for example.
He looks ready to change the bureaucratically uncreative business as usual mentality in government, and replace it with an administration for and by the people. Brad McCartney is a budding leader who has challenged an old order in Bahamian politics that seems determined to enforce its detested will on an electorate longing for change that they really can believe in.
The resignation of Branville McCartney has a lasting impact on modern Bahamian politics. It signals a revolution in the making in the national political landscape.
It is hoped that Mr. McCartney would not relent in his drive for higher political office and social, economic, and political deliverance for a deserving people; as doing so will only result in a serious political backlash – like that of Algernon Allen when he turned thousands on to his one man game on the R.M Bailey Park some years back – then he bucked under heavy political pressure and returned shamelessly to his vomit. The rest is hard-to-swallow history.
Only time will reveal the genuineness of Mr. McCartney’s recent decision. The masses are watching with buoyant enthusiasm, and optimism. It is worth taking this matter sincerely Mr. McCartney, or the political exit heartlessly awaits you.
Bahamas Blog International
The resignation of Branville McCartney as junior minister of immigration in the Ingraham cabinet has created a lot of intense political talk around the town. It was a master political stroke that the public welcomes and appreciates – in my view.
The move has shown up the political weaknesses and complacency of the likes of Zhavargo Laing, Tommy Turnquest, Carl Bethel, and other young but politically sluggish FNMs – who appear strictly comfortable with a good and prestigious job, and clearly lack the political ambition and vision necessary to keep the torch of a young generation burning with robust confidence and anticipation.
They have long forgotten one of the chief planks in the FNM propaganda campaign prior to the 1992 general election. It was term limits for a prime minister and party leader. We did not want Pindling to reign for life; nor do we want Ingraham to do the same. We demand a system that promotes political competition, and dynamic and progressive leadership. We do not believe that two Bahamian women have born one leader each that are exclusively capable of leading the affairs of our nation.
Mr. McCartney is in tuned with the status quo – that is ready for a new and prosperous brand of politics in The Bahamas. Hubert Ingraham and his PLP counterpart – Perry Christie - are expired products lingering unattractively on the Bahamian political shelf. They have become trite in the eyes of the people who long for a new era of political leadership and direction.
Brad McCartney has essentially said: Here I am, send me! He has signaled his interest in becoming leader of the FNM in short order. He has put his dull colleagues on the spot, and has told the masses that he is not interested in being a friendly neighborhood yes-man who is prepared to go with the unpopular flow of political window dressing and shameless underhandedness from the top.
Branville McCartney represents a new breed of politicians in The Bahamas - who are eager to serve the people with a progressively ambitious and productive agenda. He appears ready to tackle the vexing illegal immigration issue that has plagued The Bahamas for decades and even to this day – for example.
He looks ready to change the bureaucratically uncreative business as usual mentality in government, and replace it with an administration for and by the people. Brad McCartney is a budding leader who has challenged an old order in Bahamian politics that seems determined to enforce its detested will on an electorate longing for change that they really can believe in.
The resignation of Branville McCartney has a lasting impact on modern Bahamian politics. It signals a revolution in the making in the national political landscape.
It is hoped that Mr. McCartney would not relent in his drive for higher political office and social, economic, and political deliverance for a deserving people; as doing so will only result in a serious political backlash – like that of Algernon Allen when he turned thousands on to his one man game on the R.M Bailey Park some years back – then he bucked under heavy political pressure and returned shamelessly to his vomit. The rest is hard-to-swallow history.
Only time will reveal the genuineness of Mr. McCartney’s recent decision. The masses are watching with buoyant enthusiasm, and optimism. It is worth taking this matter sincerely Mr. McCartney, or the political exit heartlessly awaits you.
Bahamas Blog International
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