tribune242:
LEAD attorney for FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands, Thomas Evans QC, yesterday argued in election court that of six protest votes cast in the Elizabeth by-election three must be automatically thrown out as the individual's names did not appear on the Elizabeth register on the day of the election.
"The evidence shows that three voters were not registered in Elizabeth. Two were in the adjacent Yamacraw and one was in Fox Hill. These voters plainly are not entitled to vote in the Elizabeth constituency and no question of retifcation of register with any of them," Mr Evans told the election court.
He further argued that in addition to these three votes - that of Voter A, D and F - the vote of Voter B should not be counted as his date of birth on his driver's licence which he sought to use to vote differed to that on the register and he never appeared before the court to explain why.
This left two protest votes, that of Voters C and E, which Mr Evans agreed should be counted. Philip Davis, lead attorney for PLP candidate, Ryan Pinder, had proposed on Wednesday that all five protest votes cast for his party's candidate should be upheld as valid.
But Mr Evans contended that the court can only consider counting the votes of those voters for whom clerical errors or omissions caused them to have to cast their ballot on a coloured or protest ballot, not those who did not appear on the register at all as the register should be consider "conclusive" on the day of the election.
He further stated that for the court to "stray" into the question of whether certain voters were resident in the constituency or not would cause the court to "overstep" its mandate in this particular matter.
The attorney made these comments as he gave his final submissions to the court on behalf of his client, FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands. Some had expected that once Mr Evans concluded his submissions today that judges would leave the court to deliberate and come to a conclusion on the matter as early as today. But yesterday when Mr Evans took his seat having made his final submissions relative to the votes, lead attorney for PLP candidate Ryan Pinder, Philip Davis stood to counter some of the points he had made and this is expected to continue tomorrow when the court resumes at 10.30am.
At present it is not entirely clear when a conclusion to the case will come, and it is possible that the matter may drag on until next week.
In the February 16 by-election in Elizabeth, Dr Duane Sands won 1,501 ordinary votes and Mr Pinder got 1,499. Mr Pinder made an application to the court to determine the validity of five "protest" votes cast for him, to see whether they could be added to the official vote count and therefore change the outcome of the election, making him the representative for the constituency.
Mr Evans spoke at some length about Voter A, whose vote he ultimately said should be discounted.
That voter claimed she registered at a foodstore then gave evidence to the court that she found that she had been "put in the wrong constituency" (Fox Hill not Elizabeth). She said she and some friends and family members net with Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel to have the situation rectified.
However, Mr Evans drew that claim into question, and told the court he was "sorely tempted to ask you to dismiss" the evidence that she met with Mr Bethel and sought to have the discrepancy changed.
The attorney said this was because Errol Bethel was not questioned on this alleged meeting while he gave his evidence and because there were varying and significant differences between the evidence of voter A and other supporting witnesses connected to her, as well as between her own evidence at different times.
He noted that Mr Bethel said that he had no record of Voter A having attended his office to change her voter's card. There was no documentary evidence and her oath was unamended, said Mr Evans.
"Normally if a change was made it would be reflected in all of the documents relevant to that voter," said Mr Evans.
"The flood or accumulation of contradictions in the evidence is irrefutable proof of their lack of credibility," he said of voter A and associated witnesses.
"This court is invited to find that Voter A never made any such application or attendance at the Parliamentary Registrar's office,that Voter A voluntarily placed herself in the Fox Hill constituency by giving herself the address North Pine Barren Road and that her vote should not be allowed," proposed Mr Evans.
He added the inconsistencies raise the possibility of her voter's card being fraudulent. "I'm not saying anyone is guilty of fraud, but it is a possibility."
"We would say that from all the evidence available that the voter's card may very well not be genuine."
"If it is believed, you may direct further investigations along those lines."
In relation to Voter B, who was made to cast a protest vote after he could not produce a voter's card but only a driver's license which had a birth date upon it which differed from the date of birth on the register, Mr Evans said that because the voter has not appeared before the court or provided any evidence or explanation for the differences his vote should not be allowed.
"We have no evidence to show that the holder of the license is the same person on the register," said Mr Evans.
In relation to voter C, Mr Evans said that there was an inconsistency between the date of birth on her driver's license and on the counter foil and register. However, in this case Mr Evans said his client does not "suggest it can't be counted."
In relation to Voter D, Mr Evans said she does not live in the Elizabeth constituency and is registered in Yamacraw. "It follows that her vote can't be counted," he said. Voter D was removed from the register by the parliamentary commissioner.
Voter E, Mr Evans said she was on the Elizabeth register and had a voter's card and therefore she was "no doubt entitled" to vote. He said that the question of whether she was in fact an Elizabeth resident was a separate question, but could not be determined as part of this court matter.
With regard to Voter F, he said her vote should not be counted as she did not have a voter's card or appear on the Elizabeth register.
Mr Davis, beginning to respond to Mr Evan's submissions, said that if the court accepts the assertions made by Mr Evans it would "have startling results."
The attorney charged that the inconsistencies in the testimony of Voter A and other associated witnesses in fact make their evidence more believable.
If all of the witnesses had given the same story, one would suspect they had been "coached," he said.
"One has to look at the inconsistencies in regard to the passage of time," Mr Davis said.
"If a husband doesn't remember the date of his marriage, does that mean he didn't get married?" he asked.
March 19, 2010
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 Elizabeth by-election Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth by-election Bahamas. Show all posts
Friday, March 19, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham predicts FNM Elizabeth by-election win
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Charging that the Progressive Liberal Party is a "neglectful bunch" that does not have the wherewithal to help the people of Elizabeth, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday predicted that the Free National Movement would win the by-election.
"[PLP leader] Perry Christie is screaming and hollering now," Ingraham said last night during the opening of the FNM's Trinidad Street headquarters.
"You think he's scared? Well he better be scared because on the 16th, we (the FNM) will put it on him. Papa will cut his behind on the 16th. Papa is going to get a brand new man. Papa [is] never scared," said Ingraham, referring to himself as Papa.
The FNM leader said the PLP has been neglecting the Elizabeth constituency since the area was known as Malcolm Street in the 1990s.
"It does not make sense from your point of view to go with them. They didn't deliver for you before," Ingraham said speaking to supporters.
He challenged voters to ask themselves several questions before they decide who they want to vote for.
"What can they (the PLP) do for you now? What did they do for you when they had power? If they didn't do anything for you when they had power, what can they do for you without power? If you vote for the PLP on election day, ask yourself, what is in this for me?" continued Ingraham.
The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former PLP MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
"I've come tonight to ask you to give us (the FNM) the remaining two and a half years," Ingraham told supporters. "We are in the pick-up business and we'd like that two and a half years."
Turning his attention to the ongoing controversy regarding fraudulent voters, Ingraham said the party has put plans in place to ensure that people who are not entitled to vote, do not get away with it.
Ingraham announced that the register of the list of voters in the Elizabeth constituency would be published in The Nassau Guardian on Wednesday.
"We are publishing it for the purpose of making sure that the public of The Bahamas can know whose names appear there, and where they say they live. Citizens will be able to tell us and tell others, 'I know he don't live there'. So Wednesday, get The Guardian and you'll see the registered voters," he said.
He reiterated his appeal to people seeking to vote illegally against attempting to do so.
"Everybody who is on the registry is able to vote on election day. People who don't live in the constituency should not vote. People who weren't living here for three months, they should not vote either. But if they chose to vote, they can vote."
"Now the law says you should not thief, you should not kill, but people still do that. So when they do that and they are caught, there are consequences. So people who don't live in Elizabeth, we know they don't live here, we will challenge them on election day, or the PLP will challenge their vote or the parliamentary people will challenge the vote."
Ingraham said if people who are not entitled to vote still chose to do so they will face the repercussions.
"And if they bus you in from Englerston, from Bain and Grants Town, from Chippingham, don't bother with that because they (the people responsible for busing you in) [are not] going up there with you," he said referring to prison.
"There is no point of being a fool in this business. That's a very personal thing. No one [can] serve that for you. You have to serve that for yourself," he continued, referring to a prison sentence.
Meantime, FNM candidate Dr. Duane Sands announced last night that he has resigned from the board of the Central Bank and as president of the Medical Council.
He said his full attention has been turned to addressing the needs of the people of Elizabeth.
He said after spending the last seven years in the "wilderness" it's about time the people of Elizabeth get real representation.
If he is chosen to represent the constituency, Sands has committed to extending the hours of operation at the constituency's local clinic and library.
He said the library, which closes at 5 p.m., will remain open for some additional hours to allow school children longer periods to complete their work. He added that the library would be staffed by College of The Bahamas students, or teachers who will be charged with assisting the school children.
Additionally, he said the clinic would remain open so that single mothers could take their children for check-ups after working hours.
"I will respond to your needs," he promised.
"I will not let you down."
Ingraham appealed to voters to choose Sands.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian. He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not duel, single," Ingraham said, throwing a jab at the PLP, whose candidate Ryan Pinder has duel citizenship for The Bahamas and the United States.
February 09, 2010
thenassauguardian
Charging that the Progressive Liberal Party is a "neglectful bunch" that does not have the wherewithal to help the people of Elizabeth, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday predicted that the Free National Movement would win the by-election.
"[PLP leader] Perry Christie is screaming and hollering now," Ingraham said last night during the opening of the FNM's Trinidad Street headquarters.
"You think he's scared? Well he better be scared because on the 16th, we (the FNM) will put it on him. Papa will cut his behind on the 16th. Papa is going to get a brand new man. Papa [is] never scared," said Ingraham, referring to himself as Papa.
The FNM leader said the PLP has been neglecting the Elizabeth constituency since the area was known as Malcolm Street in the 1990s.
"It does not make sense from your point of view to go with them. They didn't deliver for you before," Ingraham said speaking to supporters.
He challenged voters to ask themselves several questions before they decide who they want to vote for.
"What can they (the PLP) do for you now? What did they do for you when they had power? If they didn't do anything for you when they had power, what can they do for you without power? If you vote for the PLP on election day, ask yourself, what is in this for me?" continued Ingraham.
The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former PLP MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
"I've come tonight to ask you to give us (the FNM) the remaining two and a half years," Ingraham told supporters. "We are in the pick-up business and we'd like that two and a half years."
Turning his attention to the ongoing controversy regarding fraudulent voters, Ingraham said the party has put plans in place to ensure that people who are not entitled to vote, do not get away with it.
Ingraham announced that the register of the list of voters in the Elizabeth constituency would be published in The Nassau Guardian on Wednesday.
"We are publishing it for the purpose of making sure that the public of The Bahamas can know whose names appear there, and where they say they live. Citizens will be able to tell us and tell others, 'I know he don't live there'. So Wednesday, get The Guardian and you'll see the registered voters," he said.
He reiterated his appeal to people seeking to vote illegally against attempting to do so.
"Everybody who is on the registry is able to vote on election day. People who don't live in the constituency should not vote. People who weren't living here for three months, they should not vote either. But if they chose to vote, they can vote."
"Now the law says you should not thief, you should not kill, but people still do that. So when they do that and they are caught, there are consequences. So people who don't live in Elizabeth, we know they don't live here, we will challenge them on election day, or the PLP will challenge their vote or the parliamentary people will challenge the vote."
Ingraham said if people who are not entitled to vote still chose to do so they will face the repercussions.
"And if they bus you in from Englerston, from Bain and Grants Town, from Chippingham, don't bother with that because they (the people responsible for busing you in) [are not] going up there with you," he said referring to prison.
"There is no point of being a fool in this business. That's a very personal thing. No one [can] serve that for you. You have to serve that for yourself," he continued, referring to a prison sentence.
Meantime, FNM candidate Dr. Duane Sands announced last night that he has resigned from the board of the Central Bank and as president of the Medical Council.
He said his full attention has been turned to addressing the needs of the people of Elizabeth.
He said after spending the last seven years in the "wilderness" it's about time the people of Elizabeth get real representation.
If he is chosen to represent the constituency, Sands has committed to extending the hours of operation at the constituency's local clinic and library.
He said the library, which closes at 5 p.m., will remain open for some additional hours to allow school children longer periods to complete their work. He added that the library would be staffed by College of The Bahamas students, or teachers who will be charged with assisting the school children.
Additionally, he said the clinic would remain open so that single mothers could take their children for check-ups after working hours.
"I will respond to your needs," he promised.
"I will not let you down."
Ingraham appealed to voters to choose Sands.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian. He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not duel, single," Ingraham said, throwing a jab at the PLP, whose candidate Ryan Pinder has duel citizenship for The Bahamas and the United States.
February 09, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, February 8, 2010
The governing Free National Movement (FNM) to challenge questionable by-election votes
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Despite the fact that the register was purged of ineligible voters on Friday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the Free National Movement has been unable to reach hundreds of registered Elizabeth voters and plans to challenge all questionable votes on election day - February 16.
"We made available to the [parliamentary] commissioner [Errol Bethel] a number of reports of our findings, all of which were not able to be disposed of satisfactorily before the register was closed on Friday. We would therefore make challenges of such voters on election day," said Ingraham, who was speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon in his capacity as FNM leader.
People eliminated from the register, according to Ingraham, included people who are dead, people who are registered in Elizabeth but who live in Yamacraw and those who have moved out of the constituency.
Ingraham said the FNM is seeking to verify the number of people who are still ineligible to vote.
"There are many vacant apartments in Elizabeth and many persons are registered to vote along those streets (where the vacant apartments are situated)," said Ingraham.
"And while we can't say with certainty - because the register is not compiled where we can say persons live in house 12 or apartment two etc. - the reality is that we haven't been able to find a number of persons and that would be in the hundreds. But we know who we couldn't find. Some of the people we couldn't find, we know they don't live in Elizabeth. We've also spoken to the neighbors. We've also spoken to landlords and we are fairly sure that a number of them are not entitled to vote even though they are on the register and we will challenge those votes."
According to Bethel there are 4,943 voters on the register.
He said no changes can be made to the register, but candidates could still lodge challenges they may have on election day.
Ingraham discouraged people not entitled to vote from trying to do so.
"I want to use this opportunity to say if you are not living in Elizabeth, if you were registered to vote there before the last election, if you moved out for more than six months, please do not show up to vote. If you were not living there for at least three months before you registered to vote, you are not entitled to vote there. Please do not show up to vote," he reiterated.
"We have a fair idea of the names and addresses of persons who have registered in Elizabeth who do not live there. We also have a fair idea of persons who have moved out of Elizabeth and other cases (of persons) who do not live there period. We also know all of those people who were registered to vote, who are now in prison and not entitled to vote."
Ingraham said the government will make several changes to prevent such discrepancies when the general election rolls around.
"The first thing we will do is make sure that competent people are doing the register. We will not seek to choose FNM or PLP supporters to do so."
He said the government will ensure that people who have experience will man the registers. He added that the people who worked in the offices during previous elections are still alive and can be called upon if necessary.
"The next election there will not be a problem with the register, because you have a prime minister who will have his hands on the tiller... who will make sure to do his job, which is what the prime minister is supposed to do, ensure that the country is able to have a reliable voter register where people can go and vote for the candidate of their choice, without worrying whether hanky panky is taking place," he said.
Additionally, he said all streets will have names and houses will have numbers. Ingraham said that will cut out some of the confusion that exists today.
In regards to the FNM's chances of winning the by-election, Ingraham said after visiting virtually every occupied dwelling house in the constituency, the FNM "feels good about the response that we've gotten."
He added that win or lose, the FNM will not be going to election court.
"We win on election day or we lose on election day," he said.
Polling stations include: Thelma Gibson Primary School in Elizabeth Estates, Faith Temple Christian Academy on Prince Charles Drive, Church of God and New Dimension Ministries, both on Joe Farrington Road.
February 08, 2010
thenassauguardian
Despite the fact that the register was purged of ineligible voters on Friday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the Free National Movement has been unable to reach hundreds of registered Elizabeth voters and plans to challenge all questionable votes on election day - February 16.
"We made available to the [parliamentary] commissioner [Errol Bethel] a number of reports of our findings, all of which were not able to be disposed of satisfactorily before the register was closed on Friday. We would therefore make challenges of such voters on election day," said Ingraham, who was speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon in his capacity as FNM leader.
People eliminated from the register, according to Ingraham, included people who are dead, people who are registered in Elizabeth but who live in Yamacraw and those who have moved out of the constituency.
Ingraham said the FNM is seeking to verify the number of people who are still ineligible to vote.
"There are many vacant apartments in Elizabeth and many persons are registered to vote along those streets (where the vacant apartments are situated)," said Ingraham.
"And while we can't say with certainty - because the register is not compiled where we can say persons live in house 12 or apartment two etc. - the reality is that we haven't been able to find a number of persons and that would be in the hundreds. But we know who we couldn't find. Some of the people we couldn't find, we know they don't live in Elizabeth. We've also spoken to the neighbors. We've also spoken to landlords and we are fairly sure that a number of them are not entitled to vote even though they are on the register and we will challenge those votes."
According to Bethel there are 4,943 voters on the register.
He said no changes can be made to the register, but candidates could still lodge challenges they may have on election day.
Ingraham discouraged people not entitled to vote from trying to do so.
"I want to use this opportunity to say if you are not living in Elizabeth, if you were registered to vote there before the last election, if you moved out for more than six months, please do not show up to vote. If you were not living there for at least three months before you registered to vote, you are not entitled to vote there. Please do not show up to vote," he reiterated.
"We have a fair idea of the names and addresses of persons who have registered in Elizabeth who do not live there. We also have a fair idea of persons who have moved out of Elizabeth and other cases (of persons) who do not live there period. We also know all of those people who were registered to vote, who are now in prison and not entitled to vote."
Ingraham said the government will make several changes to prevent such discrepancies when the general election rolls around.
"The first thing we will do is make sure that competent people are doing the register. We will not seek to choose FNM or PLP supporters to do so."
He said the government will ensure that people who have experience will man the registers. He added that the people who worked in the offices during previous elections are still alive and can be called upon if necessary.
"The next election there will not be a problem with the register, because you have a prime minister who will have his hands on the tiller... who will make sure to do his job, which is what the prime minister is supposed to do, ensure that the country is able to have a reliable voter register where people can go and vote for the candidate of their choice, without worrying whether hanky panky is taking place," he said.
Additionally, he said all streets will have names and houses will have numbers. Ingraham said that will cut out some of the confusion that exists today.
In regards to the FNM's chances of winning the by-election, Ingraham said after visiting virtually every occupied dwelling house in the constituency, the FNM "feels good about the response that we've gotten."
He added that win or lose, the FNM will not be going to election court.
"We win on election day or we lose on election day," he said.
Polling stations include: Thelma Gibson Primary School in Elizabeth Estates, Faith Temple Christian Academy on Prince Charles Drive, Church of God and New Dimension Ministries, both on Joe Farrington Road.
February 08, 2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Rodney Moncur - Workers Party Leader: Dr. Duane Sands (FNM) is Disqualified from running in the up-coming bye-election in the Elizabeth Constituency
WORKERS PARTYElizabeth Constituency Election Headquarters Of
Rodney Moncur / February 2nd 2010
Duane Sands is Disqualified
Article 48, Section 1(j) of the Constitution of The Bahamas states that ” No person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly who is interested in any government contract and has not disclosed the nature of such contract and of his interest therein by publishing a notice in the gazette within one month before the day of election.”
This is the supreme law of the land and, in the case of the up-coming bye-election in Elizabeth on February 16, 2010, this means that any one who contemplated running in the bye-election and who had a contract with the Government, had to make such a declaration in the Official Gazette on or before January 17, 2010, thirty days before the election.
That person should have then brought a copy of that Gazette to the Returning Officer on 29th January 2010, nomination day, as documentary evidence that he had complied with Article 28, Section 1(j).
On nomination day, Dr. Duane Sands declared before the Returning Officer in a letter dated 29 January 2010, that he owned shares in a medical company which had a contract with the Bahamas Government.
At no time before this, and in the stipulated time-frame did Dr. Sands disclose in the Gazette his interest as it related to this contractual relationship with the Government, although this disclosure is clearly stipulated by the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.
The first time that Dr. Sands disclosed his contract with the Government was on February 1st 2010, fifteen days too late, according to the Constitution; and this happened only because the disclosure was incidental in the Government Notice of Nomination in a Contested Election, published by the Parliamentary Registration Department.
I charge that the Returning Officer should have detected this flaw in the nomination of Dr. Sands, just as he detected a flaw in the nomination of Mr. Godfrey Pinder.
Once Dr. Sands had advised Mr. Jack Thompson, the Returning Officer, in his letter of 29 January 2010, that he had a contract with the Bahamas Government, Thompson should have then demanded, promptly and on the spot, evidence that Sands had complied with Article 48 1(j).
Unfortunately, he did not do this. And so Dr. Duane Sands, although in full violation of one of the fundamental rules of free and fair elections, is a candidate in the up-coming election.
This amounts to a grave travesty of democracy perpetrated on all the Bahamian people by the Free National Movement under Hubert Ingraham; and Dr. Duane Sands should disassociate himself from this shameful disgrace, withdraw from the race and return to his medical practice which this country so desperately needs.
I welcome political competition and I am not afraid of it. I have been in front line politics longer than all of the other candidates. However, the Constitution is the supreme law of the land and every citizen, and the Government as well, must adhere to the provisions therein.
I charge that Dr. Duane Sands is disqualified from running in the up-coming bye-election because he has not complied with the requirement of the Constitution as outlined in Article 48,1(j), which constitutes one of the fundamental qualifications of a candidate.
And I therefore call on Dr. Duane Sands to act honourably and drop out of the bye-election forthwith; he and all his FNM hosts.
Rodney Moncur
Candidate
February 2, 2010
Bahamas Blog International
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Elizabeth by-election candidates declare assets
By Juan Mccartney ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com:
Two of the five men vying for the Elizabeth seat in the February 16 by-election are millionaires, while one is in arrears with at least two government agencies, according to their declarations of assets that were gazetted in yesterday's edition of The Nassau Guardian.
The wealthiest of the five candidates running is Dr. Duane Sands, who is running on the Free National Movement ticket. Dr. Sands, a heart surgeon who is chief of surgery at the Princess Margaret Hospital, declared a net worth of $6.785 million.
Dr. Sands reportedly earns $455,000 per year and has extensive real estate holdings, as well as more than $3 million in equity in his medical practice.
The second wealthiest man on the list of candidates is Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader and business consultant Cassius Stuart. His net worth is listed at around $1.16 million dollars.
Stuart claimed to have more than $500,000 in real estate holdings, and about the same in the cash value of his life insurance policy. Stuart claimed an annual income of about $140,000.
Not too far behind Stuart is Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate and tax attorney Ryan Pinder.
The 34-year-old's net worth is listed at just under $750,000.
Pinder, who claimed to bring in $220,000 per year, has about $900,000 in real estate holdings, but claimed mortgages on those holdings in excess of $725,000.
National Development Party (NDP) candidate and orthodontist Dr. Andre Rollins claimed a net worth of about $142,000.
That amount should put Rollins at the bottom of the list.
However, Rollins claimed nearly $1 million in assets, but it appears that hefty mortgages are affecting his bottom line.
Rollins claimed that he brings in about $80,000 a year.
Workers party leader and taxi driver Rodney Moncur, whose net worth is reportedly $152,000, should actually place him fourth on the list.
But Moncur's assets are nowhere near those of the other candidates.
In terms of income, Moncur claimed that he brings in about $615 per year.
And unlike his counterparts, Moncur also listed the individual value of his personal property.
Among that property is a dictionary he claims is worth five hundred dollars, as well as assorted fruit trees valued at $386 dollars. Moncur also claims to be in arrears with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) to the tune of $1,200 each.
Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel said the asset declarations are necessary so as to ensure that nominees who are participating in the race disclose everything about their financial lives to the public.
"We want to make sure that the nominees who are running are people who we can look up to as honorable persons," Bethel said yesterday. "And they are required by law to make a declaration as to what their assets are when they nominate for Parliament. The important thing is that people should be honest with these declarations. That's the most important thing."
Bethel admitted yesterday that the system of disclosure is not foolproof. He said there is no mechanism in place for the Parliamentary Registration Department to find out if a person is bankrupt, which would automatically disqualify them from being a member of Parliament.
"Nobody is bankrupt as far as we're concerned," he said. "Unless the person has actually been declared bankrupt. So when the person presents himself to us, the requirement of the law is that he presents certain documents and once those documents are in order and he presents the nomination fee ($400), then he is accepted as a candidate. And once the returning officer accepts these documents, then the person stands nominated as a candidate for the election."
As far as the validity of the declaration is concerned, Bethel said, "We don't do anything to verify that."
"There is a commission of public disclosure and if anybody is to check into that, it would be that body," he said. "But definitely not us."
February 2, 2010
thenassauguardian
Two of the five men vying for the Elizabeth seat in the February 16 by-election are millionaires, while one is in arrears with at least two government agencies, according to their declarations of assets that were gazetted in yesterday's edition of The Nassau Guardian.
The wealthiest of the five candidates running is Dr. Duane Sands, who is running on the Free National Movement ticket. Dr. Sands, a heart surgeon who is chief of surgery at the Princess Margaret Hospital, declared a net worth of $6.785 million.
Dr. Sands reportedly earns $455,000 per year and has extensive real estate holdings, as well as more than $3 million in equity in his medical practice.
The second wealthiest man on the list of candidates is Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader and business consultant Cassius Stuart. His net worth is listed at around $1.16 million dollars.
Stuart claimed to have more than $500,000 in real estate holdings, and about the same in the cash value of his life insurance policy. Stuart claimed an annual income of about $140,000.
Not too far behind Stuart is Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate and tax attorney Ryan Pinder.
The 34-year-old's net worth is listed at just under $750,000.
Pinder, who claimed to bring in $220,000 per year, has about $900,000 in real estate holdings, but claimed mortgages on those holdings in excess of $725,000.
National Development Party (NDP) candidate and orthodontist Dr. Andre Rollins claimed a net worth of about $142,000.
That amount should put Rollins at the bottom of the list.
However, Rollins claimed nearly $1 million in assets, but it appears that hefty mortgages are affecting his bottom line.
Rollins claimed that he brings in about $80,000 a year.
Workers party leader and taxi driver Rodney Moncur, whose net worth is reportedly $152,000, should actually place him fourth on the list.
But Moncur's assets are nowhere near those of the other candidates.
In terms of income, Moncur claimed that he brings in about $615 per year.
And unlike his counterparts, Moncur also listed the individual value of his personal property.
Among that property is a dictionary he claims is worth five hundred dollars, as well as assorted fruit trees valued at $386 dollars. Moncur also claims to be in arrears with the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation and the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) to the tune of $1,200 each.
Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel said the asset declarations are necessary so as to ensure that nominees who are participating in the race disclose everything about their financial lives to the public.
"We want to make sure that the nominees who are running are people who we can look up to as honorable persons," Bethel said yesterday. "And they are required by law to make a declaration as to what their assets are when they nominate for Parliament. The important thing is that people should be honest with these declarations. That's the most important thing."
Bethel admitted yesterday that the system of disclosure is not foolproof. He said there is no mechanism in place for the Parliamentary Registration Department to find out if a person is bankrupt, which would automatically disqualify them from being a member of Parliament.
"Nobody is bankrupt as far as we're concerned," he said. "Unless the person has actually been declared bankrupt. So when the person presents himself to us, the requirement of the law is that he presents certain documents and once those documents are in order and he presents the nomination fee ($400), then he is accepted as a candidate. And once the returning officer accepts these documents, then the person stands nominated as a candidate for the election."
As far as the validity of the declaration is concerned, Bethel said, "We don't do anything to verify that."
"There is a commission of public disclosure and if anybody is to check into that, it would be that body," he said. "But definitely not us."
February 2, 2010
thenassauguardian
Friday, January 29, 2010
Bahamas: Elizabeth by-election candidates
DR DUANE SANDS
FREE NATIONAL MOVEMENT
FOR the next 19 days the FNM candidate in the Elizabeth by-election plans to canvas the constituency to convince voters that he is the best man for the job.
In the meantime, Dr Duane Sands told The Tribune, the FNM "has a lot more work to do" to weed out ineligible voters who may be able to vote in the by-election although they no longer live in the area.
On the campaign trail, Dr Sands said he has been surprised by how many Bahamians are barely making ends meet. He has also been put off by a small number of greedy voters who demand money or goods in return for their support.
Dr Sands said the topmost concern of constituents -- aside from crime and unemployment -- is fair and accountable representation.
He said his time in the area revealed that many constituents have low expectations from a representative, something he feels is due to the representation the constituency had over the past six years.
"We're going to go out and talk to every single registered voter that we can get to and hear what their concerns are," Dr Sands said, ahead of the FNM's rally last night and nomination day today.
"Our strategy is to demonstrate to people that the FNM and Duane Sands would be a much better alternative and that we could offer better governance."
"(Voters') expectations have been diminished in part because they've been let down. Many of the constituents are not demanding a pound of flesh. They have a reasonable expectation that their concerns are listened to, and want accountability, availability, and access to government," he said.
His party is also still focusing on limiting possible ballot tainting due to a loophole in the voter registry which may allow residents who no longer live in the Elizabeth constituency to vote.
"Even the Registrar General has alluded to the fact that this is a huge challenge even for them and we are obviously trying to make sure that there is a proper correlation between the register and what we find on the ground. I expect that as we get closer to February 16 we would have made some headway in identifying some of the people who ought not be eligible, but I doubt that it's going to be perfect," he said.
Campaigning in Elizabeth, Dr Sands, a noted heart surgeon, said he has been struck by how many Bahamians have to endure financial hardship.
"While I happen to see people at their worst in the hospital, Bahamians are really struggling, and as you enter their homes and see them as they are it (adds to) the immediate need of restoring hope," he said.
The Elizabeth seat was held by Malcolm Adderley, who resigned from Parliament and the PLP last month. Although the PLP won the constituency two terms in a row, their last win was a narrow one of only 45 votes over the FNM.
More than 4,000 voters are expected to cast their votes in the by-election on February 16.
RYAN PINDER
PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL PARTY
Mr Pinder said the response to the "hectic and fast" campaign the PLP has so far mounted ahead of the February 16 by-election has been "extremely positive".
The tax attorney said he will move in a motorcade with PLP supporters and leaders from the party's Elizabeth Headquarters at around 9.30am tomorrow, making it to Thelma Gibson Primary School by around 10.30am to nominate.
"It's very encouraging. I'm in the area every day meeting with residents. I've certainly been able to speak with a lot of the constituents and the response has been very positive and encouraging," he said.
"We had a mass rally (Wednesday) night, thousands and thousands of people were there. At the opening of the Prince Charles (party) headquarters we had in excess of 1,000 people show up. The energy level in the area is very high."
He added: "Elizabeth's concerns revolve around the difficulty with the Bahamian economic situation, there's a high level of unemployment in Elizabeth just like throughout country. There's a real concern that there's not an opportunity to succeed in business and there's a real entrepreneurial spirit but many feel they don't have the right opportunities and programmes and platforms to succeed. They are also concerned about the crime rate in the country and particularly in the constituency," said the candidate.
With regards to the concerns that some people who were registered to vote in the constituency in the last election have since moved out of the area but still appear on the register - making it possible they could vote despite not living in the constituency - Mr Pinder said the party has been "on the ground meeting with constituents night after night seven days a week" and he is confident that by election day, February 16, the party will have a strong handle on who is and is not entitled to vote.
CASSIUS STUART
BAHAMAS DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT
Mr Stuart said the BDM's effort to win over the Elizabeth constituency has "been going very well" but complained that the party encountered some "disturbing issues" as went around the constituency knocking on doors.
"These guys (FNM and PLP campaigners) have been playing extremely nasty. FNMs and PLPs have been telling constituents I dropped out of the race. What they are finding out is that more and more people are tired of the PLP and the FNM and so they are telling them I dropped out. I want to let people know I'm still in the race and I'll be nominating (today)," said Mr Stuart.
In speaking with the "hundreds" of residents he has thus far been able to encounter on the campaign trail, Mr Stuart said he's found that they are concerned primarily about crime.
Other issues raised include the two "shanty towns" within the constituency's borders and infrastructural problems such as a lack of speed bumps and street signs. Flooding and traffic congestion in the area are also concerns.
Mr Stuart called out the FNM for allegedly "using government resources to aid their candidate".
"If you go in Kool Acres Drive, the Ministry of Works has equipment out there now paving roads, so we want to make that known.
"It is very unfair, you're using power of government against other candidates," he claimed.
GODFREY PINDER
UNITED CHRISTIAN LOVE REVOLUTION MOVEMENT
Despite recent professional tribulations (Pinder was suspended from practicing law by the Bahamas Bar Council earlier this month following a complaint from a former client, but has appealed the suspension), Mr Pinder said he is ready to "ask Lizzie to be my valentine" in the February 16 by-election.
The colourful candidate said that thus far his campaign, launched after he announced the formation of his Love Revolution Movement earlier this month, has been "going marvellously."
"Basically I'm love in action," said Mr Pinder, whose manifesto states his desire to set up "Love Universities."
The would-be candidate claims he plans to send a love poem to "the lady of every household" in the constituency in his bid to woo Elizabeth into his camp.
"I'm going to touch everyone in a very, very nice way," he stated.
Yesterday Parliamentary Registrar Errol Bethel said that "as far as he knows" Mr Pinder's recent professional issues should not affect his ability to nominate.
RODNEY MONCUR
WORKERS' PARTY
DESPITE meagre campaign funding, Workers' Party candidate Rodney Moncur thinks he will overcome the political heavyweights in next month's by-election in the Elizabeth constituency.
He launched his campaign on January 7, a day after former MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from Parliament.
Without the money to hold mass rallies, run ads or blanket the area with posters, Mr Moncur gets up before sunrise every day to knock on doors and lobby for precious votes.
His group of about a dozen supporters spends most of the day in people's living rooms and on porches getting to the core of residents' concerns.
Chief among these complaints are high unemployment levels, rising crime levels, while the government's recent suspension of its education loan programme came in third place on their list of concerns.
While he tries to sway voters with minimal resources, Mr Moncur accused operatives of the two major political parties of running dirty campaigns.
He charged that the PLP and FNM are "exploiting" constituents with money woes by offering them liquor and jobs.
"The PLP and FNM have resorted to some of the most unethical forms of campaigning that I have ever seen. They are keeping the men drunk, that kind of thing," said Mr Moncur.
"I think the FNM and PLP in a very ungodly manner are exploiting the poor -- they call it campaigning, I call it gangsterism."
Like FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands, Mr Moncur has also been moved by the disparity between the "haves and have-nots" in the Elizabeth constituency.
"As you move through certain areas of the constituency you can see the economic desperation and the hardship," he said.
"I went to a Haitian community off Joe Farrington Road and they are living in abject poverty. And these persons are supporters of the PLP and FNM but they are living in squalor."
If he wins, the activist is prepared to sacrifice his time to be a man for the people, working out of an office in Elizabeth every day and foregoing other employment.
"I will go to work at my office in Elizabeth every day, they would be my employers, as opposed to the other candidates who will return to their law practice, medical practice or other profession. The candidate who is elected as a representative should report to his constituency office every day and if the salary is not sufficient he should not seek office."
Up to press time, Mr Moncur said he had raised most of the nomination fee with a final donation of $80 expected to arrive last night.
DR ANDRE ROLLINS
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTY
THE newly formed National Development Party and its candidate Dr Andre Rollins are hoping to finally part the sea of red and yellow - colours of the FNM and PLP respectively - at the upcoming Elizabeth by-election.
The NDP hopes that voter frustration with the established parties will sweep Dr Rollins into the House of Assembly.
Although in its infancy, the NDP believes that its message and policy platform will sway many voters.
Dr Rollins was elected as the party's candidate in the Elizabeth by-election after a public political debate and primary election - trials which other political parties shied away from.
A newcomer to politics, the 34-year-old dentist feels Bahamians are ready for a change, starting with their political representatives.
His party's approach to the race has been to offer more accountability.
Without the money for rallies or other election gimmicks, Dr Rollins hopes that each candidate's message, not campaign funding, will be the deciding factor in the hotly contested race.
Whether he wins or loses, Dr Rollins plans to continue to hold both major parties to account, criticising them when appropriate.
"If you don't do the job that you were entrusted to do we are not going to show any fear or favour. We are going to go straight down the middle whether you are FNM or PLP," he told The Tribune recently.
Dr Rollins beat out NDP member C Rashad Amahad at Wednesday's event. Both men took blind questions from the audience and moderator Judy Hamilton.
At the primary, Dr Rollins urged supporters to be optimistic that the underdog can be victorious at the by-election polls.
Dr Rollins served as president of the Bahamas Dental Association from December, 2004 to December, 2009. He is a founding member of the NDP, formed in October 2008.
January 29, 2010
tribune242
FREE NATIONAL MOVEMENT
FOR the next 19 days the FNM candidate in the Elizabeth by-election plans to canvas the constituency to convince voters that he is the best man for the job.
In the meantime, Dr Duane Sands told The Tribune, the FNM "has a lot more work to do" to weed out ineligible voters who may be able to vote in the by-election although they no longer live in the area.
On the campaign trail, Dr Sands said he has been surprised by how many Bahamians are barely making ends meet. He has also been put off by a small number of greedy voters who demand money or goods in return for their support.
Dr Sands said the topmost concern of constituents -- aside from crime and unemployment -- is fair and accountable representation.
He said his time in the area revealed that many constituents have low expectations from a representative, something he feels is due to the representation the constituency had over the past six years.
"We're going to go out and talk to every single registered voter that we can get to and hear what their concerns are," Dr Sands said, ahead of the FNM's rally last night and nomination day today.
"Our strategy is to demonstrate to people that the FNM and Duane Sands would be a much better alternative and that we could offer better governance."
"(Voters') expectations have been diminished in part because they've been let down. Many of the constituents are not demanding a pound of flesh. They have a reasonable expectation that their concerns are listened to, and want accountability, availability, and access to government," he said.
His party is also still focusing on limiting possible ballot tainting due to a loophole in the voter registry which may allow residents who no longer live in the Elizabeth constituency to vote.
"Even the Registrar General has alluded to the fact that this is a huge challenge even for them and we are obviously trying to make sure that there is a proper correlation between the register and what we find on the ground. I expect that as we get closer to February 16 we would have made some headway in identifying some of the people who ought not be eligible, but I doubt that it's going to be perfect," he said.
Campaigning in Elizabeth, Dr Sands, a noted heart surgeon, said he has been struck by how many Bahamians have to endure financial hardship.
"While I happen to see people at their worst in the hospital, Bahamians are really struggling, and as you enter their homes and see them as they are it (adds to) the immediate need of restoring hope," he said.
The Elizabeth seat was held by Malcolm Adderley, who resigned from Parliament and the PLP last month. Although the PLP won the constituency two terms in a row, their last win was a narrow one of only 45 votes over the FNM.
More than 4,000 voters are expected to cast their votes in the by-election on February 16.
RYAN PINDER
PROGRESSIVE LIBERAL PARTY
Mr Pinder said the response to the "hectic and fast" campaign the PLP has so far mounted ahead of the February 16 by-election has been "extremely positive".
The tax attorney said he will move in a motorcade with PLP supporters and leaders from the party's Elizabeth Headquarters at around 9.30am tomorrow, making it to Thelma Gibson Primary School by around 10.30am to nominate.
"It's very encouraging. I'm in the area every day meeting with residents. I've certainly been able to speak with a lot of the constituents and the response has been very positive and encouraging," he said.
"We had a mass rally (Wednesday) night, thousands and thousands of people were there. At the opening of the Prince Charles (party) headquarters we had in excess of 1,000 people show up. The energy level in the area is very high."
He added: "Elizabeth's concerns revolve around the difficulty with the Bahamian economic situation, there's a high level of unemployment in Elizabeth just like throughout country. There's a real concern that there's not an opportunity to succeed in business and there's a real entrepreneurial spirit but many feel they don't have the right opportunities and programmes and platforms to succeed. They are also concerned about the crime rate in the country and particularly in the constituency," said the candidate.
With regards to the concerns that some people who were registered to vote in the constituency in the last election have since moved out of the area but still appear on the register - making it possible they could vote despite not living in the constituency - Mr Pinder said the party has been "on the ground meeting with constituents night after night seven days a week" and he is confident that by election day, February 16, the party will have a strong handle on who is and is not entitled to vote.
CASSIUS STUART
BAHAMAS DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT
Mr Stuart said the BDM's effort to win over the Elizabeth constituency has "been going very well" but complained that the party encountered some "disturbing issues" as went around the constituency knocking on doors.
"These guys (FNM and PLP campaigners) have been playing extremely nasty. FNMs and PLPs have been telling constituents I dropped out of the race. What they are finding out is that more and more people are tired of the PLP and the FNM and so they are telling them I dropped out. I want to let people know I'm still in the race and I'll be nominating (today)," said Mr Stuart.
In speaking with the "hundreds" of residents he has thus far been able to encounter on the campaign trail, Mr Stuart said he's found that they are concerned primarily about crime.
Other issues raised include the two "shanty towns" within the constituency's borders and infrastructural problems such as a lack of speed bumps and street signs. Flooding and traffic congestion in the area are also concerns.
Mr Stuart called out the FNM for allegedly "using government resources to aid their candidate".
"If you go in Kool Acres Drive, the Ministry of Works has equipment out there now paving roads, so we want to make that known.
"It is very unfair, you're using power of government against other candidates," he claimed.
GODFREY PINDER
UNITED CHRISTIAN LOVE REVOLUTION MOVEMENT
Despite recent professional tribulations (Pinder was suspended from practicing law by the Bahamas Bar Council earlier this month following a complaint from a former client, but has appealed the suspension), Mr Pinder said he is ready to "ask Lizzie to be my valentine" in the February 16 by-election.
The colourful candidate said that thus far his campaign, launched after he announced the formation of his Love Revolution Movement earlier this month, has been "going marvellously."
"Basically I'm love in action," said Mr Pinder, whose manifesto states his desire to set up "Love Universities."
The would-be candidate claims he plans to send a love poem to "the lady of every household" in the constituency in his bid to woo Elizabeth into his camp.
"I'm going to touch everyone in a very, very nice way," he stated.
Yesterday Parliamentary Registrar Errol Bethel said that "as far as he knows" Mr Pinder's recent professional issues should not affect his ability to nominate.
RODNEY MONCUR
WORKERS' PARTY
DESPITE meagre campaign funding, Workers' Party candidate Rodney Moncur thinks he will overcome the political heavyweights in next month's by-election in the Elizabeth constituency.
He launched his campaign on January 7, a day after former MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from Parliament.
Without the money to hold mass rallies, run ads or blanket the area with posters, Mr Moncur gets up before sunrise every day to knock on doors and lobby for precious votes.
His group of about a dozen supporters spends most of the day in people's living rooms and on porches getting to the core of residents' concerns.
Chief among these complaints are high unemployment levels, rising crime levels, while the government's recent suspension of its education loan programme came in third place on their list of concerns.
While he tries to sway voters with minimal resources, Mr Moncur accused operatives of the two major political parties of running dirty campaigns.
He charged that the PLP and FNM are "exploiting" constituents with money woes by offering them liquor and jobs.
"The PLP and FNM have resorted to some of the most unethical forms of campaigning that I have ever seen. They are keeping the men drunk, that kind of thing," said Mr Moncur.
"I think the FNM and PLP in a very ungodly manner are exploiting the poor -- they call it campaigning, I call it gangsterism."
Like FNM candidate Dr Duane Sands, Mr Moncur has also been moved by the disparity between the "haves and have-nots" in the Elizabeth constituency.
"As you move through certain areas of the constituency you can see the economic desperation and the hardship," he said.
"I went to a Haitian community off Joe Farrington Road and they are living in abject poverty. And these persons are supporters of the PLP and FNM but they are living in squalor."
If he wins, the activist is prepared to sacrifice his time to be a man for the people, working out of an office in Elizabeth every day and foregoing other employment.
"I will go to work at my office in Elizabeth every day, they would be my employers, as opposed to the other candidates who will return to their law practice, medical practice or other profession. The candidate who is elected as a representative should report to his constituency office every day and if the salary is not sufficient he should not seek office."
Up to press time, Mr Moncur said he had raised most of the nomination fee with a final donation of $80 expected to arrive last night.
DR ANDRE ROLLINS
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTY
THE newly formed National Development Party and its candidate Dr Andre Rollins are hoping to finally part the sea of red and yellow - colours of the FNM and PLP respectively - at the upcoming Elizabeth by-election.
The NDP hopes that voter frustration with the established parties will sweep Dr Rollins into the House of Assembly.
Although in its infancy, the NDP believes that its message and policy platform will sway many voters.
Dr Rollins was elected as the party's candidate in the Elizabeth by-election after a public political debate and primary election - trials which other political parties shied away from.
A newcomer to politics, the 34-year-old dentist feels Bahamians are ready for a change, starting with their political representatives.
His party's approach to the race has been to offer more accountability.
Without the money for rallies or other election gimmicks, Dr Rollins hopes that each candidate's message, not campaign funding, will be the deciding factor in the hotly contested race.
Whether he wins or loses, Dr Rollins plans to continue to hold both major parties to account, criticising them when appropriate.
"If you don't do the job that you were entrusted to do we are not going to show any fear or favour. We are going to go straight down the middle whether you are FNM or PLP," he told The Tribune recently.
Dr Rollins beat out NDP member C Rashad Amahad at Wednesday's event. Both men took blind questions from the audience and moderator Judy Hamilton.
At the primary, Dr Rollins urged supporters to be optimistic that the underdog can be victorious at the by-election polls.
Dr Rollins served as president of the Bahamas Dental Association from December, 2004 to December, 2009. He is a founding member of the NDP, formed in October 2008.
January 29, 2010
tribune242
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, January 20, 2010
Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis says the Prime Minister is “Dividing” The Bahamas
By ROGAN SMITH:
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis says at a time when Bahamians should be united the prime minister is doing all in his power to divide The Bahamas.
During the PLP’s rally on Elizabeth Estates Park last night Mr. Davis said the country is in the midst of a serious economic crisis, its social fiber is under attack and its neighbour to the south – Haiti – has suffered a devastating earthquake.
"Brothers and sisters are in mourning. This country is headed in the wrong direction. We have serious issues with regards to our national security and all [Hubert] Ingraham has on his mind is dividing the people of this country," he said.
"[Mr.] Ingraham wants to take the focus off of his failures. He wants us to forget the thousands without jobs, without electricity and some with nothing to eat tonight. He wants you to forget your friends and family suffering tonight with no hope and no health insurance."
Mr. Davis said the Free National Movement (FNM) Government is running the country into the ground and remains clueless on how to deal with most of the country’s social ills.
He said The Bahamas needs PLP candidate Ryan Pinder – a noted tax attorney – in the government.
The Opposition was in the Elizabeth constituency last night drumming up support for Mr. Pinder in advance of next month’s by-election.
Mr. Davis urged Elizabeth constituents to send a message to the government that "enough is enough" and that they are tired with the government’s ineptitude.
Meantime, Mr. Pinder, who will go head-to-head with FNM candidate, Dr. Duane Sands, Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) Leader Cassius Stuart, attorney and United Christian Love Revolution Movement (UCLRM) member, Godfrey Pro Pinder and Workers Party Leader Rodney Moncur, suggested that he is not concerned about the competition.
"Some say they’ve got steady hands. Others want to take you in a new direction, but they don’t know where they’re going. Another says he wants to start a love movement. Well I need them all to know that last Tuesday night the PLP gave me the go ahead to continue a love affair with Elizabeth, and I know where we’re going, and together, we’re [going to] go all the way," he said.
"I want to submit tonight that Elizabeth has a clear choice in this by-election. The clear choice is to keep Elizabeth free and return a PLP candidate to the House of Assembly who will resist darkness and all its forms, avoid political temptation and be true and honest to his pledge to the people of Elizabeth."
He also urged constituents not to punish him for former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley’s failures.
"The reception I have been getting on the ground as I move from house to house has been encouraging. As the PLP candidate, moving forward, I just want to appeal to you to please don’t beat me, or the party with Malcolm’s stick. The Progressive Liberal Party and Ryan Pinder are committed to you, and I am anxious to fill that vacant seat on your behalf so that you can have the kind of MP you need," he said.
"I spent my childhood with my dad (former Malcolm Creek MP Marvin Pinder) in Malcolm Creek, now Elizabeth. My parents serve as godparents to many in this constituency. Elizabeth is very much a part of my family. I know these streets. I know these houses. I know the concerns. I know the pains. I know the needs. I have been walking these avenues from when my father began his walk of faith with you almost 25 years ago."
Mr. Pinder said he is committed to small business development and the creation of a skills bank in the constituency.
January 20th, 2010
jonesbahamas
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Deputy Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis says at a time when Bahamians should be united the prime minister is doing all in his power to divide The Bahamas.
During the PLP’s rally on Elizabeth Estates Park last night Mr. Davis said the country is in the midst of a serious economic crisis, its social fiber is under attack and its neighbour to the south – Haiti – has suffered a devastating earthquake.
"Brothers and sisters are in mourning. This country is headed in the wrong direction. We have serious issues with regards to our national security and all [Hubert] Ingraham has on his mind is dividing the people of this country," he said.
"[Mr.] Ingraham wants to take the focus off of his failures. He wants us to forget the thousands without jobs, without electricity and some with nothing to eat tonight. He wants you to forget your friends and family suffering tonight with no hope and no health insurance."
Mr. Davis said the Free National Movement (FNM) Government is running the country into the ground and remains clueless on how to deal with most of the country’s social ills.
He said The Bahamas needs PLP candidate Ryan Pinder – a noted tax attorney – in the government.
The Opposition was in the Elizabeth constituency last night drumming up support for Mr. Pinder in advance of next month’s by-election.
Mr. Davis urged Elizabeth constituents to send a message to the government that "enough is enough" and that they are tired with the government’s ineptitude.
Meantime, Mr. Pinder, who will go head-to-head with FNM candidate, Dr. Duane Sands, Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) Leader Cassius Stuart, attorney and United Christian Love Revolution Movement (UCLRM) member, Godfrey Pro Pinder and Workers Party Leader Rodney Moncur, suggested that he is not concerned about the competition.
"Some say they’ve got steady hands. Others want to take you in a new direction, but they don’t know where they’re going. Another says he wants to start a love movement. Well I need them all to know that last Tuesday night the PLP gave me the go ahead to continue a love affair with Elizabeth, and I know where we’re going, and together, we’re [going to] go all the way," he said.
"I want to submit tonight that Elizabeth has a clear choice in this by-election. The clear choice is to keep Elizabeth free and return a PLP candidate to the House of Assembly who will resist darkness and all its forms, avoid political temptation and be true and honest to his pledge to the people of Elizabeth."
He also urged constituents not to punish him for former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley’s failures.
"The reception I have been getting on the ground as I move from house to house has been encouraging. As the PLP candidate, moving forward, I just want to appeal to you to please don’t beat me, or the party with Malcolm’s stick. The Progressive Liberal Party and Ryan Pinder are committed to you, and I am anxious to fill that vacant seat on your behalf so that you can have the kind of MP you need," he said.
"I spent my childhood with my dad (former Malcolm Creek MP Marvin Pinder) in Malcolm Creek, now Elizabeth. My parents serve as godparents to many in this constituency. Elizabeth is very much a part of my family. I know these streets. I know these houses. I know the concerns. I know the pains. I know the needs. I have been walking these avenues from when my father began his walk of faith with you almost 25 years ago."
Mr. Pinder said he is committed to small business development and the creation of a skills bank in the constituency.
January 20th, 2010
jonesbahamas
Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie vows to rescue The Bahamas 'from hell'
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
If the nation is to be saved from ruin, it must return the Progressive Liberal Party to power, PLP leader Perry Christie charged at a rally in Elizabeth Estates last night.
Christie told supporters that the PLP wants to rescue the country from the "hellish nightmare" that it is now experiencing under the governance of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Christie charged that he and the party can repair the trauma and hell he claimed the Ingraham government is causing.
In a clear reference to the prime minister's recent decision to release 103 Haitians who were detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, the PLP leader said, "We do not wake up one morning and suddenly go lurching off in some new direction that the rest of our colleagues do not know anything about. The PLP is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Our ways are not their ways and you know exactly who I am talking about.
"We do not operate like that. That is why if you are a young person with a future like Ryan Pinder (the PLP's candidate in the Elizabeth by-election) has you naturally gravitate to the PLP because you know as you should know that in the PLP you have the opportunity to be a part of a team that will allow you to be the co-author of our history. You can never have that kind of role in the other party because there is never any room for teamwork when it is a one-man show."
The prime minister announced the policy shift in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last week.
Christie said the suffering of the Bahamian people will only be alleviated when "good, responsible, caring and compassionate governance returns" to the country with a new PLP government.
"The PLP is marching back. The PLP is in full resurgence now, all across our country. People of our country know that...there is simply no hope with this crew that we now have in power. No hope at all."
Christie urged Elizabeth constituents to tell the government that they are not for sale.
"It is really very cruel to build up people's hopes on the basis of false promises," he said. Christie told the FNM to stop promising people what it knows it cannot deliver.
He said the PLP is setting the stage for the return of good governance to the country "and the end of this hellish nightmare that you are subjected to with this out of control, insensitive, visionless, disorganized government."
"Soon, very soon, that nightmare will be behind us and happy days are here again. Those happy days will all begin right in Elizabeth because you the people of Elizabeth will be the first ones that will send a message that will resonate throughout our archipelago that enough is enough," Christie said.
The PLP's candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder, described Christie as "the most productive, competent and efficient prime minister in the region" since the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.
Pinder added, "The good people of Elizabeth deserve a standing ovation for their patience, humility and focus during the difficult days they were plunged into. My friends I submit that the FNM has to pay a price for what they did to the good people of Elizabeth."
Dame Marguerite Pindling, Sir Lynden's widow, also addressed the rally charging that the Bay Street Boys are the ones running The Bahamas today even though they were voted out on January 10, 1967.
The Elizabeth seat became vacant earlier this month when attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned the seat in the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the PLP, citing disaffection with the party's leadership.
January 20, 2010
thenassauguardian
If the nation is to be saved from ruin, it must return the Progressive Liberal Party to power, PLP leader Perry Christie charged at a rally in Elizabeth Estates last night.
Christie told supporters that the PLP wants to rescue the country from the "hellish nightmare" that it is now experiencing under the governance of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Christie charged that he and the party can repair the trauma and hell he claimed the Ingraham government is causing.
In a clear reference to the prime minister's recent decision to release 103 Haitians who were detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, the PLP leader said, "We do not wake up one morning and suddenly go lurching off in some new direction that the rest of our colleagues do not know anything about. The PLP is a democracy, not a dictatorship. Our ways are not their ways and you know exactly who I am talking about.
"We do not operate like that. That is why if you are a young person with a future like Ryan Pinder (the PLP's candidate in the Elizabeth by-election) has you naturally gravitate to the PLP because you know as you should know that in the PLP you have the opportunity to be a part of a team that will allow you to be the co-author of our history. You can never have that kind of role in the other party because there is never any room for teamwork when it is a one-man show."
The prime minister announced the policy shift in the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last week.
Christie said the suffering of the Bahamian people will only be alleviated when "good, responsible, caring and compassionate governance returns" to the country with a new PLP government.
"The PLP is marching back. The PLP is in full resurgence now, all across our country. People of our country know that...there is simply no hope with this crew that we now have in power. No hope at all."
Christie urged Elizabeth constituents to tell the government that they are not for sale.
"It is really very cruel to build up people's hopes on the basis of false promises," he said. Christie told the FNM to stop promising people what it knows it cannot deliver.
He said the PLP is setting the stage for the return of good governance to the country "and the end of this hellish nightmare that you are subjected to with this out of control, insensitive, visionless, disorganized government."
"Soon, very soon, that nightmare will be behind us and happy days are here again. Those happy days will all begin right in Elizabeth because you the people of Elizabeth will be the first ones that will send a message that will resonate throughout our archipelago that enough is enough," Christie said.
The PLP's candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder, described Christie as "the most productive, competent and efficient prime minister in the region" since the late former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.
Pinder added, "The good people of Elizabeth deserve a standing ovation for their patience, humility and focus during the difficult days they were plunged into. My friends I submit that the FNM has to pay a price for what they did to the good people of Elizabeth."
Dame Marguerite Pindling, Sir Lynden's widow, also addressed the rally charging that the Bay Street Boys are the ones running The Bahamas today even though they were voted out on January 10, 1967.
The Elizabeth seat became vacant earlier this month when attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned the seat in the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the PLP, citing disaffection with the party's leadership.
January 20, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Governing Free National Movement (FNM) is 'delighted' that the Official Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) 'gave up' Elizabeth seat
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com:
The Free National Movement is delighted that the Progressive Liberal Party gave up the Elizabeth seat so the FNM can pick it up, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said Saturday.
Ingraham spoke to reporters as the FNM launched its Elizabeth campaign.
The seat became available earlier this month after attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly, citing disaffection with the leadership of the PLP.
Asked whether he was in a position to say whether another event is yet to unfold in the House of Assembly in terms of the numbers in the FNM or the PLP, Ingraham said he was not.
"I take these things one day at a time," he said.
"The people of Elizabeth trusted the PLP with their seat in the last election. The PLP cashed in; threw their hands in and said they don't want the seat. The man that they put in the House of Assembly has decided he wants to resign, which has put Elizabeth now back in the election place.
"The FNM has come along and said 'let us have it please, we know what to do with it, you can trust us with your seat.' We will not be cashing in our seat: We will not be throwing our hands in. We will hold it, we will defend you, we will promote you, we will represent you and we will govern in your best interest. And so we are delighted that the PLP gave it up, so that we can pick it up."
Adderley won the Elizabeth seat over the FNM's Elma Campbell by 45 votes.
Ingraham was asked how he felt about his party's chances of winning the seat.
"Ever since the election of 2007, indeed since January of this year, some 290-plus persons have either registered to vote or have been transferred into this constituency so that essentially, this constituency has probably five or six percent more voters than it had the last time," he noted.
"Of course, some people would have moved out also. I do not know what the net result is going to be at the end of the day. We think it is a competitive seat, and we are going into it hopeful that the people of Elizabeth will join the FNM's Trust Team.
"We have selected a first-class candidate, we think that we have provided good governance for The Bahamas, and we think that we have the programs and the vision for The Bahamas and that we are the better of the two major parties to represent Elizabeth and to govern The Bahamas at this time."
He said the party has a national message for Elizabeth - "that we are the government in these tough times, that the Bahamian people have trusted us to lead them and we have demonstrated that we are compassionate, considerate, concerned, focused, and prepared to be accountable and transparent in the governance of the affairs of the people of The Bahamas. "
Ingraham said he had no idea how much money the FNM will spend in Elizabeth.
"I know we have very little money," he added.
"We have to buy posters - we are not like the PLP, as you see they have posters left over from the last election because their posters came in late. And so they can plaster [PLP leader Perry Christie] all over the place telling the Bahamian people that he is still the right choice for The Bahamas.
"They are arrogant. They couldn't care less about how the people felt - they say they are still the right choice. Well they will find out whether they are still the right choice. The people told them already [that] they are not the right choice for The Bahamas. He is not the right man for The Bahamas. He might be the right man for the PLP, but not for The Bahamas."
Ingraham told reporters he could not say whether the response from voters in Elizabeth will be overwhelming, but he said the FNM hopes to motivate a large number of voters to vote.
"Generally speaking, many people don't view by-elections in the same way they view general elections in that at the end of the day, the government will still be the FNM and they would have a change of membership in a seat," he said.
"But we hope to convince them that it is just as important to vote in a by-election as it is to vote in a general election, and Elizabeth ought to have its voice heard in the Parliament of The Bahamas and its representations heard by the Government of The Bahamas."
January 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
The Free National Movement is delighted that the Progressive Liberal Party gave up the Elizabeth seat so the FNM can pick it up, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said Saturday.
Ingraham spoke to reporters as the FNM launched its Elizabeth campaign.
The seat became available earlier this month after attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly, citing disaffection with the leadership of the PLP.
Asked whether he was in a position to say whether another event is yet to unfold in the House of Assembly in terms of the numbers in the FNM or the PLP, Ingraham said he was not.
"I take these things one day at a time," he said.
"The people of Elizabeth trusted the PLP with their seat in the last election. The PLP cashed in; threw their hands in and said they don't want the seat. The man that they put in the House of Assembly has decided he wants to resign, which has put Elizabeth now back in the election place.
"The FNM has come along and said 'let us have it please, we know what to do with it, you can trust us with your seat.' We will not be cashing in our seat: We will not be throwing our hands in. We will hold it, we will defend you, we will promote you, we will represent you and we will govern in your best interest. And so we are delighted that the PLP gave it up, so that we can pick it up."
Adderley won the Elizabeth seat over the FNM's Elma Campbell by 45 votes.
Ingraham was asked how he felt about his party's chances of winning the seat.
"Ever since the election of 2007, indeed since January of this year, some 290-plus persons have either registered to vote or have been transferred into this constituency so that essentially, this constituency has probably five or six percent more voters than it had the last time," he noted.
"Of course, some people would have moved out also. I do not know what the net result is going to be at the end of the day. We think it is a competitive seat, and we are going into it hopeful that the people of Elizabeth will join the FNM's Trust Team.
"We have selected a first-class candidate, we think that we have provided good governance for The Bahamas, and we think that we have the programs and the vision for The Bahamas and that we are the better of the two major parties to represent Elizabeth and to govern The Bahamas at this time."
He said the party has a national message for Elizabeth - "that we are the government in these tough times, that the Bahamian people have trusted us to lead them and we have demonstrated that we are compassionate, considerate, concerned, focused, and prepared to be accountable and transparent in the governance of the affairs of the people of The Bahamas. "
Ingraham said he had no idea how much money the FNM will spend in Elizabeth.
"I know we have very little money," he added.
"We have to buy posters - we are not like the PLP, as you see they have posters left over from the last election because their posters came in late. And so they can plaster [PLP leader Perry Christie] all over the place telling the Bahamian people that he is still the right choice for The Bahamas.
"They are arrogant. They couldn't care less about how the people felt - they say they are still the right choice. Well they will find out whether they are still the right choice. The people told them already [that] they are not the right choice for The Bahamas. He is not the right man for The Bahamas. He might be the right man for the PLP, but not for The Bahamas."
Ingraham told reporters he could not say whether the response from voters in Elizabeth will be overwhelming, but he said the FNM hopes to motivate a large number of voters to vote.
"Generally speaking, many people don't view by-elections in the same way they view general elections in that at the end of the day, the government will still be the FNM and they would have a change of membership in a seat," he said.
"But we hope to convince them that it is just as important to vote in a by-election as it is to vote in a general election, and Elizabeth ought to have its voice heard in the Parliament of The Bahamas and its representations heard by the Government of The Bahamas."
January 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
Friday, January 15, 2010
Workers Party Leader Rodney Moncur Nominated For Elizabeth Constituency Bye-Election
WORKERS PARTY STATEMENT ON THE CANDIDACY OF RODNEY MONCUR FOR THE ELIZABETH CONSTITUENCY BYE-ELECTION
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
The people of Elizabeth constituency, like all the other voters of this country, have come to a political cross roads and a serious decision has to be made.
Let us not make idle distinctions between PLP and FNM; we the voters, having tried both parties for long periods of time in the past, have come to the conclusion that they are one and the same. They are a narrow class of relatives, friends, school-mates, business partners and professionals who have dominated Bahamian politics for a whole generation.
If we just take a snapshot of the recent political history of Elizabeth we will see where Elma Campbell, Ambassador in China, who ran against her cousin Malcolm Adderley, a lawyer, and was beaten by him, is the first cousin of Dwayne Sands who now wishes to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the House of Assembly to become a Judge of the Supreme Court.
We leave it to the good doctor to tell the people of Elizabeth whether or not he too is the cousin of Malcolm Adderley and if so, solemnly affirm that he never had any conversation with Adderley before his resignation regarding how the seat would be passed from one cousin to another.
Before Elizabeth came into existence, another constituency, called Malcolm Creek, included parts of Elizabeth and was represented for a significant period of time by one Marvin Pinder, a prime PLP operative.
This same Marvin Pinder, who was a PLP Minister, is the father of Ryan Pinder, the PLP candidate for Elizabeth in the up-coming bye-election. In this case, power over the people is being passed, not from cousin to cousin, but from father to son.
And then, there is the classic connection between former law partners Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and opposition leader Perry Christie, which smacks of the enigmatic relationship that existed for years between Lynden Pindling of the PLP and his schoolmate, Cecil Wallace Whitfield of the FNM.
And while we are looking at the illustrious personalities that have dominated Bahamian politics for a generation, we cannot forget the venerable patriarch of the FNM, Sir Orville Turnquest, former Governor-General, father of Tommy Turnquest, the hapless Minister of National Security and uncle of Dwayne Sands.
And the record shows that this Dwayne Sands is the son of Basil Sands, who served diligently, for a significant period of time, under the PLP regime as the Chairman of Bahamasair and, therefore, featured prominently in the Commission of Enquiry which Hubert Ingraham appointed in the early 90s, as a smoke-screen to fool voters that Pindling was being punished for his misdeeds.
Now we are only looking here at Elizabeth; but if we look at all the other 41 constituencies we will find strong, convincing evidence of the existence of this closed, tight-knit, narrow class of, relatives, friends, school-mates, business partners and professionals who have dominated Bahamian politics for a whole generation.
Of course, like every other Bahamian, they have the constitutional and moral right to offer themselves for election to public office; and we, the voters, election after election, have historically delegated public authority to them in good faith, sincerely believing and hoping that they would use the high office, not for personal gain, but to manage the affairs of the nation honorably and efficiently, bringing peace, security and prosperity to all.
If, in our opinion, they had done a good job of governing over the past 53 years, we would not be declaring today our intention to field a candidate in the up-coming bye-election in Elizabeth.
But both parties, the PLP and the FNM, have taken turns in making false promises and declarations to the Bahamian voters to seize and hold on to power for personal gain and, in the process, they have mismanaged the economy, they have corrupted the public institutions and they have done gross damage to the delicate social fabric of the country.
Even before the global economic downturn, the level of joblessness had been too high for too many years. Too many qualified people, especially young have had to wait and search diligently for months and months, and sometimes even years, for a job, simply because there are not enough jobs being created on a consistent basis.
The PLP and FNM governments from 1967 to 2010, all failed to plan for economic development and the consistent creation of jobs. Not one of them ever produced a National Development Plan for this country. They have all played government-by-ear and have played it badly. Consequently, the economy has been stagnant for years, with tourism not increasing substantially for almost twenty years.
The PLP-FNM government have failed so miserably from the early 90s to now to monitor the international climate in which our financial services sector must operate, that The Bahamas has been named and shamed over and over by the industrialized countries for running a sub-standard, almost shady, jurisdiction; and they are now forced into a humiliating situation of signing dozens of treaties in a few months time to save the industry from international sanctions and to try to stop major off-shore banks from closing down and leaving the country.
We charge that one of the major public institutions that have been corrupted by the PLP-FNM is the public education system. Over the years, the PLP-FNM class has provided segregated education for their children in private schools, using a substantial amount of funds from the Government, of course; and when the cost of educating their children abroad became too high, they created a scholarship fund with Government money, which was abused so much by them that poor people never got a chance to benefit from it and now it has been discontinued because of the abuse and corruption.
While all of this has been going on, the physical infrastructure of the public school system has being deprived of financial support and administrative attention, so much so that CC Sweeting High School students in 1983 would have burned down their dilapidated school, if it had not been for the Workers Party who taught the young people that public protest was the legal and much more productive reaction than arson.
Because of gross neglect and abuse, the public school system under the PLP-FNM government over the past 53 years eventually deteriorated into a breeding ground for gangs and other anti-social groups and today crime, perpetrated by a generation of thugs that have grown up under this corrupt and inefficient PLP-FNM coalition of selfish and narrow interests, is our number one problem.
Despite his promises late last year, the Prime Minister Ingraham, in our opinion, has not yet given the nation any definitive statement on the initiatives that his lost and confused Government will adopt to prevent the spread and increase in crime in this country. The Leader of the Opposition, in his inimitable style, has made no statement on crime and is not expected to do so.
The Workers Party believes that punishment for heinous crime such as murder, rape armed robbery and so on should be swift, severe and certain. In light of this philosophy we view most of the efforts discharged by the FNM Government so far as being limp-wristed and not having the virility that is needed in this time of social crisis.
The Ingraham Government has adopted a soft approach in this matter for too long; and now it has exploded and is beyond control. Limp-wristed activities such as electronic monitoring bands around criminals’ ankles while they are out on bail are ludicrous.
Young men have already been heard laughing and joking at how they will inactivate those gadgets in short order and how, given the fact that the Government can not keep simple traffic lights working all the time, it is certain that they will not be able to keep such a complex high-tech system working all the time.
The Workers Party’s position is that we do not need bracelets on murderers’ ankles; we need ropes around their necks, as is mandated by the age-old laws of this country. We need firm-wristed and hard-fisted strategies to wrestle this crime monster. Nothing else will do.
But the legal and judicial process has been corrupted by political malpractice; and the cold, clear truth is that the PLP-FNM cabal of lawyer-politicians makes a lot of money negotiating bail for their murderer clients, who, upon being released into this peaceful community, wreak tremendous havoc of revenge, intimidation and more murder.
So, we have come to challenge you, the voters in Elizabeth to make a historic step and vote against both the PLP and the FNM in the upcoming bye-election. Send a clear message to these covenant-breakers that they have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
We have come to you with a challenge to invest in a promising political future by casting your votes for Rodney Moncur, Leader of the Workers Party and sending to Parliament for the first time, a representative who is bold and energetic, who has surrounded himself with good sense and who is saturated with love of God, family and you.
Sign
Allan Strachan
Workers Party
Chairman
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
The people of Elizabeth constituency, like all the other voters of this country, have come to a political cross roads and a serious decision has to be made. Let us not make idle distinctions between PLP and FNM; we the voters, having tried both parties for long periods of time in the past, have come to the conclusion that they are one and the same. They are a narrow class of relatives, friends, school-mates, business partners and professionals who have dominated Bahamian politics for a whole generation.
If we just take a snapshot of the recent political history of Elizabeth we will see where Elma Campbell, Ambassador in China, who ran against her cousin Malcolm Adderley, a lawyer, and was beaten by him, is the first cousin of Dwayne Sands who now wishes to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the House of Assembly to become a Judge of the Supreme Court.
We leave it to the good doctor to tell the people of Elizabeth whether or not he too is the cousin of Malcolm Adderley and if so, solemnly affirm that he never had any conversation with Adderley before his resignation regarding how the seat would be passed from one cousin to another.
Before Elizabeth came into existence, another constituency, called Malcolm Creek, included parts of Elizabeth and was represented for a significant period of time by one Marvin Pinder, a prime PLP operative.
This same Marvin Pinder, who was a PLP Minister, is the father of Ryan Pinder, the PLP candidate for Elizabeth in the up-coming bye-election. In this case, power over the people is being passed, not from cousin to cousin, but from father to son.
And then, there is the classic connection between former law partners Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and opposition leader Perry Christie, which smacks of the enigmatic relationship that existed for years between Lynden Pindling of the PLP and his schoolmate, Cecil Wallace Whitfield of the FNM.
And while we are looking at the illustrious personalities that have dominated Bahamian politics for a generation, we cannot forget the venerable patriarch of the FNM, Sir Orville Turnquest, former Governor-General, father of Tommy Turnquest, the hapless Minister of National Security and uncle of Dwayne Sands.
And the record shows that this Dwayne Sands is the son of Basil Sands, who served diligently, for a significant period of time, under the PLP regime as the Chairman of Bahamasair and, therefore, featured prominently in the Commission of Enquiry which Hubert Ingraham appointed in the early 90s, as a smoke-screen to fool voters that Pindling was being punished for his misdeeds.
Now we are only looking here at Elizabeth; but if we look at all the other 41 constituencies we will find strong, convincing evidence of the existence of this closed, tight-knit, narrow class of, relatives, friends, school-mates, business partners and professionals who have dominated Bahamian politics for a whole generation.
Of course, like every other Bahamian, they have the constitutional and moral right to offer themselves for election to public office; and we, the voters, election after election, have historically delegated public authority to them in good faith, sincerely believing and hoping that they would use the high office, not for personal gain, but to manage the affairs of the nation honorably and efficiently, bringing peace, security and prosperity to all.
If, in our opinion, they had done a good job of governing over the past 53 years, we would not be declaring today our intention to field a candidate in the up-coming bye-election in Elizabeth.
But both parties, the PLP and the FNM, have taken turns in making false promises and declarations to the Bahamian voters to seize and hold on to power for personal gain and, in the process, they have mismanaged the economy, they have corrupted the public institutions and they have done gross damage to the delicate social fabric of the country.
Even before the global economic downturn, the level of joblessness had been too high for too many years. Too many qualified people, especially young have had to wait and search diligently for months and months, and sometimes even years, for a job, simply because there are not enough jobs being created on a consistent basis.
The PLP and FNM governments from 1967 to 2010, all failed to plan for economic development and the consistent creation of jobs. Not one of them ever produced a National Development Plan for this country. They have all played government-by-ear and have played it badly. Consequently, the economy has been stagnant for years, with tourism not increasing substantially for almost twenty years.
The PLP-FNM government have failed so miserably from the early 90s to now to monitor the international climate in which our financial services sector must operate, that The Bahamas has been named and shamed over and over by the industrialized countries for running a sub-standard, almost shady, jurisdiction; and they are now forced into a humiliating situation of signing dozens of treaties in a few months time to save the industry from international sanctions and to try to stop major off-shore banks from closing down and leaving the country.
We charge that one of the major public institutions that have been corrupted by the PLP-FNM is the public education system. Over the years, the PLP-FNM class has provided segregated education for their children in private schools, using a substantial amount of funds from the Government, of course; and when the cost of educating their children abroad became too high, they created a scholarship fund with Government money, which was abused so much by them that poor people never got a chance to benefit from it and now it has been discontinued because of the abuse and corruption.
While all of this has been going on, the physical infrastructure of the public school system has being deprived of financial support and administrative attention, so much so that CC Sweeting High School students in 1983 would have burned down their dilapidated school, if it had not been for the Workers Party who taught the young people that public protest was the legal and much more productive reaction than arson.
Because of gross neglect and abuse, the public school system under the PLP-FNM government over the past 53 years eventually deteriorated into a breeding ground for gangs and other anti-social groups and today crime, perpetrated by a generation of thugs that have grown up under this corrupt and inefficient PLP-FNM coalition of selfish and narrow interests, is our number one problem.
Despite his promises late last year, the Prime Minister Ingraham, in our opinion, has not yet given the nation any definitive statement on the initiatives that his lost and confused Government will adopt to prevent the spread and increase in crime in this country. The Leader of the Opposition, in his inimitable style, has made no statement on crime and is not expected to do so.
The Workers Party believes that punishment for heinous crime such as murder, rape armed robbery and so on should be swift, severe and certain. In light of this philosophy we view most of the efforts discharged by the FNM Government so far as being limp-wristed and not having the virility that is needed in this time of social crisis.
The Ingraham Government has adopted a soft approach in this matter for too long; and now it has exploded and is beyond control. Limp-wristed activities such as electronic monitoring bands around criminals’ ankles while they are out on bail are ludicrous.
Young men have already been heard laughing and joking at how they will inactivate those gadgets in short order and how, given the fact that the Government can not keep simple traffic lights working all the time, it is certain that they will not be able to keep such a complex high-tech system working all the time.
The Workers Party’s position is that we do not need bracelets on murderers’ ankles; we need ropes around their necks, as is mandated by the age-old laws of this country. We need firm-wristed and hard-fisted strategies to wrestle this crime monster. Nothing else will do.
But the legal and judicial process has been corrupted by political malpractice; and the cold, clear truth is that the PLP-FNM cabal of lawyer-politicians makes a lot of money negotiating bail for their murderer clients, who, upon being released into this peaceful community, wreak tremendous havoc of revenge, intimidation and more murder.
So, we have come to challenge you, the voters in Elizabeth to make a historic step and vote against both the PLP and the FNM in the upcoming bye-election. Send a clear message to these covenant-breakers that they have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
We have come to you with a challenge to invest in a promising political future by casting your votes for Rodney Moncur, Leader of the Workers Party and sending to Parliament for the first time, a representative who is bold and energetic, who has surrounded himself with good sense and who is saturated with love of God, family and you.
Sign
Allan Strachan
Workers Party
Chairman
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Ryan Pinder: Money won't determine Elizabeth's victor
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
While they are playing on the same team, there is one thing that the Progressive Liberal Party's candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder and its chairman Bradley Roberts do not agree on, and that is the extent to which money will determine the outcome of the approaching by-election.
While Roberts predicted recently that the party that pumps the most money into the campaign will emerge victorious, Pinder said yesterday he believes the people of Elizabeth are too intelligent to allow money to influence their votes.
"I think that in any election there is a substantial amount of money that may be spent, although I think we are at a unique point in time in our country and Elizabeth is at a unique point in time, whereas the people really want to understand your policy and your vision, and where you propose to take not only the constituency but also the country to give them sustainable, economic and social growth. And I think that the policies that we speak about and that the candidate speaks about, and lays out in front of the constituents, are really what are going to determine who wins this by-election."
As pointed out by the PLP in a statement Tuesday night, Pinder is rooted in the PLP. He is the son of Marvin Pinder, who was the member of Parliament for the area now known as Elizabeth between 1987 and 1992. He was also a member of the Cabinet of former Prime Minister the late Sir Lynden Pindling.
Ryan Pinder will likely go up against the Free National Movement's Dr. Duane Sands in the by-election. The PLP candidate said he does not expect the support his father may still have in the constituency to give him an edge.
"Certainly, my father does have a lot of support in the constituency, but this is an aggressive campaign, a campaign of a by-election which is unique. This is not going to be a shoo-in by any means," said Pinder, a 35-year-old tax attorney.
"It is going to require hard work, dedication. It's going to require touching the people and as a party we are committed to going in and visiting each person in the constituency to gain an understanding of what is truly affecting the people."
The Elizabeth seat became vacant when Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly on January 6. He also resigned from the PLP.
Pinder said Elizabeth constituents are hungry for vision and "hungry to know that there's somebody there who will formulate plans to help them in a sustainable way in the future."
On the issue of his dual citizenship, Pinder said he does not see it as an issue.
"I was born in Nassau to a Bahamian father," he said. "I certainly have genuine Bahamian citizenship."
Pinder is also an American citizen.
He said the campaign is about real issues.
"The people of Elizabeth [want to know] that there is a representative that can connect with them, that can really advocate for their needs and wants in this country and I think that I have the plans, the Progressive Liberal Party has the plans and the vision to really affect the Elizabeth constituency," he said.
"The Progressive Liberal Party was formed and governs itself and governs the people on core philosophies, one of those philosophies being equal opportunities for all people, social, economic and political opportunities. That's a founding principle of the party and I think that is an underlying principle that will benefit the people in Elizabeth as we proceed."
But when he spoke to The Nassau Guardian recently on the Free National Movement's plans for the upcoming by-election, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the party should be the clear choice for Elizabeth constituents.
"The Free National Movement believes that it has a case to put; it believes that the people of Elizabeth will find that their best interest can be served by the Free National Movement and the best interest of their community can be served by the Free National Movement," Ingraham said.
"And the best interest of their community will be served by the Free National Movement."
January 14, 2010
thenassauguardian
While they are playing on the same team, there is one thing that the Progressive Liberal Party's candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder and its chairman Bradley Roberts do not agree on, and that is the extent to which money will determine the outcome of the approaching by-election.
While Roberts predicted recently that the party that pumps the most money into the campaign will emerge victorious, Pinder said yesterday he believes the people of Elizabeth are too intelligent to allow money to influence their votes.
"I think that in any election there is a substantial amount of money that may be spent, although I think we are at a unique point in time in our country and Elizabeth is at a unique point in time, whereas the people really want to understand your policy and your vision, and where you propose to take not only the constituency but also the country to give them sustainable, economic and social growth. And I think that the policies that we speak about and that the candidate speaks about, and lays out in front of the constituents, are really what are going to determine who wins this by-election."
As pointed out by the PLP in a statement Tuesday night, Pinder is rooted in the PLP. He is the son of Marvin Pinder, who was the member of Parliament for the area now known as Elizabeth between 1987 and 1992. He was also a member of the Cabinet of former Prime Minister the late Sir Lynden Pindling.
Ryan Pinder will likely go up against the Free National Movement's Dr. Duane Sands in the by-election. The PLP candidate said he does not expect the support his father may still have in the constituency to give him an edge.
"Certainly, my father does have a lot of support in the constituency, but this is an aggressive campaign, a campaign of a by-election which is unique. This is not going to be a shoo-in by any means," said Pinder, a 35-year-old tax attorney.
"It is going to require hard work, dedication. It's going to require touching the people and as a party we are committed to going in and visiting each person in the constituency to gain an understanding of what is truly affecting the people."
The Elizabeth seat became vacant when Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly on January 6. He also resigned from the PLP.
Pinder said Elizabeth constituents are hungry for vision and "hungry to know that there's somebody there who will formulate plans to help them in a sustainable way in the future."
On the issue of his dual citizenship, Pinder said he does not see it as an issue.
"I was born in Nassau to a Bahamian father," he said. "I certainly have genuine Bahamian citizenship."
Pinder is also an American citizen.
He said the campaign is about real issues.
"The people of Elizabeth [want to know] that there is a representative that can connect with them, that can really advocate for their needs and wants in this country and I think that I have the plans, the Progressive Liberal Party has the plans and the vision to really affect the Elizabeth constituency," he said.
"The Progressive Liberal Party was formed and governs itself and governs the people on core philosophies, one of those philosophies being equal opportunities for all people, social, economic and political opportunities. That's a founding principle of the party and I think that is an underlying principle that will benefit the people in Elizabeth as we proceed."
But when he spoke to The Nassau Guardian recently on the Free National Movement's plans for the upcoming by-election, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said the party should be the clear choice for Elizabeth constituents.
"The Free National Movement believes that it has a case to put; it believes that the people of Elizabeth will find that their best interest can be served by the Free National Movement and the best interest of their community can be served by the Free National Movement," Ingraham said.
"And the best interest of their community will be served by the Free National Movement."
January 14, 2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Ryan Pinder is ratified as the PLP's Elizabeth nominee
tribune 242:
TAX attorney Ryan Pinder was ratified last night as the PLP's nominee for the Elizabeth constituency, setting the stage for what will be a hotly contested by-election beginning sometime early next month.
Carrying the PLP's banner up against the FNM's Dr Duane Sands, Mr Pinder beat out a number of other contenders within his own party to gain the nomination for the Elizabeth seat.
At 35 years of age, Mr Pinder was humbled last night to learn that he had gained the nomination, vowing that he would do all he could to bring the seat home to the Progressive Liberal Party and provide the representation that "the people" deserve.
Bahamas Democratic leader Cassius Stuart officially announced his intention to run next week.
January 13, 2010
tribune242
TAX attorney Ryan Pinder was ratified last night as the PLP's nominee for the Elizabeth constituency, setting the stage for what will be a hotly contested by-election beginning sometime early next month.
Carrying the PLP's banner up against the FNM's Dr Duane Sands, Mr Pinder beat out a number of other contenders within his own party to gain the nomination for the Elizabeth seat.
At 35 years of age, Mr Pinder was humbled last night to learn that he had gained the nomination, vowing that he would do all he could to bring the seat home to the Progressive Liberal Party and provide the representation that "the people" deserve.
Bahamas Democratic leader Cassius Stuart officially announced his intention to run next week.
January 13, 2010
tribune242
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
PLP by-election hopeful Ryan Pinder defends his right to dual citizenship
tribune242:
HOPEFUL PLP candidate for the Elizabeth by-election, Ryan Pinder, has defended his right to dual citizenship amid controversy over the right of a Member of Parliament to hold two nationalities.
The Constitution states in Article 48 that no person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of the House of Assembly who is a citizen of another country having become such a citizen voluntarily, or is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.
But as Mr Pinder is a Bahamian born in Nassau, of a Bahamian father and American mother, he acquired US citizenship at birth automatically, rather than voluntarily, and therefore qualifies to serve as a Bahamian MP according to law.
He and attorney Craig Butler are in the running for the PLP candidacy in the upcoming Elizabeth by-election. The party will announce the chosen candidate tonight.
Mr Pinder maintains he would be an excellent representative for the people of Elizabeth, if selected to run in the area once served by his father Marvin Pinder.
But critics have cast doubt over Mr Pinder's right to serve in the House of Assembly, and a debate has stirred on the Internet attracting around 200 comments on a social networking website.
Web blogger Cammy LeFlage said: "It is not 'fine' to be a dual citizen and be a leader in government because it just begs the question: Whose side are you on? Who do you really represent?
"The Bahamas and the US have a quite cozy relationship but the Bahamas must always look out for itself and its people.
"If he carries dual citizenship, how is this supposed to really work? Answer: It won't."
Voices Bahamian stated: "Whoever is in the House holding US citizenship is in the wrong."
However, others have defended Mr Pinder's position.
Carmichael Business League president Ethric Bowe said: "Google the Bahamian constitution and read it for yourself. Ryan has no impediment. We have racism or ignorance operating here. But look it up to settle this then let's move on to some issues."
The issue was also belittled by website user Misty Albury who asked: "Does holding dual passports make you any less capable of holding a position? My kids hold dual citizenship as well and if someday they want to hold office I would hope it wouldn't matter because of something so little."
Jamaican parliamentary hopeful Daryl Vaz was determined ineligible for election as MP in the country because he held dual citizenship. And Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette's brother Robert 'Bobby' Symonette gave up the American citizenship he had been bestowed by virtue of his mother's nationality when he ran for Parliament in 1949.
However, Mr Pinder clarified how Bahamian law differs from Jamaican legalities and has changed in the 60 years since Mr Symonette ran for office and the Bahamas became independent of British rule.
Attorney Paul Adderley said Mr Pinder's dual citizenship does not disqualify him from running for a position in the House as he said other MPs also hold allegiance to two nations.
He said: "There are some very important people who are like that, so there is nothing in that. It's where he is born; you can't change that. So it's not an issue."
Mr Pinder is a tax and commercial law attorney for Becker & Poliakoff and as a US citizen is required to pay taxes in the US. He also lived in the United States for eight years before returning to Nassau in 2008 to head the firm's Bahamian office.
He said his employment by a US law firm is not an issue as many Bahamians work for foreign companies, particularly in the finance industry.
And his American citizenship does not compromise his rich Bahamian heritage nor his ability to serve the people of Elizabeth.
Mr Pinder said: "I am clearly Bahamian, I was clearly born here of a Bahamian father and based on the Constitution there is no issue of me being able to be a member of the House of Assembly.
"My allegiance is to the Bahamas, I don't feel torn in any way. My legacy in the Bahamas goes back to 1648 and the Eleutheran adventurers. My roots in the Bahamas are deeper than I propose most people in the Bahamas. My allegiance is clearly and unequivocally in the Bahamas as a Bahamian."
"This isn't an issue. There's no violation of the Constitution and it's not an issue that is relevant to the people of Elizabeth.
"If I am the chosen candidate I propose to provide proper representation to the people.
"They have issues such as job stability, economic stability and economic security. We should be discussing the issues pertinent to the people of Elizabeth."
January 12, 2010
tribune242
HOPEFUL PLP candidate for the Elizabeth by-election, Ryan Pinder, has defended his right to dual citizenship amid controversy over the right of a Member of Parliament to hold two nationalities.
The Constitution states in Article 48 that no person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of the House of Assembly who is a citizen of another country having become such a citizen voluntarily, or is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.
But as Mr Pinder is a Bahamian born in Nassau, of a Bahamian father and American mother, he acquired US citizenship at birth automatically, rather than voluntarily, and therefore qualifies to serve as a Bahamian MP according to law.
He and attorney Craig Butler are in the running for the PLP candidacy in the upcoming Elizabeth by-election. The party will announce the chosen candidate tonight.
Mr Pinder maintains he would be an excellent representative for the people of Elizabeth, if selected to run in the area once served by his father Marvin Pinder.
But critics have cast doubt over Mr Pinder's right to serve in the House of Assembly, and a debate has stirred on the Internet attracting around 200 comments on a social networking website.
Web blogger Cammy LeFlage said: "It is not 'fine' to be a dual citizen and be a leader in government because it just begs the question: Whose side are you on? Who do you really represent?
"The Bahamas and the US have a quite cozy relationship but the Bahamas must always look out for itself and its people.
"If he carries dual citizenship, how is this supposed to really work? Answer: It won't."
Voices Bahamian stated: "Whoever is in the House holding US citizenship is in the wrong."
However, others have defended Mr Pinder's position.
Carmichael Business League president Ethric Bowe said: "Google the Bahamian constitution and read it for yourself. Ryan has no impediment. We have racism or ignorance operating here. But look it up to settle this then let's move on to some issues."
The issue was also belittled by website user Misty Albury who asked: "Does holding dual passports make you any less capable of holding a position? My kids hold dual citizenship as well and if someday they want to hold office I would hope it wouldn't matter because of something so little."
Jamaican parliamentary hopeful Daryl Vaz was determined ineligible for election as MP in the country because he held dual citizenship. And Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette's brother Robert 'Bobby' Symonette gave up the American citizenship he had been bestowed by virtue of his mother's nationality when he ran for Parliament in 1949.
However, Mr Pinder clarified how Bahamian law differs from Jamaican legalities and has changed in the 60 years since Mr Symonette ran for office and the Bahamas became independent of British rule.
Attorney Paul Adderley said Mr Pinder's dual citizenship does not disqualify him from running for a position in the House as he said other MPs also hold allegiance to two nations.
He said: "There are some very important people who are like that, so there is nothing in that. It's where he is born; you can't change that. So it's not an issue."
Mr Pinder is a tax and commercial law attorney for Becker & Poliakoff and as a US citizen is required to pay taxes in the US. He also lived in the United States for eight years before returning to Nassau in 2008 to head the firm's Bahamian office.
He said his employment by a US law firm is not an issue as many Bahamians work for foreign companies, particularly in the finance industry.
And his American citizenship does not compromise his rich Bahamian heritage nor his ability to serve the people of Elizabeth.
Mr Pinder said: "I am clearly Bahamian, I was clearly born here of a Bahamian father and based on the Constitution there is no issue of me being able to be a member of the House of Assembly.
"My allegiance is to the Bahamas, I don't feel torn in any way. My legacy in the Bahamas goes back to 1648 and the Eleutheran adventurers. My roots in the Bahamas are deeper than I propose most people in the Bahamas. My allegiance is clearly and unequivocally in the Bahamas as a Bahamian."
"This isn't an issue. There's no violation of the Constitution and it's not an issue that is relevant to the people of Elizabeth.
"If I am the chosen candidate I propose to provide proper representation to the people.
"They have issues such as job stability, economic stability and economic security. We should be discussing the issues pertinent to the people of Elizabeth."
January 12, 2010
tribune242
Dr. Duane Sands confident of Elizabeth victory
By BRENT DEAN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Proposed Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands yesterday expressed confidence that he and his party will defeat the Progressive Liberal Party in the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election.
"I feel confident that we will win the constituency of Elizabeth notwithstanding the fact this is a PLP constituency now and we are certainly the underdogs," he said in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
"This is a good position to be in because it's their constituency to lose — and they will lose."
On Sunday, FNM chairman Carl Bethel confirmed that Sands was unanimously voted by the Elizabeth Constituency Association to become the FNM's candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Sands is likely to be confirmed as the FNM's Elizabeth candidate by Thursday.
Last Wednesday, former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned his seat in Parliament, paving the way for a by-election.
"Well, I tell you I'm excited. I'm flattered that they would consider me to be the potential nominee for Elizabeth," said Sands. "And while it is not fait accompli, I'm hoping that each subsequent step is similarly favorable."
On the announcement of Adderley's resignation, the PLP had not yet decided if it would run a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election.
The opposition party questioned the legitimacy of the by-election, accusing the FNM of inducing Adderley's resignation by offering him a post as a Supreme Court judge.
However, the party announced yesterday that it would ratify a candidate later today.
Sands said that he thought "long and hard" about being a candidate, emphasizing that the move was not "whimsical."
"The idea is that I'd like to be able to make a significant incremental difference in the lives of not only the people of Elizabeth, but in the lives of Bahamians," he said.
"And one way to do it is to continue what I've been doing. But I have decided that effort on a different front now is appropriate considering the circumstances that we find ourselves in."
Sands was a vocal critic of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme as proposed by the last PLP administration. When asked about that opposition, he said he is not opposed to the concept of NHI.
However, he emphasized that he is opposed to the NHI scheme the PLP proposed.
"And quite frankly the plan as I looked at it then, and the plan as I look at it now, could not work," said Sands. "I made it very clear that we had to do some things before that (NHI)."
The FNM initially voted for NHI, although it raised key issues with the plan as it was proposed. Upon coming to office in 2007, the Ingraham administration has continued to be critical of the PLP's proposed health insurance scheme.
The FNM has taken an incremental approach to health care reform since coming to office in 2007. It passed phased National Drug Plan legislation last year.
Sands yesterday pledged to work with the health minister as the government moves forward with its initiatives.
Sands, 47, is Princess Margaret Hospital's chief of surgery.
January 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Proposed Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands yesterday expressed confidence that he and his party will defeat the Progressive Liberal Party in the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election.
"I feel confident that we will win the constituency of Elizabeth notwithstanding the fact this is a PLP constituency now and we are certainly the underdogs," he said in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
"This is a good position to be in because it's their constituency to lose — and they will lose."
On Sunday, FNM chairman Carl Bethel confirmed that Sands was unanimously voted by the Elizabeth Constituency Association to become the FNM's candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Sands is likely to be confirmed as the FNM's Elizabeth candidate by Thursday.
Last Wednesday, former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned his seat in Parliament, paving the way for a by-election.
"Well, I tell you I'm excited. I'm flattered that they would consider me to be the potential nominee for Elizabeth," said Sands. "And while it is not fait accompli, I'm hoping that each subsequent step is similarly favorable."
On the announcement of Adderley's resignation, the PLP had not yet decided if it would run a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election.
The opposition party questioned the legitimacy of the by-election, accusing the FNM of inducing Adderley's resignation by offering him a post as a Supreme Court judge.
However, the party announced yesterday that it would ratify a candidate later today.
Sands said that he thought "long and hard" about being a candidate, emphasizing that the move was not "whimsical."
"The idea is that I'd like to be able to make a significant incremental difference in the lives of not only the people of Elizabeth, but in the lives of Bahamians," he said.
"And one way to do it is to continue what I've been doing. But I have decided that effort on a different front now is appropriate considering the circumstances that we find ourselves in."
Sands was a vocal critic of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme as proposed by the last PLP administration. When asked about that opposition, he said he is not opposed to the concept of NHI.
However, he emphasized that he is opposed to the NHI scheme the PLP proposed.
"And quite frankly the plan as I looked at it then, and the plan as I look at it now, could not work," said Sands. "I made it very clear that we had to do some things before that (NHI)."
The FNM initially voted for NHI, although it raised key issues with the plan as it was proposed. Upon coming to office in 2007, the Ingraham administration has continued to be critical of the PLP's proposed health insurance scheme.
The FNM has taken an incremental approach to health care reform since coming to office in 2007. It passed phased National Drug Plan legislation last year.
Sands yesterday pledged to work with the health minister as the government moves forward with its initiatives.
Sands, 47, is Princess Margaret Hospital's chief of surgery.
January 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, January 11, 2010
New Party To Contest Elizabeth Seat
By IANTHIA SMITH:
Political heavyweights in the Free National Movement (FNM), The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and even the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) might all be given a run for their money heading into the Elizabeth constituency by-election, as a candidate from the newly formed United Christian Love Revolution Movement (UCLRM) plans to also contest the seat.
While announcing the launch of the new party on Saturday, leader of the UCLRM attorney Godfrey "Pro" Pinder said the organization will definitely throw a candidate in the ring for the embattled parliamentary seat but he said for now, they are keeping tightlipped about who that person is.
"My movement will be involved in this (by-election)," he said. "And we do have a candidate and the candidate will be announced very soon."
At that press conference over the weekend, Mr. Pinder told members of the media that his movement, as he calls it, is now in campaign mode and is putting all the necessary steps in place to run a successful crusade in the Elizabeth constituency.
He then moved to caution Bahamians who may have already counted them out already and told them not to, as he said members of his movement have already hit the ground running and have already launched their campaign.
"Yes, the candidate has been working in the area and he plans to get his name out there by actually going out and saying hello to the people and telling them, ‘I love you’," Mr. Pinder said. "My campaign is based on teaching people how to relate with each other, how to go back to the village concept when people were so loving with one another that they didn’t have any crime."
Mr. Pinder said too many of the other political entities have shied away from going back to the root of our being and tackling the simple issues of love, respect and consideration for others in trying to build a better Bahamas. He said that is why the UCLRM is coming to change the political game, starting with trying to win the Elizabeth constituency seat.
In a 55-page document outlining the UCLRM’s platform, Mr. Pinder explained that what his movement is really all about is forming "a more perfect political entity in bringing about United Christian Political Movement, based upon agape love form Jesus Christ."
The document added that "the movement" will seek to appeal to Bahamians by firstly appealing to their hearts and minds by delivering messages of hope, restoration and love.
"If we are concerned with loving our neighbors as ourselves, right across the board it reduces crime, politics as we know it will change, colonialism will change and nepotism will change," he said.
Mr. Pinder did not name other members of the UCLRM, claiming that he did not want to count numbers, however, he said the country could be rest assured that there are other notable members of the group who will be announced soon.
He said the UCLRM Elizabeth constituency candidate will be announced sometime this week.
January 11, 2010
jonesbahamas
Political heavyweights in the Free National Movement (FNM), The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and even the Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) might all be given a run for their money heading into the Elizabeth constituency by-election, as a candidate from the newly formed United Christian Love Revolution Movement (UCLRM) plans to also contest the seat.
While announcing the launch of the new party on Saturday, leader of the UCLRM attorney Godfrey "Pro" Pinder said the organization will definitely throw a candidate in the ring for the embattled parliamentary seat but he said for now, they are keeping tightlipped about who that person is.
"My movement will be involved in this (by-election)," he said. "And we do have a candidate and the candidate will be announced very soon."
At that press conference over the weekend, Mr. Pinder told members of the media that his movement, as he calls it, is now in campaign mode and is putting all the necessary steps in place to run a successful crusade in the Elizabeth constituency.
He then moved to caution Bahamians who may have already counted them out already and told them not to, as he said members of his movement have already hit the ground running and have already launched their campaign.
"Yes, the candidate has been working in the area and he plans to get his name out there by actually going out and saying hello to the people and telling them, ‘I love you’," Mr. Pinder said. "My campaign is based on teaching people how to relate with each other, how to go back to the village concept when people were so loving with one another that they didn’t have any crime."
Mr. Pinder said too many of the other political entities have shied away from going back to the root of our being and tackling the simple issues of love, respect and consideration for others in trying to build a better Bahamas. He said that is why the UCLRM is coming to change the political game, starting with trying to win the Elizabeth constituency seat.
In a 55-page document outlining the UCLRM’s platform, Mr. Pinder explained that what his movement is really all about is forming "a more perfect political entity in bringing about United Christian Political Movement, based upon agape love form Jesus Christ."
The document added that "the movement" will seek to appeal to Bahamians by firstly appealing to their hearts and minds by delivering messages of hope, restoration and love.
"If we are concerned with loving our neighbors as ourselves, right across the board it reduces crime, politics as we know it will change, colonialism will change and nepotism will change," he said.
Mr. Pinder did not name other members of the UCLRM, claiming that he did not want to count numbers, however, he said the country could be rest assured that there are other notable members of the group who will be announced soon.
He said the UCLRM Elizabeth constituency candidate will be announced sometime this week.
January 11, 2010
jonesbahamas
Free National Movement (FNM) names likely man for Elizabeth constituency by-election
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THE political field for the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election was narrowed over the weekend as the FNM announced its local constituency association has selected Dr Duane Sands as its chosen candidate.
In response, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said his party is likely to pick either attorneys Ryan Pinder or Craig Butler.
At a press conference yesterday at Free National Movement headquarters on Mackey Street, FNM national chairman Carl Bethel announced that 47-year-old Dr Sands, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, was unanimously elected by the Elizabeth Constituency Association as its preferred candidate.
Dr Sands tonight faces the scrutiny of the FNM Candidates Committee - essentially the executive of the party - and later its Executive Committee in what Mr Bethel described as the next steps in a "very detailed consultative mechanism" outlined in the party's constitution for selecting candidates in national elections.
The Chairman said that while he would not "presume" the outcome of those consultations, "having regard to what were the most persuasive and carefully thought out views" of the Elizabeth Constituency Association it is quite likely Dr Sands - who currently serves as Chairman of the Bahamas Medical Council, a Director of the Central Bank of the Bahamas and Chief of Surgery at the Princess Margaret Hospital - will be formally ratified as the party's candidate come Thursday.
He emphasised that the selection of Dr Sands thus far "was not an open and closed process or a closed door situation" but a democratic one.
Asked about how important a win in the constituency is for the governing party, Mr Bethel said: "Every constituency is politically very important and to win is also very important."
"Though we are confident of victory we appreciate and value the importance of every individual voter and will not take the concerns of any individual voter for granted. Each voter in Elizabeth can expect their concerns will be individually considered and assessed," he added.
He would not be drawn on the significance of the by-election as a litmus test of likely success in the next general election, stating only that to see it as such would be to take "too opportunistic a view" of the event, which he emphasised was precipitated by the "personal decisions" of Malcolm Adderley, the former PLP party member who resigned his seat last week.
Meanwhile, ending some initial speculation that it may not vye for the seat for fear of wasting resources, the PLP has confirmed that it will be running a candidate in the by-election.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said it is "highly likely" at present that once final consultations are concluded, the Party's National General Council will ratify either attorney and party vice chairman Ryan Pinder - son of former PLP Malcolm Creek representative Marvin Pinder - or party treasurer Craig Butler as its candidate for the upcoming election.
The PLP was out in force in the constituency over the weekend, with numerous parliamentarians and party members doing the rounds.
Speaking at FNM headquarters on Dr Sands nomination by the constituency association, Mr Bethel said Dr Sands was the only person who formally applied to be the party's standard bearer for the area and in the unanimous vote of around 20 constituency association members, three others who had verbally indicated an interest in putting themselves forward as candidates threw their support behind Dr Sands.
Freddy Sands, Chairman of the Elizabeth Constituency Association said that he is confident Dr Sands, who is married with four children, is a man who is "not about prestige ... not about money, (but) is concerned about our country and the way it is headed now."
Mr Bethel said that in choosing an FNM MP for their area, Elizabeth constituents can expect to have their first representative "in nearly a decade who will have an effective voice around the table of governance" given how Mr Adderley, who served as their MP since 2002, was purportedly undermined by PLP party leader Perry Christie.
Mr Bethel said those living in the area can expect to see the governing party "campaigning vigorously, consistently, and as much as is required to have the maximum possible impact and to hear the concerns of every single registered voter in the Elizabeth constituency".
"They can expect an attentive ear and that whatever it is possible for us to improve the condition of all in the Elizabeth constituency we will do," said the Chairman.
Asked what the party has budgeted to spend on its campaign, Mr Bethel said this figure has not yet been settled but it will "cost some good money." He added that any donations towards this effort would be "thankfully received and faithfully applied."
The Chairman encouraged "all eligible voters who are residents of Elizabeth who are not already registered to vote or who may have turned 18 since the last general elections or who may have moved into the constituency more than six months ago to take all the necessary steps to register to vote either at the Parliamenary Commissioner's office during working hours, or at the Thelma Gibson Primary School between the hours of 5pm and 8pm on weekdays."
January 11, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
THE political field for the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election was narrowed over the weekend as the FNM announced its local constituency association has selected Dr Duane Sands as its chosen candidate.
In response, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said his party is likely to pick either attorneys Ryan Pinder or Craig Butler.
At a press conference yesterday at Free National Movement headquarters on Mackey Street, FNM national chairman Carl Bethel announced that 47-year-old Dr Sands, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, was unanimously elected by the Elizabeth Constituency Association as its preferred candidate.
Dr Sands tonight faces the scrutiny of the FNM Candidates Committee - essentially the executive of the party - and later its Executive Committee in what Mr Bethel described as the next steps in a "very detailed consultative mechanism" outlined in the party's constitution for selecting candidates in national elections.
The Chairman said that while he would not "presume" the outcome of those consultations, "having regard to what were the most persuasive and carefully thought out views" of the Elizabeth Constituency Association it is quite likely Dr Sands - who currently serves as Chairman of the Bahamas Medical Council, a Director of the Central Bank of the Bahamas and Chief of Surgery at the Princess Margaret Hospital - will be formally ratified as the party's candidate come Thursday.
He emphasised that the selection of Dr Sands thus far "was not an open and closed process or a closed door situation" but a democratic one.
Asked about how important a win in the constituency is for the governing party, Mr Bethel said: "Every constituency is politically very important and to win is also very important."
"Though we are confident of victory we appreciate and value the importance of every individual voter and will not take the concerns of any individual voter for granted. Each voter in Elizabeth can expect their concerns will be individually considered and assessed," he added.
He would not be drawn on the significance of the by-election as a litmus test of likely success in the next general election, stating only that to see it as such would be to take "too opportunistic a view" of the event, which he emphasised was precipitated by the "personal decisions" of Malcolm Adderley, the former PLP party member who resigned his seat last week.
Meanwhile, ending some initial speculation that it may not vye for the seat for fear of wasting resources, the PLP has confirmed that it will be running a candidate in the by-election.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said it is "highly likely" at present that once final consultations are concluded, the Party's National General Council will ratify either attorney and party vice chairman Ryan Pinder - son of former PLP Malcolm Creek representative Marvin Pinder - or party treasurer Craig Butler as its candidate for the upcoming election.
The PLP was out in force in the constituency over the weekend, with numerous parliamentarians and party members doing the rounds.
Speaking at FNM headquarters on Dr Sands nomination by the constituency association, Mr Bethel said Dr Sands was the only person who formally applied to be the party's standard bearer for the area and in the unanimous vote of around 20 constituency association members, three others who had verbally indicated an interest in putting themselves forward as candidates threw their support behind Dr Sands.
Freddy Sands, Chairman of the Elizabeth Constituency Association said that he is confident Dr Sands, who is married with four children, is a man who is "not about prestige ... not about money, (but) is concerned about our country and the way it is headed now."
Mr Bethel said that in choosing an FNM MP for their area, Elizabeth constituents can expect to have their first representative "in nearly a decade who will have an effective voice around the table of governance" given how Mr Adderley, who served as their MP since 2002, was purportedly undermined by PLP party leader Perry Christie.
Mr Bethel said those living in the area can expect to see the governing party "campaigning vigorously, consistently, and as much as is required to have the maximum possible impact and to hear the concerns of every single registered voter in the Elizabeth constituency".
"They can expect an attentive ear and that whatever it is possible for us to improve the condition of all in the Elizabeth constituency we will do," said the Chairman.
Asked what the party has budgeted to spend on its campaign, Mr Bethel said this figure has not yet been settled but it will "cost some good money." He added that any donations towards this effort would be "thankfully received and faithfully applied."
The Chairman encouraged "all eligible voters who are residents of Elizabeth who are not already registered to vote or who may have turned 18 since the last general elections or who may have moved into the constituency more than six months ago to take all the necessary steps to register to vote either at the Parliamenary Commissioner's office during working hours, or at the Thelma Gibson Primary School between the hours of 5pm and 8pm on weekdays."
January 11, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, January 9, 2010
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis claims Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's appointing of political figures to bench undermining crime fight
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis yesterday claimed the appointment of political figures to the judicial bench by the Prime Minister is undermining the fight against crime.
Essentially accusing Hubert Ingraham of master-minding the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP and politics this week, Mr Davis accused Mr Ingraham of playing political games with the country when there are more pressing matters like crime and unemployment that he should be addressing and called on Elizabeth constituents to use the upcoming by-election to "send a message" to the Prime Minister and the FNM that "enough is enough."
Mr Davis said: "Hubert Ingraham just this week spoke about new crime fighting initiatives. We need a new direction. Yet the man talking one thing and doing another! In order for the fight against crime to be effective there must be a well oiled, functioning and Independent judiciary! Since returning to power Hubert Ingraham has engaged in the most blatant politicisation of the judiciary!
"In the last 12 months he seen to it that at least two judges appointed to sit on the Bench of the Supreme Court came directly out of the belly of the FNM. At the same time he has done all in his power to rid the courts of any judge who he even dreams may have voted PLP at least once before!
"We have judge after judge after judge who due to political affiliation has to excuse themselves from hearing certain cases. How does this address the back log in our courts? It doesn't!" said Mr Davis.
Mr Davis made his charge as he addressed a PLP Rally at Doris Johnson High School in the Elizabeth constituency in the wake of Malcolm Adderley's resignation from the PLP and as MP for the area.
Speaking as he announced his resignation as the Elizabeth MP on Tuesday in parliament, Mr Adderley blamed his decision on his deteriorating relationship with PLP party leader, Perry Christie, throughout his seven and a half years as an MP.
He suggested Mr Christie's poor leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine him as a representative had left him with the belief that Elizabeth constituents "deserve better." Mr Adderley is rumoured to soon be set to take up an appointment as a Supreme Court judge, on the recommendation of Mr Ingraham.
Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP, Mr Davis, proposed that the move was orchestrated to look like it was about dissatisfaction with PLP leader Perry Christie when in fact it is an attempt to get Bahamians to "forget the misery they are experiencing daily" under his government's leadership
Mr Davis charged that it is irresponsible to precipitate a costly by-election when government revenue is down and people are suffering in bad economic times.
"People are hungry! Lights are off! Some of our schools are like war zones! People are in pain! And yet this Government can only find money when it is time to play political games and pursue selfish agendas!" said Mr Davis.
"They think you are blind! They think that you cannot see what they are doing! They think you cannot see the games!" he added.
While the PLP has yet to announce who its candidate will be in the by-election, or to specifically confirm if it will nominate a candidate to contest the seat under its party's banner, Mr Davis told those at the meeting that the party is "ready".
"Stand strong and brave with the Progressive Liberal Party!" he added.
Mr Davis told The Tribune on Thursday that he firmly believes the party should contest the seat, although other senior party members are said to be unsure.
No date has yet been publicly announced for the election to take place however it is expected to occur sometime in February.
The Bahamas Democratic Party is the only political party to so far officially declare that it will be contesting the seat, with party president Cassius Stuart the intended torchbearer. President of the Bahamas Medical Council Dr Duane Sands is rumoured to be the FNM's preferred candidate for the area, although this has not been confirmed.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis yesterday claimed the appointment of political figures to the judicial bench by the Prime Minister is undermining the fight against crime.
Essentially accusing Hubert Ingraham of master-minding the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP and politics this week, Mr Davis accused Mr Ingraham of playing political games with the country when there are more pressing matters like crime and unemployment that he should be addressing and called on Elizabeth constituents to use the upcoming by-election to "send a message" to the Prime Minister and the FNM that "enough is enough."
Mr Davis said: "Hubert Ingraham just this week spoke about new crime fighting initiatives. We need a new direction. Yet the man talking one thing and doing another! In order for the fight against crime to be effective there must be a well oiled, functioning and Independent judiciary! Since returning to power Hubert Ingraham has engaged in the most blatant politicisation of the judiciary!
"In the last 12 months he seen to it that at least two judges appointed to sit on the Bench of the Supreme Court came directly out of the belly of the FNM. At the same time he has done all in his power to rid the courts of any judge who he even dreams may have voted PLP at least once before!
"We have judge after judge after judge who due to political affiliation has to excuse themselves from hearing certain cases. How does this address the back log in our courts? It doesn't!" said Mr Davis.
Mr Davis made his charge as he addressed a PLP Rally at Doris Johnson High School in the Elizabeth constituency in the wake of Malcolm Adderley's resignation from the PLP and as MP for the area.
Speaking as he announced his resignation as the Elizabeth MP on Tuesday in parliament, Mr Adderley blamed his decision on his deteriorating relationship with PLP party leader, Perry Christie, throughout his seven and a half years as an MP.
He suggested Mr Christie's poor leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine him as a representative had left him with the belief that Elizabeth constituents "deserve better." Mr Adderley is rumoured to soon be set to take up an appointment as a Supreme Court judge, on the recommendation of Mr Ingraham.
Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP, Mr Davis, proposed that the move was orchestrated to look like it was about dissatisfaction with PLP leader Perry Christie when in fact it is an attempt to get Bahamians to "forget the misery they are experiencing daily" under his government's leadership
Mr Davis charged that it is irresponsible to precipitate a costly by-election when government revenue is down and people are suffering in bad economic times.
"People are hungry! Lights are off! Some of our schools are like war zones! People are in pain! And yet this Government can only find money when it is time to play political games and pursue selfish agendas!" said Mr Davis.
"They think you are blind! They think that you cannot see what they are doing! They think you cannot see the games!" he added.
While the PLP has yet to announce who its candidate will be in the by-election, or to specifically confirm if it will nominate a candidate to contest the seat under its party's banner, Mr Davis told those at the meeting that the party is "ready".
"Stand strong and brave with the Progressive Liberal Party!" he added.
Mr Davis told The Tribune on Thursday that he firmly believes the party should contest the seat, although other senior party members are said to be unsure.
No date has yet been publicly announced for the election to take place however it is expected to occur sometime in February.
The Bahamas Democratic Party is the only political party to so far officially declare that it will be contesting the seat, with party president Cassius Stuart the intended torchbearer. President of the Bahamas Medical Council Dr Duane Sands is rumoured to be the FNM's preferred candidate for the area, although this has not been confirmed.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson accused of 'Christie betrayal'
tribune242:
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has accused Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson of plotting an unsuccessful attempt to try to "destabilise" the opposition party and diminish its leader.
In a speech containing sexual references given at a rally in the Elizabeth constituency on Thursday night, Mr Roberts denied that the actions of either men have left the PLP weaker.
Mr Gibson and Mr Adderley quit the PLP in the last year and a half, citing a lack of support for party leader Perry Christie.
Alleging that the two betrayed "our kind-hearted leader" after he personally "secured their shaky political futures" Mr Roberts said "time has revealed the true nature of politicians like Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson."
He encouraged those gathered at the rally to ensure that they are not "bought" by the FNM but to vote PLP in the upcoming by-election in Elizabeth, where Mr Adderley resigned as MP on Wednesday.
Mr Roberts belittled the significance of 64-year-old Mr Adderley's resignation from the PLP and from politics.
He suggested that Mr Adderley, who is rumoured to be set to take up a judicial appointment at the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, will find himself with few options within "three years" now that he has left the PLP.
The same sentiment was expressed with respect to Mr Gibson, the MP for Kennedy who quit the PLP to serve as an independent before joining the FNM months later -- like Mr Adderley, dropping his political bombshell days before the forty-third anniversary of Majority rule.
The chairman defended the PLP's reaction in the wake of weeks of reports that Mr Adderley was set to leave the party, stating that the party should not be "hated on" because "we don't just wake up one morning and fire people and destroy people. That is Hubert Ingraham's style."
He condemned the governance of the FNM administration since 2007, blaming the "rudderless" government for "taking the country backward."
"They never take responsibility for anything, blaming this sorry state of affairs on a global recession," Mr Roberts said.
He accused the media of failing to do its job in holding the government to account and being too interested in "nit-picking over foolishness" in the PLP.
"Now to make this same indictment on the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party is ludicrous. No one is asleep at any wheel in the PLP. If anyone is sleeping in this country it is members of the fourth estate and other commentators who refuse to compare and contrast the performance of this FNM Government to that of the immediate past PLP-Christie administration," Mr Roberts stated.
Called for comment on Mr Robert's accusations yesterday, Mr Gibson said he "would not condescend" to respond, while Mr Adderley did not return phone calls on the matter.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has accused Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson of plotting an unsuccessful attempt to try to "destabilise" the opposition party and diminish its leader.
In a speech containing sexual references given at a rally in the Elizabeth constituency on Thursday night, Mr Roberts denied that the actions of either men have left the PLP weaker.
Mr Gibson and Mr Adderley quit the PLP in the last year and a half, citing a lack of support for party leader Perry Christie.
Alleging that the two betrayed "our kind-hearted leader" after he personally "secured their shaky political futures" Mr Roberts said "time has revealed the true nature of politicians like Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson."
He encouraged those gathered at the rally to ensure that they are not "bought" by the FNM but to vote PLP in the upcoming by-election in Elizabeth, where Mr Adderley resigned as MP on Wednesday.
Mr Roberts belittled the significance of 64-year-old Mr Adderley's resignation from the PLP and from politics.
He suggested that Mr Adderley, who is rumoured to be set to take up a judicial appointment at the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, will find himself with few options within "three years" now that he has left the PLP.
The same sentiment was expressed with respect to Mr Gibson, the MP for Kennedy who quit the PLP to serve as an independent before joining the FNM months later -- like Mr Adderley, dropping his political bombshell days before the forty-third anniversary of Majority rule.
The chairman defended the PLP's reaction in the wake of weeks of reports that Mr Adderley was set to leave the party, stating that the party should not be "hated on" because "we don't just wake up one morning and fire people and destroy people. That is Hubert Ingraham's style."
He condemned the governance of the FNM administration since 2007, blaming the "rudderless" government for "taking the country backward."
"They never take responsibility for anything, blaming this sorry state of affairs on a global recession," Mr Roberts said.
He accused the media of failing to do its job in holding the government to account and being too interested in "nit-picking over foolishness" in the PLP.
"Now to make this same indictment on the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party is ludicrous. No one is asleep at any wheel in the PLP. If anyone is sleeping in this country it is members of the fourth estate and other commentators who refuse to compare and contrast the performance of this FNM Government to that of the immediate past PLP-Christie administration," Mr Roberts stated.
Called for comment on Mr Robert's accusations yesterday, Mr Gibson said he "would not condescend" to respond, while Mr Adderley did not return phone calls on the matter.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader Cassius Stuart to run in Elizabeth by-election
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas Democratic Movement announced yesterday that party president, Cassius Stuart, will contest the Elizabeth seat in the upcoming by-election.
Mr Stuart borrowed the popular campaign phrase from US President Barack Obama saying the party is "fired up and ready to go."
"Today, the BDM draws the line in the political sand, and offer ourselves to be an innovative part of the new direction that our country needs. We are offering ourselves because we believe in what this country can be," Mr Stuart told a press conference.
When former MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, resigned his seat on Wednesday and severed ties with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the door opened for candidates to vie for the constituency.
Last night BDM officials met to finalise campaign tactics and budgetary matters. Mr Stuart said he anticipated the BDM would spend about $500,000 on the election.
Of speculation about the election costing political parties $1 million or more, Mr Stuart said the BDM was not trying to pay mortgages for community members, but only to organise a fair campaign, knocking on doors, interacting with the community.
He said the plan was to solicit small donations from a broad base, noting that this approach, popularised by Mr Obama, has never been tried in the Bahamas before.
Stakes are high for the BDM who are banking on the election to act as a catalyst for future wins in the next general election. They currently have no representatives in the House of Assembly after bids in two general elections.
Referring to what was dubbed the 'Ohio Syndrome' in the last US presidential elections, when momentum coalesced in favour of then candidate Obama's campaign, Mr Stuart said the Elizabeth constituency could pave the way for a new political culture in the Bahamas. The thinking of party executives is, if Elizabeth votes for a third party bringing change to the political landscape, it will indicate the potential for more widespread change in the future.
"The politics of yesterday must be done away with and a new political must be awakened. Elizabeth, you can pave the way for that new political culture. You can be the ones to who show the entire Bahamas that it is possible to change. People of Elizabeth, you can be the lighthouse for a nation who is adrift with no clear direction," said Mr Stuart.
In the 2007 election, Mr Stuart ran in the Garden Hills constituency, securing 3.5 per cent of the votes cast. He lost to Brensil Rolle of the Free National Movement (FNM). The BDM candidate for Elizabeth in the last election was Bernard Rolle. He acquired just over 70 votes in a constituency of 4,000 voters, or less than two per cent.
Mr Rolle said despite the conservative numbers, evidence of his impact was the fact that FNM candidate, Elma Chase Campbell, blamed the BDM for the PLP win. Mr Adderley won by a margin of 42 votes over the FNM candidate.
"I feel like the people were very receptive of our platform, but some people were reluctant. This time around the people will be more free to do what their heart leads them to do and that is vote for a third party. They know that they have tried both parties and everything continues to remain the same," said Mr Rolle.
Campaign chairman, Dr Dexter Grant, said the BDM is seeking to bring innovative ideas and strong leadership into the political mix. The plan is to campaign under the slogan: "A new voice in parliament, a new voice for Elizabeth, a new direction for the country."
"In the face of economic turmoil, we believe there can be prosperity. In the face of crime and violence, we believe there can be peace. In the face of illiteracy, we believe there can be knowledge. In the face of politics that has torn our country in two, there can be unity. In the face of hopelessness, we believe there can be hope and in the face of sorrow there can be gladness," said Mr Stuart.
January 08, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas Democratic Movement announced yesterday that party president, Cassius Stuart, will contest the Elizabeth seat in the upcoming by-election.
Mr Stuart borrowed the popular campaign phrase from US President Barack Obama saying the party is "fired up and ready to go."
"Today, the BDM draws the line in the political sand, and offer ourselves to be an innovative part of the new direction that our country needs. We are offering ourselves because we believe in what this country can be," Mr Stuart told a press conference.
When former MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, resigned his seat on Wednesday and severed ties with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the door opened for candidates to vie for the constituency.
Last night BDM officials met to finalise campaign tactics and budgetary matters. Mr Stuart said he anticipated the BDM would spend about $500,000 on the election.
Of speculation about the election costing political parties $1 million or more, Mr Stuart said the BDM was not trying to pay mortgages for community members, but only to organise a fair campaign, knocking on doors, interacting with the community.
He said the plan was to solicit small donations from a broad base, noting that this approach, popularised by Mr Obama, has never been tried in the Bahamas before.
Stakes are high for the BDM who are banking on the election to act as a catalyst for future wins in the next general election. They currently have no representatives in the House of Assembly after bids in two general elections.
Referring to what was dubbed the 'Ohio Syndrome' in the last US presidential elections, when momentum coalesced in favour of then candidate Obama's campaign, Mr Stuart said the Elizabeth constituency could pave the way for a new political culture in the Bahamas. The thinking of party executives is, if Elizabeth votes for a third party bringing change to the political landscape, it will indicate the potential for more widespread change in the future.
"The politics of yesterday must be done away with and a new political must be awakened. Elizabeth, you can pave the way for that new political culture. You can be the ones to who show the entire Bahamas that it is possible to change. People of Elizabeth, you can be the lighthouse for a nation who is adrift with no clear direction," said Mr Stuart.
In the 2007 election, Mr Stuart ran in the Garden Hills constituency, securing 3.5 per cent of the votes cast. He lost to Brensil Rolle of the Free National Movement (FNM). The BDM candidate for Elizabeth in the last election was Bernard Rolle. He acquired just over 70 votes in a constituency of 4,000 voters, or less than two per cent.
Mr Rolle said despite the conservative numbers, evidence of his impact was the fact that FNM candidate, Elma Chase Campbell, blamed the BDM for the PLP win. Mr Adderley won by a margin of 42 votes over the FNM candidate.
"I feel like the people were very receptive of our platform, but some people were reluctant. This time around the people will be more free to do what their heart leads them to do and that is vote for a third party. They know that they have tried both parties and everything continues to remain the same," said Mr Rolle.
Campaign chairman, Dr Dexter Grant, said the BDM is seeking to bring innovative ideas and strong leadership into the political mix. The plan is to campaign under the slogan: "A new voice in parliament, a new voice for Elizabeth, a new direction for the country."
"In the face of economic turmoil, we believe there can be prosperity. In the face of crime and violence, we believe there can be peace. In the face of illiteracy, we believe there can be knowledge. In the face of politics that has torn our country in two, there can be unity. In the face of hopelessness, we believe there can be hope and in the face of sorrow there can be gladness," said Mr Stuart.
January 08, 2010
tribune242
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