Ryan Pinder misses first chance to vote as MP
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
DESPITE enduring heavy criticism for having voted in the United States but never in the Bahamas, Ryan Pinder has yet to cast a vote in his homeland - missing his first chance as the newly-elected MP for Elizabeth.
Mr Pinder is again taking flack for his voting record, this time because he passed up the opportunity to formally support the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.
The MP defended his absence yesterday, saying he had a previous engagement, and pointed out that he expressed his support for the Bill during the House debate, describing it as a "fundamental component" of achieving the results he promised to his constituents during his campaign in terms of training small business development.
He went on to declare his intention to vote "every time" in the House of Assembly; however the FNM were quick to point out that so far, the new MP's parliamentary voting record stands at "0 for 1".
Carl Bethel, the FNM chairman and MP for Seabreeze, said he and some of his colleagues had planned to stand and applaud Mr Pinder when it came time for the House to take a vote on the Bill.
He said the MP was noticeably absent from the lower chamber, which led to an outburst of laughter from the governing side.
"We were ready to stand and cheer," Mr Bethel exclaimed. "Because finally he would have voted in the Bahamas. But alas we were denied that privilege.
"We can only hope that before this legislative year is over, Mr Pinder would have exercised his constitutional right," Mr Bethel quipped.
Addressing the chairman's remarks, Mr Pinder said he intends to vote "every time" he is required to in the House of Assembly. However, as for Wednesday's session, the Elizabeth MP said he had a previous speaking engagement that was set "a long time before the legislative session was set out."
"I support the BTVI Bill, and I have expressed that in the House and would vote in favour it. So I don't understand what (Mr Bethel) means. I wouldn't understand why they would jump up and down on a piece of legislation. It sounds juvenile to me and certainly sounds like they are preoccupied with Ryan Pinder and not the business of running this country," Mr Pinder shot back.
However, the MP's former rival for the Elizabeth constituency said that it appears Mr Pinder's priorities are not in the right place.
Dr Duane Sands said: "I think it's a bit disappointing that after waiting such a long time for representation, at the first opportunity that the people of Elizabeth would have a chance to have their voices heard on an important vote, their representative was not available."
Looking forward to the rest of the legislative year, Dr Sands said he hoped the people of Elizabeth's concerns would attract more attention from their MP.
Speaking on the matter before the vote, Mr Pinder told the House he supports the Bill, and hoped it wasn't "too little, too late".
He said: "I support it, Mr Speaker, because I promised my constituents, the good constituents of Elizabeth that I am a 21st century politician, focused on training and small business development.
"This Bill is a fundamental component to achieving these goals, short term and long term.
"This Bill is the crux in developing the skills labour necessary to build today's Bahamas and to ensure economic expansion on a sustained basis from among a segment of our society who may never get the opportunity to travel beyond these borders for tertiary education. So on behalf of the good people of Elizabeth, I lend my support to this Bill which is long overdue."
April 23, 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 constituency Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elizabeth constituency Bahamas. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
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
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
FNM hopeful Dr. Duane Sands aims to use Elizabeth as model for new healthcare system
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
POLITICAL hopeful Dr Duane Sands has a plan to revolutionise the public healthcare system, using the Elizabeth constituency as a model.
Dr Sands, a noted heart and vascular specialist, hopes to decentralise public healthcare by offering services at the Elizabeth Estates' public clinic comparable to those available at Princess Margaret Hospital.
He feels this initiative, if copied throughout the capital, would help to relieve some of the burden from PMH and allow for earlier detection of chronic diseases.
Healthcare, along with community concerns over unemployment, crime, traffic, and infrastructure issues are some areas Dr Sands hopes to address if he is successful in his bid to secure the Free National Movement's nomination for the Elizabeth constituency and wins the area's by-election race.
He said the people of Elizabeth have a myriad of concerns which he feels can be better addressed by a representative who has the weight and support of the Government behind them.
"With someone who is passionate and has the support of the government that many of these things will get done," he told The Tribune yesterday.
"I think we have an opportunity to make Elizabeth the model of healthcare delivery for the country. The model that exists in healthcare is very PMH centred we have to make healthcare community based. Starting from the model of that clinic (with) adjustments of staffing, equipment, (longer) hours of operation, diagnostics and therapeutic facilities now you have the situation where you can move the fight of disease out of PMH and move it into the community.
"And that is going to be the model needed to take healthcare where it needs to go," said Dr Sands, adding he hopes to work alongside Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on the initiative if elected.
The PLP won the Elizabeth constituency for two consecutive terms - albeit by a narrow margin in 2007 of just 45 votes - and Dr Sands sees himself as the "underdog" in the looming by-election race.
A virtual newcomer to the political arena, 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 - said his team plans to speak to every voter and "gain their trust".
Yesterday Speaker of the House Alvin Smith, who returned to the capital on Saturday from a conference in India, told The Tribune he had not yet notified Governor General Arthur Hanna in writing of the vacant seat in the House of Assembly.
Last Wednesday former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from Parliament and the Progressive Liberal Party - setting the stage a by-election which is expected to take place next month.
By law, Mr Smith must instruct the Governor General of the vacancy after which an order will be made to hold a by-election and a date set.
On Sunday, the FNM announced that Dr Sands was unanimously elected by the Elizabeth Constituency Association as its preferred candidate.
Last night he was scheduled to face the scrutiny of the party's Candidates Committee and later the Executive Committee. If successful, Dr Sands is expected to be ratified as the FNM's official Elizabeth candidate on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the PLP is expected to formally ratify its yet unannounced candidate tonight. Attorney Ryan Pinder is rumoured to be the party's pick, although PLP Treasurer Craig Butler is also vying for the nomination.
Last week Bahamas Democratic Leader Cassius Stuart officially announced his intent to run.
January 12, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
POLITICAL hopeful Dr Duane Sands has a plan to revolutionise the public healthcare system, using the Elizabeth constituency as a model.
Dr Sands, a noted heart and vascular specialist, hopes to decentralise public healthcare by offering services at the Elizabeth Estates' public clinic comparable to those available at Princess Margaret Hospital.
He feels this initiative, if copied throughout the capital, would help to relieve some of the burden from PMH and allow for earlier detection of chronic diseases.
Healthcare, along with community concerns over unemployment, crime, traffic, and infrastructure issues are some areas Dr Sands hopes to address if he is successful in his bid to secure the Free National Movement's nomination for the Elizabeth constituency and wins the area's by-election race.
He said the people of Elizabeth have a myriad of concerns which he feels can be better addressed by a representative who has the weight and support of the Government behind them.
"With someone who is passionate and has the support of the government that many of these things will get done," he told The Tribune yesterday.
"I think we have an opportunity to make Elizabeth the model of healthcare delivery for the country. The model that exists in healthcare is very PMH centred we have to make healthcare community based. Starting from the model of that clinic (with) adjustments of staffing, equipment, (longer) hours of operation, diagnostics and therapeutic facilities now you have the situation where you can move the fight of disease out of PMH and move it into the community.
"And that is going to be the model needed to take healthcare where it needs to go," said Dr Sands, adding he hopes to work alongside Health Minister Dr Hubert Minnis on the initiative if elected.
The PLP won the Elizabeth constituency for two consecutive terms - albeit by a narrow margin in 2007 of just 45 votes - and Dr Sands sees himself as the "underdog" in the looming by-election race.
A virtual newcomer to the political arena, 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 - said his team plans to speak to every voter and "gain their trust".
Yesterday Speaker of the House Alvin Smith, who returned to the capital on Saturday from a conference in India, told The Tribune he had not yet notified Governor General Arthur Hanna in writing of the vacant seat in the House of Assembly.
Last Wednesday former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from Parliament and the Progressive Liberal Party - setting the stage a by-election which is expected to take place next month.
By law, Mr Smith must instruct the Governor General of the vacancy after which an order will be made to hold a by-election and a date set.
On Sunday, the FNM announced that Dr Sands was unanimously elected by the Elizabeth Constituency Association as its preferred candidate.
Last night he was scheduled to face the scrutiny of the party's Candidates Committee and later the Executive Committee. If successful, Dr Sands is expected to be ratified as the FNM's official Elizabeth candidate on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the PLP is expected to formally ratify its yet unannounced candidate tonight. Attorney Ryan Pinder is rumoured to be the party's pick, although PLP Treasurer Craig Butler is also vying for the nomination.
Last week Bahamas Democratic Leader Cassius Stuart officially announced his intent to run.
January 12, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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
Malcolm Adderley's Resignation: Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Perry Christie on the defensive
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
Progressive Liberal Party Leader Perry Christie flew on the defensive last night, charging that former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley has a back room deal in his back pocket to become a Supreme Court judge, and accusing the prime minister of blurring the separation of powers of the judiciary, the executive and the Parliament.
Addressing a PLP rally at Doris Johnson Senior High School in the Elizabeth constituency last night, Christie repeated that he was not only disappointed in Adderley's decision to resign, but also in the way he went about making his exit from the party and from Parliament.
"My disappointment, I have to tell you, is a very personal one," Christie said.
"My colleagues and many others from the Elizabeth constituency will tell you that I was the one person who stood between Malcolm and the forces within the PLP who fought hard to deny him the re-nomination in the 2007 general election, not because they did not like him but because they honestly felt, as indeed many of the people in Elizabeth felt, that he had been a complete failure as an MP from 2002 when he was first elected to 2007.
"However, after Malcolm and other wonderful people of Elizabeth came to me over and over — and I can use the word begging for my intervention and for my support — I as a leader of the Progressive Liberal Party decided that he was deserving of another chance and that he was not beyond redemption. So even though I ended up taking some heavy blows from my own colleagues for doing so, I put my faith and my confidence in Malcolm Adderley and I saw that he was re-nominated."
In his resignation speech in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Adderley was highly critical of the leadership of the PLP, making it clear that he had no confidence in it and saw no vision from it.
But last night, Christie said, "Malcolm Adderley did not have a problem with Perry Christie when he was on his knees a little more than two years ago begging me to let him run again, asking me to lift him up and help him out. In fact, I was a very good man then, and a good leader. But all of you now see what a difference two years can make, especially when spiders are busy weaving their tangled web, and you all know who the spider is."
He said the reason Adderley gave for his exit from the PLP is disingenuous.
"Malcolm knows full well that is not the reason he left the PLP and that is not the reason why he resigned from Parliament," Christie said.
"On the contrary, he has resigned from the PLP and from Parliament for one, single, simple reason. He has a back room deal in his back pocket to become a judge of the Supreme Court, a back room deal that was made in secret and I told the Bahamian people to just stay tuned for an announcement that he will be made a judge, and it is only a short time away and per chance, if they are listening to us as we talk, and they want to change their mind, they would be doing the right thing."
He charged that this "back room deal" preceding the appointment to the Supreme Court bench raises another critical point that should be of great concern to Bahamians.
"In recent months we have seen the judiciary of this country placed on the alter of political battering," Christie said. "First, one FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general (Claire Hepburn) gave up her post and in short order was made a judge of the Supreme Court.
"More recently, another FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general was appointed chief justice (Sir Michael Barnett) almost within a matter of days of giving up his Cabinet post. Now, just a few weeks later, we have another politically engineered back room deal under which a sitting member of Parliament is induced to leave his party, so that he can be sanitized, so that he can become a judge of the Supreme Court."
Christie charged that this kind of constitutional "battering" is completely contrary to constitutional principles and represents a stain on the reputation of the judiciary as an organ of government that should be beyond political engineering and gamesmanship.
He said that unlike the current administration, he as prime minister never interfered with or sought to influence the selection of judges by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
"It is therefore so very lamentable that Hubert Ingraham is determined to deviate from that standard and policy of non-interference," Christie added.
"And what he is doing today is dangerous. It is blurring what we call the separation of powers that is so vital to the integrity of our system of constitutional governance."
He said the first and most important quality any judge should bring to the bench is impartiality.
"But listening to Malcolm's litany of resentment in the House of Assembly yesterday you really have to ask yourself whether he should not go through a cooling off period before he formally applies to go on the bench," Christie said.
"No man is supposed to go on the bench carrying that kind of emotional baggage. It is therefore incumbent upon the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to carefully scrutinize the whole speech that Malcolm made in the House of Assembly and determine whether the point I made is a valid point and worthy of consideration, whether now is really the right time to put on the high court someone who is clearly hurting over injuries, real or imagined, from the leadership of one of the two main political parties of the country.
"[This] demands the attention of those who are responsible, because clearly it brings into question whether the applicant would have the necessary degree of impartiality and the necessary lack of bias."
Christie said the Judicial and Legal Services Commission must not allow itself to be "railroaded" by anybody.
"It must do what is right and best for the judicial system of our country," he said.
Adderley's resignation from the House of Assembly means that a by-election will have to be called in Elizabeth.
Christie announced that the PLP's candidates committee will be called into session tonight so the party can begin the process of choosing a candidate to run in Elizabeth. He said the candidate may not necessarily be chosen from among the people already campaigning in the constituency.
Among those interested in running on the PLP's ticket are attorneys Ryan Pinder and Craig Butler. Both men addressed last night's rally.
January 8, 2010
thenassauguardian
Progressive Liberal Party Leader Perry Christie flew on the defensive last night, charging that former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley has a back room deal in his back pocket to become a Supreme Court judge, and accusing the prime minister of blurring the separation of powers of the judiciary, the executive and the Parliament.
Addressing a PLP rally at Doris Johnson Senior High School in the Elizabeth constituency last night, Christie repeated that he was not only disappointed in Adderley's decision to resign, but also in the way he went about making his exit from the party and from Parliament.
"My disappointment, I have to tell you, is a very personal one," Christie said.
"My colleagues and many others from the Elizabeth constituency will tell you that I was the one person who stood between Malcolm and the forces within the PLP who fought hard to deny him the re-nomination in the 2007 general election, not because they did not like him but because they honestly felt, as indeed many of the people in Elizabeth felt, that he had been a complete failure as an MP from 2002 when he was first elected to 2007.
"However, after Malcolm and other wonderful people of Elizabeth came to me over and over — and I can use the word begging for my intervention and for my support — I as a leader of the Progressive Liberal Party decided that he was deserving of another chance and that he was not beyond redemption. So even though I ended up taking some heavy blows from my own colleagues for doing so, I put my faith and my confidence in Malcolm Adderley and I saw that he was re-nominated."
In his resignation speech in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Adderley was highly critical of the leadership of the PLP, making it clear that he had no confidence in it and saw no vision from it.
But last night, Christie said, "Malcolm Adderley did not have a problem with Perry Christie when he was on his knees a little more than two years ago begging me to let him run again, asking me to lift him up and help him out. In fact, I was a very good man then, and a good leader. But all of you now see what a difference two years can make, especially when spiders are busy weaving their tangled web, and you all know who the spider is."
He said the reason Adderley gave for his exit from the PLP is disingenuous.
"Malcolm knows full well that is not the reason he left the PLP and that is not the reason why he resigned from Parliament," Christie said.
"On the contrary, he has resigned from the PLP and from Parliament for one, single, simple reason. He has a back room deal in his back pocket to become a judge of the Supreme Court, a back room deal that was made in secret and I told the Bahamian people to just stay tuned for an announcement that he will be made a judge, and it is only a short time away and per chance, if they are listening to us as we talk, and they want to change their mind, they would be doing the right thing."
He charged that this "back room deal" preceding the appointment to the Supreme Court bench raises another critical point that should be of great concern to Bahamians.
"In recent months we have seen the judiciary of this country placed on the alter of political battering," Christie said. "First, one FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general (Claire Hepburn) gave up her post and in short order was made a judge of the Supreme Court.
"More recently, another FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general was appointed chief justice (Sir Michael Barnett) almost within a matter of days of giving up his Cabinet post. Now, just a few weeks later, we have another politically engineered back room deal under which a sitting member of Parliament is induced to leave his party, so that he can be sanitized, so that he can become a judge of the Supreme Court."
Christie charged that this kind of constitutional "battering" is completely contrary to constitutional principles and represents a stain on the reputation of the judiciary as an organ of government that should be beyond political engineering and gamesmanship.
He said that unlike the current administration, he as prime minister never interfered with or sought to influence the selection of judges by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
"It is therefore so very lamentable that Hubert Ingraham is determined to deviate from that standard and policy of non-interference," Christie added.
"And what he is doing today is dangerous. It is blurring what we call the separation of powers that is so vital to the integrity of our system of constitutional governance."
He said the first and most important quality any judge should bring to the bench is impartiality.
"But listening to Malcolm's litany of resentment in the House of Assembly yesterday you really have to ask yourself whether he should not go through a cooling off period before he formally applies to go on the bench," Christie said.
"No man is supposed to go on the bench carrying that kind of emotional baggage. It is therefore incumbent upon the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to carefully scrutinize the whole speech that Malcolm made in the House of Assembly and determine whether the point I made is a valid point and worthy of consideration, whether now is really the right time to put on the high court someone who is clearly hurting over injuries, real or imagined, from the leadership of one of the two main political parties of the country.
"[This] demands the attention of those who are responsible, because clearly it brings into question whether the applicant would have the necessary degree of impartiality and the necessary lack of bias."
Christie said the Judicial and Legal Services Commission must not allow itself to be "railroaded" by anybody.
"It must do what is right and best for the judicial system of our country," he said.
Adderley's resignation from the House of Assembly means that a by-election will have to be called in Elizabeth.
Christie announced that the PLP's candidates committee will be called into session tonight so the party can begin the process of choosing a candidate to run in Elizabeth. He said the candidate may not necessarily be chosen from among the people already campaigning in the constituency.
Among those interested in running on the PLP's ticket are attorneys Ryan Pinder and Craig Butler. Both men addressed last night's rally.
January 8, 2010
thenassauguardian
Thursday, January 7, 2010
House of Assembly Bahamas: Malcolm Adderley's resignation speech in full
"Mr Speaker,
Members of Parliament,
It is my belief that politics is about persons coming together to achieve common goals for the good of the people they represent.
In order for the group to survive there must be respect, honesty, transparency and decency towards one another. In order for progress to be achieved, there must be some real fundamental bonding with each other - and a vision as to what that group needs to achieve in order to capture the dream to which people aspire.
Mr Speaker, when I was invited to enter the political arena some time in the year 2001, I had a vision of being a part of an organisation that my father, a humble taxi driver (taxi no. 4) was a proud and faithful member of since its inception. I reluctantly agreed to enter politics but felt it was a noble cause. Over the years, my reluctance became sheer love for this new career path - especially as I came to know the people of Elizabeth.
Sir, I never once expected fame or fortune when I entered politics. Service to country was not new to me. In earlier years, I had served in the capacity of a prosecutor in the Attorney General's Office for four years; as an acting magistrate on several occasions; I served as the first president of the newly established Bahamas Industrial Tribunal for two years; and as a justice of the Supreme Court for a year - all at no significant remuneration.
I should add, sir, that before I left the Supreme Court bench I was invited to become a permanent judge and could have been a judge years ago had I wished. But I declined and returned to my own law chambers.
So to trivialise this matter by saying that this is about my not having been given a Cabinet seat is frightening, because it shows a mentality that is totally out of touch with reality. The Cabinet was chosen in 2002. This is now 2010 - why would I stay for seven and a half years afterwards if in fact I was "puffed up" over not being in Mr Christie's Cabinet.
Mr Speaker, the Elizabeth Constituency has some 4,000 constituents. Since the 2007 election , I have spoken to many of my supporters in Elizabeth indicating to them the possibility of my departure from the political arena depending on the direction in which my party chose to go.
Over the past few days Mr Speaker, the noise in the market has become quite vociferous. But, sir, I invite those who are not a part of the great constituency which I have been privileged to represent, not to mind the noise in the market.
You see, we in Elizabeth know what time it is. That noise is not coming from the decent people of Elizabeth. The noise is coming from the same direction that it came from prior to my nomination in 2007.
The people of Elizabeth are intelligent, decent, independent minded and have been calling me to tell me what they have been telling me since 2007 - we support you whatever you do.
Mr Speaker, ever since my election to this honourable House in 2002, my relationship with the leadership of my party has been strained. Seven and a half years later that relationship has worsened. From then to now has been the worst personal experience that my family and I have ever faced. I took the insults, the disrespect, the negative gossip, the careful and calculated undermining that has been the hallmark of my political journey.
But through it all I took the blows, never flinching, never allowing it to make me lose my focus of what my responsibilities were to the people of Elizabeth. The interesting thing, sir, is that is that none of this came from the good people of Elizabeth. In fact, it came from those outside Elizabeth, who obviously feared anyone who could think and had an independent view - and most of all, refused to be led by mediocrity.
In fact, sir, if it were not for the support and encouragement of the good people of Elizabeth, I would have succumbed long ago to the vicious politics and hatred that was hatched by those wretched beings outside the boundary of the great constituency of Elizabeth by those whom one would least expect to do so.
But the history of my political journey is well documented in the account I gave during my first speech in this House, after the 2007 election, of the journey of the famous dingy boat "Elizabeth". And so, Mr Speaker, I need not relate it once again.
Mr Speaker, I have tried my best to serve the good people of Elizabeth. We had good and bad times together. During the years 2002 to 2007 I sought but could not obtain the much needed assistance for the people of Elizabeth; nor could I provide the much needed infrastructure. Nevertheless, Elizabeth supported me. I am happy that between 2007 and 2009 as a result of the contribution of the government members of parliament, I have been able to refurbish two existing parks and construct four new parks for the people of Elizabeth - so that families can take their children for recreational activities at their leisure. I am happy that Elizabeth Estates park has had additional construction recently added with the addition of a walking track, a softball diamond and a brand new modern toilet facility for men and women.
I am indeed pleased that I was able to donate to the Elizabeth Children's Home beautiful furniture to add to the comfort of the children and the staff in the home and also to the Thelma Gibson Primary School two state-of-the-art eno-active boards that will go a long way to promote and assist the advancement of the learning process of the dear children of the school.
Even as I speak, a computer lab is being established for the children of Elizabeth as a result of the contribution of the government made to each constituency.
Mr Speaker, during my tenure in this House, I have come to love the years of door-to-door campaigning, the greetings and discussions with the beautiful people of Elizabeth - I shall surely miss this wonderful and rewarding experience.
The people of Elizabeth over the years have shown me the warmth and love that is crucial for survival in the type of politics that I had to deal with from those who wished me ill.
I can attest to this by drawing your attention to the events leading up to the 2007 election.
Mr Speaker, if one ever doubted that there is a God above...I can testify that there is -- I am living example of this -- and God is good. Whom God bless, no man can curse. In the 2007 general election -- despite what has been said I was fighting two formidable giants.
Not only did I have to deal with the formidable, well organised, well-equipped political genius of the then opposition leader...regardless to what you have heard and will hear in the future, I was exposed to the forces of my own party.
The only thing I had was my personal ambition and a determination to conquer both forces -- and like the Biblical shepherd boy David -- the Almighty God stood by my side and gave me victory. Praise be to God!
Mr Speaker, despite all of this I took it like a man -- never wavering, but kept my focus. I must confess however, sir, that it has not been easy. It has been even more difficult for my family. And as they say, sir...enough is enough!
Mr Speaker, immediately after the recent election, I met with my family and close political friends. Together, it was agreed that I should allow time to pass to see whether there would be any improvement in my relationship with the leadership. It was felt that after a two year period of mid-term would be a reasonable point to assess my political future. It would be a good time for me to know the position and notify the people of Elizabeth whether I would be seeking a third term in office.
Mr Speaker, the decision I make today, no doubt, is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made. The fact of the matter, sir, is that my love for politics does not matter. It is not about me. In life, we are mere vehicles that God sometimes uses to achieve worthwhile objectives.
What is important -- is that the people of Elizabeth deserve better...much better. I decided that this constant and perpetual undermining of the duly elected Member of Parliament in total disregard and blatant disrespect of the will of the people of Elizabeth....this contrived and calculated creation of confusion in Elizabeth had to stop and that the time to address them is now.
Mr Speaker, which other constituency held by the official opposition after the 2007 election other than Kennedy and Elizabeth were there persons being actively encouraged to campaign against us with a view to becoming the parties candidate in the 2012 election, brazenly knocking on doors, even dispensing T-shirts, groceries, even handing out Mother's Day gifts and cards, indicating to constituents that they were the party's choice for 2012.
Mr Speaker, we are now in mid-term. I am on time. I have reviewed the period from May 2007 to December 2009...a period of two and a half years. Nothing has changed. In fact, it has worsened. The point is, sir, that there is still too many issues that separate the leadership of the party and I.
The record will show that my future as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party has always been dim. Time would not have allowed me to believe that there would have been a new day...a change of attitudes, a change of good will for all concerned.
I simply cannot bury my head in the sand, like the proverbial ostrich and pretend that all is well. The people of Elizabeth need as their representative, someone who has the full support of the party which he represents.
The leadership of the party at its recent convention was given an almost unanimous vote of confidence by the membership...I know what it is like to be subject to that leadership. I have had it for seven and a half years. I have always expressed my deep concern about the lack of vision of the leadership and that has not changed. The reality is, sir, that the people have spoken and I have to respect their voice.
Accordingly, sir, it has been said that when a member of an organisation finds that he cannot support its leadership -- then the honourable thing for that member to do is resign. So, after many months, days and nights of painful deliberations, I found that I had no other choice than to tender my official resignation to the chairman of the party effective January 1st, 2010.
The Progressive Liberal Party is a party that has the distinction of being built by the blood, sweat and tears of hardworking men and women of humble beginnings but proud of their commitment to uplift the well-being and standard of the people.
Men and women like my late parents, Malcolm Adderley, Sr and Elaine Adderley, like so many of their era, played a significant role in bringing the Progressive Liberal Party to its zenith and made it the most powerful force in our great Bahamaland. Regrettably, if they were alive today their hearts and souls would ache to see the state of the party today as a result of the venom and ill will that is displayed almost on a daily basis on any member who tries to correct its ills.
Mr Speaker, as I said before, politics is not about one individual. It is about what is in the best interest of the people that we serve. As a result, there is no benefit to the people of Elizabeth for me to sit in this house as the independent member for Elizabeth.
Mr Speaker, issues have been raised as to my loyalty because of the position I have taken. In order to remove all doubts as to who the wonderful people of Elizabeth want to represent them...I have decided to remove myself from the political stage and allow the people of Elizabeth in their wisdom to decide who they would wish to be their spokesman.
And so, sir, with the greatest respect and humility, I hearby tender my resignation to this honourable house as the Member of Parliament for the Elizabeth constituency effective at 5.30pm today.
Mr Speaker, I thank the officers and members of the Progressive Liberal Party for having allowed me to carry the banner of the party in the last two general elections.
I thank the staff of the Honourable House for their support, goodwill and professionalism displayed towards me during my tenure as the Member of Parliament.
I thank all of my colleagues in this Honourable House and wish you well in your future endeavours. Let me assure each and every one of you that I hold no animosity whatsoever.
To all those beautiful, loyal, decent, loving people of the great constituency of Elizabeth -- who despite all -- has shown me love and supported me through thick and thin, especially Marsha Curry, Cynthia Cox, Verona Woodside, Elizabeth Collie, Lillymae Thompson, John "Commander" Higgs, Annamae Forbes, Mrs Cash, Cindy Moss, Keisha Rodgers, Sidney Strachan and many many more. I extended my heartfelt thanks and will forever be indebted to you. You stood by me through all the storms and sheltered me from harm. I love you all and may God continue to bless you.
To William "Bill" Wallace who played an integral role in my election of 2002; to Donna Smith, who unselfishly joined our historical team in my election of 2007 and played an integral part in it, I extend my sincere gratitude.
To Calvin Davis, who from the election of 2002 to now, has stood by my side -- whose support I find impossible to quantify, I express my eternal gratitude.
Mr Prime Minister! My gratitude to you, sir! for your statesmanship in rising above petty politics in allowing me to continue to serve the people of the Bahamas as Chairman of the Gaming Board under your watch for the past two and a half years. This is a position I thoroughly enjoyed as it allowed me to serve the Bahamian people in a small, but meaningful way.
To my fellow directors, the officers and employees of the gaming board, I thank you for your support, it has been truly a worthwhile experience.
To my wife, Daphne, and our five children (who are present in the House today) -- Eamon, Engedi, Evan, Misty and Mia -- you are my strength, my inspiration and my gift from God -- I love you all.
Finally, Mr Speaker!
As I leave these honourable chambers I am pleased to see that the landscape of Bahamian politics is changing. For I am happy to say -- for the better.
The young people of Elizabeth and other constituencies can no longer be persuaded by bully tactics and ghetto politics. Sir, they demand and deserve better Mr Speaker. A new day is dawning for the wonderful people of the Bahamas. One in which the guideline is integrity and honesty.
I pray, Mr Speaker, that God will give me the strength and the wisdom to continue to serve the people of the Bahamas in any other capacity with integrity and character as I have tried to serve the wonderful people of Elizabeth -- as their duly elected Member of Parliament for the past seven and a half years.
May God Bless you all.
May God Bless this Honourable House
And May God Bless the people of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Thank you and God speed."
Malcolm E Adderley, Jr
Resignation address
January 6, 2010.
tribune242
Members of Parliament,
It is my belief that politics is about persons coming together to achieve common goals for the good of the people they represent.
In order for the group to survive there must be respect, honesty, transparency and decency towards one another. In order for progress to be achieved, there must be some real fundamental bonding with each other - and a vision as to what that group needs to achieve in order to capture the dream to which people aspire.
Mr Speaker, when I was invited to enter the political arena some time in the year 2001, I had a vision of being a part of an organisation that my father, a humble taxi driver (taxi no. 4) was a proud and faithful member of since its inception. I reluctantly agreed to enter politics but felt it was a noble cause. Over the years, my reluctance became sheer love for this new career path - especially as I came to know the people of Elizabeth.
Sir, I never once expected fame or fortune when I entered politics. Service to country was not new to me. In earlier years, I had served in the capacity of a prosecutor in the Attorney General's Office for four years; as an acting magistrate on several occasions; I served as the first president of the newly established Bahamas Industrial Tribunal for two years; and as a justice of the Supreme Court for a year - all at no significant remuneration.
I should add, sir, that before I left the Supreme Court bench I was invited to become a permanent judge and could have been a judge years ago had I wished. But I declined and returned to my own law chambers.
So to trivialise this matter by saying that this is about my not having been given a Cabinet seat is frightening, because it shows a mentality that is totally out of touch with reality. The Cabinet was chosen in 2002. This is now 2010 - why would I stay for seven and a half years afterwards if in fact I was "puffed up" over not being in Mr Christie's Cabinet.
Mr Speaker, the Elizabeth Constituency has some 4,000 constituents. Since the 2007 election , I have spoken to many of my supporters in Elizabeth indicating to them the possibility of my departure from the political arena depending on the direction in which my party chose to go.
Over the past few days Mr Speaker, the noise in the market has become quite vociferous. But, sir, I invite those who are not a part of the great constituency which I have been privileged to represent, not to mind the noise in the market.
You see, we in Elizabeth know what time it is. That noise is not coming from the decent people of Elizabeth. The noise is coming from the same direction that it came from prior to my nomination in 2007.
The people of Elizabeth are intelligent, decent, independent minded and have been calling me to tell me what they have been telling me since 2007 - we support you whatever you do.
Mr Speaker, ever since my election to this honourable House in 2002, my relationship with the leadership of my party has been strained. Seven and a half years later that relationship has worsened. From then to now has been the worst personal experience that my family and I have ever faced. I took the insults, the disrespect, the negative gossip, the careful and calculated undermining that has been the hallmark of my political journey.
But through it all I took the blows, never flinching, never allowing it to make me lose my focus of what my responsibilities were to the people of Elizabeth. The interesting thing, sir, is that is that none of this came from the good people of Elizabeth. In fact, it came from those outside Elizabeth, who obviously feared anyone who could think and had an independent view - and most of all, refused to be led by mediocrity.
In fact, sir, if it were not for the support and encouragement of the good people of Elizabeth, I would have succumbed long ago to the vicious politics and hatred that was hatched by those wretched beings outside the boundary of the great constituency of Elizabeth by those whom one would least expect to do so.
But the history of my political journey is well documented in the account I gave during my first speech in this House, after the 2007 election, of the journey of the famous dingy boat "Elizabeth". And so, Mr Speaker, I need not relate it once again.
Mr Speaker, I have tried my best to serve the good people of Elizabeth. We had good and bad times together. During the years 2002 to 2007 I sought but could not obtain the much needed assistance for the people of Elizabeth; nor could I provide the much needed infrastructure. Nevertheless, Elizabeth supported me. I am happy that between 2007 and 2009 as a result of the contribution of the government members of parliament, I have been able to refurbish two existing parks and construct four new parks for the people of Elizabeth - so that families can take their children for recreational activities at their leisure. I am happy that Elizabeth Estates park has had additional construction recently added with the addition of a walking track, a softball diamond and a brand new modern toilet facility for men and women.
I am indeed pleased that I was able to donate to the Elizabeth Children's Home beautiful furniture to add to the comfort of the children and the staff in the home and also to the Thelma Gibson Primary School two state-of-the-art eno-active boards that will go a long way to promote and assist the advancement of the learning process of the dear children of the school.
Even as I speak, a computer lab is being established for the children of Elizabeth as a result of the contribution of the government made to each constituency.
Mr Speaker, during my tenure in this House, I have come to love the years of door-to-door campaigning, the greetings and discussions with the beautiful people of Elizabeth - I shall surely miss this wonderful and rewarding experience.
The people of Elizabeth over the years have shown me the warmth and love that is crucial for survival in the type of politics that I had to deal with from those who wished me ill.
I can attest to this by drawing your attention to the events leading up to the 2007 election.
Mr Speaker, if one ever doubted that there is a God above...I can testify that there is -- I am living example of this -- and God is good. Whom God bless, no man can curse. In the 2007 general election -- despite what has been said I was fighting two formidable giants.
Not only did I have to deal with the formidable, well organised, well-equipped political genius of the then opposition leader...regardless to what you have heard and will hear in the future, I was exposed to the forces of my own party.
The only thing I had was my personal ambition and a determination to conquer both forces -- and like the Biblical shepherd boy David -- the Almighty God stood by my side and gave me victory. Praise be to God!
Mr Speaker, despite all of this I took it like a man -- never wavering, but kept my focus. I must confess however, sir, that it has not been easy. It has been even more difficult for my family. And as they say, sir...enough is enough!
Mr Speaker, immediately after the recent election, I met with my family and close political friends. Together, it was agreed that I should allow time to pass to see whether there would be any improvement in my relationship with the leadership. It was felt that after a two year period of mid-term would be a reasonable point to assess my political future. It would be a good time for me to know the position and notify the people of Elizabeth whether I would be seeking a third term in office.
Mr Speaker, the decision I make today, no doubt, is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made. The fact of the matter, sir, is that my love for politics does not matter. It is not about me. In life, we are mere vehicles that God sometimes uses to achieve worthwhile objectives.
What is important -- is that the people of Elizabeth deserve better...much better. I decided that this constant and perpetual undermining of the duly elected Member of Parliament in total disregard and blatant disrespect of the will of the people of Elizabeth....this contrived and calculated creation of confusion in Elizabeth had to stop and that the time to address them is now.
Mr Speaker, which other constituency held by the official opposition after the 2007 election other than Kennedy and Elizabeth were there persons being actively encouraged to campaign against us with a view to becoming the parties candidate in the 2012 election, brazenly knocking on doors, even dispensing T-shirts, groceries, even handing out Mother's Day gifts and cards, indicating to constituents that they were the party's choice for 2012.
Mr Speaker, we are now in mid-term. I am on time. I have reviewed the period from May 2007 to December 2009...a period of two and a half years. Nothing has changed. In fact, it has worsened. The point is, sir, that there is still too many issues that separate the leadership of the party and I.
The record will show that my future as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party has always been dim. Time would not have allowed me to believe that there would have been a new day...a change of attitudes, a change of good will for all concerned.
I simply cannot bury my head in the sand, like the proverbial ostrich and pretend that all is well. The people of Elizabeth need as their representative, someone who has the full support of the party which he represents.
The leadership of the party at its recent convention was given an almost unanimous vote of confidence by the membership...I know what it is like to be subject to that leadership. I have had it for seven and a half years. I have always expressed my deep concern about the lack of vision of the leadership and that has not changed. The reality is, sir, that the people have spoken and I have to respect their voice.
Accordingly, sir, it has been said that when a member of an organisation finds that he cannot support its leadership -- then the honourable thing for that member to do is resign. So, after many months, days and nights of painful deliberations, I found that I had no other choice than to tender my official resignation to the chairman of the party effective January 1st, 2010.
The Progressive Liberal Party is a party that has the distinction of being built by the blood, sweat and tears of hardworking men and women of humble beginnings but proud of their commitment to uplift the well-being and standard of the people.
Men and women like my late parents, Malcolm Adderley, Sr and Elaine Adderley, like so many of their era, played a significant role in bringing the Progressive Liberal Party to its zenith and made it the most powerful force in our great Bahamaland. Regrettably, if they were alive today their hearts and souls would ache to see the state of the party today as a result of the venom and ill will that is displayed almost on a daily basis on any member who tries to correct its ills.
Mr Speaker, as I said before, politics is not about one individual. It is about what is in the best interest of the people that we serve. As a result, there is no benefit to the people of Elizabeth for me to sit in this house as the independent member for Elizabeth.
Mr Speaker, issues have been raised as to my loyalty because of the position I have taken. In order to remove all doubts as to who the wonderful people of Elizabeth want to represent them...I have decided to remove myself from the political stage and allow the people of Elizabeth in their wisdom to decide who they would wish to be their spokesman.
And so, sir, with the greatest respect and humility, I hearby tender my resignation to this honourable house as the Member of Parliament for the Elizabeth constituency effective at 5.30pm today.
Mr Speaker, I thank the officers and members of the Progressive Liberal Party for having allowed me to carry the banner of the party in the last two general elections.
I thank the staff of the Honourable House for their support, goodwill and professionalism displayed towards me during my tenure as the Member of Parliament.
I thank all of my colleagues in this Honourable House and wish you well in your future endeavours. Let me assure each and every one of you that I hold no animosity whatsoever.
To all those beautiful, loyal, decent, loving people of the great constituency of Elizabeth -- who despite all -- has shown me love and supported me through thick and thin, especially Marsha Curry, Cynthia Cox, Verona Woodside, Elizabeth Collie, Lillymae Thompson, John "Commander" Higgs, Annamae Forbes, Mrs Cash, Cindy Moss, Keisha Rodgers, Sidney Strachan and many many more. I extended my heartfelt thanks and will forever be indebted to you. You stood by me through all the storms and sheltered me from harm. I love you all and may God continue to bless you.
To William "Bill" Wallace who played an integral role in my election of 2002; to Donna Smith, who unselfishly joined our historical team in my election of 2007 and played an integral part in it, I extend my sincere gratitude.
To Calvin Davis, who from the election of 2002 to now, has stood by my side -- whose support I find impossible to quantify, I express my eternal gratitude.
Mr Prime Minister! My gratitude to you, sir! for your statesmanship in rising above petty politics in allowing me to continue to serve the people of the Bahamas as Chairman of the Gaming Board under your watch for the past two and a half years. This is a position I thoroughly enjoyed as it allowed me to serve the Bahamian people in a small, but meaningful way.
To my fellow directors, the officers and employees of the gaming board, I thank you for your support, it has been truly a worthwhile experience.
To my wife, Daphne, and our five children (who are present in the House today) -- Eamon, Engedi, Evan, Misty and Mia -- you are my strength, my inspiration and my gift from God -- I love you all.
Finally, Mr Speaker!
As I leave these honourable chambers I am pleased to see that the landscape of Bahamian politics is changing. For I am happy to say -- for the better.
The young people of Elizabeth and other constituencies can no longer be persuaded by bully tactics and ghetto politics. Sir, they demand and deserve better Mr Speaker. A new day is dawning for the wonderful people of the Bahamas. One in which the guideline is integrity and honesty.
I pray, Mr Speaker, that God will give me the strength and the wisdom to continue to serve the people of the Bahamas in any other capacity with integrity and character as I have tried to serve the wonderful people of Elizabeth -- as their duly elected Member of Parliament for the past seven and a half years.
May God Bless you all.
May God Bless this Honourable House
And May God Bless the people of The Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Thank you and God speed."
Malcolm E Adderley, Jr
Resignation address
January 6, 2010.
tribune242
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Official Opposition Leader Perry Christie: offering Adderley judge post would undermine democracy
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
IF THE Government offered Malcolm Adderley a post as a Supreme Court judge in exchange for his seat in Elizabeth it would "undermine" Bahamian democracy, charged Opposition Leader Perry Christie.
The former prime minister argued that judicial appointments are "one of the most sacred appointments" that defines constitutional democracy and claimed that such a move would be political "manipulation" of the judicial system.
"I happen to believe (if) that is played out tomorrow and the next several days in our country then I believe it is the most damning indictment of our system of government where this manipulation can take place and it means that you have an in depth manipulation going on that has truly, I think, undermined the democracy that we live in," Mr Christie said, when he called to weigh in on Love 97 FM's talk show Issues of the Day.
His comments came after speculation in some quarters that Government wooed Mr Adderley to give up his seat with promises of a plum job as a judge, which would set the stage for a by-election in the Elizabeth constituency.
In the statement released Monday, the FNM said it respects Mr Adderley's "personal decision" to cut political ties with the PLP adding that it did not know the reasons behind the decision.
The FNM also alluded to Mr Adderley's reported interested in joining the judiciary but did not confirm whether he has been offered or accepted the job.
"We understand that Mr Adderley is willing to continue in the service of his country as a Justice of the Supreme Court, a position for which he is well qualified, especially at a time when there is urgent need for qualified Bahamian judges willing to serve. If that is so, we highly commend him."
Over the holiday weekend Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley quit the PLP with effect from January 1, 2010. Mr Adderley is expected to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly when Parliament meets today.
January 06, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
tthompson@tribunemedia.net:
IF THE Government offered Malcolm Adderley a post as a Supreme Court judge in exchange for his seat in Elizabeth it would "undermine" Bahamian democracy, charged Opposition Leader Perry Christie.
The former prime minister argued that judicial appointments are "one of the most sacred appointments" that defines constitutional democracy and claimed that such a move would be political "manipulation" of the judicial system.
"I happen to believe (if) that is played out tomorrow and the next several days in our country then I believe it is the most damning indictment of our system of government where this manipulation can take place and it means that you have an in depth manipulation going on that has truly, I think, undermined the democracy that we live in," Mr Christie said, when he called to weigh in on Love 97 FM's talk show Issues of the Day.
His comments came after speculation in some quarters that Government wooed Mr Adderley to give up his seat with promises of a plum job as a judge, which would set the stage for a by-election in the Elizabeth constituency.
In the statement released Monday, the FNM said it respects Mr Adderley's "personal decision" to cut political ties with the PLP adding that it did not know the reasons behind the decision.
The FNM also alluded to Mr Adderley's reported interested in joining the judiciary but did not confirm whether he has been offered or accepted the job.
"We understand that Mr Adderley is willing to continue in the service of his country as a Justice of the Supreme Court, a position for which he is well qualified, especially at a time when there is urgent need for qualified Bahamian judges willing to serve. If that is so, we highly commend him."
Over the holiday weekend Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley quit the PLP with effect from January 1, 2010. Mr Adderley is expected to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly when Parliament meets today.
January 06, 2010
tribune242
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)