Political retirement with dignity
thenassauguardian editorial
The Bahamas is a new independent democracy. Having just recently celebrated 38 years going it alone, our traditions, though rooted in the British system, are still evolving.
One tradition that has not really developed yet is what to do with our leaders when they retire from frontline politics.
We have only had one prime minister permanently retire thus far. Sir Lynden Pindling bowed out in 1997 after his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) suffered an overwhelming defeat to Hubert Ingraham and the Free National Movement (FNM). This was the second consecutive time Ingraham beat Sir Lynden in a general election.
Sir Lynden, however, was suffering from terminal cancer during that last campaign in 1997. He died a few years later on August 26, 2000. So in the case of the only prime minister of an independent Bahamas to retire, there was no real retirement, as he was in a battle for his life when he went away, a battle he sadly did not win.
Ingraham and current PLP leader Perry Christie are nearing the end of their respective political careers. It is unlikely that either will run again as leader beyond this general election.
Both entered the House of Assembly in 1977. The former law partners each have won a seat in each election since. Christie also served a term as a senator from 1972 before becoming a member of Parliament.
When one of these men loses the next general election, he should not be discarded. The United States has a beautiful bi-partisan tradition. When the new president is elected and an issue of national importance arises, former presidents are called into service.
Former Democratic president Jimmy Carter has embarked upon many missions, under Democratic and Republican presidents, to free Americans held by hostile regimes.
President George W. Bush called upon his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Bush Sr. and Clinton raised money for the recovery cause.
After the Haiti earthquake in 2010, President Barack Obama called on Clinton and Bush Jr., the president he succeeded, to lead fundraising efforts.
This tradition in the United States demonstrates great political maturity. It also is smart. Former leaders have great connections, capacity and lots of unused energy once retired.
Here in The Bahamas there are many initiatives a former prime minister could lead. Education reform, gambling reform, the Haitian migration issue, tax reform, reform of the criminal justice system and health care reform are just a few of the areas a former prime minister could focus on, developing a plan for the country to address the issue under study.
For this to happen, however, that former politician would have to learn to be apolitical and able to make a contribution divorced from partisanism. The prime minister who asks the former prime minister to lead a national initiative would also have to be mature enough to set aside whatever hostilities he might have had with that politician when he was still active.
We should not relegate our retired politicians to the rubbish heap. They still have much to contribute after they officially retire. We will soon get to the point when one of our great leaders says goodbye. We hope the winner reaches out to the loser and starts a tradition of mutual respect and continued service.
Jul 27, 2011
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label FNM leader Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FNM leader Bahamas. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
The analysis of the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful
A U.S. view of Perry Christie
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
The analysis by officials from the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader Perry Christie after he announced the 2007 general election in April of that year, reveals that even though the Americans perceived the PLP and Christie as friendly bilateral partners, they also held the view that the Christie-led PLP was indecisive and disorganized, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.
"The timing of the elections are typical of Christie's style of governance — uncertain, waiting until the last possible moment, with action forced by outside events rather than strategic planning," said the embassy in the cable which was labeled as confidential.
The cable is titled, “PM Christie calls May 2 elections; tight race expected”. It was listed as classified by the then embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt. The last name of then Ambassador John Rood is at the end of the cable.
It is unclear who wrote the document. It may be a compilation of the insights of various officials at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
The embassy's analysis of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful. The cable noted that Christie lost an opportunity to call elections earlier in order to capitalize on Free National Movement (FNM) infighting.
In the fall of 2005, FNM MP for North Abaco and former party leader Hubert Ingraham entered the FNM leadership race and defeated incumbent party leader Tommy Turnquest after assuring Turnquest he would not run in the race.
Despite the confusion that ensued in the FNM from Ingraham's Machiavellian move, Christie waited for nearly a year and a half to call the general election. Christie and the PLP lost that election.
The decision by Christie to call the election at nearly the last moment allowed Ingraham time to raise money, rebuild the ‘FNM machine’ and to revive his image.
"Christie's decision to call elections now, also forced by outside deadlines, has risked church backlash against the PLP – no small thing in The Bahamas – by breaking tradition and calling elections and starting campaigns over Easter weekend," the cable continued.
"Usually, one would not bet against an incumbent party running on a strong economy, low unemployment and pending projects promising billions to the nation. However, poor management and indecisive leadership, combined with questions about the integrity of PLP parliamentarians have made this a race to watch."
The Americans accurately perceived PLP weakness in the run-up to the general election. Christie, however, appeared as confident in private as he was in public that the PLP would win the 2007 election.
The cable said that during an April 4 meeting with Rood, Christie boasted that his brilliant and incisive cutting of the constituency boundaries in the country would make the difference in a close election.
References to meetings between Bahamian and U.S. officials are common throughout the cables. The Americans took detailed notes of these meetings and created complex briefs for their files on the thoughts, words and perceptions of those they met with.
The U.S. Embassy perception of the two leaders of the two main Bahamian political parties in the run-up to the election was similar to that held by many Bahamians then and now.
“On the issues there is little to separate the parties. Bahamian politics is largely based on personality rather than policy, and the elections will likely be decided on the leadership styles of PLP leader Perry Christie and FNM leader Hubert Ingraham,” said the embassy in the cable.
“Ingraham is known from his time as prime minister as a decisive leader who accomplished much while suppressing dissension. His critics claim he rode roughshod over opponents.
“Christie has a well-deserved reputation as a waffling, indecisive leader, who procrastinates and often fails to act altogether while awaiting an elusive consensus in his Cabinet.”
The FNM and Ingraham share the same view of Christie. However, Christie has repeatedly rejected this label. He has said that he is a leader who consults in order to make proper decisions that do not have to be reversed.
Christie has also argued that crime was lower during his administration and the economy was in better shape as compared to the current state of affairs under the Ingraham administration.
Despite this brisk critique of Christie by the U.S., the Americans explicitly expressed confidence in both sides of the Bahamian political divide.
“Regardless of who wins, the United States can expect a strong partner in the Bahamian government. The PLP, while more left-leaning than the FNM, has been a valuable ally in law enforcement and an array of bilateral initiatives, including mega-ports and the Container Security Initiative,” said the embassy in the cable.
The cable added that while it took significant effort by embassy officials, the PLP government ultimately supported the U.S. on human rights and Security Council membership votes at the United Nations, “providing hope for greater multilateral cooperation from the PLP.”
However, the embassy did think that the FNM leaned more to its side.
“The FNM would likely be a stronger supporter of U.S. international goals and would take a more skeptical approach to Cuba – possibly even terminating the Cuban eye care program – and would certainly continue the excellent bilateral relationship we now enjoy,” according to the cable.
5/23/2011
thenassauguardian
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
The analysis by officials from the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader Perry Christie after he announced the 2007 general election in April of that year, reveals that even though the Americans perceived the PLP and Christie as friendly bilateral partners, they also held the view that the Christie-led PLP was indecisive and disorganized, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.
"The timing of the elections are typical of Christie's style of governance — uncertain, waiting until the last possible moment, with action forced by outside events rather than strategic planning," said the embassy in the cable which was labeled as confidential.
The cable is titled, “PM Christie calls May 2 elections; tight race expected”. It was listed as classified by the then embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt. The last name of then Ambassador John Rood is at the end of the cable.
It is unclear who wrote the document. It may be a compilation of the insights of various officials at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
The embassy's analysis of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful. The cable noted that Christie lost an opportunity to call elections earlier in order to capitalize on Free National Movement (FNM) infighting.
In the fall of 2005, FNM MP for North Abaco and former party leader Hubert Ingraham entered the FNM leadership race and defeated incumbent party leader Tommy Turnquest after assuring Turnquest he would not run in the race.
Despite the confusion that ensued in the FNM from Ingraham's Machiavellian move, Christie waited for nearly a year and a half to call the general election. Christie and the PLP lost that election.
The decision by Christie to call the election at nearly the last moment allowed Ingraham time to raise money, rebuild the ‘FNM machine’ and to revive his image.
"Christie's decision to call elections now, also forced by outside deadlines, has risked church backlash against the PLP – no small thing in The Bahamas – by breaking tradition and calling elections and starting campaigns over Easter weekend," the cable continued.
"Usually, one would not bet against an incumbent party running on a strong economy, low unemployment and pending projects promising billions to the nation. However, poor management and indecisive leadership, combined with questions about the integrity of PLP parliamentarians have made this a race to watch."
The Americans accurately perceived PLP weakness in the run-up to the general election. Christie, however, appeared as confident in private as he was in public that the PLP would win the 2007 election.
The cable said that during an April 4 meeting with Rood, Christie boasted that his brilliant and incisive cutting of the constituency boundaries in the country would make the difference in a close election.
References to meetings between Bahamian and U.S. officials are common throughout the cables. The Americans took detailed notes of these meetings and created complex briefs for their files on the thoughts, words and perceptions of those they met with.
The U.S. Embassy perception of the two leaders of the two main Bahamian political parties in the run-up to the election was similar to that held by many Bahamians then and now.
“On the issues there is little to separate the parties. Bahamian politics is largely based on personality rather than policy, and the elections will likely be decided on the leadership styles of PLP leader Perry Christie and FNM leader Hubert Ingraham,” said the embassy in the cable.
“Ingraham is known from his time as prime minister as a decisive leader who accomplished much while suppressing dissension. His critics claim he rode roughshod over opponents.
“Christie has a well-deserved reputation as a waffling, indecisive leader, who procrastinates and often fails to act altogether while awaiting an elusive consensus in his Cabinet.”
The FNM and Ingraham share the same view of Christie. However, Christie has repeatedly rejected this label. He has said that he is a leader who consults in order to make proper decisions that do not have to be reversed.
Christie has also argued that crime was lower during his administration and the economy was in better shape as compared to the current state of affairs under the Ingraham administration.
Despite this brisk critique of Christie by the U.S., the Americans explicitly expressed confidence in both sides of the Bahamian political divide.
“Regardless of who wins, the United States can expect a strong partner in the Bahamian government. The PLP, while more left-leaning than the FNM, has been a valuable ally in law enforcement and an array of bilateral initiatives, including mega-ports and the Container Security Initiative,” said the embassy in the cable.
The cable added that while it took significant effort by embassy officials, the PLP government ultimately supported the U.S. on human rights and Security Council membership votes at the United Nations, “providing hope for greater multilateral cooperation from the PLP.”
However, the embassy did think that the FNM leaned more to its side.
“The FNM would likely be a stronger supporter of U.S. international goals and would take a more skeptical approach to Cuba – possibly even terminating the Cuban eye care program – and would certainly continue the excellent bilateral relationship we now enjoy,” according to the cable.
5/23/2011
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham says that he intends to once again lead his party - the Free National Movement (FNM) into the next general election...
PM to run again
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Says FNM needs more time to complete agenda
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed yesterday that he intends to once again lead his party into the next general election because the unforseen economic downturn would likely mean an unfinished agenda.
Ingraham made the bombshell announcement at a meet the press event held at the British Colonial Hilton in downtown Nassau.
He is expected to once again go head to head with Progressive Liberal Party Leader Perry Christie, who has said repeatedly that he is preparing the PLP to form the next government of The Bahamas.
Asked whether he intends to stay on as FNM leader and lead the party into the next general election, Ingraham said emphatically, “Yes.”
It triggered thunderous applause from the audience gathered at the event.
Ingraham was also asked why he has decided to seek re-election in what would be a fourth non-consecutive term should he win.
He responded: “Because I think, firstly, the party would like me to carry on. Secondly, there are a number of things that we had hoped to undertake in this our term in office that we have been unable to do largely because of the economic circumstance and conditions.
“Thirdly, it would not be appropriate I think under these circumstances for me with all this headwind, with all the experience I have... to go.
“So I consider it my duty to The Bahamas and to my party to carry out.”
Christie has already indicated that should he become prime minister again he would not serve a full term. But Ingraham said yesterday, “I make no such commitment.”
He added, “I’m not in a position where I’m going to do a deal because others are at my heel and I have to tell them ‘listen, there’s little space here for you’. When it’s time for me to be able to go I’m going to be able to go and the party will select my replacement, but I [don’t] have to make a deal [to say] I’m going to be here for a year or two years.
“No. Others have to do that.”
Yesterday Ingraham brushed off a suggestion that he and Christie are very close.
After saying that they are not, he added, “I saw Mr. Christie at a function for [St. Cecilia MP Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt] the other day and he wouldn’t look me in the eye.
“I don’t know why you vex with me, Christie. You are my buddy.”
Asked whether he had informed Christie of his intention to run again, Ingraham said, “You think I need permission from him? I said before, you know, that my actions would speak louder than my words and I said at the installation service for Mother Pratt (who is now an assistant pastor) that those of us who are going to be in Parliament after the next election will miss you. Mr. Christie was there.
“I think Mr. Christie understands that I would be the alternative to him or he would be the alternative to me in the next election. I look forward to it.”
Earlier in his political career, Ingraham had indicated that he would not serve more than two terms as prime minister. But when he returned as leader of the Free National Movement in 2005 after stepping down in 2002, he said he was returning to answer the call of the people.
Prior to the 2007 election, then Prime Minister Christie had vowed to “cremate” Ingraham, but failed in his efforts to do so.
Confirmation that Ingraham intends to stay on as FNM leader has huge implications for members of his party with great political ambition.
Yesterday, Ingraham did not directly respond to a question about his health and energy level, saying only that he had suffered a bout of the flu last week.
11/15/2010
thenassauguardian
By CANDIA DAMES
Guardian News Editor
candia@nasguard.com
Says FNM needs more time to complete agenda
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed yesterday that he intends to once again lead his party into the next general election because the unforseen economic downturn would likely mean an unfinished agenda.
Ingraham made the bombshell announcement at a meet the press event held at the British Colonial Hilton in downtown Nassau.
He is expected to once again go head to head with Progressive Liberal Party Leader Perry Christie, who has said repeatedly that he is preparing the PLP to form the next government of The Bahamas.
Asked whether he intends to stay on as FNM leader and lead the party into the next general election, Ingraham said emphatically, “Yes.”
It triggered thunderous applause from the audience gathered at the event.
Ingraham was also asked why he has decided to seek re-election in what would be a fourth non-consecutive term should he win.
He responded: “Because I think, firstly, the party would like me to carry on. Secondly, there are a number of things that we had hoped to undertake in this our term in office that we have been unable to do largely because of the economic circumstance and conditions.
“Thirdly, it would not be appropriate I think under these circumstances for me with all this headwind, with all the experience I have... to go.
“So I consider it my duty to The Bahamas and to my party to carry out.”
Christie has already indicated that should he become prime minister again he would not serve a full term. But Ingraham said yesterday, “I make no such commitment.”
He added, “I’m not in a position where I’m going to do a deal because others are at my heel and I have to tell them ‘listen, there’s little space here for you’. When it’s time for me to be able to go I’m going to be able to go and the party will select my replacement, but I [don’t] have to make a deal [to say] I’m going to be here for a year or two years.
“No. Others have to do that.”
Yesterday Ingraham brushed off a suggestion that he and Christie are very close.
After saying that they are not, he added, “I saw Mr. Christie at a function for [St. Cecilia MP Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt] the other day and he wouldn’t look me in the eye.
“I don’t know why you vex with me, Christie. You are my buddy.”
Asked whether he had informed Christie of his intention to run again, Ingraham said, “You think I need permission from him? I said before, you know, that my actions would speak louder than my words and I said at the installation service for Mother Pratt (who is now an assistant pastor) that those of us who are going to be in Parliament after the next election will miss you. Mr. Christie was there.
“I think Mr. Christie understands that I would be the alternative to him or he would be the alternative to me in the next election. I look forward to it.”
Earlier in his political career, Ingraham had indicated that he would not serve more than two terms as prime minister. But when he returned as leader of the Free National Movement in 2005 after stepping down in 2002, he said he was returning to answer the call of the people.
Prior to the 2007 election, then Prime Minister Christie had vowed to “cremate” Ingraham, but failed in his efforts to do so.
Confirmation that Ingraham intends to stay on as FNM leader has huge implications for members of his party with great political ambition.
Yesterday, Ingraham did not directly respond to a question about his health and energy level, saying only that he had suffered a bout of the flu last week.
11/15/2010
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
Monday, October 10, 2005
Supporters of Free National Movement (FNM) Leader Senator Tommy Turnquest along with some FNM Action Group members Attack Hubert Ingraham
FNMs Attack Ingraham
By Candia Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas
October 10, 2005
Supporters of Free National Movement Leader Senator Tommy Turnquest, including some members of the FNM Action Group, have launched what has amounted to a campaign to block the return of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as leader of the party.
"Hubert Ingraham ‐ you are still the most hated man in this country and the people will remind you of it if you go back on your word and challenge Tommy Turnquest as leader," said a letter forwarded to the press by supporters of Senator Turnquest over the weekend.
The scathing letter blames Mr. Ingraham for certain "failures", but does not acknowledge that Senator Turnquest was also a part of the Cabinet when those alleged failures occurred.
The letter came more than a week after FNM MP's secured the support of the party's Central Council to have Mr. Ingraham replace Alvin Smith as the FNM's parliamentary leader.
The vote has resulted in a fierce internal battle in the party as observers wait to see if Mr. Smith will resign as leader of the Official Opposition.
Oswald Marshall, chairman of the Action Group, who commented on the matter on Saturday, said he doubts Mr. Ingraham will become the parliamentary leader.
"I don't expect Ingraham [to return]," Mr. Marshall added. "They had some kind of idea that they would push Ingraham to the front of the party by getting him to take over leadership (in the House). I think they polluted that process and I understand that he is not doing that anymore. The council members [who voted against the move] felt that this was a prelude to Ingraham taking over the party."
The letter from Senator Turnquest's supporters reminds council members who supported Mr. Ingraham's return that it was the former prime minister "who botched the referendum" in 2002.
The letter continues: "It was Hubert Ingraham that promoted and left PLP's in office while you the FNM controlled the government.
"It was Hubert Ingraham that destroyed the financial services sector through the enactment of ill-advised legislation;
"It was Hubert Ingraham that bludgeoned Batelco by giving packages to existing management and staff who were performing and performing well; "It was Hubert Ingraham that had all of the major unions up in arms through his policies and action;
"It was Hubert Ingraham who expelled senior men in the FNM who had been with the party way before he was on the scene."
The letter says, "Men such as Tennyson Wells and Pierre Dupuch, loyal supporters of ideals of the party, were discarded by Hubert Ingraham."
Although it was a claim former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson denied when he appeared on the Love 97 programme, "Jones and Company" just over a week ago.
Supporters of Senator Turnquest also accused Mr. Ingraham of operating "on his own terms without regard to his ministers."
The letter also accused the former prime minister of doing as he wished without reference to the concerns of the Bahamian electorate.
"He did not listen and the people just as they fell in love with him in 1992 and 1997 - hated him in 2002 and consequently voted the FNM out. That is why we lost by the margins we did, it said."
The letter added, "Now Mr. Ingraham seeks to use the FNM once more for his own selfish gain by sending his hatchet men such as Frank Watson, Hubert Minnis, Brent Symonette and those less than men parliamentarians to say the party needs him.
"No way, do we need Hubert Ingraham to lead this party. We have a leader of our own; one bred in the party - who paid his dues and has risen to the leadership position."
The letter continues, "We have reached an important milestone in the FNM when history will judge our actions as we prepare for the election in 2006 or 2007. Do we [want to] embrace a new leader who will take care of FNM's in a fair way or do we bring back a rejected man?
"Tommy Turnquest may not be perfect in everyone's eye, but he is 100 percent FNM."
When he spoke with The Bahama Journal on Thursday, Senator Turnquest said he had "no idea" whether Mr. Ingraham will become the new parliamentary leader as the other FNM MP's wish.
But he reiterated that the former prime minister has assured him that he has no plans to again seek the leadership post of the FNM.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
The welfare and betterment of The Bahamas remain my obsession - my only obsession, says former Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham
Will Hubert Ingraham return?
WHEN INGRAHAM SPEAKS PEOPLE LISTEN
STRAIGHT UP TALK
APRIL 29TH, 2004
“I conclude by saying that notwithstanding my hiatus from active politics, I have no less interest nor concern for Freeport, Grand Bahama, for Abaco, New Providence or any other island in our country, than I did when I was in office as Prime Minister. The welfare and betterment of The Bahamas remains my obsession, my only obsession. And so I say, so long as those who are in, advance The Bahamas and all its people, people like me, who are out, will be comfortable with our station in life. I say no more today.”
With those few parting words during his remarks at the recent Grand Bahama Association of Administrative Professionals, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham ignited debate about a possible return to the leadership of the FNM. Indeed, one of the most intriguing questions in this country today is: Will Ingraham return?
Like him or not, Mr. Ingraham’s political presence in our society is undeniable. Perhaps only Sir Lynden commanded a more imposing presence. The Right Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham is a gifted leader and an astute politician. Creating intrigue about himself comes easy. What he wanted to say in Freeport he said and what he wanted to achieve he achieved. He wanted people to hear what he said and they did. He knew people would talk about what he said and they are. There are many politicians in our country, high and low, who covet such a skill.
Some leaders are merely shooting the breeze, hoping that someone would help them deliver. That has not been true of Hubert Ingraham, he was a doer, an achiever. He not only “says what he means and means what he said”, he knows what he wants to achieve and focuses on getting it done. This is a rare quality in Bahamian political leaders these days.
Asked about Mr. Ingraham’s remarks, Sen. The Hon. Tommy Turnquest, leader of the FNM, said that he was comfortable with Mr. Ingraham as his predecessor, a sitting MP and a retired Prime Minister. Interesting! This much is certain, Sen. Turnquest ought to have no worries about anyone contesting for his position in the party; indeed he should expect and welcome it. Only a stagnant organization lacks multiple contenders for its top post.
Additionally, Sen. Turnquest, as he rightly pointed out, must remain focused on his agenda, which is to imbue the confidence of those he leads and those he seeks to lead. Succeed or fail at this, he has no other charge. In the end, the arbiters of his faith will not be his contenders but those to whom he makes his case for leadership.
Interestingly, Prime Minister The Right Hon. Perry Christie has not commented on Mr. Ingraham’s remarks on this occasion as he did on the last occasion Mr. Ingraham spoke in Freeport. Perhaps the PM wants to let sleeping dogs lie.
Don’t be mistaken, however, PM Christie hears every word Mr. Ingraham says publicly - perhaps even some of what he says privately. And he takes them all seriously! The message to PM Christie from Mr. Ingraham was clear, “Be productive and work for all the people and I will have no motivation to come after you.” For a competent leader, this would be a small challenge. However, given Mr. Christie’s performance to date, as assessed by many Bahamians, Mr. Ingraham might just be brushing off his political hat for an imminent return.
Frankly, this columnist does not believe that Mr. Ingraham wants to return to leadership. However, if the circumstances are mitigating enough he could be persuaded to do so. Who should worry about this? Not anyone with true leadership ability because if they cannot persuade others to choose them above Mr. Ingraham, they may not be the best person to lead. After all the leader is the one people choose to follow and not the one they have to follow because there is no one else.
Are there other people in this nation, in the FNM capable of leading, as Mr. Ingraham did? Yes. However, they must make that case to the people who matter, even if they must do so in a head on contest with Mr. Ingraham. Indeed a competitive but respectful bid for leadership between strong contenders breeds life into an organization and energizes its people. Perhaps leaders in The Bahamas have become too accustomed to coronations.
It is no wonder that so many of them come to expect, yea even demand unbridled submission to their will. Leaders should contend for and continue to justify their leadership. This challenges them to be productive and accountable, both necessary for effective service to people.
WHEN THE PM IS FRUSTRATED HE INSULTS HIS PEOPLE
I would not refer to the Prime Minister as a silly man. That would be rude and arrogant. By the same token, Prime Minister Christie should not refer to his people or their thoughts as “silly”, whether he accepts them as legitimate or not. Frankly, PM Christie’s remarks in this regard seem rather arrogant. Either this or they are a sign of immense frustration, perhaps even overwhelming pressure.
The Christie administration is not a “do nothing government”. Rather, it is more of a do nothing new, fresh, impacting or promised government. And, it is a do things that are unflattering for a government to do, such as renting foreign bleachers for Junkanoo, allowing Korean Boats to enter the country under scandalous circumstances, so mistreating one of its own senior senators that he was forced to resign and leave the party, allowing a cabinet minister to rent from a government agency under a charge of conflict of interest, producing embarrassment for the country with the poor handling of the Haitian crisis situation, allowing a shameful feud at BAIC involving senior members of the government, allowing a sitting MP to come into utter disrepute through a declaration of bankruptcy by the courts, causing a major investor to pull out of a proposal due to indecisiveness, and the list goes on.
It must be terribly frustrating for the Prime Minister to have promised the world to Bahamians and to deliver, if anything, a village, at least as far as many Bahamians are concerned. It must be even more frustrating that his supporters are criticizing him as harshly as his detractors. If he were wise, PM Christie would avoid being defensive and insulting, referring to his own people as “silly” and their concerns as “silly distractions”. If he were wise, he would listen and make prudent changes in the way he does things. After all, the final arbiters of his success as leader are the people. Public relations will not help him if what he needs to do is change, especially if rather than change he resorts to denigrating those he serves and who express concerns about the way he is serving. This is a sign of weak leadership.
The fact is that the PM’s critics come in all shapes, colours, sizes, creed, ethnicities, nationalities, political persuasions and socio-economic backgrounds. Of course, the PM knows this; this is why he and his party have launched a public relations campaign to tell people what they believe they have done. If they thought that only opposition members were criticizing them, they would see no need to do this. However, many PLP supporters are as adamant as persons opposite that the Christie administration has not performed up to par. To change this, the administration must change, either change itself or be changed. Period!
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