As Bahamians, let’s continue to build a better Bahamas; a nation where at the end of this upcoming electoral process - FNMs, PLPs, DNAs and Independents would work together to forge a brighter future for our young people

Let Calm Heads Prevail

by Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis


The Bahamas is approaching the election season, with numerous events, rallies and even family gatherings. I implore you, to let calm heads prevail during this season. We must remember, that we are all Bahamians and when the election is over, we must all still live together in this Bahamaland. It is not unusual for one home to have individuals who support different political parties but what is unusual for us, is for family members not to support each other, instead allowing political persuasions to affect our family bond.

We must continue to respect an individual’s right to speak, support and vote for the party of their choice, as this is the fundamentals of the democratic process at its best. We must bring out the best in each other; we should practice patience, hospitality and love. We should abstain from mud-slinging and personal attacks on each other because at the end of the day, we all want one thing, a better Bahamas. No one wants to live in a violent, unfriendly environment.

I was saddened by the news of one of Grand Bahama’s FNM candidates, Peter Turnquest’s daughter being attacked presumably by political opponents yesterday. This most unfortunate incident should not happen in our country and I wish her a speedy recovery. It is also my wish that in this Christian society, we would not encounter this type of event again as the election fever heats up.

As Bahamians, let’s continue to build a better Bahamas, a Bahamas where at the end of this electoral process, FNMs, PLPs, DNAs and Independents would work together to forge a brighter future for our young people.

Killarney does not support violence and personal attacks, and I ask all Bahamians to refrain from this destructive behavior.

Mar 18, 2012

A lot of what Mr. Errington Watkins had to say in defence of Mr. Branville McCartney makes sense

Mr. Errington Watkins on Mr. Branville McCartney


By Rick Lowe




A lot of what Mr. Errington Watkins had to say in this Letter to the Editor in defence of Mr. Branville McCartney makes sense.

For example, he rightly claims; (a) it's Mr. McCartney's Constitutional right to seek to be Prime Minister of The Bahamas, (b) a politicians generosity with other peoples money should concern us all, (c) Mr. Hubert Ingraham is an astute politician, and (d) every FNM has a right to attempt to become head of that party.

Where Mr. Watkins, a self described floater, gets it wrong is when he suggests that a member of a political party should take on his colleagues in the court of public opinion.

Mr. McCartney is no doubt intelligent, ambitious, likeable and more, but that does not matter when you might have publicly offended the very ones you hope will help you achieve your goal within the political organisation you're aligned with.

Many PLP's are no longer in its ranks, and many FNM's are no longer welcome there as a result of taking their colleagues on in the press rather than winning them over quietly within their ranks. There is also the obvious point that one needs to be aligned with a major political party to become the country's Prime Minister. But of course Mr. McCartney has the right to leave the FNM, join the PLP or another party or remain a legitimate independent (i.e. not an independent that relies on a major political party not fielding a candidate against them).

In the final, maybe Mr. McCartney has every right to berate his colleagues in public, but as P.J. O'Rourke once said; "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences."

February 19, 2011

weblogbahamas

Bahamas Blog International

FNMs against the Free National Movement (FNM) Government's Policy on the Proposed Sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC)

FNMs speaking out against party policy
thenassauguardian editorial


It was surprising to read published comments by two Free National Movement (FNM) members this week on the sale of the majority stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC).

Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney said he would wait to see the memorandum of understanding the government signed with CWC, as well as the details of the proposed sale, before he gives his support in Parliament.

“I cannot make a decision without having the facts,” McCartney said to The Nassau Guardian on Tuesday. “I don’t have all of the facts.”

The government has promised to make all the details of the proposed deal public before it comes up for debate in the House of Assembly.

“Once all the facts are in hand, I’ll be able to make a decision as to whether or not it’s the right thing to do or otherwise,” McCartney added.

FNM Vice-chairman Darron Cash, who is a former party senator, wrote a long opinion piece that was published in The Guardian on Monday. In it, Cash set out why he strongly opposes the BTC sale to CWC.

“I disagree with the government’s proposed action. I believe it is wrong for the country,” said Cash.

“This decision sells the country short. It is a betrayal of future generations, and like a bad stock on BISX—in which you have little confidence—the government is selling the next generation (my generation) short.”

Cash then used more than 5,000 words to explain why he disagrees with the deal.

Hubert Ingraham has run his FNM in a different manner than Perry Christie has run the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). PLPs have regularly criticized Christie and the party publicly.

Ingraham’s troops are not known for this behavior. From all accounts, Ingraham, like the late Sir Lynden Pindling, ensures order is maintained by inflicting painful political consequences for dissent. Christie’s followers seem to have little fear of him.

The FNM has had a tough time in the public relations war over the sale of BTC. The union movement, the opposition and some prominent church leaders have opposed the move.

That public relations fight becomes more difficult when FNMs join the public fight against the sale. When young party members question the party’s actions, or disagree with it, the party is weakened during a war.

The danger for the FNM is that these young members of the party can do more damage to it than the PLP.

The PLP has no credibility when it comes to the BTC debate. It too wanted to sell a major chunk of BTC to foreigners.

The PLP is only protesting the CWC sale in an attempt to cause trouble for the government in the run up to the next general election. The opposition is not concerned about the real debate that has emerged surrounding privatization policy and Bahamianization.

But when FNMs speak out publicly on the issue at the risk of being savaged by the party’s leadership, it appears as if the messenger attempting to convince the country of the wisdom of the CWC sale has turned on itself.

The FNM would be wise, for its sake, to conclude the BTC deal as soon as possible. More public dissent from within the governing party will not stop the deal, but it would weaken the FNM at a time when it is attempting to convince Bahamians it should serve another term in office.

1/13/2011

thenassauguardian editorial

Bahamas Blog International