Melissa Sears and PLP smears
tribune242 editorial:
FIRST IT was Malcolm Adderley, now it is Melissa Sears, and today as the years roll by the PLP party seems to have forgotten its purpose for existence, reminding us rather of the Grand Inquisitor in Dostoyevsky's Brothers Karamzov.
This powerful soliloquy in the Russian novel is a deep, philosophical argument about God, free will and morality.
The Grand Inquisitor berates Christ for giving man the impossible burden of freewill, rather than security. He says that the so-call gift is no gift at all, rather this freedom to choose is a devastating, impossible burden.
People, said the Grand Inquisitor, should have been given no choice, instead, like automatons, they should just shuffle forward according to the will of their Creator.
"Nothing has ever been more insufferable for man than freedom!" concludes the Grand Inquisitor, a belief that seems to be gathering ascendancy within the Opposition party. Rather, like the Grand Inquisitor, the PLP offer their members security -- not freedom of thought. As long as they toe the party line, they will remain secure in the party fold. But get out of line and the Grand Inquisitor turns vicious -- out to destroy any idea of free will.
This tendency did not start recently, under what the electorate was duped into believing was to be a "new" PLP. It started way back in the days when Lynden Pindling returned from England, joined a party that he did not start, and quickly took over.
Malcolm Adderley, who, in the first week of this new year not only walked out of the PLP, but resigned as MP for Elizabeth, reminded his former colleagues that once upon a time in the distant past their party had the "distinction of being built by the blood, sweat and tears of hardworking men and women of humble beginnings, proud of their commitment to uplift the well being and standard of the people."
However, under the Pindling leadership, the party had lost its way. One man's dream replaced the dreams of the many, and for those who did not follow slavishly, political oblivion was the price they had to pay for having a mind of their own. Some of them, like Carlton Francis, a competent teacher, had difficulty finding a job to support their families. Mr Francis certainly was not acceptable in the government's educational system from which he had come and for which he was eminently qualified. Then there were the Dissident Eight, followed by Ed Moxey, and many others who didn't make the headlines, but certainly felt the pain of rejection and vicious scorn.
For seven long years Malcolm Adderley suffered stoically as MP for Elizabeth, until exasperated, he shook the dust from his sandals and walked out. In his farewell speech to the House, he talked of the souls of those who had sacrificed so much to build their party, but would ache 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." He talked of the back-biting whispers and disrespect shown him.
And now it is the turn of a young woman, Melissa Sears, who like Mr Adderley was spotted by the party as a rising political star, and invited to join. Recently, for personal reasons -- not political -- she decided to step down as vice-chairman of the PLP. She made no fuss, she gave no interviews, she tried to keep a low profile so as not to embarrass her party. Persons close to her speculated that she had resigned because of disparaging remarks made by Opposition Leader Perry Christie. Mr Christie vehemently denied that he had made any such remarks. She remained silent.
And now the vicious party hacks, using the sophistication of the electronic age, are spreading unfair and untrue rumours to destroy this young woman. It is understood that this vehicle is being financially underwritten by two party hefties, one allegedly a sitting MP. We are not surprised by one of the names mentioned, but, if true, we are certainly surprised by the second. We gave him credit for being smarter than that.
The latest smear was imbedded on the cell phone of an FNM MP, allegedly from Ms Sears. It was an obvious trap. The MP knew that it was not from Ms Sears, because they did not have the type of relationship that was being suggested by the caller. All the sender wanted was for the MP to incriminate himself by falling for the bait, and answering the call. Instead, instinctively knowing that there was a plot afoot and guessing the source, he submitted it to the authorities for investigation. It is now being said that there is no room in the PLP for a strong woman. We say that as long as the Grand Inquisitor controls the party machine, there is no room for a strong man. The others will remain, tip-toeing around in craven fear.
Mr Adderley blamed Mr Christie for allowing PLP hacks to torture him right out of the party. It would probably be nearer the truth to speculate that Mr Christie is as afraid as his colleagues to have the smear-mongers on his case. After all the website has also given him a good flaying when it has suited those behind it.
If someone does not become more responsible in that party and respect the thoughts and opinions of others, that same irresponsible website is going to be the funeral site of the PLP.
April 30, 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 Malcolm Adderley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Malcolm Adderley. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Elizabeth by-election: FNM ahead by one vote
tribune242:
ONE vote decided the winner of the hotly contested Elizabeth by-election, unofficially leaving the FNM's Duane Sands as the representative for the area vacated by the PLP's Malcolm Adderley last month.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister and leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham said that the governing party would not be declaring victory just yet, admitting that things can go "either way" following today's recount.
As The Tribune predicted, the election came right down to the wire as Dr Sands unofficially won the contest with a total of 1,501, beating his closest contender PLP Ryan Pinder, who obtained 1,500 votes.
In the end third party candidates and low turn out made a huge difference in this election.
While typically for a general election the voter turn out is in the 90 per cent range, approximately 64 per cent of voters turned out on Tuesday.
Altogether third party candidates gathered a total of 141 votes. Literally had any of these votes cast for the NDP, BDM or Workers' Party gone to the PLP or FNM it could have been a game changer.
However, yesterday's "official unofficial results" left FNM's cautiously optimistic and PLPs saying they were not willing to give up as yet.
Returning officer Jack Thompson told The Tribune yesterday that there would be no official recount until today.
There were a lot of factors at play in the Elizabeth by-election, among which is the issue of contested and protest ballots. While the challenged votes were included in the tally, the protested votes were not.
According to Mr Thompson, voters whose names were on the register, but were disputed by party agents, were challenged and required to swear an oath.
Voters whose names were not on the register or had questionable voter cards were protested and required to vote on coloured ballots.
Mr Thompson did not have the official numbers of challenged or protested votes up to press time.
Weeks ago, members of each contending party in the by-election raised an alarm over irregularities with the voting register published by the Parliamentary Registration Department.
Party members claimed they were unable to find hundreds of people on the register during house-to-house visitations. They were not satisfied everyone on the list had lived in the constituency for three months.
One of the biggest side stories of this election was Tommy Turnquest's revelation at an FNM rally the night before that 35-year-old Ryan Pinder had never voted in the Bahamas but had deemed it important to vote in two US elections.
This fact left Mr Pinder vulnerable to open mocking by his opponents.
FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said when Ryan Pinder arrived at Thelma Gibson yesterday morning, the FNM supporters gathered outside sang the US national anthem.
When their candidate Dr Duane Sands arrived, the group sang the Bahamian national anthem.
NDP candidate Dr Andre Rollins said that he was embarrassed for Mr Pinder.
Dr Rollins said that had the FNM come out with this information sooner, the PLP candidate would have never been able to overcome it.
PLP candidate Ryan Pinder called Tommy Turnquest's revelation about his voting history "gutter politics" and said he was not going to respond.
However, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said this was nothing but FNM "propaganda" that was being used as a "red herring" to distract PLPs.
Roberts said it was "not a big deal" and that Turnquest's comments were not a matter of any substance. He further suggested that Pinder had renounced his US citizenship before he nominated and that the FNM was aware of this all along.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis chiming in on his candidate's voting history said he thought it was disingenuous of the FNM to reveal this information at the last minute giving Ryan Pinder no chance to respond.
He pointed out that during the time in question, Pinder was living and working in the United States and so would not have had the residency required to vote in a Bahamian election.
There were no major disturbances yesterday but police had to be called to quiet rowdy FNM and PLP supporters who gathered outside the polling station at Faith Temple, where the votes were tallied.
Tensions were mounting with supporters of both parties shouting at each other and becoming increasingly aggressive.
The man who was the catalyst for all the excitement on Tuesday, former PLP MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, was suspiciously quiet and spent the day away from the spotlight.
When contacted by The Tribune he refused to comment on the election proceedings, saying, "I'm not speaking today."
The election was plagued by low voter turnout and throughout the day swing voters said they were still unsure of who they were throwing their support behind.
The low voter turn out concerned both parties with leader of the opposition, Perry Christie, saying he and his members were getting anxious because voter turnout has been so low.
BDM candidate Cassius Stewart suspects the voter turnout was low because many of the people who appeared on the register weren't actually eligible to vote.
He said if a better analysis of the registry could be done, it may reveal that turnout among eligible voters could be closer to 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, supporters of both major parties are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this morning's recount.
February 17, 2010
tribune242
ONE vote decided the winner of the hotly contested Elizabeth by-election, unofficially leaving the FNM's Duane Sands as the representative for the area vacated by the PLP's Malcolm Adderley last month.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister and leader of the FNM Hubert Ingraham said that the governing party would not be declaring victory just yet, admitting that things can go "either way" following today's recount.
As The Tribune predicted, the election came right down to the wire as Dr Sands unofficially won the contest with a total of 1,501, beating his closest contender PLP Ryan Pinder, who obtained 1,500 votes.
In the end third party candidates and low turn out made a huge difference in this election.
While typically for a general election the voter turn out is in the 90 per cent range, approximately 64 per cent of voters turned out on Tuesday.
Altogether third party candidates gathered a total of 141 votes. Literally had any of these votes cast for the NDP, BDM or Workers' Party gone to the PLP or FNM it could have been a game changer.
However, yesterday's "official unofficial results" left FNM's cautiously optimistic and PLPs saying they were not willing to give up as yet.
Returning officer Jack Thompson told The Tribune yesterday that there would be no official recount until today.
There were a lot of factors at play in the Elizabeth by-election, among which is the issue of contested and protest ballots. While the challenged votes were included in the tally, the protested votes were not.
According to Mr Thompson, voters whose names were on the register, but were disputed by party agents, were challenged and required to swear an oath.
Voters whose names were not on the register or had questionable voter cards were protested and required to vote on coloured ballots.
Mr Thompson did not have the official numbers of challenged or protested votes up to press time.
Weeks ago, members of each contending party in the by-election raised an alarm over irregularities with the voting register published by the Parliamentary Registration Department.
Party members claimed they were unable to find hundreds of people on the register during house-to-house visitations. They were not satisfied everyone on the list had lived in the constituency for three months.
One of the biggest side stories of this election was Tommy Turnquest's revelation at an FNM rally the night before that 35-year-old Ryan Pinder had never voted in the Bahamas but had deemed it important to vote in two US elections.
This fact left Mr Pinder vulnerable to open mocking by his opponents.
FNM Chairman Carl Bethel said when Ryan Pinder arrived at Thelma Gibson yesterday morning, the FNM supporters gathered outside sang the US national anthem.
When their candidate Dr Duane Sands arrived, the group sang the Bahamian national anthem.
NDP candidate Dr Andre Rollins said that he was embarrassed for Mr Pinder.
Dr Rollins said that had the FNM come out with this information sooner, the PLP candidate would have never been able to overcome it.
PLP candidate Ryan Pinder called Tommy Turnquest's revelation about his voting history "gutter politics" and said he was not going to respond.
However, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts said this was nothing but FNM "propaganda" that was being used as a "red herring" to distract PLPs.
Roberts said it was "not a big deal" and that Turnquest's comments were not a matter of any substance. He further suggested that Pinder had renounced his US citizenship before he nominated and that the FNM was aware of this all along.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis chiming in on his candidate's voting history said he thought it was disingenuous of the FNM to reveal this information at the last minute giving Ryan Pinder no chance to respond.
He pointed out that during the time in question, Pinder was living and working in the United States and so would not have had the residency required to vote in a Bahamian election.
There were no major disturbances yesterday but police had to be called to quiet rowdy FNM and PLP supporters who gathered outside the polling station at Faith Temple, where the votes were tallied.
Tensions were mounting with supporters of both parties shouting at each other and becoming increasingly aggressive.
The man who was the catalyst for all the excitement on Tuesday, former PLP MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, was suspiciously quiet and spent the day away from the spotlight.
When contacted by The Tribune he refused to comment on the election proceedings, saying, "I'm not speaking today."
The election was plagued by low voter turnout and throughout the day swing voters said they were still unsure of who they were throwing their support behind.
The low voter turn out concerned both parties with leader of the opposition, Perry Christie, saying he and his members were getting anxious because voter turnout has been so low.
BDM candidate Cassius Stewart suspects the voter turnout was low because many of the people who appeared on the register weren't actually eligible to vote.
He said if a better analysis of the registry could be done, it may reveal that turnout among eligible voters could be closer to 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, supporters of both major parties are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this morning's recount.
February 17, 2010
tribune242
Monday, February 1, 2010
Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest: 'PLP operatives' registering illegally in Elizabeth
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
With the by-election in Elizabeth just over two weeks away, campaigners upped their efforts over the weekend to win over voters and locate people who registered in the constituency since Malcolm Adderley won the seat in 2007.
According to Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest, some of the 700-plus new people on the voter's register for Elizabeth are Progressive Liberal Party operatives who do not live in the constituency.
Turnquest, who is also the minister responsible for the Parliamentary Registration Department, told The Nassau Guardian yesterday, "I don't know that the department can identify them.
"I have identified them as PLP operatives, and I can assure you that as an FNM (Free National Movement) campaign worker for this election, we will not allow them to vote.
"What I do also say is that the Parliamentary Registration Department and its workers have gone out throughout the constituency knocking on doors to identify persons in the constituency who are on the register, so they have also been trying to find out those people who do not live in the area."
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday he knows of no PLP operative who has registered in Elizabeth who does not live there.
Roberts also said he is not aware of any FNM operative who has registered in the constituency but lives somewhere else.
"I understand that they (PLP campaign teams) are finding some people who we haven't been able to find before. They are still doing their work in trying to locate all of them," Roberts said.
Turnquest said he doubts that the problem of people from other constituencies having registered to vote in Elizabeth is widespread.
"There are just over 700 persons (who are new to the Elizabeth register); there are about 340-odd persons that have transferred in; there are about 360-odd that are new voters and there are a number of persons who are on the register who would have moved out more than six months ago," he said.
"They just haven't taken any initiative to take their name off the register. That doesn't mean that they're going to show up to vote. They are not legally entitled to vote in the by-election and I will presume that the vast majority of them have no intention of showing up to vote and breaking the law."
The Elizabeth-by election comes two years after the Pinewood Election Court challenge uncovered significant flaws in the parliamentary registration system.
The justices of the Election Court said the case had exposed "the most egregious failures in the parliamentary system."
"The parliamentary commissioner failed, for whatever reason, to ensure the integrity of the registration process in Pinewood," the ruling said.
"...This case also revealed that far too many Bahamians are willing to take an oath without regard to truth and their promises before Almighty God."
Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel has said repeatedly that his department is doing all it can to ensure the integrity of the system as the first by-election in the country in a dozen years approaches.
Turnquest acknowledged yesterday that some challenges may arise because some of the Elizabeth streets are not named, but insisted that the Parliamentary Registration Department is committed to ensuring the integrity of the system.
Monday February 1, 2010
thenassauguardian
With the by-election in Elizabeth just over two weeks away, campaigners upped their efforts over the weekend to win over voters and locate people who registered in the constituency since Malcolm Adderley won the seat in 2007.
According to Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest, some of the 700-plus new people on the voter's register for Elizabeth are Progressive Liberal Party operatives who do not live in the constituency.
Turnquest, who is also the minister responsible for the Parliamentary Registration Department, told The Nassau Guardian yesterday, "I don't know that the department can identify them.
"I have identified them as PLP operatives, and I can assure you that as an FNM (Free National Movement) campaign worker for this election, we will not allow them to vote.
"What I do also say is that the Parliamentary Registration Department and its workers have gone out throughout the constituency knocking on doors to identify persons in the constituency who are on the register, so they have also been trying to find out those people who do not live in the area."
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said yesterday he knows of no PLP operative who has registered in Elizabeth who does not live there.
Roberts also said he is not aware of any FNM operative who has registered in the constituency but lives somewhere else.
"I understand that they (PLP campaign teams) are finding some people who we haven't been able to find before. They are still doing their work in trying to locate all of them," Roberts said.
Turnquest said he doubts that the problem of people from other constituencies having registered to vote in Elizabeth is widespread.
"There are just over 700 persons (who are new to the Elizabeth register); there are about 340-odd persons that have transferred in; there are about 360-odd that are new voters and there are a number of persons who are on the register who would have moved out more than six months ago," he said.
"They just haven't taken any initiative to take their name off the register. That doesn't mean that they're going to show up to vote. They are not legally entitled to vote in the by-election and I will presume that the vast majority of them have no intention of showing up to vote and breaking the law."
The Elizabeth-by election comes two years after the Pinewood Election Court challenge uncovered significant flaws in the parliamentary registration system.
The justices of the Election Court said the case had exposed "the most egregious failures in the parliamentary system."
"The parliamentary commissioner failed, for whatever reason, to ensure the integrity of the registration process in Pinewood," the ruling said.
"...This case also revealed that far too many Bahamians are willing to take an oath without regard to truth and their promises before Almighty God."
Parliamentary Commissioner Errol Bethel has said repeatedly that his department is doing all it can to ensure the integrity of the system as the first by-election in the country in a dozen years approaches.
Turnquest acknowledged yesterday that some challenges may arise because some of the Elizabeth streets are not named, but insisted that the Parliamentary Registration Department is committed to ensuring the integrity of the system.
Monday February 1, 2010
thenassauguardian
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham: The Official Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is a confused, disunited bunch
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com:
Revisiting a theme he has used often in recent weeks, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night painted the Progressive Liberal Party as a "confused bunch, more disunited now than when they were last in office." Addressing the Free National Movement's first rally ahead of the February 16 by-election, Ingraham said with the loss of yet another MP — Malcolm Adderley — there has been so much confusion among the PLP that "they seek to confuse you with who is responsible for their former MP's exit from a divided and delusional party."
"Anyway, that's a conversation between the former MP and them," Ingraham said. "It's not our business to clean up their confusion."
He said when the PLP was in office, it proved to be a government of "national disunity, unsteady, unproductive and untrustworthy."
"They failed the test of good governance," he charged. "They will fail again given the opportunity.
"I believe that even many of their supporters are relieved that Hubert Ingraham and the FNM are in office during these tough and challenging times. They are relieved that things are getting done and that there are steady and safer hands at the helm. If you want to know Perry Christie's position on an issue, check the weather and see which way the wind is blowing. If the wind keeps shifting, so will he."
Ingraham said that while in office, the PLP accomplished very little, and out of office its members propose few sensible or workable solutions.
"They lack vision and unity. They lack a steady hand or clear vision for Elizabeth or the country," he said.
The Elizabeth seat became available earlier this month when Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly expressing his disillusionment with the leadership of the PLP. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation has thrust the country into election mode. In Elizabeth, trees and lamp poles are plastered with posters of the leaders of the two major political parties and the candidates in the race. This comes at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third non-consecutive term in office.
"Since 2007, the FNM has provided more hope and help in difficult times, in half the time, than the PLP provided in good times in five years for both Elizabeth and The Bahamas," Ingraham said last night.
"In just two and a half years, under the most trying economic times in recent memory, your FNM government has delivered for you..."
But he said there is much more to do.
"Because no man is an island and no constituency stands alone in our family of islands, we are asking the voters of Elizabeth to help us to add to the halls of Parliament and our national team someone who, like your FNM government, has steady hands — yes, trusted hands — and a clear vision," said the prime minister, referring to Dr. Duane Sands.
"Because prevention is better than cure, we are offering Elizabeth someone who can help us to prevent those in opposition to us from once again dragging the country through another round of hopeless and helpless governance and scandal and shame at home and abroad."
Friday January 29, 2010
thenassauguardian
Revisiting a theme he has used often in recent weeks, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night painted the Progressive Liberal Party as a "confused bunch, more disunited now than when they were last in office." Addressing the Free National Movement's first rally ahead of the February 16 by-election, Ingraham said with the loss of yet another MP — Malcolm Adderley — there has been so much confusion among the PLP that "they seek to confuse you with who is responsible for their former MP's exit from a divided and delusional party."
"Anyway, that's a conversation between the former MP and them," Ingraham said. "It's not our business to clean up their confusion."
He said when the PLP was in office, it proved to be a government of "national disunity, unsteady, unproductive and untrustworthy."
"They failed the test of good governance," he charged. "They will fail again given the opportunity.
"I believe that even many of their supporters are relieved that Hubert Ingraham and the FNM are in office during these tough and challenging times. They are relieved that things are getting done and that there are steady and safer hands at the helm. If you want to know Perry Christie's position on an issue, check the weather and see which way the wind is blowing. If the wind keeps shifting, so will he."
Ingraham said that while in office, the PLP accomplished very little, and out of office its members propose few sensible or workable solutions.
"They lack vision and unity. They lack a steady hand or clear vision for Elizabeth or the country," he said.
The Elizabeth seat became available earlier this month when Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly expressing his disillusionment with the leadership of the PLP. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation has thrust the country into election mode. In Elizabeth, trees and lamp poles are plastered with posters of the leaders of the two major political parties and the candidates in the race. This comes at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third non-consecutive term in office.
"Since 2007, the FNM has provided more hope and help in difficult times, in half the time, than the PLP provided in good times in five years for both Elizabeth and The Bahamas," Ingraham said last night.
"In just two and a half years, under the most trying economic times in recent memory, your FNM government has delivered for you..."
But he said there is much more to do.
"Because no man is an island and no constituency stands alone in our family of islands, we are asking the voters of Elizabeth to help us to add to the halls of Parliament and our national team someone who, like your FNM government, has steady hands — yes, trusted hands — and a clear vision," said the prime minister, referring to Dr. Duane Sands.
"Because prevention is better than cure, we are offering Elizabeth someone who can help us to prevent those in opposition to us from once again dragging the country through another round of hopeless and helpless governance and scandal and shame at home and abroad."
Friday January 29, 2010
thenassauguardian
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Elizabeth constituency by-election will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 2010
By KRYSTEL ROLLE ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
The by-election for the Elizabeth constituency will be held on Tuesday, February 16, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced yesterday.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Ingraham said the writ for the election will be issued today and nomination day will be Friday, January 29.
"We will come back to Parliament on the 24th day of February, 2010 to swear in a new member," he advised.
The Elizabeth seat became vacant when Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly on January 6. He also resigned from the PLP.
Tax attorney Ryan Pinder is running on the PLP's ticket, while Dr. Duane Sands is the Free National Movement (FNM) candidate.
Following Ingraham's announcement yesterday, PLP leader Perry Christie expressed confidence in the opposition party's chances of winning the seat.
"I believe that I have offered an extremely talented and gifted young man in the person of Ryan Pinder," Christie told reporters outside the House of Assembly.
"I believe also that Ryan Pinder will prove to be a good representative if he is elected. So we are very confident on the basis of what we have seen in Elizabeth that this is the seat that we can win. We are going to be very, very aggressive in our campaigning in ensuring that people are able to resist the normal temptations and inducements that are given in a by-election and the pressure of the government when it brings it to bear in a by-election and that's what I spoke of last year."
Both major political parties have already jumped into election mode.
The PLP has held two rallies already in Elizabeth and both parties have started newspaper advertisement and radio commercials.
Christie admitted that the party would be challenged by the FNM.
"A by-election brings in special considerations where a government is able to move in, bring its entire government in and bring in a lot of pressure. We are ready for it and we will resist it and that's why I said, 'no retreat, no surrender.' I feel very, very confident about our chances in the Elizabeth constituency. I believe the people will give our candidate a fair chance."
Ingraham, who is the leader of the FNM, said the party should be the clear choice for Elizabeth constituents. However, he added that he isn't overly confident of the win.
"You're never confident in an election; it is determined by the people who vote. People don't like presumptuousness or arrogance. We are appealing to them to support us because we think we are the better of the two parties to represent them."
Ingraham added that the people of Elizabeth know who he is and who he represents.
"I'm reasonably comfortable that the people of Elizabeth would be responsive to our candidate. We think he is a very good candidate who has some hands that can be trusted," the prime minister said.
The FNM will hold four rallies in that constituency leading up to the by-election, Ingraham said.
Several other people have voiced their intention to run in the by-election.
Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur, United Christian Love Revolution Movement leader Godfrey 'Pro' Pinder, and Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader Cassius Stuart have confirmed that they will contest the seat.
Christie said he believes the election will define the tone for the general election whenever the prime minister calls it.
January 21, 2010
thenassauguardian
The by-election for the Elizabeth constituency will be held on Tuesday, February 16, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced yesterday.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Ingraham said the writ for the election will be issued today and nomination day will be Friday, January 29.
"We will come back to Parliament on the 24th day of February, 2010 to swear in a new member," he advised.
The Elizabeth seat became vacant when Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly on January 6. He also resigned from the PLP.
Tax attorney Ryan Pinder is running on the PLP's ticket, while Dr. Duane Sands is the Free National Movement (FNM) candidate.
Following Ingraham's announcement yesterday, PLP leader Perry Christie expressed confidence in the opposition party's chances of winning the seat.
"I believe that I have offered an extremely talented and gifted young man in the person of Ryan Pinder," Christie told reporters outside the House of Assembly.
"I believe also that Ryan Pinder will prove to be a good representative if he is elected. So we are very confident on the basis of what we have seen in Elizabeth that this is the seat that we can win. We are going to be very, very aggressive in our campaigning in ensuring that people are able to resist the normal temptations and inducements that are given in a by-election and the pressure of the government when it brings it to bear in a by-election and that's what I spoke of last year."
Both major political parties have already jumped into election mode.
The PLP has held two rallies already in Elizabeth and both parties have started newspaper advertisement and radio commercials.
Christie admitted that the party would be challenged by the FNM.
"A by-election brings in special considerations where a government is able to move in, bring its entire government in and bring in a lot of pressure. We are ready for it and we will resist it and that's why I said, 'no retreat, no surrender.' I feel very, very confident about our chances in the Elizabeth constituency. I believe the people will give our candidate a fair chance."
Ingraham, who is the leader of the FNM, said the party should be the clear choice for Elizabeth constituents. However, he added that he isn't overly confident of the win.
"You're never confident in an election; it is determined by the people who vote. People don't like presumptuousness or arrogance. We are appealing to them to support us because we think we are the better of the two parties to represent them."
Ingraham added that the people of Elizabeth know who he is and who he represents.
"I'm reasonably comfortable that the people of Elizabeth would be responsive to our candidate. We think he is a very good candidate who has some hands that can be trusted," the prime minister said.
The FNM will hold four rallies in that constituency leading up to the by-election, Ingraham said.
Several other people have voiced their intention to run in the by-election.
Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur, United Christian Love Revolution Movement leader Godfrey 'Pro' Pinder, and Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader Cassius Stuart have confirmed that they will contest the seat.
Christie said he believes the election will define the tone for the general election whenever the prime minister calls it.
January 21, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, January 18, 2010
The Governing Free National Movement (FNM) is 'delighted' that the Official Opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) 'gave up' Elizabeth seat
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor candia@nasguard.com:
The Free National Movement is delighted that the Progressive Liberal Party gave up the Elizabeth seat so the FNM can pick it up, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said Saturday.
Ingraham spoke to reporters as the FNM launched its Elizabeth campaign.
The seat became available earlier this month after attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly, citing disaffection with the leadership of the PLP.
Asked whether he was in a position to say whether another event is yet to unfold in the House of Assembly in terms of the numbers in the FNM or the PLP, Ingraham said he was not.
"I take these things one day at a time," he said.
"The people of Elizabeth trusted the PLP with their seat in the last election. The PLP cashed in; threw their hands in and said they don't want the seat. The man that they put in the House of Assembly has decided he wants to resign, which has put Elizabeth now back in the election place.
"The FNM has come along and said 'let us have it please, we know what to do with it, you can trust us with your seat.' We will not be cashing in our seat: We will not be throwing our hands in. We will hold it, we will defend you, we will promote you, we will represent you and we will govern in your best interest. And so we are delighted that the PLP gave it up, so that we can pick it up."
Adderley won the Elizabeth seat over the FNM's Elma Campbell by 45 votes.
Ingraham was asked how he felt about his party's chances of winning the seat.
"Ever since the election of 2007, indeed since January of this year, some 290-plus persons have either registered to vote or have been transferred into this constituency so that essentially, this constituency has probably five or six percent more voters than it had the last time," he noted.
"Of course, some people would have moved out also. I do not know what the net result is going to be at the end of the day. We think it is a competitive seat, and we are going into it hopeful that the people of Elizabeth will join the FNM's Trust Team.
"We have selected a first-class candidate, we think that we have provided good governance for The Bahamas, and we think that we have the programs and the vision for The Bahamas and that we are the better of the two major parties to represent Elizabeth and to govern The Bahamas at this time."
He said the party has a national message for Elizabeth - "that we are the government in these tough times, that the Bahamian people have trusted us to lead them and we have demonstrated that we are compassionate, considerate, concerned, focused, and prepared to be accountable and transparent in the governance of the affairs of the people of The Bahamas. "
Ingraham said he had no idea how much money the FNM will spend in Elizabeth.
"I know we have very little money," he added.
"We have to buy posters - we are not like the PLP, as you see they have posters left over from the last election because their posters came in late. And so they can plaster [PLP leader Perry Christie] all over the place telling the Bahamian people that he is still the right choice for The Bahamas.
"They are arrogant. They couldn't care less about how the people felt - they say they are still the right choice. Well they will find out whether they are still the right choice. The people told them already [that] they are not the right choice for The Bahamas. He is not the right man for The Bahamas. He might be the right man for the PLP, but not for The Bahamas."
Ingraham told reporters he could not say whether the response from voters in Elizabeth will be overwhelming, but he said the FNM hopes to motivate a large number of voters to vote.
"Generally speaking, many people don't view by-elections in the same way they view general elections in that at the end of the day, the government will still be the FNM and they would have a change of membership in a seat," he said.
"But we hope to convince them that it is just as important to vote in a by-election as it is to vote in a general election, and Elizabeth ought to have its voice heard in the Parliament of The Bahamas and its representations heard by the Government of The Bahamas."
January 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
The Free National Movement is delighted that the Progressive Liberal Party gave up the Elizabeth seat so the FNM can pick it up, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said Saturday.
Ingraham spoke to reporters as the FNM launched its Elizabeth campaign.
The seat became available earlier this month after attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly, citing disaffection with the leadership of the PLP.
Asked whether he was in a position to say whether another event is yet to unfold in the House of Assembly in terms of the numbers in the FNM or the PLP, Ingraham said he was not.
"I take these things one day at a time," he said.
"The people of Elizabeth trusted the PLP with their seat in the last election. The PLP cashed in; threw their hands in and said they don't want the seat. The man that they put in the House of Assembly has decided he wants to resign, which has put Elizabeth now back in the election place.
"The FNM has come along and said 'let us have it please, we know what to do with it, you can trust us with your seat.' We will not be cashing in our seat: We will not be throwing our hands in. We will hold it, we will defend you, we will promote you, we will represent you and we will govern in your best interest. And so we are delighted that the PLP gave it up, so that we can pick it up."
Adderley won the Elizabeth seat over the FNM's Elma Campbell by 45 votes.
Ingraham was asked how he felt about his party's chances of winning the seat.
"Ever since the election of 2007, indeed since January of this year, some 290-plus persons have either registered to vote or have been transferred into this constituency so that essentially, this constituency has probably five or six percent more voters than it had the last time," he noted.
"Of course, some people would have moved out also. I do not know what the net result is going to be at the end of the day. We think it is a competitive seat, and we are going into it hopeful that the people of Elizabeth will join the FNM's Trust Team.
"We have selected a first-class candidate, we think that we have provided good governance for The Bahamas, and we think that we have the programs and the vision for The Bahamas and that we are the better of the two major parties to represent Elizabeth and to govern The Bahamas at this time."
He said the party has a national message for Elizabeth - "that we are the government in these tough times, that the Bahamian people have trusted us to lead them and we have demonstrated that we are compassionate, considerate, concerned, focused, and prepared to be accountable and transparent in the governance of the affairs of the people of The Bahamas. "
Ingraham said he had no idea how much money the FNM will spend in Elizabeth.
"I know we have very little money," he added.
"We have to buy posters - we are not like the PLP, as you see they have posters left over from the last election because their posters came in late. And so they can plaster [PLP leader Perry Christie] all over the place telling the Bahamian people that he is still the right choice for The Bahamas.
"They are arrogant. They couldn't care less about how the people felt - they say they are still the right choice. Well they will find out whether they are still the right choice. The people told them already [that] they are not the right choice for The Bahamas. He is not the right man for The Bahamas. He might be the right man for the PLP, but not for The Bahamas."
Ingraham told reporters he could not say whether the response from voters in Elizabeth will be overwhelming, but he said the FNM hopes to motivate a large number of voters to vote.
"Generally speaking, many people don't view by-elections in the same way they view general elections in that at the end of the day, the government will still be the FNM and they would have a change of membership in a seat," he said.
"But we hope to convince them that it is just as important to vote in a by-election as it is to vote in a general election, and Elizabeth ought to have its voice heard in the Parliament of The Bahamas and its representations heard by the Government of The Bahamas."
January 18, 2010
thenassauguardian
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
Dr. Duane Sands confident of Elizabeth victory
By BRENT DEAN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Proposed Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands yesterday expressed confidence that he and his party will defeat the Progressive Liberal Party in the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election.
"I feel confident that we will win the constituency of Elizabeth notwithstanding the fact this is a PLP constituency now and we are certainly the underdogs," he said in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
"This is a good position to be in because it's their constituency to lose — and they will lose."
On Sunday, FNM chairman Carl Bethel confirmed that Sands was unanimously voted by the Elizabeth Constituency Association to become the FNM's candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Sands is likely to be confirmed as the FNM's Elizabeth candidate by Thursday.
Last Wednesday, former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned his seat in Parliament, paving the way for a by-election.
"Well, I tell you I'm excited. I'm flattered that they would consider me to be the potential nominee for Elizabeth," said Sands. "And while it is not fait accompli, I'm hoping that each subsequent step is similarly favorable."
On the announcement of Adderley's resignation, the PLP had not yet decided if it would run a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election.
The opposition party questioned the legitimacy of the by-election, accusing the FNM of inducing Adderley's resignation by offering him a post as a Supreme Court judge.
However, the party announced yesterday that it would ratify a candidate later today.
Sands said that he thought "long and hard" about being a candidate, emphasizing that the move was not "whimsical."
"The idea is that I'd like to be able to make a significant incremental difference in the lives of not only the people of Elizabeth, but in the lives of Bahamians," he said.
"And one way to do it is to continue what I've been doing. But I have decided that effort on a different front now is appropriate considering the circumstances that we find ourselves in."
Sands was a vocal critic of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme as proposed by the last PLP administration. When asked about that opposition, he said he is not opposed to the concept of NHI.
However, he emphasized that he is opposed to the NHI scheme the PLP proposed.
"And quite frankly the plan as I looked at it then, and the plan as I look at it now, could not work," said Sands. "I made it very clear that we had to do some things before that (NHI)."
The FNM initially voted for NHI, although it raised key issues with the plan as it was proposed. Upon coming to office in 2007, the Ingraham administration has continued to be critical of the PLP's proposed health insurance scheme.
The FNM has taken an incremental approach to health care reform since coming to office in 2007. It passed phased National Drug Plan legislation last year.
Sands yesterday pledged to work with the health minister as the government moves forward with its initiatives.
Sands, 47, is Princess Margaret Hospital's chief of surgery.
January 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Proposed Free National Movement candidate Dr. Duane Sands yesterday expressed confidence that he and his party will defeat the Progressive Liberal Party in the upcoming Elizabeth constituency by-election.
"I feel confident that we will win the constituency of Elizabeth notwithstanding the fact this is a PLP constituency now and we are certainly the underdogs," he said in an interview with The Nassau Guardian.
"This is a good position to be in because it's their constituency to lose — and they will lose."
On Sunday, FNM chairman Carl Bethel confirmed that Sands was unanimously voted by the Elizabeth Constituency Association to become the FNM's candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Sands is likely to be confirmed as the FNM's Elizabeth candidate by Thursday.
Last Wednesday, former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley resigned his seat in Parliament, paving the way for a by-election.
"Well, I tell you I'm excited. I'm flattered that they would consider me to be the potential nominee for Elizabeth," said Sands. "And while it is not fait accompli, I'm hoping that each subsequent step is similarly favorable."
On the announcement of Adderley's resignation, the PLP had not yet decided if it would run a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election.
The opposition party questioned the legitimacy of the by-election, accusing the FNM of inducing Adderley's resignation by offering him a post as a Supreme Court judge.
However, the party announced yesterday that it would ratify a candidate later today.
Sands said that he thought "long and hard" about being a candidate, emphasizing that the move was not "whimsical."
"The idea is that I'd like to be able to make a significant incremental difference in the lives of not only the people of Elizabeth, but in the lives of Bahamians," he said.
"And one way to do it is to continue what I've been doing. But I have decided that effort on a different front now is appropriate considering the circumstances that we find ourselves in."
Sands was a vocal critic of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme as proposed by the last PLP administration. When asked about that opposition, he said he is not opposed to the concept of NHI.
However, he emphasized that he is opposed to the NHI scheme the PLP proposed.
"And quite frankly the plan as I looked at it then, and the plan as I look at it now, could not work," said Sands. "I made it very clear that we had to do some things before that (NHI)."
The FNM initially voted for NHI, although it raised key issues with the plan as it was proposed. Upon coming to office in 2007, the Ingraham administration has continued to be critical of the PLP's proposed health insurance scheme.
The FNM has taken an incremental approach to health care reform since coming to office in 2007. It passed phased National Drug Plan legislation last year.
Sands yesterday pledged to work with the health minister as the government moves forward with its initiatives.
Sands, 47, is Princess Margaret Hospital's chief of surgery.
January 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Saturday, January 9, 2010
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis claims Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham's appointing of political figures to bench undermining crime fight
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis yesterday claimed the appointment of political figures to the judicial bench by the Prime Minister is undermining the fight against crime.
Essentially accusing Hubert Ingraham of master-minding the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP and politics this week, Mr Davis accused Mr Ingraham of playing political games with the country when there are more pressing matters like crime and unemployment that he should be addressing and called on Elizabeth constituents to use the upcoming by-election to "send a message" to the Prime Minister and the FNM that "enough is enough."
Mr Davis said: "Hubert Ingraham just this week spoke about new crime fighting initiatives. We need a new direction. Yet the man talking one thing and doing another! In order for the fight against crime to be effective there must be a well oiled, functioning and Independent judiciary! Since returning to power Hubert Ingraham has engaged in the most blatant politicisation of the judiciary!
"In the last 12 months he seen to it that at least two judges appointed to sit on the Bench of the Supreme Court came directly out of the belly of the FNM. At the same time he has done all in his power to rid the courts of any judge who he even dreams may have voted PLP at least once before!
"We have judge after judge after judge who due to political affiliation has to excuse themselves from hearing certain cases. How does this address the back log in our courts? It doesn't!" said Mr Davis.
Mr Davis made his charge as he addressed a PLP Rally at Doris Johnson High School in the Elizabeth constituency in the wake of Malcolm Adderley's resignation from the PLP and as MP for the area.
Speaking as he announced his resignation as the Elizabeth MP on Tuesday in parliament, Mr Adderley blamed his decision on his deteriorating relationship with PLP party leader, Perry Christie, throughout his seven and a half years as an MP.
He suggested Mr Christie's poor leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine him as a representative had left him with the belief that Elizabeth constituents "deserve better." Mr Adderley is rumoured to soon be set to take up an appointment as a Supreme Court judge, on the recommendation of Mr Ingraham.
Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP, Mr Davis, proposed that the move was orchestrated to look like it was about dissatisfaction with PLP leader Perry Christie when in fact it is an attempt to get Bahamians to "forget the misery they are experiencing daily" under his government's leadership
Mr Davis charged that it is irresponsible to precipitate a costly by-election when government revenue is down and people are suffering in bad economic times.
"People are hungry! Lights are off! Some of our schools are like war zones! People are in pain! And yet this Government can only find money when it is time to play political games and pursue selfish agendas!" said Mr Davis.
"They think you are blind! They think that you cannot see what they are doing! They think you cannot see the games!" he added.
While the PLP has yet to announce who its candidate will be in the by-election, or to specifically confirm if it will nominate a candidate to contest the seat under its party's banner, Mr Davis told those at the meeting that the party is "ready".
"Stand strong and brave with the Progressive Liberal Party!" he added.
Mr Davis told The Tribune on Thursday that he firmly believes the party should contest the seat, although other senior party members are said to be unsure.
No date has yet been publicly announced for the election to take place however it is expected to occur sometime in February.
The Bahamas Democratic Party is the only political party to so far officially declare that it will be contesting the seat, with party president Cassius Stuart the intended torchbearer. President of the Bahamas Medical Council Dr Duane Sands is rumoured to be the FNM's preferred candidate for the area, although this has not been confirmed.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP Deputy Leader Philip "Brave" Davis yesterday claimed the appointment of political figures to the judicial bench by the Prime Minister is undermining the fight against crime.
Essentially accusing Hubert Ingraham of master-minding the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP and politics this week, Mr Davis accused Mr Ingraham of playing political games with the country when there are more pressing matters like crime and unemployment that he should be addressing and called on Elizabeth constituents to use the upcoming by-election to "send a message" to the Prime Minister and the FNM that "enough is enough."
Mr Davis said: "Hubert Ingraham just this week spoke about new crime fighting initiatives. We need a new direction. Yet the man talking one thing and doing another! In order for the fight against crime to be effective there must be a well oiled, functioning and Independent judiciary! Since returning to power Hubert Ingraham has engaged in the most blatant politicisation of the judiciary!
"In the last 12 months he seen to it that at least two judges appointed to sit on the Bench of the Supreme Court came directly out of the belly of the FNM. At the same time he has done all in his power to rid the courts of any judge who he even dreams may have voted PLP at least once before!
"We have judge after judge after judge who due to political affiliation has to excuse themselves from hearing certain cases. How does this address the back log in our courts? It doesn't!" said Mr Davis.
Mr Davis made his charge as he addressed a PLP Rally at Doris Johnson High School in the Elizabeth constituency in the wake of Malcolm Adderley's resignation from the PLP and as MP for the area.
Speaking as he announced his resignation as the Elizabeth MP on Tuesday in parliament, Mr Adderley blamed his decision on his deteriorating relationship with PLP party leader, Perry Christie, throughout his seven and a half years as an MP.
He suggested Mr Christie's poor leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts to undermine him as a representative had left him with the belief that Elizabeth constituents "deserve better." Mr Adderley is rumoured to soon be set to take up an appointment as a Supreme Court judge, on the recommendation of Mr Ingraham.
Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP, Mr Davis, proposed that the move was orchestrated to look like it was about dissatisfaction with PLP leader Perry Christie when in fact it is an attempt to get Bahamians to "forget the misery they are experiencing daily" under his government's leadership
Mr Davis charged that it is irresponsible to precipitate a costly by-election when government revenue is down and people are suffering in bad economic times.
"People are hungry! Lights are off! Some of our schools are like war zones! People are in pain! And yet this Government can only find money when it is time to play political games and pursue selfish agendas!" said Mr Davis.
"They think you are blind! They think that you cannot see what they are doing! They think you cannot see the games!" he added.
While the PLP has yet to announce who its candidate will be in the by-election, or to specifically confirm if it will nominate a candidate to contest the seat under its party's banner, Mr Davis told those at the meeting that the party is "ready".
"Stand strong and brave with the Progressive Liberal Party!" he added.
Mr Davis told The Tribune on Thursday that he firmly believes the party should contest the seat, although other senior party members are said to be unsure.
No date has yet been publicly announced for the election to take place however it is expected to occur sometime in February.
The Bahamas Democratic Party is the only political party to so far officially declare that it will be contesting the seat, with party president Cassius Stuart the intended torchbearer. President of the Bahamas Medical Council Dr Duane Sands is rumoured to be the FNM's preferred candidate for the area, although this has not been confirmed.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson accused of 'Christie betrayal'
tribune242:
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has accused Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson of plotting an unsuccessful attempt to try to "destabilise" the opposition party and diminish its leader.
In a speech containing sexual references given at a rally in the Elizabeth constituency on Thursday night, Mr Roberts denied that the actions of either men have left the PLP weaker.
Mr Gibson and Mr Adderley quit the PLP in the last year and a half, citing a lack of support for party leader Perry Christie.
Alleging that the two betrayed "our kind-hearted leader" after he personally "secured their shaky political futures" Mr Roberts said "time has revealed the true nature of politicians like Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson."
He encouraged those gathered at the rally to ensure that they are not "bought" by the FNM but to vote PLP in the upcoming by-election in Elizabeth, where Mr Adderley resigned as MP on Wednesday.
Mr Roberts belittled the significance of 64-year-old Mr Adderley's resignation from the PLP and from politics.
He suggested that Mr Adderley, who is rumoured to be set to take up a judicial appointment at the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, will find himself with few options within "three years" now that he has left the PLP.
The same sentiment was expressed with respect to Mr Gibson, the MP for Kennedy who quit the PLP to serve as an independent before joining the FNM months later -- like Mr Adderley, dropping his political bombshell days before the forty-third anniversary of Majority rule.
The chairman defended the PLP's reaction in the wake of weeks of reports that Mr Adderley was set to leave the party, stating that the party should not be "hated on" because "we don't just wake up one morning and fire people and destroy people. That is Hubert Ingraham's style."
He condemned the governance of the FNM administration since 2007, blaming the "rudderless" government for "taking the country backward."
"They never take responsibility for anything, blaming this sorry state of affairs on a global recession," Mr Roberts said.
He accused the media of failing to do its job in holding the government to account and being too interested in "nit-picking over foolishness" in the PLP.
"Now to make this same indictment on the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party is ludicrous. No one is asleep at any wheel in the PLP. If anyone is sleeping in this country it is members of the fourth estate and other commentators who refuse to compare and contrast the performance of this FNM Government to that of the immediate past PLP-Christie administration," Mr Roberts stated.
Called for comment on Mr Robert's accusations yesterday, Mr Gibson said he "would not condescend" to respond, while Mr Adderley did not return phone calls on the matter.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
PLP chairman Bradley Roberts has accused Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson of plotting an unsuccessful attempt to try to "destabilise" the opposition party and diminish its leader.
In a speech containing sexual references given at a rally in the Elizabeth constituency on Thursday night, Mr Roberts denied that the actions of either men have left the PLP weaker.
Mr Gibson and Mr Adderley quit the PLP in the last year and a half, citing a lack of support for party leader Perry Christie.
Alleging that the two betrayed "our kind-hearted leader" after he personally "secured their shaky political futures" Mr Roberts said "time has revealed the true nature of politicians like Malcolm Adderley and Kenyatta Gibson."
He encouraged those gathered at the rally to ensure that they are not "bought" by the FNM but to vote PLP in the upcoming by-election in Elizabeth, where Mr Adderley resigned as MP on Wednesday.
Mr Roberts belittled the significance of 64-year-old Mr Adderley's resignation from the PLP and from politics.
He suggested that Mr Adderley, who is rumoured to be set to take up a judicial appointment at the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, will find himself with few options within "three years" now that he has left the PLP.
The same sentiment was expressed with respect to Mr Gibson, the MP for Kennedy who quit the PLP to serve as an independent before joining the FNM months later -- like Mr Adderley, dropping his political bombshell days before the forty-third anniversary of Majority rule.
The chairman defended the PLP's reaction in the wake of weeks of reports that Mr Adderley was set to leave the party, stating that the party should not be "hated on" because "we don't just wake up one morning and fire people and destroy people. That is Hubert Ingraham's style."
He condemned the governance of the FNM administration since 2007, blaming the "rudderless" government for "taking the country backward."
"They never take responsibility for anything, blaming this sorry state of affairs on a global recession," Mr Roberts said.
He accused the media of failing to do its job in holding the government to account and being too interested in "nit-picking over foolishness" in the PLP.
"Now to make this same indictment on the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party is ludicrous. No one is asleep at any wheel in the PLP. If anyone is sleeping in this country it is members of the fourth estate and other commentators who refuse to compare and contrast the performance of this FNM Government to that of the immediate past PLP-Christie administration," Mr Roberts stated.
Called for comment on Mr Robert's accusations yesterday, Mr Gibson said he "would not condescend" to respond, while Mr Adderley did not return phone calls on the matter.
January 09, 2010
tribune242
Friday, January 8, 2010
The Bahamas Democratic Movement (BDM) leader Cassius Stuart to run in Elizabeth by-election
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas Democratic Movement announced yesterday that party president, Cassius Stuart, will contest the Elizabeth seat in the upcoming by-election.
Mr Stuart borrowed the popular campaign phrase from US President Barack Obama saying the party is "fired up and ready to go."
"Today, the BDM draws the line in the political sand, and offer ourselves to be an innovative part of the new direction that our country needs. We are offering ourselves because we believe in what this country can be," Mr Stuart told a press conference.
When former MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, resigned his seat on Wednesday and severed ties with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the door opened for candidates to vie for the constituency.
Last night BDM officials met to finalise campaign tactics and budgetary matters. Mr Stuart said he anticipated the BDM would spend about $500,000 on the election.
Of speculation about the election costing political parties $1 million or more, Mr Stuart said the BDM was not trying to pay mortgages for community members, but only to organise a fair campaign, knocking on doors, interacting with the community.
He said the plan was to solicit small donations from a broad base, noting that this approach, popularised by Mr Obama, has never been tried in the Bahamas before.
Stakes are high for the BDM who are banking on the election to act as a catalyst for future wins in the next general election. They currently have no representatives in the House of Assembly after bids in two general elections.
Referring to what was dubbed the 'Ohio Syndrome' in the last US presidential elections, when momentum coalesced in favour of then candidate Obama's campaign, Mr Stuart said the Elizabeth constituency could pave the way for a new political culture in the Bahamas. The thinking of party executives is, if Elizabeth votes for a third party bringing change to the political landscape, it will indicate the potential for more widespread change in the future.
"The politics of yesterday must be done away with and a new political must be awakened. Elizabeth, you can pave the way for that new political culture. You can be the ones to who show the entire Bahamas that it is possible to change. People of Elizabeth, you can be the lighthouse for a nation who is adrift with no clear direction," said Mr Stuart.
In the 2007 election, Mr Stuart ran in the Garden Hills constituency, securing 3.5 per cent of the votes cast. He lost to Brensil Rolle of the Free National Movement (FNM). The BDM candidate for Elizabeth in the last election was Bernard Rolle. He acquired just over 70 votes in a constituency of 4,000 voters, or less than two per cent.
Mr Rolle said despite the conservative numbers, evidence of his impact was the fact that FNM candidate, Elma Chase Campbell, blamed the BDM for the PLP win. Mr Adderley won by a margin of 42 votes over the FNM candidate.
"I feel like the people were very receptive of our platform, but some people were reluctant. This time around the people will be more free to do what their heart leads them to do and that is vote for a third party. They know that they have tried both parties and everything continues to remain the same," said Mr Rolle.
Campaign chairman, Dr Dexter Grant, said the BDM is seeking to bring innovative ideas and strong leadership into the political mix. The plan is to campaign under the slogan: "A new voice in parliament, a new voice for Elizabeth, a new direction for the country."
"In the face of economic turmoil, we believe there can be prosperity. In the face of crime and violence, we believe there can be peace. In the face of illiteracy, we believe there can be knowledge. In the face of politics that has torn our country in two, there can be unity. In the face of hopelessness, we believe there can be hope and in the face of sorrow there can be gladness," said Mr Stuart.
January 08, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE Bahamas Democratic Movement announced yesterday that party president, Cassius Stuart, will contest the Elizabeth seat in the upcoming by-election.
Mr Stuart borrowed the popular campaign phrase from US President Barack Obama saying the party is "fired up and ready to go."
"Today, the BDM draws the line in the political sand, and offer ourselves to be an innovative part of the new direction that our country needs. We are offering ourselves because we believe in what this country can be," Mr Stuart told a press conference.
When former MP for Elizabeth, Malcolm Adderley, resigned his seat on Wednesday and severed ties with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the door opened for candidates to vie for the constituency.
Last night BDM officials met to finalise campaign tactics and budgetary matters. Mr Stuart said he anticipated the BDM would spend about $500,000 on the election.
Of speculation about the election costing political parties $1 million or more, Mr Stuart said the BDM was not trying to pay mortgages for community members, but only to organise a fair campaign, knocking on doors, interacting with the community.
He said the plan was to solicit small donations from a broad base, noting that this approach, popularised by Mr Obama, has never been tried in the Bahamas before.
Stakes are high for the BDM who are banking on the election to act as a catalyst for future wins in the next general election. They currently have no representatives in the House of Assembly after bids in two general elections.
Referring to what was dubbed the 'Ohio Syndrome' in the last US presidential elections, when momentum coalesced in favour of then candidate Obama's campaign, Mr Stuart said the Elizabeth constituency could pave the way for a new political culture in the Bahamas. The thinking of party executives is, if Elizabeth votes for a third party bringing change to the political landscape, it will indicate the potential for more widespread change in the future.
"The politics of yesterday must be done away with and a new political must be awakened. Elizabeth, you can pave the way for that new political culture. You can be the ones to who show the entire Bahamas that it is possible to change. People of Elizabeth, you can be the lighthouse for a nation who is adrift with no clear direction," said Mr Stuart.
In the 2007 election, Mr Stuart ran in the Garden Hills constituency, securing 3.5 per cent of the votes cast. He lost to Brensil Rolle of the Free National Movement (FNM). The BDM candidate for Elizabeth in the last election was Bernard Rolle. He acquired just over 70 votes in a constituency of 4,000 voters, or less than two per cent.
Mr Rolle said despite the conservative numbers, evidence of his impact was the fact that FNM candidate, Elma Chase Campbell, blamed the BDM for the PLP win. Mr Adderley won by a margin of 42 votes over the FNM candidate.
"I feel like the people were very receptive of our platform, but some people were reluctant. This time around the people will be more free to do what their heart leads them to do and that is vote for a third party. They know that they have tried both parties and everything continues to remain the same," said Mr Rolle.
Campaign chairman, Dr Dexter Grant, said the BDM is seeking to bring innovative ideas and strong leadership into the political mix. The plan is to campaign under the slogan: "A new voice in parliament, a new voice for Elizabeth, a new direction for the country."
"In the face of economic turmoil, we believe there can be prosperity. In the face of crime and violence, we believe there can be peace. In the face of illiteracy, we believe there can be knowledge. In the face of politics that has torn our country in two, there can be unity. In the face of hopelessness, we believe there can be hope and in the face of sorrow there can be gladness," said Mr Stuart.
January 08, 2010
tribune242
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
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MPs react to Malcolm Adderley's resignation
By BRENT DEAN ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ brentldean@nasguard.com:
Several prominent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MPs have expressed disappointment at the decision by Malcolm Adderley to resign his Elizabeth constituency seat.
"Well, it is always disappointing when you would lose a colleague in any circumstances really," said PLP MP for Yamacraw Melanie Griffin. Her constituency borders Elizabeth.
She expressed further disappointment that "fences could not be mended" between the party and Adderley for the betterment of the people of Elizabeth.
"But Elizabeth knows that Yamacraw has always been there for them. We have done our best to support them and we'll always be there," she said.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip Brave Davis said Adderley had regularly told them that he was a PLP. "And we always thought he would remain a PLP," added Davis, who is also the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP.
Davis said that if Adderley considered himself a PLP he could have remained with the organization despite having differences with its leadership.
"Well, you never want to lose a member... but you respect the decision that's made by our colleague. Malcolm and I were pretty close – we got along very well," said West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe.
"In fact when I was minister of Tourism I appointed him the chairman of the Gaming Board. So we had a wonderful relationship."
Wilchcombe, who is also leader of opposition business, added that despite the loss of a member, the PLP moves on.
"The party obviously will reminisce on his contribution, but we are moving toward what we have to do in the future and we're not going to be distracted by any departure," he said.
"The Progressive Liberal Party has a lot of work to do. The party has to now look at its message in the years moving forward. We have to look at our messengers – all – all who represent the constituencies and we have to determine how we're going to proceed."
It is expected that the Elizabeth by-election will be held in February.
It is still unclear if the PLP will contest the by-election. The party has said it lacks funds and that the process surrounding Adderley's resignation is problematic.
The opposition has accused the government and prime minister of offering Adderley a post as a Supreme Court justice, threatening the separation between the branches of government.
January 8, 2010
thenassauguardian
Several prominent Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MPs have expressed disappointment at the decision by Malcolm Adderley to resign his Elizabeth constituency seat.
"Well, it is always disappointing when you would lose a colleague in any circumstances really," said PLP MP for Yamacraw Melanie Griffin. Her constituency borders Elizabeth.
She expressed further disappointment that "fences could not be mended" between the party and Adderley for the betterment of the people of Elizabeth.
"But Elizabeth knows that Yamacraw has always been there for them. We have done our best to support them and we'll always be there," she said.
PLP Deputy Leader Philip Brave Davis said Adderley had regularly told them that he was a PLP. "And we always thought he would remain a PLP," added Davis, who is also the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP.
Davis said that if Adderley considered himself a PLP he could have remained with the organization despite having differences with its leadership.
"Well, you never want to lose a member... but you respect the decision that's made by our colleague. Malcolm and I were pretty close – we got along very well," said West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe.
"In fact when I was minister of Tourism I appointed him the chairman of the Gaming Board. So we had a wonderful relationship."
Wilchcombe, who is also leader of opposition business, added that despite the loss of a member, the PLP moves on.
"The party obviously will reminisce on his contribution, but we are moving toward what we have to do in the future and we're not going to be distracted by any departure," he said.
"The Progressive Liberal Party has a lot of work to do. The party has to now look at its message in the years moving forward. We have to look at our messengers – all – all who represent the constituencies and we have to determine how we're going to proceed."
It is expected that the Elizabeth by-election will be held in February.
It is still unclear if the PLP will contest the by-election. The party has said it lacks funds and that the process surrounding Adderley's resignation is problematic.
The opposition has accused the government and prime minister of offering Adderley a post as a Supreme Court justice, threatening the separation between the branches of government.
January 8, 2010
thenassauguardian
Malcolm Adderley bows out – free at last
Tribune242 Editorial:
YESTERDAY, after seven and a half long years of being buffeted by a cruel political storm, the leaking little dingy, mv SS Elizabeth dropped anchor, and her disillusioned captain stepped ashore -- a beaten, but a free man at last.
In July, 2007 Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley -- through a story about a leaking little dingy -- shared with Bahamians how his party had shunned him, even threw up road blocks to engineer his defeat as the PLP candidate for Elizabeth in the May election of that year.
"This dingy," Mr Adderley told the House of Assembly two months after his election victory, "had holes from front to back. It had no sail; it had no motor; it did not even have a rudder, but, far away from Elizabeth I was lost at sea. At the time the sea was raging, the waves were blowing and there were those on the shore who were anxiously awaiting with baited breath to see the motor vessel SS Elizabeth sink. Despite the tremendous courage of the crew on the mv Elizabeth, there were times when they became discouraged because of the cries of those from Elizabeth. But those who stood on the shore looking from without ... Yes, sir, it was not an easy voyage."
At the time when reporters were trying to interview Mr Adderley to find out his political future, we predicted that this was his farewell speech and that it would only be a matter of time before he, like the late Cecil Wallace Whitfield and the Dissident Eight many years before, would be breathing a sigh of relief. "Free at last, my soul is free at last!" were the departing words of Sir Cecil as he walked out of the House and the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.
Mr Adderley recalled the early days of the PLP, a party, he said, that had 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."
It was a party that had a dream. It was a dream that, despite what our detractors will say today, even The Tribune believed in and supported. But the party lost its way. It wasn't long before it espoused the dream of one man -- and it was more than one dared to suggest that there might be another way, another dream.
As Mr Adderley told the House yesterday the souls of those who had sacrificed so much to build their party would ache 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."
Gutter politics had entered the arena. Victimisation was the party's battle cry during the Pindling era; vicious character assassination was the way to eliminate an adversary. Party members were even expected to compromise their consciences for "the Chief." The late Carlton Francis, who had contributed so much to his party and his leader, discovered in his dying days how it felt to be mocked and thrown on the political pyre because there came a day when he decided to follow his conscience and not his leader. Who will ever forget the night that Sir Lynden, speaking from a public platform, spotted the dying man, pointed him out to the crowd and scoffed that there went a three-piece suit, but all he could see was suit. It was true that on Mr Francis' shrunken frame all one could see was a baggy suit, but what cruelty, especially from a nation's leader. That was the depth to which the party had fallen -- under Pindling there were many "nights of the long swords" and scrapping in the gutter.
In 2002 Mr Perry Christie won a one term election on the promise that he was leading the "New PLP." It wasn't long before it was realised that the style of execution might have been different, but the same bitter, viciousness was being conducted in the open. While Mr Adderley maintained a dignified silence, the party's hatchetmen were about their dirty work -- in the words of Mr Adderley -- constantly and perpetually "undermining the duly elected Member of Parliament in total disregard and blatant disrespect of the will of the people of Elizabeth."
His greatest anger was levelled at the party's leader who apparently did nothing to discourage those who were actively campaigning to unseat him in his Elizabeth constituency -- "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."
If Mr Christie expected Mr Adderley to remain a loyal party supporter -- as he claimed he did-- then he should have taken note when Mr Adderley in 2007 ran up the red flag on the SS Elizabeth informing him that there were dangerous shoals ahead threatening to wreck both of them. Mr Christie, true to form, chose to ignore the warning, obviously waiting for time to heal all and relieve him of the bother. It is always amazing when the inevitable happens, Mr Christie innocently rolls his eyes and appears to be taken by surprise.
Mr Adderley has stepped aside for the sake of his people in Elizabeth, who he acknowledged needed a representative who had the full support of the party he represented. Mr Adderley did not have that support.
This weekend Mr Christie and his party will have to look at the collective damage they have wrought and decide what road they will take into the future.
January 07, 2010
tribune242
YESTERDAY, after seven and a half long years of being buffeted by a cruel political storm, the leaking little dingy, mv SS Elizabeth dropped anchor, and her disillusioned captain stepped ashore -- a beaten, but a free man at last.
In July, 2007 Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley -- through a story about a leaking little dingy -- shared with Bahamians how his party had shunned him, even threw up road blocks to engineer his defeat as the PLP candidate for Elizabeth in the May election of that year.
"This dingy," Mr Adderley told the House of Assembly two months after his election victory, "had holes from front to back. It had no sail; it had no motor; it did not even have a rudder, but, far away from Elizabeth I was lost at sea. At the time the sea was raging, the waves were blowing and there were those on the shore who were anxiously awaiting with baited breath to see the motor vessel SS Elizabeth sink. Despite the tremendous courage of the crew on the mv Elizabeth, there were times when they became discouraged because of the cries of those from Elizabeth. But those who stood on the shore looking from without ... Yes, sir, it was not an easy voyage."
At the time when reporters were trying to interview Mr Adderley to find out his political future, we predicted that this was his farewell speech and that it would only be a matter of time before he, like the late Cecil Wallace Whitfield and the Dissident Eight many years before, would be breathing a sigh of relief. "Free at last, my soul is free at last!" were the departing words of Sir Cecil as he walked out of the House and the Cabinet of former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling.
Mr Adderley recalled the early days of the PLP, a party, he said, that had 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."
It was a party that had a dream. It was a dream that, despite what our detractors will say today, even The Tribune believed in and supported. But the party lost its way. It wasn't long before it espoused the dream of one man -- and it was more than one dared to suggest that there might be another way, another dream.
As Mr Adderley told the House yesterday the souls of those who had sacrificed so much to build their party would ache 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."
Gutter politics had entered the arena. Victimisation was the party's battle cry during the Pindling era; vicious character assassination was the way to eliminate an adversary. Party members were even expected to compromise their consciences for "the Chief." The late Carlton Francis, who had contributed so much to his party and his leader, discovered in his dying days how it felt to be mocked and thrown on the political pyre because there came a day when he decided to follow his conscience and not his leader. Who will ever forget the night that Sir Lynden, speaking from a public platform, spotted the dying man, pointed him out to the crowd and scoffed that there went a three-piece suit, but all he could see was suit. It was true that on Mr Francis' shrunken frame all one could see was a baggy suit, but what cruelty, especially from a nation's leader. That was the depth to which the party had fallen -- under Pindling there were many "nights of the long swords" and scrapping in the gutter.
In 2002 Mr Perry Christie won a one term election on the promise that he was leading the "New PLP." It wasn't long before it was realised that the style of execution might have been different, but the same bitter, viciousness was being conducted in the open. While Mr Adderley maintained a dignified silence, the party's hatchetmen were about their dirty work -- in the words of Mr Adderley -- constantly and perpetually "undermining the duly elected Member of Parliament in total disregard and blatant disrespect of the will of the people of Elizabeth."
His greatest anger was levelled at the party's leader who apparently did nothing to discourage those who were actively campaigning to unseat him in his Elizabeth constituency -- "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."
If Mr Christie expected Mr Adderley to remain a loyal party supporter -- as he claimed he did-- then he should have taken note when Mr Adderley in 2007 ran up the red flag on the SS Elizabeth informing him that there were dangerous shoals ahead threatening to wreck both of them. Mr Christie, true to form, chose to ignore the warning, obviously waiting for time to heal all and relieve him of the bother. It is always amazing when the inevitable happens, Mr Christie innocently rolls his eyes and appears to be taken by surprise.
Mr Adderley has stepped aside for the sake of his people in Elizabeth, who he acknowledged needed a representative who had the full support of the party he represented. Mr Adderley did not have that support.
This weekend Mr Christie and his party will have to look at the collective damage they have wrought and decide what road they will take into the future.
January 07, 2010
tribune242
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie denies undermining character of Malcolm Adderly
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP leader Perry Christie yesterday refuted accusations that he undermined or attacked the character of Malcolm Adderley, saying his behaviour towards the former MP was characterised by "extreme patience, extreme tolerance and sympathetic understanding."
Mr Christie claimed that he and the PLP as a whole exercised "forbearance" towards Mr Adderley even as the MP for Elizabeth - who spoke in parliament yesterday to announce his resignation from politics after resigning from the PLP over the weekend - displayed "what the country regarded as an attitude of indifference" towards his fellow PLPs.
He spoke of how he personally supported Mr Adderley as he sought a nomination in the 2007 general election, to the extent of investing "personal resources" in his candidacy.
"It would be disingenuous for me to state that I am not disappointed by this course of action now taken by the MP for Elizabeth.
"It would be more than disingenuous of me if I were to profess not to be disappointed in the manner in which the course of action unfolded, not only today but in the days and weeks that preceded today.
"But what must be absolutely clear is that the MP for Elizabeth is his own man and he must order himself in the way he feels he should," Mr Christie told parliament.
The PLP leader's defensive comments came as he faced the second round of accusations in a year - the first coming from Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson, who quit the PLP and joined the FNM in 2009 - that he has "viciously" belittled one of his own MPs, undermining their position as a representative.
Days after resigning from the PLP, Mr Adderley reasoned in parliament yesterday that his "difficult decision" to quit politics altogether was informed by his belief that the constituents of Elizabeth "deserve better" than an MP who cannot properly represent them because he has been undermined by a lack of support from his party's leadership.
The ex-MP, whose resignation took effect yesterday at 5.30pm, said he and his family suffered the "worst personal experience (they had) ever faced" during the seven and a half years he was an MP as his relationship with Mr Christie went from bad to worse.
He claimed he suffered "vicious politics and hatred" from those "wretched beings outside the boundary" of his constituency and was unable to do what he would have liked for his constituents during Mr Christie's tenure as prime minister.
As with Kenyatta Gibson when he quit the PLP in 2008, Mr Adderley revealed long-standing concerns about Mr Christie's ability to lead and suggested that the PLP leader had engaged in behind-the-scenes tactics against those with whom he had disagreements.
Responding to Mr Adderley, Mr Christie instead painted a picture of an MP who had lost interest in his party and constituents and whose decision to leave politics had more to do with his own political deal-making than consideration of the best interests of his constituents.
It has been rumored but not confirmed that Mr Adderley is in short order due to accept an appointment, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, as a Supreme Court judge and he has been accused of being embittered by Mr Christie's failure to give him a Cabinet post during the previous PLP administration.
Mr Christie said: "The truth is we all know that this is not the end of the story and indeed the proverbial penny hasn't yet dropped. We wait to see those acts in the drama that has already been scripted but not yet played out. There is more to this than meets the eye. We all stand alert pending a major announcement yet to come."
The PLP leader said that in the wake of Mr Adderley's resignation, which leaves Elizabeth without a representative, the party will be carrying out consultations both with the people in that area and "the relevant (party) councils" to determine the way forward.
Some political insiders have suggested that the party may not see it as worthwhile to field a candidate in the by-election that will now result from Mr Adderley's departure given the hefty cost of doing so and the possibility they may lose the seat anyway.
Mr Christie added: "I can assure the nation that we are in no way deterred by the events that have unfolded. We will not be deflected from our work which . . . has always been for the betterment of the Bahamian people."
January 07, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
PLP leader Perry Christie yesterday refuted accusations that he undermined or attacked the character of Malcolm Adderley, saying his behaviour towards the former MP was characterised by "extreme patience, extreme tolerance and sympathetic understanding."
Mr Christie claimed that he and the PLP as a whole exercised "forbearance" towards Mr Adderley even as the MP for Elizabeth - who spoke in parliament yesterday to announce his resignation from politics after resigning from the PLP over the weekend - displayed "what the country regarded as an attitude of indifference" towards his fellow PLPs.
He spoke of how he personally supported Mr Adderley as he sought a nomination in the 2007 general election, to the extent of investing "personal resources" in his candidacy.
"It would be disingenuous for me to state that I am not disappointed by this course of action now taken by the MP for Elizabeth.
"It would be more than disingenuous of me if I were to profess not to be disappointed in the manner in which the course of action unfolded, not only today but in the days and weeks that preceded today.
"But what must be absolutely clear is that the MP for Elizabeth is his own man and he must order himself in the way he feels he should," Mr Christie told parliament.
The PLP leader's defensive comments came as he faced the second round of accusations in a year - the first coming from Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson, who quit the PLP and joined the FNM in 2009 - that he has "viciously" belittled one of his own MPs, undermining their position as a representative.
Days after resigning from the PLP, Mr Adderley reasoned in parliament yesterday that his "difficult decision" to quit politics altogether was informed by his belief that the constituents of Elizabeth "deserve better" than an MP who cannot properly represent them because he has been undermined by a lack of support from his party's leadership.
The ex-MP, whose resignation took effect yesterday at 5.30pm, said he and his family suffered the "worst personal experience (they had) ever faced" during the seven and a half years he was an MP as his relationship with Mr Christie went from bad to worse.
He claimed he suffered "vicious politics and hatred" from those "wretched beings outside the boundary" of his constituency and was unable to do what he would have liked for his constituents during Mr Christie's tenure as prime minister.
As with Kenyatta Gibson when he quit the PLP in 2008, Mr Adderley revealed long-standing concerns about Mr Christie's ability to lead and suggested that the PLP leader had engaged in behind-the-scenes tactics against those with whom he had disagreements.
Responding to Mr Adderley, Mr Christie instead painted a picture of an MP who had lost interest in his party and constituents and whose decision to leave politics had more to do with his own political deal-making than consideration of the best interests of his constituents.
It has been rumored but not confirmed that Mr Adderley is in short order due to accept an appointment, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, as a Supreme Court judge and he has been accused of being embittered by Mr Christie's failure to give him a Cabinet post during the previous PLP administration.
Mr Christie said: "The truth is we all know that this is not the end of the story and indeed the proverbial penny hasn't yet dropped. We wait to see those acts in the drama that has already been scripted but not yet played out. There is more to this than meets the eye. We all stand alert pending a major announcement yet to come."
The PLP leader said that in the wake of Mr Adderley's resignation, which leaves Elizabeth without a representative, the party will be carrying out consultations both with the people in that area and "the relevant (party) councils" to determine the way forward.
Some political insiders have suggested that the party may not see it as worthwhile to field a candidate in the by-election that will now result from Mr Adderley's departure given the hefty cost of doing so and the possibility they may lose the seat anyway.
Mr Christie added: "I can assure the nation that we are in no way deterred by the events that have unfolded. We will not be deflected from our work which . . . has always been for the betterment of the Bahamian people."
January 07, 2010
tribune242
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
Malcolm Adderley blasts the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)
By KRYSTEL ROLLE ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley said yesterday he reached his breaking point, which prompted him to resign from the Progressive Liberal Party and House of Assembly after he endured years of "insults" and outright disrespect by his own party members.
Adderley, who spoke in the House of Assembly for a final time, said after seven and a half years under the PLP's leadership, he came to the "painful" conclusion that "enough is enough".
"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," Adderley said.
"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 party's 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?"
Adderley is the second PLP MP to resign from the party after the 2007 general election. Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson crossed the floor two years ago and harshly criticized PLP leader Perry Christie.
Adderley denied that his resignation had anything to do with injured pride. It had been rumored that he had been harboring ill feelings towards the leadership of the PLP after Christie failed to appoint him to the Cabinet when the PLP was in power.
Adderley said he did not base his decision on that.
"So to trivialize this matter by saying that this is about my not 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?" he asked.
Turning to the issue of his loyalty and whether he had joined with the Free National Movement, Adderley said, "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."
Adderley's resignation from the House became effective at 5:30 p.m. yesterday, and set in motion a process that will lead to a by-election which is expected to be held next month.
Adderley said since his election in 2002, his relationship with the party's leadership has been strained and has steadily worsened through the years.
"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 was the hallmark of my political journey. But through it all, I took the blows, never flinching."
Adderley also said for years he was forced to fight two sources.
"Not only did I have to deal with the formidable, well organized, well equipped political genius of the then opposition leader (Hubert Ingraham), regardless to what you have heard and will hear in the future, I was exposed to the forces of my own party."
He said he does not enjoy the support of the leadership of the party, adding that it would be unfair to the constituents that he represented to continue on in the way that he was.
"The leadership of the party at its recent convention was given an almost unanimous vote of confidence by the membership," Adderley said. "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."
He said he cannot support the leadership of the party and therefore did the "honorable thing" by tendering his resignation.
"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."
Following the 2007 election, Adderley continued to serve as chairman of the Gaming Board. At 64, he is expected to become a Supreme Court justice.
There is speculation that Dr. Duane Sands will be the FNM's candidate for the Elizabeth constituency by-election, but the party has made no announcements in this regard.
It is still unclear whether the PLP will run anyone in the seat, but party chairman Bradley Roberts said several people, including attorneys Ryan Pinder and Craig Butler, have expressed an interest in running on the PLP's ticket.
January 7, 2010
thenassauguardian
Former Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley said yesterday he reached his breaking point, which prompted him to resign from the Progressive Liberal Party and House of Assembly after he endured years of "insults" and outright disrespect by his own party members.
Adderley, who spoke in the House of Assembly for a final time, said after seven and a half years under the PLP's leadership, he came to the "painful" conclusion that "enough is enough".
"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," Adderley said.
"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 party's 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?"
Adderley is the second PLP MP to resign from the party after the 2007 general election. Kennedy MP Kenyatta Gibson crossed the floor two years ago and harshly criticized PLP leader Perry Christie.
Adderley denied that his resignation had anything to do with injured pride. It had been rumored that he had been harboring ill feelings towards the leadership of the PLP after Christie failed to appoint him to the Cabinet when the PLP was in power.
Adderley said he did not base his decision on that.
"So to trivialize this matter by saying that this is about my not 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?" he asked.
Turning to the issue of his loyalty and whether he had joined with the Free National Movement, Adderley said, "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."
Adderley's resignation from the House became effective at 5:30 p.m. yesterday, and set in motion a process that will lead to a by-election which is expected to be held next month.
Adderley said since his election in 2002, his relationship with the party's leadership has been strained and has steadily worsened through the years.
"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 was the hallmark of my political journey. But through it all, I took the blows, never flinching."
Adderley also said for years he was forced to fight two sources.
"Not only did I have to deal with the formidable, well organized, well equipped political genius of the then opposition leader (Hubert Ingraham), regardless to what you have heard and will hear in the future, I was exposed to the forces of my own party."
He said he does not enjoy the support of the leadership of the party, adding that it would be unfair to the constituents that he represented to continue on in the way that he was.
"The leadership of the party at its recent convention was given an almost unanimous vote of confidence by the membership," Adderley said. "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."
He said he cannot support the leadership of the party and therefore did the "honorable thing" by tendering his resignation.
"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."
Following the 2007 election, Adderley continued to serve as chairman of the Gaming Board. At 64, he is expected to become a Supreme Court justice.
There is speculation that Dr. Duane Sands will be the FNM's candidate for the Elizabeth constituency by-election, but the party has made no announcements in this regard.
It is still unclear whether the PLP will run anyone in the seat, but party chairman Bradley Roberts said several people, including attorneys Ryan Pinder and Craig Butler, have expressed an interest in running on the PLP's ticket.
January 7, 2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
THE Progressive Liberal Party's (PLP's) cash fears over by-election
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
THE Progressive Liberal Party is weighing its options as to whether it will put up a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election, sources within the party have confirmed to The Tribune.
Currently the party is faced with a dilemma because the FNM has essentially taken a lead in the area having had representatives from its party on the ground for the past three weeks.
As for campaigning, the PLP is concerned that it has to find at least half a million dollars to put up a formidable challenge to the FNM's machinery in the area.
According to sources within the PLP, the party has containers that are still filled with PLP T-shirts and other election paraphernalia, but the actual funding of a by-election campaign will be difficult to find at such short notice.
Additionally, if these monies could be found, the party is faced with the reality that even if it were to win the by-election it would not change the balance of power in the House of Assembly as the PLP would still be in Opposition. In effect it would have essentially "wasted" $500,000 that could be used for the 2012 general elections.
While all of these issues are reportedly being discussed at the highest levels within the party, there is also a growing concern amongst some PLP Members of Parliament about what the perception would be if the party were not to run a candidate in the area.
"We need to have a representative in the area, anybody, so we can show the people that we care about them, and that we want to represent them in the House of Assembly. Now how do we do this? We could run a Ryan Pinder or Craig Butler in there, but elections cost money, and when you are up against the FNM and all of its machinery it is very difficult to win this one seat. So what do you do?" the source asked.
Today the PLP's former Member of Parliament Malcolm Adderley is expected to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly, causing the first by-election in at least a decade. In his departing speech, Mr Adderley is expected to take aim at his former party leader, Perry Christie. It is not known at this time what Mr Christie's response will be, but sources close to the leader claim that Mr Christie is "more than ready" to answer Mr Adderley "blow-for-blow."
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
THE Progressive Liberal Party is weighing its options as to whether it will put up a candidate in the Elizabeth by-election, sources within the party have confirmed to The Tribune.
Currently the party is faced with a dilemma because the FNM has essentially taken a lead in the area having had representatives from its party on the ground for the past three weeks.
As for campaigning, the PLP is concerned that it has to find at least half a million dollars to put up a formidable challenge to the FNM's machinery in the area.
According to sources within the PLP, the party has containers that are still filled with PLP T-shirts and other election paraphernalia, but the actual funding of a by-election campaign will be difficult to find at such short notice.
Additionally, if these monies could be found, the party is faced with the reality that even if it were to win the by-election it would not change the balance of power in the House of Assembly as the PLP would still be in Opposition. In effect it would have essentially "wasted" $500,000 that could be used for the 2012 general elections.
While all of these issues are reportedly being discussed at the highest levels within the party, there is also a growing concern amongst some PLP Members of Parliament about what the perception would be if the party were not to run a candidate in the area.
"We need to have a representative in the area, anybody, so we can show the people that we care about them, and that we want to represent them in the House of Assembly. Now how do we do this? We could run a Ryan Pinder or Craig Butler in there, but elections cost money, and when you are up against the FNM and all of its machinery it is very difficult to win this one seat. So what do you do?" the source asked.
Today the PLP's former Member of Parliament Malcolm Adderley is expected to resign from his seat in the House of Assembly, causing the first by-election in at least a decade. In his departing speech, Mr Adderley is expected to take aim at his former party leader, Perry Christie. It is not known at this time what Mr Christie's response will be, but sources close to the leader claim that Mr Christie is "more than ready" to answer Mr Adderley "blow-for-blow."
tribune242
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
Free National Movement (FNM) chairman Carl Bethel rejects government manipulation claims in Malcolm Adderley's expected appointment
BY STAFF WRITER ~ Guardian News Desk:
The back and forth between both major political parties in the country regarding the recent resignation of Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley from Parliament and the Progressive Liberal Party continued yesterday, with Free National Movement chairman Carl Bethel rejecting the suggestion by the opposition that the government manipulated the constitution to facilitate Adderley's expected appointment as a Supreme Court justice.
"We understand why [PLP Leader Perry] Christie and [PLP chairman Bradley] Roberts are in a state of panic," Bethel said in a statement sent out yesterday evening. "This is the second member of Parliament they are losing since the last election and the whole country knows that the PLP is fractured and in a state of chaos.
"So that is why they are making extreme and desperate statements and seeking to place the blame on others for the state in which they find themselves. And of course, it is easy to blame Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for their political woes. But the truth is that Mr. Ingraham is in no way responsible for the state of affairs in which the PLP leaders find themselves, and their allegation of constitutional manipulation is utter nonsense."
Bethel claimed that "the facts of the matter are very simple and easy to understand."
"In the first place, it has been public knowledge ever since the general election in 2007 that Mr. Adderley was no longer happy with the PLP and the leadership of Mr. Christie, for whatever reasons. Secondly, it has also been public knowledge that Mr. Adderley was interested in serving his country on the Supreme Court, having acted in that capacity previously," Bethel said.
"So it should surprise no one that upon his resignation from the House he may still be interested in becoming a judge. No one -- not even Mr. Christie and Mr. Roberts -- has challenged his qualifications."
Bethel also called the PLP's talk of politicizing the courts "rubbish".
"It is the policy of the FNM government and, we believe, of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, to find qualified judges to serve in our high courts regardless of political affiliations," said Bethel. "That is why the Commission recommended the appointment of Mrs. Rubie Nottage to serve as a justice, presumably with no objections from Mr. Ingraham. There was public unease about that appointment not because she was PLP-affiliated but because of an alleged problem with the American government.
"Both former Chief Justice (Sir) Burton Hall and (Senior) Justice Jon Isaacs are known to have strong PLP family connections, and Justice Neville Adderley ran in elections twice on the PLP ticket before becoming a judge. And there were others with political backgrounds who have sat on the Supreme Court."
Bethel added: "The FNM did not object to any of them because they are qualified Bahamians. The PLP should try to be just as gracious when it comes to judges who may have had a connection with the FNM. After all, they are Bahamians too."
January 06, 2010
thenassauguardian
The back and forth between both major political parties in the country regarding the recent resignation of Elizabeth MP Malcolm Adderley from Parliament and the Progressive Liberal Party continued yesterday, with Free National Movement chairman Carl Bethel rejecting the suggestion by the opposition that the government manipulated the constitution to facilitate Adderley's expected appointment as a Supreme Court justice.
"We understand why [PLP Leader Perry] Christie and [PLP chairman Bradley] Roberts are in a state of panic," Bethel said in a statement sent out yesterday evening. "This is the second member of Parliament they are losing since the last election and the whole country knows that the PLP is fractured and in a state of chaos.
"So that is why they are making extreme and desperate statements and seeking to place the blame on others for the state in which they find themselves. And of course, it is easy to blame Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham for their political woes. But the truth is that Mr. Ingraham is in no way responsible for the state of affairs in which the PLP leaders find themselves, and their allegation of constitutional manipulation is utter nonsense."
Bethel claimed that "the facts of the matter are very simple and easy to understand."
"In the first place, it has been public knowledge ever since the general election in 2007 that Mr. Adderley was no longer happy with the PLP and the leadership of Mr. Christie, for whatever reasons. Secondly, it has also been public knowledge that Mr. Adderley was interested in serving his country on the Supreme Court, having acted in that capacity previously," Bethel said.
"So it should surprise no one that upon his resignation from the House he may still be interested in becoming a judge. No one -- not even Mr. Christie and Mr. Roberts -- has challenged his qualifications."
Bethel also called the PLP's talk of politicizing the courts "rubbish".
"It is the policy of the FNM government and, we believe, of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, to find qualified judges to serve in our high courts regardless of political affiliations," said Bethel. "That is why the Commission recommended the appointment of Mrs. Rubie Nottage to serve as a justice, presumably with no objections from Mr. Ingraham. There was public unease about that appointment not because she was PLP-affiliated but because of an alleged problem with the American government.
"Both former Chief Justice (Sir) Burton Hall and (Senior) Justice Jon Isaacs are known to have strong PLP family connections, and Justice Neville Adderley ran in elections twice on the PLP ticket before becoming a judge. And there were others with political backgrounds who have sat on the Supreme Court."
Bethel added: "The FNM did not object to any of them because they are qualified Bahamians. The PLP should try to be just as gracious when it comes to judges who may have had a connection with the FNM. After all, they are Bahamians too."
January 06, 2010
thenassauguardian
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