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 Melissa Sears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Melissa Sears. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Ex-Progressive Liberal Party vice-chairman Melissa Sears is the focus of repeated attacks by PLPs on the Internet and in the political sphere
PLP 'bid to smear ex-chief'
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
PLP operatives are allegedly continuing a vicious smear campaign against one of their own colleagues, The Tribune has uncovered.
Having recently resigned from her post as vice-chairman in the Progressive Liberal Party, Melissa Sears has become the focus of repeated attacks by PLPs on the Internet and in the political sphere.
In their messages, some party supporters have sought to sully the former vice-chairman's reputation and have gone as far as to cast a cloud of suspicion over her friendship with a sitting FNM Cabinet Minister.
Yesterday, a source close to Ms Sears actually distanced himself from the party's official messaging on the issue, claiming he did not want his planned statement on the matter to be associated with what "the rest of the party" was seeking to do.
Ms Sears, he said, will make any statement she feels is necessary if and when the time comes.
In the meantime, however, the vice-chairwoman's resignation is continuing to be used as a political football among two of the most prominent warring camps within the party.
The attacks against Ms Sears has left some within the organisation to question the amount of damage this issue will ultimately inflict upon the party.
It has also left others calling for a shift in the messaging of the PLP and a "much needed change" in the way "sensitive matters are handled."
As it relates to the attacks on Ms Sears' name The Tribune was reliably informed that a current PLP Member of Parliament was the actual genesis of those reports.
In fact, we were made aware yesterday that an operative within the party was successful in transmitting a lurid text message to the Cabinet Minister's cellular phone seeking to disguise the message as a legitimate one from the former vice-chairwoman.
This message, it was said, would then have been posted online to embarrass Ms Sears and the Minister; destroying any possibility for the fledgling politician to ever return at any level of influence in the PLP.
It is understood that this message, has been forwarded to the relevant authorities to ascertain its origin for further investigations.
These attacks, along with others, have left some right-thinking PLPs disgusted with the way the party has handled the resignation of Ms Sears.
Instead of seeking to coax the party supporter into re-thinking her decision, it was said that some within the organisation immediately went on the offensive and tried to "ruin her politically."
Speaking with The Tribune yesterday, Erin Ferguson, the political commentator and TV show host said that having known Ms Sears for a few years as a native Grand Bahamian himself, he was disappointed in the way the party was handling this "great young talent."
"This is just another example of the PLP displaying their ability to misuse and mishandle excellent young talent in the Bahamas.
"Melissa Sears has shown she is grounded in family, church, and community, and she is certainly a woman that serves as an example to any young woman as to how to go about serving your country as a good citizen. It's unfortunate in my opinion that she has been put through the political wringer of the PLP," he said.
Mr Ferguson added that countless other young people have been put through this unfortunate process and many others have refused to even engage these political parties as it is an "absolute waste of time."
April 29, 2010
tribune242
By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
PLP operatives are allegedly continuing a vicious smear campaign against one of their own colleagues, The Tribune has uncovered.
Having recently resigned from her post as vice-chairman in the Progressive Liberal Party, Melissa Sears has become the focus of repeated attacks by PLPs on the Internet and in the political sphere.
In their messages, some party supporters have sought to sully the former vice-chairman's reputation and have gone as far as to cast a cloud of suspicion over her friendship with a sitting FNM Cabinet Minister.
Yesterday, a source close to Ms Sears actually distanced himself from the party's official messaging on the issue, claiming he did not want his planned statement on the matter to be associated with what "the rest of the party" was seeking to do.
Ms Sears, he said, will make any statement she feels is necessary if and when the time comes.
In the meantime, however, the vice-chairwoman's resignation is continuing to be used as a political football among two of the most prominent warring camps within the party.
The attacks against Ms Sears has left some within the organisation to question the amount of damage this issue will ultimately inflict upon the party.
It has also left others calling for a shift in the messaging of the PLP and a "much needed change" in the way "sensitive matters are handled."
As it relates to the attacks on Ms Sears' name The Tribune was reliably informed that a current PLP Member of Parliament was the actual genesis of those reports.
In fact, we were made aware yesterday that an operative within the party was successful in transmitting a lurid text message to the Cabinet Minister's cellular phone seeking to disguise the message as a legitimate one from the former vice-chairwoman.
This message, it was said, would then have been posted online to embarrass Ms Sears and the Minister; destroying any possibility for the fledgling politician to ever return at any level of influence in the PLP.
It is understood that this message, has been forwarded to the relevant authorities to ascertain its origin for further investigations.
These attacks, along with others, have left some right-thinking PLPs disgusted with the way the party has handled the resignation of Ms Sears.
Instead of seeking to coax the party supporter into re-thinking her decision, it was said that some within the organisation immediately went on the offensive and tried to "ruin her politically."
Speaking with The Tribune yesterday, Erin Ferguson, the political commentator and TV show host said that having known Ms Sears for a few years as a native Grand Bahamian himself, he was disappointed in the way the party was handling this "great young talent."
"This is just another example of the PLP displaying their ability to misuse and mishandle excellent young talent in the Bahamas.
"Melissa Sears has shown she is grounded in family, church, and community, and she is certainly a woman that serves as an example to any young woman as to how to go about serving your country as a good citizen. It's unfortunate in my opinion that she has been put through the political wringer of the PLP," he said.
Mr Ferguson added that countless other young people have been put through this unfortunate process and many others have refused to even engage these political parties as it is an "absolute waste of time."
April 29, 2010
tribune242
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PLP chief Melissa Sears 'offended' by party leader - Perry Christie's remarks
PLP chief 'offended' by Christie remarks
tribune242:
PLP CHIEF Melissa Sears quit her job as vice chairman because she was "offended" by verbal remarks made by party leader Perry Christie, The Tribune learned last night.
As speculation mounts surrounding her departure, it is being reported that she decided to resign following a meeting in Grand Bahama.
According to sources very close to the matter, Mr Christie was in Grand Bahama to rally the party's machinery sometime earlier this month. At this meeting, it was claimed, he made the point that he had "no time" for Ms Sears -- who was in earshot of the remark.
Although the comment was admittedly "harsh", one PLP source explained that the party leader was sending the message that he was aware of Ms Sears' alleged allegiance to other would-be leaders within the organisation.
"She was a known anti-Christie during the PLP convention and even before that. So he had to let her know that he was aware of that fact. In this (political) climate you have to do what you have to do," the source added.
When contacted for comment on the matter, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he doubted that Mr Christie would make such a remark, and directed The Tribune to speak to the party leader directly.
However, repeated attempts to reach Mr Christie proved unsuccessful, and messages left were not returned up to press time last night.
While Ms Sears' alleged allegiance to one faction or the other is not known officially, it has been reported that she was a staunch supporter of PLP deputy leader challenger Obie Wilchcombe who came to her defence in yesterday's Tribune.
In that article, Mr Wilchcombe said Ms Sears was an "outstanding young woman" who still has a career in politics.
"She is an outstanding orator and has her hands around the issues facing people. She believes in people and has committed herself to helping the least amongst us. Her decision does not mean her political life is over or her relationship with the PLP," said the West End and Bimini MP.
However, a former leadership candidate during the PLP's 51st National Convention in 2008, Paul Moss, said the PLP has to address the fact that the party is losing good and qualified persons "left, right, and centre."
Having resigned from the PLP himself, Mr Moss asked the public to question why "good partisan people" are incapable of having a voice and even staying with the party.
"The party's inability to have introspection to prepare itself moving forward to being the alternative to the government, they have not done that. They are trying to win at all costs. And I don't think that is going to work, even against a third party," he said.
April 27, 2010
tribune242
tribune242:
PLP CHIEF Melissa Sears quit her job as vice chairman because she was "offended" by verbal remarks made by party leader Perry Christie, The Tribune learned last night.
As speculation mounts surrounding her departure, it is being reported that she decided to resign following a meeting in Grand Bahama.
According to sources very close to the matter, Mr Christie was in Grand Bahama to rally the party's machinery sometime earlier this month. At this meeting, it was claimed, he made the point that he had "no time" for Ms Sears -- who was in earshot of the remark.
Although the comment was admittedly "harsh", one PLP source explained that the party leader was sending the message that he was aware of Ms Sears' alleged allegiance to other would-be leaders within the organisation.
"She was a known anti-Christie during the PLP convention and even before that. So he had to let her know that he was aware of that fact. In this (political) climate you have to do what you have to do," the source added.
When contacted for comment on the matter, PLP chairman Bradley Roberts said he doubted that Mr Christie would make such a remark, and directed The Tribune to speak to the party leader directly.
However, repeated attempts to reach Mr Christie proved unsuccessful, and messages left were not returned up to press time last night.
While Ms Sears' alleged allegiance to one faction or the other is not known officially, it has been reported that she was a staunch supporter of PLP deputy leader challenger Obie Wilchcombe who came to her defence in yesterday's Tribune.
In that article, Mr Wilchcombe said Ms Sears was an "outstanding young woman" who still has a career in politics.
"She is an outstanding orator and has her hands around the issues facing people. She believes in people and has committed herself to helping the least amongst us. Her decision does not mean her political life is over or her relationship with the PLP," said the West End and Bimini MP.
However, a former leadership candidate during the PLP's 51st National Convention in 2008, Paul Moss, said the PLP has to address the fact that the party is losing good and qualified persons "left, right, and centre."
Having resigned from the PLP himself, Mr Moss asked the public to question why "good partisan people" are incapable of having a voice and even staying with the party.
"The party's inability to have introspection to prepare itself moving forward to being the alternative to the government, they have not done that. They are trying to win at all costs. And I don't think that is going to work, even against a third party," he said.
April 27, 2010
tribune242
Monday, April 26, 2010
Melissa Sears resigns as a Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) vice chairman
Melissa Sears resigns as a PLP vice chairman
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
RISING star in the Progressive Liberal Party, Melissa Sears, has resigned her post as vice chairman of the PLP.
Bradley Roberts, PLP chairman, said he received a resignation letter from Ms Sears on April 20. The letter did not indicate the reason for her resignation, and Mr Roberts said he has yet to speak with her to gain further insight into her reason for resigning.
Ms Sears made an impression on the PLP leadership in 2008 when she delivered a speech at the party's convention. She was voted into office during the October 2009 PLP Convention.
"Melissa is an outstanding young woman who has a career in politics. She is an outstanding orator and has her hands around the issues facing people. She believes in people and has committed herself to helping the least among us. Her decision does not mean her political life is over or her relationship with the PLP," said Obie Wilchcombe, West End Member of Parliament. Ms Sears endorsed Mr Wilchcombe for deputy leader of the party when he contested the seat last year.
"She was the bright star of the (2008) convention and demonstrated then her tremendous oratory skills and her passion for people and her courage and determination as a fighter, which is required in front line politics," said Mr Wilchcombe.
Ms Sears had been touted as a potential candidate for the PLP in Marco City, Grand Bahama. This seat was formerly contested by Pleasant Bridgewater, against the FNM's Zhivargo Laing.
Ms Sears grew up in Marco City, but Mr Wilchcombe said she would be a qualified candidate for a number of Grand Bahama constituencies.
He said she had never written to the party to express interest in being a candidate, or applied formally. However, the party had been trying to encourage her.
"We have over the years sought to convince her to be a candidate. There comes a time when a party must recruit and look for the best and the brightest and she has proven that she is prepared to serve and not to be served. So she is one of those persons who we certainly would love to see carry the banner and be a standard bearer," said Mr Wilchcombe. "I believe this might be considered by some a bump in the road or a step backward, but I don't see it that way."
April 26, 2010
tribune242
By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
RISING star in the Progressive Liberal Party, Melissa Sears, has resigned her post as vice chairman of the PLP.
Bradley Roberts, PLP chairman, said he received a resignation letter from Ms Sears on April 20. The letter did not indicate the reason for her resignation, and Mr Roberts said he has yet to speak with her to gain further insight into her reason for resigning.
Ms Sears made an impression on the PLP leadership in 2008 when she delivered a speech at the party's convention. She was voted into office during the October 2009 PLP Convention.
"Melissa is an outstanding young woman who has a career in politics. She is an outstanding orator and has her hands around the issues facing people. She believes in people and has committed herself to helping the least among us. Her decision does not mean her political life is over or her relationship with the PLP," said Obie Wilchcombe, West End Member of Parliament. Ms Sears endorsed Mr Wilchcombe for deputy leader of the party when he contested the seat last year.
"She was the bright star of the (2008) convention and demonstrated then her tremendous oratory skills and her passion for people and her courage and determination as a fighter, which is required in front line politics," said Mr Wilchcombe.
Ms Sears had been touted as a potential candidate for the PLP in Marco City, Grand Bahama. This seat was formerly contested by Pleasant Bridgewater, against the FNM's Zhivargo Laing.
Ms Sears grew up in Marco City, but Mr Wilchcombe said she would be a qualified candidate for a number of Grand Bahama constituencies.
He said she had never written to the party to express interest in being a candidate, or applied formally. However, the party had been trying to encourage her.
"We have over the years sought to convince her to be a candidate. There comes a time when a party must recruit and look for the best and the brightest and she has proven that she is prepared to serve and not to be served. So she is one of those persons who we certainly would love to see carry the banner and be a standard bearer," said Mr Wilchcombe. "I believe this might be considered by some a bump in the road or a step backward, but I don't see it that way."
April 26, 2010
tribune242
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