Political retirement with dignity
thenassauguardian editorial
The Bahamas is a new independent democracy. Having just recently celebrated 38 years going it alone, our traditions, though rooted in the British system, are still evolving.
One tradition that has not really developed yet is what to do with our leaders when they retire from frontline politics.
We have only had one prime minister permanently retire thus far. Sir Lynden Pindling bowed out in 1997 after his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) suffered an overwhelming defeat to Hubert Ingraham and the Free National Movement (FNM). This was the second consecutive time Ingraham beat Sir Lynden in a general election.
Sir Lynden, however, was suffering from terminal cancer during that last campaign in 1997. He died a few years later on August 26, 2000. So in the case of the only prime minister of an independent Bahamas to retire, there was no real retirement, as he was in a battle for his life when he went away, a battle he sadly did not win.
Ingraham and current PLP leader Perry Christie are nearing the end of their respective political careers. It is unlikely that either will run again as leader beyond this general election.
Both entered the House of Assembly in 1977. The former law partners each have won a seat in each election since. Christie also served a term as a senator from 1972 before becoming a member of Parliament.
When one of these men loses the next general election, he should not be discarded. The United States has a beautiful bi-partisan tradition. When the new president is elected and an issue of national importance arises, former presidents are called into service.
Former Democratic president Jimmy Carter has embarked upon many missions, under Democratic and Republican presidents, to free Americans held by hostile regimes.
President George W. Bush called upon his father, former President George H.W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Bush Sr. and Clinton raised money for the recovery cause.
After the Haiti earthquake in 2010, President Barack Obama called on Clinton and Bush Jr., the president he succeeded, to lead fundraising efforts.
This tradition in the United States demonstrates great political maturity. It also is smart. Former leaders have great connections, capacity and lots of unused energy once retired.
Here in The Bahamas there are many initiatives a former prime minister could lead. Education reform, gambling reform, the Haitian migration issue, tax reform, reform of the criminal justice system and health care reform are just a few of the areas a former prime minister could focus on, developing a plan for the country to address the issue under study.
For this to happen, however, that former politician would have to learn to be apolitical and able to make a contribution divorced from partisanism. The prime minister who asks the former prime minister to lead a national initiative would also have to be mature enough to set aside whatever hostilities he might have had with that politician when he was still active.
We should not relegate our retired politicians to the rubbish heap. They still have much to contribute after they officially retire. We will soon get to the point when one of our great leaders says goodbye. We hope the winner reaches out to the loser and starts a tradition of mutual respect and continued service.
Jul 27, 2011
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label PLP Leader Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PLP Leader Bahamas. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
To Mr. Fred Mitchell: [PLP Leader] Mr. Perry Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda
Fred Mitchell talks of FNM propaganda
tribune242 editorial
FRED MITCHELL has urged Bahamians to ignore the "biased opinion" of American diplomats who in their reports to Washington have characterised former prime minister Perry Christie as a procrastinating leader who "often fails to act altogether while awaiting elusive consensus in his Cabinet."
Mr Mitchell expressed surprise that US diplomats would "simply rehash the same unvarnished propaganda of the Free National Movement to describe the leader of the PLP and the policies of the PLP."
It would be interesting to know which face of Fred Mitchell has made this statement.
It is obviously the political Fred Mitchell, preparing for the hustings and anticipating a hard battle to return his party with its indecisive leader to the seat of power. However, in quiet conversation with his own conscience, the other side of Mr Mitchell must know that his statement is not true.
The indecisive leadership of Mr Christie is very much an election issue. It certainly wasn't an FNM faction within the PLP in 2009 that wanted Mr Christie removed as leader because it did not think it had a chance with him at its head. This group felt so strongly on the issue that someone within the party leaked the Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosner report on the reasons for the party's 2007 election defeat. This report, commissioned by the PLP after the 2007 election to analyse why the party lost an election it was so confident of winning, was made public by the dissident group to inform the public and to try to convince its own membership that Mr Christie was too indecisive to be at the helm.
The consultants' report, for which the party must have paid a "pretty penny", was blunt. In a nutshell, it said, the PLP lost the government after only a five-year test run, because at its helm was a nice, but weak leader heading what the public perceived to be a corrupt and scandal-ridden party. Maybe, the political side of Mr Mitchell would have us believe that the Rosner report was written by an FNM analyst. However - the other Mr Mitchell and his conscience knows otherwise.
Obviously, the report was ignored because recently three senior party members in a private letter -- again leaked to the press -- advised Mr Christie that he could prove to the public that he was indeed a decisive leader by blocking the nomination of certain politicians who were perceived to have led to the party's 2002 defeat. These were the same ones studied by the Rosner report and found wanting.
However, it appears that Mr Christie has chosen to ignore this letter. Instead he is "taking the high road" and looking "forward to a vigorous debate." And so, the Christie-led PLP is heading into an election with the same baggage that their highly paid consultants advised cost them the 2007 election.
Mr Christie's weakness for indecision was spotted early in his administration. One of the first acts of a government is to appoint its boards so that its administration can function smoothly from the beginning. The PLP won the government in May, 2002. By July no boards had been appointed. Mr Christie was being criticised for his procrastination. His reply to the criticism was given in a speech at Mission Baptist Church. Said he:
"The press and some people want to kill me because they say I ain't name them (government boards) yet. Well let 'em wait. Let me say this to you, I have been Prime Minister long enough to see that unless I do it the right way, I am wasting your time doing it the quick way."
And this was the story of his five-year administration. That is why when the FNM was returned in 2007 it found so much unfinished business, and agreements yet to be finalised.
And so, Mr Mitchell, Mr Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda. In five years Mr Christie did an excellent job in building his own reputation -- as the Rosner report concluded: He is a nice man, but a weak leader.
The serious times now facing this country demand a strong and decisive leader. We shall perish with indecision.
May 31, 2011
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
FRED MITCHELL has urged Bahamians to ignore the "biased opinion" of American diplomats who in their reports to Washington have characterised former prime minister Perry Christie as a procrastinating leader who "often fails to act altogether while awaiting elusive consensus in his Cabinet."
Mr Mitchell expressed surprise that US diplomats would "simply rehash the same unvarnished propaganda of the Free National Movement to describe the leader of the PLP and the policies of the PLP."
It would be interesting to know which face of Fred Mitchell has made this statement.
It is obviously the political Fred Mitchell, preparing for the hustings and anticipating a hard battle to return his party with its indecisive leader to the seat of power. However, in quiet conversation with his own conscience, the other side of Mr Mitchell must know that his statement is not true.
The indecisive leadership of Mr Christie is very much an election issue. It certainly wasn't an FNM faction within the PLP in 2009 that wanted Mr Christie removed as leader because it did not think it had a chance with him at its head. This group felt so strongly on the issue that someone within the party leaked the Greenberg, Quinlan and Rosner report on the reasons for the party's 2007 election defeat. This report, commissioned by the PLP after the 2007 election to analyse why the party lost an election it was so confident of winning, was made public by the dissident group to inform the public and to try to convince its own membership that Mr Christie was too indecisive to be at the helm.
The consultants' report, for which the party must have paid a "pretty penny", was blunt. In a nutshell, it said, the PLP lost the government after only a five-year test run, because at its helm was a nice, but weak leader heading what the public perceived to be a corrupt and scandal-ridden party. Maybe, the political side of Mr Mitchell would have us believe that the Rosner report was written by an FNM analyst. However - the other Mr Mitchell and his conscience knows otherwise.
Obviously, the report was ignored because recently three senior party members in a private letter -- again leaked to the press -- advised Mr Christie that he could prove to the public that he was indeed a decisive leader by blocking the nomination of certain politicians who were perceived to have led to the party's 2002 defeat. These were the same ones studied by the Rosner report and found wanting.
However, it appears that Mr Christie has chosen to ignore this letter. Instead he is "taking the high road" and looking "forward to a vigorous debate." And so, the Christie-led PLP is heading into an election with the same baggage that their highly paid consultants advised cost them the 2007 election.
Mr Christie's weakness for indecision was spotted early in his administration. One of the first acts of a government is to appoint its boards so that its administration can function smoothly from the beginning. The PLP won the government in May, 2002. By July no boards had been appointed. Mr Christie was being criticised for his procrastination. His reply to the criticism was given in a speech at Mission Baptist Church. Said he:
"The press and some people want to kill me because they say I ain't name them (government boards) yet. Well let 'em wait. Let me say this to you, I have been Prime Minister long enough to see that unless I do it the right way, I am wasting your time doing it the quick way."
And this was the story of his five-year administration. That is why when the FNM was returned in 2007 it found so much unfinished business, and agreements yet to be finalised.
And so, Mr Mitchell, Mr Christie's indecisiveness is not FNM propaganda. In five years Mr Christie did an excellent job in building his own reputation -- as the Rosner report concluded: He is a nice man, but a weak leader.
The serious times now facing this country demand a strong and decisive leader. We shall perish with indecision.
May 31, 2011
tribune242 editorial
Monday, May 23, 2011
The analysis of the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful
A U.S. view of Perry Christie
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
The analysis by officials from the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader Perry Christie after he announced the 2007 general election in April of that year, reveals that even though the Americans perceived the PLP and Christie as friendly bilateral partners, they also held the view that the Christie-led PLP was indecisive and disorganized, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.
"The timing of the elections are typical of Christie's style of governance — uncertain, waiting until the last possible moment, with action forced by outside events rather than strategic planning," said the embassy in the cable which was labeled as confidential.
The cable is titled, “PM Christie calls May 2 elections; tight race expected”. It was listed as classified by the then embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt. The last name of then Ambassador John Rood is at the end of the cable.
It is unclear who wrote the document. It may be a compilation of the insights of various officials at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
The embassy's analysis of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful. The cable noted that Christie lost an opportunity to call elections earlier in order to capitalize on Free National Movement (FNM) infighting.
In the fall of 2005, FNM MP for North Abaco and former party leader Hubert Ingraham entered the FNM leadership race and defeated incumbent party leader Tommy Turnquest after assuring Turnquest he would not run in the race.
Despite the confusion that ensued in the FNM from Ingraham's Machiavellian move, Christie waited for nearly a year and a half to call the general election. Christie and the PLP lost that election.
The decision by Christie to call the election at nearly the last moment allowed Ingraham time to raise money, rebuild the ‘FNM machine’ and to revive his image.
"Christie's decision to call elections now, also forced by outside deadlines, has risked church backlash against the PLP – no small thing in The Bahamas – by breaking tradition and calling elections and starting campaigns over Easter weekend," the cable continued.
"Usually, one would not bet against an incumbent party running on a strong economy, low unemployment and pending projects promising billions to the nation. However, poor management and indecisive leadership, combined with questions about the integrity of PLP parliamentarians have made this a race to watch."
The Americans accurately perceived PLP weakness in the run-up to the general election. Christie, however, appeared as confident in private as he was in public that the PLP would win the 2007 election.
The cable said that during an April 4 meeting with Rood, Christie boasted that his brilliant and incisive cutting of the constituency boundaries in the country would make the difference in a close election.
References to meetings between Bahamian and U.S. officials are common throughout the cables. The Americans took detailed notes of these meetings and created complex briefs for their files on the thoughts, words and perceptions of those they met with.
The U.S. Embassy perception of the two leaders of the two main Bahamian political parties in the run-up to the election was similar to that held by many Bahamians then and now.
“On the issues there is little to separate the parties. Bahamian politics is largely based on personality rather than policy, and the elections will likely be decided on the leadership styles of PLP leader Perry Christie and FNM leader Hubert Ingraham,” said the embassy in the cable.
“Ingraham is known from his time as prime minister as a decisive leader who accomplished much while suppressing dissension. His critics claim he rode roughshod over opponents.
“Christie has a well-deserved reputation as a waffling, indecisive leader, who procrastinates and often fails to act altogether while awaiting an elusive consensus in his Cabinet.”
The FNM and Ingraham share the same view of Christie. However, Christie has repeatedly rejected this label. He has said that he is a leader who consults in order to make proper decisions that do not have to be reversed.
Christie has also argued that crime was lower during his administration and the economy was in better shape as compared to the current state of affairs under the Ingraham administration.
Despite this brisk critique of Christie by the U.S., the Americans explicitly expressed confidence in both sides of the Bahamian political divide.
“Regardless of who wins, the United States can expect a strong partner in the Bahamian government. The PLP, while more left-leaning than the FNM, has been a valuable ally in law enforcement and an array of bilateral initiatives, including mega-ports and the Container Security Initiative,” said the embassy in the cable.
The cable added that while it took significant effort by embassy officials, the PLP government ultimately supported the U.S. on human rights and Security Council membership votes at the United Nations, “providing hope for greater multilateral cooperation from the PLP.”
However, the embassy did think that the FNM leaned more to its side.
“The FNM would likely be a stronger supporter of U.S. international goals and would take a more skeptical approach to Cuba – possibly even terminating the Cuban eye care program – and would certainly continue the excellent bilateral relationship we now enjoy,” according to the cable.
5/23/2011
thenassauguardian
By BRENT DEAN
Deputy News Editor
thenassauguardian
brentldean@nasguard.com
The analysis by officials from the United States Embassy in Nassau of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and its leader Perry Christie after he announced the 2007 general election in April of that year, reveals that even though the Americans perceived the PLP and Christie as friendly bilateral partners, they also held the view that the Christie-led PLP was indecisive and disorganized, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable obtained by The Nassau Guardian from WikiLeaks.
"The timing of the elections are typical of Christie's style of governance — uncertain, waiting until the last possible moment, with action forced by outside events rather than strategic planning," said the embassy in the cable which was labeled as confidential.
The cable is titled, “PM Christie calls May 2 elections; tight race expected”. It was listed as classified by the then embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Brent Hardt. The last name of then Ambassador John Rood is at the end of the cable.
It is unclear who wrote the document. It may be a compilation of the insights of various officials at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau.
The embassy's analysis of the Bahamian political scene is comprehensive and insightful. The cable noted that Christie lost an opportunity to call elections earlier in order to capitalize on Free National Movement (FNM) infighting.
In the fall of 2005, FNM MP for North Abaco and former party leader Hubert Ingraham entered the FNM leadership race and defeated incumbent party leader Tommy Turnquest after assuring Turnquest he would not run in the race.
Despite the confusion that ensued in the FNM from Ingraham's Machiavellian move, Christie waited for nearly a year and a half to call the general election. Christie and the PLP lost that election.
The decision by Christie to call the election at nearly the last moment allowed Ingraham time to raise money, rebuild the ‘FNM machine’ and to revive his image.
"Christie's decision to call elections now, also forced by outside deadlines, has risked church backlash against the PLP – no small thing in The Bahamas – by breaking tradition and calling elections and starting campaigns over Easter weekend," the cable continued.
"Usually, one would not bet against an incumbent party running on a strong economy, low unemployment and pending projects promising billions to the nation. However, poor management and indecisive leadership, combined with questions about the integrity of PLP parliamentarians have made this a race to watch."
The Americans accurately perceived PLP weakness in the run-up to the general election. Christie, however, appeared as confident in private as he was in public that the PLP would win the 2007 election.
The cable said that during an April 4 meeting with Rood, Christie boasted that his brilliant and incisive cutting of the constituency boundaries in the country would make the difference in a close election.
References to meetings between Bahamian and U.S. officials are common throughout the cables. The Americans took detailed notes of these meetings and created complex briefs for their files on the thoughts, words and perceptions of those they met with.
The U.S. Embassy perception of the two leaders of the two main Bahamian political parties in the run-up to the election was similar to that held by many Bahamians then and now.
“On the issues there is little to separate the parties. Bahamian politics is largely based on personality rather than policy, and the elections will likely be decided on the leadership styles of PLP leader Perry Christie and FNM leader Hubert Ingraham,” said the embassy in the cable.
“Ingraham is known from his time as prime minister as a decisive leader who accomplished much while suppressing dissension. His critics claim he rode roughshod over opponents.
“Christie has a well-deserved reputation as a waffling, indecisive leader, who procrastinates and often fails to act altogether while awaiting an elusive consensus in his Cabinet.”
The FNM and Ingraham share the same view of Christie. However, Christie has repeatedly rejected this label. He has said that he is a leader who consults in order to make proper decisions that do not have to be reversed.
Christie has also argued that crime was lower during his administration and the economy was in better shape as compared to the current state of affairs under the Ingraham administration.
Despite this brisk critique of Christie by the U.S., the Americans explicitly expressed confidence in both sides of the Bahamian political divide.
“Regardless of who wins, the United States can expect a strong partner in the Bahamian government. The PLP, while more left-leaning than the FNM, has been a valuable ally in law enforcement and an array of bilateral initiatives, including mega-ports and the Container Security Initiative,” said the embassy in the cable.
The cable added that while it took significant effort by embassy officials, the PLP government ultimately supported the U.S. on human rights and Security Council membership votes at the United Nations, “providing hope for greater multilateral cooperation from the PLP.”
However, the embassy did think that the FNM leaned more to its side.
“The FNM would likely be a stronger supporter of U.S. international goals and would take a more skeptical approach to Cuba – possibly even terminating the Cuban eye care program – and would certainly continue the excellent bilateral relationship we now enjoy,” according to the cable.
5/23/2011
thenassauguardian
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Perry Christie - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader says: Branville McCartney and his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party are not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
“McCartney Not Ready”
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
A lot has been said in the wake of the official launch of Branville McCartney’s Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party.
But according to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader, Perry Christie, the former state minister of immigration, is not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
In fact, Mr. Christie dubbed the DNA’s launch at the Wyndham Nassau Resort last week as "one big party."
"He has taken a very bold step," Mr. Christie said in an interview with the Bahama Journal yesterday.
"However, in my view, he has precedents of persons who have tried third party politics before and have not succeeded or even come near to succeeding. I think he has ignored those precedents and done so to his detriment, but it is clear that he has been encouraged by a body of opinion that exists in the country that believe we should have an alternative to the Free National Movement (FNM) and the PLP or rather to Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham."
Mr. Christie, who has been in the political arena for close to four decades, said it is going to take more than a few Bahamian singers and new faces to win the Bahamian people over.
"When people come to vote, they will have to make a decision as to the future of their country and they will make a decision on the basis of real politics, that is parties with the capacity to govern and that is where Mr. McCartney has an incredible challenge and a major gap in what he is trying to do," he said.
"People will have to make a decision not on whether they give someone a seat, but on whether the people who they are voting for will form the next government and my opinion is that Mr. McCartney is not going to be in that consideration."
During the DNA’s launch, Mr. McCartney introduced Chelphene Cunningham as his party’s candidate for Garden Hills; Floyd Armbrister for Exuma; Sammy "Sammy Starr" Poitier for South Beach; Farrel Goff for Clifton; Ben Albury for Montagu; Adrian Laroda for MICAL; Roscoe Thompson for South Abaco; Charlene Paul for Elizabeth and Alfred Poitier for Kennedy.
Mr. McCartney hopes to retain his seat as the Bamboo Town MP.
But according to Mr. Christie, Bahamians will not be swayed by new faces, but by those who have stood the test of time.
In a recent statement, the PLP noted that on the face of it, the structure and function of the DNA is "rank with the stench of dictatorship."
"There is no published constitution that governs the structure, function, policies and processes of the DNA," the release said.
"There is no executive committee or council to provide the executing mechanisms that form the basis of the DNA’s policies and processes. It appears that Mr. McCartney is a self-appointed leader who in turn appointed a chairman. He apparently unilaterally appointed his candidates. To the casual political observer, this is not democracy, but dictatorship in its rankest form."
Mr. Christie again stressed that his party remains focused on preparing itself for winning the next general elections and that he believes the PLP is only one of two parties that can achieve that goal.
May 19th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By Sasha L. Lightbourne
jonesbahamas
A lot has been said in the wake of the official launch of Branville McCartney’s Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party.
But according to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader, Perry Christie, the former state minister of immigration, is not ready to fight in a "real political boxing match."
In fact, Mr. Christie dubbed the DNA’s launch at the Wyndham Nassau Resort last week as "one big party."
"He has taken a very bold step," Mr. Christie said in an interview with the Bahama Journal yesterday.
"However, in my view, he has precedents of persons who have tried third party politics before and have not succeeded or even come near to succeeding. I think he has ignored those precedents and done so to his detriment, but it is clear that he has been encouraged by a body of opinion that exists in the country that believe we should have an alternative to the Free National Movement (FNM) and the PLP or rather to Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham."
Mr. Christie, who has been in the political arena for close to four decades, said it is going to take more than a few Bahamian singers and new faces to win the Bahamian people over.
"When people come to vote, they will have to make a decision as to the future of their country and they will make a decision on the basis of real politics, that is parties with the capacity to govern and that is where Mr. McCartney has an incredible challenge and a major gap in what he is trying to do," he said.
"People will have to make a decision not on whether they give someone a seat, but on whether the people who they are voting for will form the next government and my opinion is that Mr. McCartney is not going to be in that consideration."
During the DNA’s launch, Mr. McCartney introduced Chelphene Cunningham as his party’s candidate for Garden Hills; Floyd Armbrister for Exuma; Sammy "Sammy Starr" Poitier for South Beach; Farrel Goff for Clifton; Ben Albury for Montagu; Adrian Laroda for MICAL; Roscoe Thompson for South Abaco; Charlene Paul for Elizabeth and Alfred Poitier for Kennedy.
Mr. McCartney hopes to retain his seat as the Bamboo Town MP.
But according to Mr. Christie, Bahamians will not be swayed by new faces, but by those who have stood the test of time.
In a recent statement, the PLP noted that on the face of it, the structure and function of the DNA is "rank with the stench of dictatorship."
"There is no published constitution that governs the structure, function, policies and processes of the DNA," the release said.
"There is no executive committee or council to provide the executing mechanisms that form the basis of the DNA’s policies and processes. It appears that Mr. McCartney is a self-appointed leader who in turn appointed a chairman. He apparently unilaterally appointed his candidates. To the casual political observer, this is not democracy, but dictatorship in its rankest form."
Mr. Christie again stressed that his party remains focused on preparing itself for winning the next general elections and that he believes the PLP is only one of two parties that can achieve that goal.
May 19th, 2011
jonesbahamas
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