...whatever they called him during his 15 years as prime minister ...Hubert Ingraham did much for this country - The Bahamas ...and for all Bahamians... ...He should be a true inspiration to Bahamian youth who now know that regardless of their backgrounds ...they can also aspire to great heights

A Tribute To Hubert Alexander Ingraham

Tribune 242 Editorial




IF from a log cabin in the backwoods of Kentucky the sixteenth president of the United States could step forth, there was no reason why 203 years later Cooper’s Town, Abaco, could not produce from similar circumstances the second prime minister of the Bahamas.

 

The two men had much in common. “I walk slowly,” said Abraham Lincoln, “but I never walk backwards.”

 

Hubert Alexander Ingraham, born in Pine Ridge Grand Bahama, in 1947, could have said the same.

 

Both men had much in common. Lincoln’s parents were illiterate. His mother died when he was nine, and his stepmother took him under her wing and encouraged him to read. Reading material was scarce and Lincoln walked for miles just to borrow a book.

 

Hubert Ingraham, was left with his grandparents in Abaco when he was a toddler, while his mother found work in Nassau. He grew up in a four-room wooden house with his grandparents and an uncle, and slept on a pallet on the floor with his two cousins. He got his first pair of shoes when he was 10 and didn’t learn how to use a knife and fork until he was 17. His grandfather taught him how to fish, his grandmother insisted on education — and every bit of learning he could get he got at the sleepy little town’s all-age school, where he became a monitor at 12 and a pupil teacher at 14.

 

When at 17 she felt he was ready to go to town to further his education, he wanted to become a teacher, she determined that he was to be a lawyer and a lawyer he became. Lincoln, who with his backwoods accent, made his living by manual labour and – like Hubert Ingraham – had to acquire social skills as he went along, also became a lawyer.

 

His grandmother instilled in him his courage and determination, she crafted his principles, taught him to raise his gaze above the horizon — believing that if he aimed for the stars, he might reach the tree tops. He did not let “Mama Lizzie” down. He was her boy and between his love and respect for her and his mother “Dama” he was determined to raise the lot of women in our society.

 

The UBP gave women the vote in 1962. When in 1992 Hubert Ingraham went to the polls to remove his mentor, Sir Lynden Pindling, from the seat of power, women started to come into their own.

 

During his administration, Mrs Janet Bostwick, a former minister in his government, states in an article in a special supplement in today’s Tribune:

 

“And, he is an FNM hero because he brought women front and centre in each government which he led, paying attention to all the issues that concern Bahamian women most especially health, education, social development and equality before the law.”

 

He placed women to head important ministries in his government — Attorney General, Health, Education, Foreign Affairs, Social Development, Transport, Public Service, and Immigration. During his administration Dame Ivy Dumont became the first woman Governor General, and Dame Joan Sawyer, was the first woman Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

 

He believed deeply in democracy — and for democracy to be equally enjoyed by all Bahamians. He was criticised by his own party for his refusal to discriminate against Bahamians who were not FNM. There are still those in his party who do not understand that all the spoils should not go to the victor. At least Hubert Alexander Ingraham did not believe in the victor walking away with everything — nor did old Abe Lincoln.

 

He also believed in freedom of speech. And one of the first things that he did on becoming prime minister of the Bahamas was to open the airwaves to the private sector. The Tribune was given the first private radio licence for 100 JAMZ. Since then there have been many private radio licences and many talk shows, where Bahamians can express their opinions, no matter how wise or foolish.

 

No longer do Bahamians, like Fred Mitchell, have to fly to Miami to buy air time to get their views across to the Bahamian public. Today they have many outlets right here at home and they certainly use them.

 

Mr Ingraham has been the brunt of much of their criticism — but this is the price of free speech. We are certain that he does not like it. We are also certain that untruths make him squirm — in fact send him into a boiling temper — but we are also certain that he would never be vindictive, or retaliate by denying work permits to newspapers. He would probably agree with Winston Churchill who said: “I am always in favour of the free press but sometimes they say quite nasty things.” As for Abe Lincoln, he felt it important “to let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe.”

 

They laughed at his accent, they called him the “Delivery Boy,” his nickname was Hughbiggity – Sir Lynden dismissed him as a one-term prime minister – but whatever they called him during his 15 years as prime minister he did much for this country and for all Bahamians. He should be a true inspiration to Bahamian youth who now know that regardless of their backgrounds they can also aspire to great heights.

 

September 07, 2012

 

Tribune242 Editorial

 

Caribbean Blog International

 

The 2012 general election is behind us now... and nation building requires all of us to join Team Bahamas ...and put our full support behind Prime Minister Perry Christie... as we move this country forward, onward, upward, together

Beyond Election 2012

CFAL Economic View

On Monday past The Bahamas held its eight election; an event which is best described as perhaps the most pivotal election since independence and the manner in which it was conducted took the process to a new level.  It also resulted in the changing of the guard and will no doubt usher in a new cadre of political leaders.

We wish to congratulate Perry G. Christie, the new prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, on his election victory.

The election was a hard, tough and rugged battle for all the contestants.  Much resources, man-hours and capital were expended in the process.  It is behind us now and nation building requires all of us to join Team Bahamas and put our full support behind Christie as we move this country forward, onward, upward, together.

What are we to expect in the next five years?  To begin with, there are many challenges as well as opportunities to face over the coming years and our success as a country would demand full engagement and co-operation by all.  It’s up to the new administration to chart a course for “Bahamas Incorporated” in order to ensure a safe journey on our destination to a prosperous Bahamas.  It must be an all-inclusive plan for the entire Bahamas involving all political groupings; an undertaking which we believe Christie can fully support.

It is our hope that the new administration will seek out and use the talents and intellect of all Bahamians from anywhere but especially, bright, smart young Bahamians, no matter what their political affiliations may be.  In the past, immediately following an election, it was not unusual to see the usual list of suspects being appointed either as consultants or heads of various government boards irrespective of their credentials or even a track record for successfully managing anything.  The almost deliberate oversight of young people in the past was not helpful to nation building and we are hopeful that going forward, our young people will be given opportunities to serve in a meaningful way in government agencies and institutions and on government boards and committees.

Perhaps the single biggest issue facing the new government is that of job creation.  This matter is particularly challenging because it is highly dependent on external factors over which we have no control.  In this regard, it would be useful for us to begin to focus quickly on a “plan” for Bahamas 2020.  This would enable us to determine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and develop a plan which maximizes our strengths, minimizes our weaknesses, while taking advantage of the opportunities and appreciating the threats to our economy.  In the short-term, we need to continue to grow and diversify within our two major financial pillars while at the same time, developing new pillars to minimize any future external shocks to “Bahamas Incorporated”.  We need to continue to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as to provide appropriate opportunities (incentives) for increased local direct investment (LDI).

We also need to explore new industries and build upon some of the less successful industries to date, which for whatever reason, were left unattended or not pursued.  We need to focus on industries such as agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, light manufacturing and high-end service centers, while continuing the “oil drilling” dialogue.  We must be mindful that it is a mistake to believe that oil drilling will be the panacea for wiping out the national debt and a solution to all our problems.  The reality is that it would take years to see any sustainable economic impact on The Bahamas.  Based upon the information available to us, it would appear that the current structure needs to be re-negotiated more favorably in the economic interest of The Bahamas.  We have no doubt that Christie and his government would act in the best interest of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and do the right thing in this regard.

We take this opportunity to congratulate the new Cabinet and we look forward to seeing any new policies and programs unveiled by the new administration.

• CFAL is a sister company of The Nassau Guardian under the AF Holdings Ltd. umbrella. CFAL provides investment management, research, brokerage and pension services. For comments, please contact CFAL at: column@cfal.com

May 09, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

The return of Perry Christie as prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas

The return of Perry Christie

thenassauguardian editorial

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has defeated Hubert Ingraham and his Free National Movement (FNM) in a landslide victory, returning Perry Christie to the post of prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Christie became the first one-term prime minister of an independent Bahamas in 2007 when Hubert Ingraham and the FNM defeated his party.  In the 2007 general election campaign Ingraham, his friend, waged an all out attack on Christie, branding him as weak, lazy and incompetent as a leader.  Those attacks on the PLP continued during its five-year term in opposition and accelerated during the 2012 election campaign.  Christie endured and he has defeated and retired Ingraham.

When Christie lost in 2007, it was largely due to a perceived permissive leadership style.  There were many gaffes and scandals during the PLP’s term and many thought Christie could have been firmer in response to the misbehavior of some of his members.

Christie has a chance.  He must learn from his errors.  To lead is to choose.  To lead is to make sure that those under you follow in a responsible and orderly manner.  Christie must do this this time.

He must also urgently move to address several major issues facing our country.

The Ingraham administration borrowed an extraordinary amount of money during the last few years of the party’s mandate.  The debt position of the country must be assessed and the country must be set on a course of sustainable growth.

The country also has a serious crime problem.  The PLP has pledged a robust anti-crime program.  We will watch carefully to see if it works.  The PLP savaged the FNM on the crime issue.  Now it must deliver.  If it does not, it will face quite the attack for promising solutions and not delivering.

Another pressing issue for Christie and his new government will be the roadwork project in New Providence.  It is significantly over-budget and has harmed and annoyed many Bahamians.

Jose Cartellone Construcciones Civiles must state whether or not it can finish this work in a timely fashion, if not, the new government needs to find another contractor or contractors.

These are just a few of the main issues the new government must face immediately.  The PLP will have a major majority when all the counting is done.  It must use this historic vote to prove it is serious about governing in the best interest of the Bahamian people.  Christie must be the watchdog and ensure that members of his party do not take advantage of the positions of privilege they hold.

Hubert Ingraham should return to the House of Assembly

Ingraham is the second most significant politician in modern Bahamian history after his mentor Sir Lynden Pindling.  Ingraham announced last night that he will not be sworn in as the member of Parliament for North Abaco and he will not swear in as leader of the opposition.  He also resigned as FNM leader.

Ingraham did the right thing by stepping down as FNM leader.  That move demonstrated maturity.  Ingraham, though, should swear in and come to the House of Assembly so that he can be given the proper dignified parliamentary send off he deserves before retiring from Parliament.

When Sir Lynden Pindling lost in the epic FNM landslide in 1997, Sir Lynden returned to the House.  On his last day MPs spoke on Sir Lynden’s legacy.  Ingraham gave a comprehensive address on the good and the bad of the Pindling years.  Sir Lynden understood that he was a historic figure; he knew that moment in the House was important for the historic record.  He subjected himself to the moment.  Ingraham should do the same.

Last night’s loss was nothing to be embarrassed about.  Ingraham has won three mandates.  He has done much for the development of The Bahamas.  We should hear one last time in the House from the man who came from poverty to be prime minister, who won the Abaco seat eight times.  This type of goodbye would be fitting for a great leader.

May 08, 2012

thenassauguardian editorial

Caribbean Blog International

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham seems more concerned about women's rights in The Bahamas than many Bahamian women, who appear quite content to continue to walk a few paces behind their men

tribune242 editorial



PRIME Minister Ingraham resurrected the issue of women's rights at a luncheon given last week to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Bureau of Women's Affairs.

Mr Ingraham seems more concerned about women's rights than many Bahamian women, who appear quite content to continue to walk a few paces behind their men. Although women are no longer -- as they once were -- classified on our statute books with "children and lunatics" -- their children still cannot claim Bahamian nationality if their husband is not a Bahamian. However, the irony of the matter is that illegitimate children of a Bahamian woman are Bahamian citizens even though the children's natural father might be a foreigner -- and even though they might be born outside the Bahamas. So any child who wants Bahamian citizenship is better off if his mother is unmarried. Also, as in Common Law a child's nationality follows that of the father, children of Bahamian men married to foreign women, are also Bahamian -- regardless of where they are born.
The only children left out in the cold -- and at the discretion of the whim of a politician -- are the legitimate children of a Bahamian mother and a non-Bahamian father.

Make sense? Not to us, but if the rejection of the referendum to right an obvious wrong is to be the yardstick, its seems that illegitimacy has more status in this country than legitimacy. And given a chance by the Ingraham government in a free vote on February 27, 2002 it was the women themselves who rejected the referendum, and decided to remain unequal.

Of course, it was the PLP Opposition that muddied the waters and confused the electorate. The PLP apparently thought that the defeat of the referendum would be a defeat of the Ingraham government at the polls -- which it eventually was.

On the floor of the House -- and led by then Opposition leader Perry Christie -- the PLP did a most interesting two-foot shuffle. Having had an inordinate amount of time to consult with the government on the proposed referendum, which Prime Minister Ingraham assured them would not include any issue with which they disagreed, and after a five-day debate in the House on the proposed referendum, 39 of the 40 MPs voted "yes" to the referendum. All questions that were to go to the public for its vote, the Opposition on the floor of the House had agreed.
However, when it came time for the public to vote, the PLP -- again led by Mr Christie -- ordered their supporters to vote "no."

Surprisingly Mrs Alyson Maynard Gibson, at that time PLP MP for Pinewood, threw out the red herring that a "yes" vote for the referendum, which would make Bahamian women equal to their menfolk, would create a "marriage of convenience" market in the Bahamas. Why should it be more of a marriage of convenience for Bahamian women than for Bahamian men? Apparently she had no answer.

If Mrs Gibson had looked carefully at the 1973 Constitution and the proposed change, she would have known that this was not true. The nationality amendments to the Constitution were to make Bahamian women equal, not give them more rights than Bahamian men.

But all that did not matter. We have never seen or heard such jiggery-pokery as the PLP pulled during that referendum. It had become so political - PLP vs FNM -- that in the end the real issue was lost. As a result Bahamian women remain second class citizens -- and they have only themselves to blame.

"We put in our Constitution," Mr Ingraham said at the time, "a provision that gave to Bahamian women who had children outside of a marriage more rights than a Bahamian woman who was in fact married."

And so it remains today. It's now up to Bahamian women to do something about it.

About a year later -- by now Mr Ingraham had lost the 2002 election and Mr Christie was Prime Minister -- we attended a wedding at which Mr Christie was also present. The date was May 30, 2003. The place-- St Anselm's Church, Fox Hill.

Outside of the church we introduced Mr Christie to a Bahamian woman from an old and respected Bahamian family who had married a foreigner and whose children were left out in the cold by the defeated referendum. We brought the matter to his attention. He gave her his most affable smile, and, never at a loss for words, assured her that on his watch all wrongs would be made right. He said he knew that Mr Ingraham could not get the referendum through, but he, Perry Christie, certainly could. As Prime Minister he intended to do so.

That conversation took place eight years ago. Since then the young Bahamian man and his foreign wife, whose wedding we attended, have had four handsome Bahamian boys -- one of them born in England. Mr Christie was prime minister for five years and today the children of Bahamian women, whose husbands are foreign, are still out in the cold.

From the day of that conversation no more was heard from Mr Christie's quarter about women's rights, nor about doing something about the referendum that he helped scuttle.

June 27, 2011

tribune242 editorial

Caribbean Blog International

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

Mr. Errington Watkins on Mr. Branville McCartney


By Rick Lowe




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

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

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

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

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

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

February 19, 2011

weblogbahamas

Bahamas Blog International