Several weeks ago Free National Movement senator Desmond Bannister found himself involved in a personal situation that could possibly cast shadows on his public life. He did what people do who seek to honestly represent the interest of others. He did not seek to rationalise, justify, or otherwise try to hold on to his appointed position of trust. He resigned his seat in the Senate and the presidency of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association.
There is a lesson here to be learned by all who would wish to be involved in public service – elected and appointed.
A number of former colonies of Great Britain in the Caribbean have adopted the British Westminster model of Government, but have failed to comply with the customs and norms of propriety that support the British institutional structures. The Bahamas is one of the countries that do no adhere strictly to the British conventions and in the 32 years that it has been independent, no minister of the government or person in public life has voluntarily resigned because of a conflict of interest, immoral behaviour or for any perceived scandal in their personal or public life.
And in recent times there were some who should not only have resigned but failing to do so should have been fired. But alas, nothing.
For future reference perhaps a page can be taken from a Trinidadian cabinet minister’s book where although he maintains his innocence against accusations of having accepted bribes, he nontheless resigned from the Cabinet “until my name is fully cleared of these baseless allegations.
That was the honourable thing to do. These are the kinds of people who will be found deserving of the title “honourable” being placed in the front of their names.
Desmond Bannister has led an exemplary public life up to now – as a senator and the president of the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association – and has not been touched by scandals that would necessitate him permanently leaving the public stage. In time, if he chooses to return, he could still make a meaningful contribution to the development of this country.
Editorial from The Nassau Guardian, Friday, May 13, 2005
