As we leap into this brand new year, I am more than persuaded that The Bahamas and her people are witnesses to confusion in high places. There is apparent confusion within our political parties, both minor and major. There is apparent confusion within the ranks of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Customs; Immigration and the Defence Force. For a very long time, I submit, there has been apparent confusion within the midst of the collective church.
We are a blessed nation and one whom it would appear that Jehovah has elevated amongst our brothers and sisters in this region bar none. Yet, there is a dichotomy within our political parties. Attorney Craig Butler, a lifelong member of the PLP and its elected National Treasurer, has, without a publicly stated reason, been denied, consistently, a parliamentary nomination. Second chances? Ron Rolle, a long time operative within the PLP, according to news items, has been evicted from holding a physical office within national headquarters due to some disagreement within the National Council. A female trade union leader has allegedly been given the nomination in a constituency, despite the massive opposition of the local branch.
The hierarchy of the PLP at National Headquarters are, collectively, as old as Rip Van Wrinkle. The Leader appears to be shy of the media and the Deputy only pokes his head out and fixes his lips to speak when there is a matter involving BlueWater. That party has yet to formulate; debate, and present its future plans for the nation in a public forum. Yet, it says that it is the alternative to the obviously dysfunctional Free National Movement?
What about the FNM? I have always been a firm supporter of the Rt Hon Leader of that party even though I have never espoused or embraced its so-called policy positions. In fact, there has never been a bigger boaster of Mr Ingraham in The Bahamas other than myself. The FNM promised to be “all things to all men” during the last electoral cycle back in 2007. Mr Ingraham crowed that he was “more grandfatherly” and “more compassionate.” Has he demonstrated these qualities in the public execution of his duties to the people of The Bahamas? You be the judge.
He’s gone on record as saying that he could care less about the attitude of certain segments of the populace and that he was elected to govern, or is it to rule, this nation. He’s told trade unionists, point blank, that if they want to hold onto their lifelong jobs, they’d better shut up; sit back and let him decide what is best for them; their families and the nation.
A Supreme Court justice has actually ruled against the posture of the FNM’s Minister of Works relative to the fiasco over at Blue Hill Road and Market Street. The erstwhile Attorney General, who is unelected, and owes his tenure to the Rt Hon Prime Minister, says that he is going to appeal that ruling. Of all that is on his plate, he has time to launch a potentially bogus appeal?
The FNM is proposing to sell the telecommunications corporation to a foreign entity and has even executed a Memorandum of Understanding with the same. Keep in mind that Cable & Wireless, by its own admission, is still in the process of formulating a business plan! How is it possible for me or you to agree to sell something to someone without sight of his/her business plan in advance? Where is the celebrated MOU and why is it being kept under wraps and shrouded in darkness?
The new Commissioner of Police assumed office last year January, all gung-ho and full of promises. One year later, he’s gone so quiet that his silence is fast becoming deafening in the extreme. The Commissioner needs to appear and speak in public to update and reassure us that he is still “the best man” for the job which he holds. I fought dead hard for his elevation, but at this juncture, I am not too impressed. Physically, the average member of the force is putting on too much weight, even at the top.
We still demand a quick resolution to the unfortunate death of the late indomitable Inspector Archibald “Archie” Miller. We still want to know why there are so many “cold cases” that, seemingly, cannot be brought to closure. There are far too many complaints being made by members of the public about abuses and over-reaching by the police force but they don’t seem to be addressed in a timely manner or at all.
The other uniformed forces within the nation are alleged to be riddled in corruption; deceit and bull skating. There is no Ombudsman and no Freedom of Information Act as promised (a comfort to fools) by the FNM and its leadership cadre. The Comptroller of Customs seems to be able to do as he sees fit while apparently running roughshod over his underlings and private companies.
Our court and penal systems are where you put me. Justice, such as it is, must be done and seen to be done. Yet, criminal cases take years to wind their way through the gauntlet. Victims and survivors are forced to grin and bear it while known criminals walk our streets big like Billy. The Magistrates Courts are a power unto themselves and different courts make different decisions, based on similar facts and law, every day and night. There is a stark lack of confidence in the system.
What do we do? I dreamt about the Rt Hon Prime Minister the other night. He was wearing a very tight outfit and had a noticeable limp as he walked. I also saw the Rt Hon Leader of the Opposition in that dream. He was grinning from ear, to ear while eating an ice cream sandwich. What is the interpretation of that dream and what does it mean for The Bahamas?
Mr Ingiaham still has a job to do but he is politically wounded, hence the limp. He has few options and his political capital is almost played out, hence the tight clothes. Mr Christie, alas, is literally clueless as to how to salvage what is left of his political career, hence the ice cream sandwich.
The way he has managed the iconic PLP is causing the late great and irreplaceable Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, to roll over in his crypt. The disrespect which the PLP, collectively, has shown to its long
time supporters will lead to the fragmentation and fractionalisation of that party come the next general election. The FNM is between a rock and a hard place with the implementation of many of its cockeyed public policies, but the disjointed PLP is incapable or unwilling to capitalise on this fact. To God then, in all of these things, be the glory.
ORTLAND H BODIE Jr
January, 2011
Nassau, Bahamas
