BahamasUncensored.Com Archive

TOO MANY LOST AT SEA (The US complains to us)
On Tuesday 29th December Stephen Wray, a former athlete who was once the record holder for The Bahamas in the high jump, went out to sea in bad weather with a friend Wilfred Johnson. Mr. Wray who is 47 and has six children and a wife has not been heard from since that time. He was to go out fishing and return at 5 p.m. When he did not return, the alarm was sounded. The official search has been abandoned. There was a distress call picked up by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The capsized boat was found, but the men have not been found. Mr. Wray’s wife says that he was a strong man and she believes that he will come home again.

If this is not resolved by the return alive of the two men, then that means two people have drowned at sea, the second two in two weeks. The week before, three Bahamians in a small fishing boat set off from Georgetown in Exuma despite breaking swells across the bar of Elizabeth Harbour there, also on a fishing trip. They did not make it. The boat overturned and two of them drowned. One was rescued. Again, these are people in their economically productive years lost at sea.

In the middle of tragedy, there is sadness. But one thinks that in this sadness that tragedy may have been avoided and this despite the saying when it’s your time, it is your time. Sometimes we can do something to save ourselves.

The US Coastguard joined the search for the missing men Messrs. Wray and Johnson. The Exuma pair was found by their compatriots from the shore. But in each case considerable resources had to be employed to mount a search and rescue.

The US Coast Guard and the Defence Force have been advising people generally to pay attention to weather forecasts. They all advise us not to leave the shore without a radio to communicate, with flares and with life rafts or vests. The US Coastguard has formally complained to the government about this. In fact, the law requires it. There should also be a beacon so that you can be tracked by an electronic finder. That is not part of the culture. We think that so many times, we go out to sea in small boats and we make it back to the shore. Nothing will happen, we think. Most times nothing does but then there is a mass tragedy at sea. It is like no one uses seatbelts in cars in The Bahamas, despite all the evidence that it saves lives in accidents and the fact that it is the law. In fact, the police do no not even enforce the law.

So as we pray for the safe return of the two men, we also pray for their families. Mr. Wray’s wife says that their sons are distraught beyond measure. Let us pray for them as well that their father comes home. Let us hope that the families of the drowned people in Exuma find some comfort. But let us also draw a lesson in the future about some small measures that can be taken to avoid an S.O.S.

Number of hits for the week ending Saturday 26th December 2009 up to midnight: 112,103.

ADDERLEY RESIGNS

BahamasUncensored.Com has confirmed that the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party was informed at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday 2nd January that Malcolm Adderley MP had resigned from the Progressive Liberal Party. It was not a surprise, as Mr. Adderley is believed to have been about to be expelled from the PLP. The Party soon issued a statement on the matter (see story below) that 'Enough is Enough'.
The MP for Elizabeth had for weeks eluded a Committee of PLP party leaders tasked with investigating press speculation that he had negotiated with Hubert Ingraham and the FNM to take an appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court, creating a bye-election for his parliamentary seat. The reports have infuriated rank and file PLPs, exasperated that more decisive action had not been taken to deal with Mr. Adderley. It now appears that the PLP took too long to act.

PLP ACKNOWLEDGES ADDERLEY’S RESIGNATION
    The Progressive Liberal Party has acknowledges the resignation of Malcolm Adderley as a member of the Party. In a statement released Sunday afternoon, the Party said, “Mr. Adderley has indicated to a friend that he will now sit in the House of Assembly as an independent member.
    “It is most unfortunate that Mr. Adderley made his decision without discussing it first with the people who elected him on two occasions on a PLP ticket. This is nothing short of blatant disrespect and seen too often from people who claim to care about the people. Not only did Adderley not speak with the good people of Elizabeth, he refused invitations to meet with the leadership of the PLP.
    “Following the general elections of May 2007, Mr. Adderley agreed to remain on as Chairman of the Gaming Board in an FNM administration a position he was appointed to by the Perry Christie Government. …This decision was seen by many as the first indication that Mr. Adderley was pursuing interest personal to him and not in the interest in the Progressive Liberal Party…
    “The proposed holding of a Bye Election in the Elizabeth Constituency, for the purpose of determining the popularity of the governing party and whether or not it can win a General Election is an abuse of power; tramples upon our laws and is a naked attack upon the institution of a free and fair electoral process.
    The Party said that a bye-election in Elizabeth would mean “…that the people of The Bahamas who are faced with the worst economy and the highest misery index in living memory will now be further burdened with the cost of a By Election in Elizabeth, which will amount to more than $1 Million Dollars.
    It would mean, said the Party, that the FNM is giving as a political gift the position of Supreme Court Justice, “thereby attacking the institution of an independent judiciary.
    “It also means that the FNM would have determined to ignore the findings of the Election Court pointing out the lack of integrity of the Register of Voters. By any yardstick, the FNM would be holding an election on a register that has a question as to proper scrutiny will be striking at the very root of democracy.
    “The PLP will determine whether to participate in this madness would be supporting an immoral and constitutional travesty.
    “Let Malcolm Adderley serve out his term in Parliament.
    “Do not strike deals behind closed doors, especially those that undermine confidence in the judiciary. Do not impose the cost of a By Election upon Bahamians who are struggling to pay school fees, mortgages, rent, utilities and to buy groceries. The PLP and Bahamians everywhere hope that the FNM will stop this madness.
    “Enough is enough.”
    You may click here for the full statement of the Progressive Liberal Party.

RIGBY COMMENTS ON THE RESIGNATION

    This comment appeared on the Facebook page of former PLP Chairman Raynard Rigby in response to the resignation of Malcolm Adderley from the PLP.
     “One would have thought that given the conduct of Malcolm Adderley after the 2007 general election that the PLP would not be surprised at his recent decision to resign from the Party.
    “I am advised that Mr. Adderley never attended the PLP parliamentary caucus meetings and had essentially withdrawn himself from participating with his fellow PLP MPs. Given these realities, amongst the many other signs, should not the PLP have been fully prepared to face the political checkmate that Mr. Adderley was planning? This is more the case after a similar departure by Kenyatta Gibson.
    “For me, the PLP’s stance and its response were both indicative of political weakness and ‘soapish’ politics.
“The truth of the matter; the Leader ought to have demanded of Mr. Adderley to either join the caucus or resign from the seat. This ultimatum should have been communicated to Mr. Adderley at least 2 years ago.
    “This event along with the continued silence of the Leader gives the obvious impression that the PLP is clueless and has no answer, no approach and no political will to address the internal issues facing the Party. I would love to know what steps were taken by the ‘find-Malcolm’ Committee.
    “The Bahamian people want to know whether the Leader is now fast asleep at the wheel. After all, it was the Leader who said publicly that he ought to have been notified of any possible challenge to his position prior to the October 2009 convention so that he is not caught sleeping at the wheel! Has he fallen back to sleep? All signs lead to a resounding Yes.
    “Wake up Mr. Leader, Wake up!”

HAPPY NEW YEAR (The decade ends)
    The first decade of the 21st century has ended and what a decade it has been. We are now dominated by the Internet, the laptop and the cell phone. Young people have more control over the direction of the society than do mature people, which has in the case of The Bahamas profound implications for public order. Older men are cowering in the face of teenage boys and the society seems loathe to do anything about it.
    As we enter the new decade, we are again facing the spectre of a drop in tourism as a result of the conditions that now obtain in order to travel by air: body searches and intrusive baggage searches. The Bahamas is in a deep recession and getting deeper in debt, with James Smith, the former Minister of State for Finance, warning that we are approaching 55 percent of GDP in our borrowing. The Ingraham government has borrowed a billion dollars in two years in office. Senator Jerome Fitzgerald sounded the alarm over this point in a press statement during the past week. Click here for that statement.
    Still, this is a New Year and a new decade so we wish all the Bahamian people and especially the faithful readers of this column a Happy New Year and all the best in the years to come.

‘DEY ROB US’
Every year after Junkanoo, no matter who wins and how convincingly, someone cries that the judges cheated. Last week, despite what many considered an overwhelming win by the Valley Boys, two groups said that they would contest the result; one even said they would go to court. It recalled the Stan Burnside cartoon on the matter, the perennial cry in Junkanoo “dey rob us”.

WHY FRED GOTTLIEB RESIGNED FROM BEC

    Fred Gottlieb, the former Member of Parliament for South Abaco has resigned as Chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation. Friends close to Fred Gottlieb say that he was simply tired of Cabinet interference; that the FNM Government would not listen to anything that the BEC Board recommended, so there was no point in him wasting his time. We also understand that Mr. Gottlieb has lost clients from his law firm as a result of his defending the Government’s decision to move the plant from Snake Cay to Wilson City and the utilization of Bunker C fuel.
    The history of this is that before demitting office in May 2007, the PLP government approved BEC’s ordering four 12 Mega Watt Diesel Generators and a New Power Plant for Abaco to be located in Snake Cay. This location was approved by the PLP Government. The first two Generators were scheduled to be operational by October 2008. The projected cost was some $66 million dollars, not including the transmission and distribution works. Latest estimates place that cost at well over $100 million dollars and counting.
    The Abaco plan left in place by the PLP Government was another victim of Hubert Ingraham and the FNM Government’s ‘Stop Review and Cancel Policy’. Minister Earl Deveaux was protecting the special interest of Jimmy Vaughn the owner of Mangos Restaurant in Marsh Harbour and others who wanted to construct a small tourist condominium complex on Snake Cay. Fred Gottlieb strongly supported the decision of the Christie Administration to build the new Abaco Power Plant on Snake Cay.
    The FNM Government’s decision to relocate the new power Plant from Snake Cay to the highly sensitive Wilson City area is a classic example of a massive conflict of interest which has brought untold misery to the residents of Abaco with the numerous numbers of power outages during the summer months and the major fight over the need to protect the environment. The PLP’s programme was to utilize diesel, which the FNM changed to bunker c fuel.
    The long delay to build the new Abaco power plant can be totally laid at the feet of the FNM and Hubert Ingraham the Chief Architect of the failed ‘Stop Review and Cancel Policy’.

DEIDRE ROLLE’S BIRTHDAY LUNCH

We are pleased to present this gathering of the Member of Parliament for Fox Hill with Deidre Rolle, Treasurer of the Fox Hill branch as she treated some Fox Hill office staff members to lunch on the occasion of her birthday Wednesday 30th December at Lucianos.
Photo/Miguel Taylor

DO THE POLICE KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING? (The story of Die Stubbs)
    It read like a script from the Keystone Cops. The police have an all points bulletin out for an alleged multiple murderer Stephen ‘Die’ Stubbs. Mr. Stubbs was captured with great fanfare and after his photo was plastered all over the television as being armed and dangerous. He was brought to court in shackles.
    In the end, the police did not have their man and Stephen ‘Die’ Stubbs was released by the Court. The reason? He had not jumped bail after all. Mr. Stubbs’ attorney had gotten his bail conditions varied before the Supreme Court so that he only needed to sign in once per month as opposed to every day as originally set by the Magistrate before whom he first appeared. Except someone forgot to tell the police. Once the document revealed to the court that the condition of his bail was once per month sign-in and that he had in fact signed in, the court said he was free to go.
    A crowd gathered outside to taunt the police as Mr. Stubbs walked away. They shouted at the police: “We know the law, no witness no case.” This is ominous, and the police do not look good. In one lesson, it says much about what is wrong with our criminal justice system.

HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH AIRPORT SECURITY
On Christmas day, some jackass decided to put an explosive in his underwear and he gave the security people the slip at the airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Just as he was about to land in Detroit, the American city, he tried to blow himself up on Christmas Day in the morning. At least that is the charge. The result of that failed attempt is that we are back where we were again in 2001 with these intrusive searches as you board airplanes travelling to the United States.
None of this makes the travelling public any more safe. It may give the psychological uplift that you are safe but all the evidence points to no marginal improvement in the safety of the travelling public, but rather a huge inconvenience. Some of the response was just plain foolish: you can’t get up in the last hour in the plane to use the bathroom; you can’t put anything on your lap in the last hour, as if someone determined to blow up a plane will be listening to such a rule. Anyway, here we go again.

MITCHELL’S POLITICAL BROADCAST ON THE US

The Opposition’s spokesman on Foreign Affairs broadcast a statement Sunday evening at 8:30 p.m. on Jones Communication Network. The subject was the recent exchange between the United States Ambassador and The Bahamas government. You may click here for the full text of the PLP's statement by Mr. Mitchell.

BAHAMIANS LEFT STRANDED BY DISNEY IN ABACO
We bring to the attention of the public and the government the need for possible oversight of practices by the Disney Company on the island that it has leased from The Bahamas government in Abaco. The employees who provide services to the cay, including the vendors who work for themselves and those who provide government services, are ferried to the Cay from Sandy Point by tender. The information about the alleged insensitive practices of Disney on the island appears below by a special report:

    “The events of Friday 18th December past brought back those ugly days of racial discrimination in The Bahamas. On Friday morning 18th December around 7.15 a.m., a number of black Bahamians were ferried to Castaway Cay as they normally are by the Disney Cruise Line Company. The weather was fair and tolerable at the time. Some time at about 3 p.m. the Disney Company evacuated all of their guests from the cruise ship off the beaches because they saw a frontal system approaching from the south on their radar systems. They did not evacuate the vendors and government service workers, but left them on the cay.
    “At a quarter to 4, the Bahamian employees who were left on the cay by Disney contacted the Disney office and advised them that the weather was getting worse and requested to be taken home promptly at 4. Disney assured them that there would be a boat run. At about 5.40 dark was beginning to fall, 20 black Bahamians were left on the Disney dock wondering why no one from the Disney office would even come and speak to them or take us home.
    “At about 6 p.m., a further contact was made with one of the Disney managers who was asked why the employees were not being taken home. They were told, ‘Sorry the weather got too bad, welcome to Castaway Cay’. Notwithstanding the weather conditions, the argument of the employees was simply if the radar equipment provided sufficient to cause the Disney Company to evacuate their guests at 3 p.m., why were we not taken home during this calm before the storm? Many mothers were in that group of 20, hair braiders, and retailers. The consolation to us blacks was complimentary toothbrushes and toothpaste.
    “Sometime after 11 a.m. on Saturday the next morning, an uncle of one of the stranded blacks came for us in his speedboat on the eastern side of the island. The locals are still in awe that no Government has mandated the Disney Company to build a small dock on the eastern side of the island that would eliminate risking human life when attempting to leave the island from the western side during times of bad weather. Foreign investment is good and it is crucial to our survival, but the employees who were left stranded are Bahamians who really want to work and make an honest living; above all, they want to feel dignified."

The employees make the point that even though there are sleeping facilities on the island that were made available to the employees, they could have been evacuated at the same time as the guests given the foreknowledge that Disney had of the weather conditions. They argue that Disney has a history of being insensitive when it comes to the government, employees and other vendors on the island. –Editor)

NEW YEAR’S DAY JUNKANOO

    Well, we (at least one of us) aint gonna die no more. The Saxons won the Junkanoo for New Year’s. That’s the unofficial result. Saxons' leader Percy 'Vola' Francis is pictured above. Here are the complete results.
    ‘A’ Category: Saxons, 3972; Valley Boys, 3835; One Family, 3701; Music Makers, 3049; Prodigal Sons, 2800.
    ‘B’ Category: One Love, 2079; Colours Entertainment, 2018; Redland Soldiers, 1806; Fancy Dancers, 1701; Kingdom Warriors, 1584; Conquerors for Christ, 1306; Original Congos, 1061.
    We present some scenes from the New Years Junkanoo Parade of 2010.
Photos/Peter Ramsay

TRIBUNE REPORTERS AT LUNCH

They are the young people whose views of the Bahamian world we see every day in our hardcopy newspapers, which despite the growing power of the Internet, are still the most powerful media in the country. The Tribune is the most overtly political of the newspapers, driving stories about the PLP and its internal policies and occasionally, despite their editorial bias against the PLP, pricking at Hubert Ingraham’s toes. A group of reporters from The Tribune gathered at one of their favourite haunts to celebrate the season to be jolly as 2009 faded into the history books and shared it on their Facebook page. The captions is theirs -
Tribune office lunch at Van Breugels... plus Alex... what a bunch of miserable bastards! In this photo: Alison Lowe, Robert Chester Robards, Paul G. Turnquest , Reuben, Taneka Thompson, Rupert Missick Jr., Paco Nunez.

FORECASTS FOR 2010 BY GILBERT MORRIS

Our occasional columnist Dr. Gilbert Morris offers forecasts for 2010. Please click here.

IN PASSING
O.J. Buried
Oscar Johnson Sr., the former PLP MP and FNM candidate, was buried in Nassau on Saturday 2nd January following a funeral service at the Diplomat Centre on Carmichael Road, New Providence. Mr. Johnson was part of the Transfiguration Congregation but the church was too small for the expected numbers of people to the funeral so it was held at the Diplomat Centre of Pastor Myles Munroe. Mr. Johnson served in the House of Assembly from 1967 to 1977. He is survived by amongst others Gladys Sands, former Senator and now Consul General for Miami and former Speaker of the House R. Italia Johnson.

Idris Reid’s Mum Dies
Dorothy Marie Hanna-Lily, mother of former Secretary to the Governor General Idris Reid died at the age of 90. She was buried in Nassau on Saturday 2nd January. Her grandson is Julian Reid, the television newscaster. Our condolences to the family.

Ian Mitchell Celebrates His Birthday
Ian Mitchell, the brother of Fred Mitchell MP for Fox Hill, celebrated his 55th birthday on Tuesday 29th December with a small party at the home of his sister Carla and her husband Carlton Seymour. A fine time was had by all.

A Baby Girl For Erica Wells and John Cox
Welcome into the world to the daughter of John Cox, the artist and Erica Wells, the Managing Editor of The Guardian on Tuesday 29th December. Mr. Cox’s parents George and Setella celebrated their 50th anniversary as married couple last week 23rd December. Mother and baby, named Story Holiday Cox are both well.

88 Murders For The Year (Hubert praising the old C.O.P.)
The country set a record this year of 88 murders with the naming of a former St. Andrew’s student Francis Farrington who at 27 years old went missing and whose body was just identified by the police over the last week.

Davey Rolle Takes Over Maritime Authority
He did not take the job when it was offered to him by the PLP as he retired from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as Commodore, but he has now taken the job offered by Hubert Ingraham’s administration to head the Maritime Authority that runs The Bahamas ship registry in London. He is Davey Rolle, the now Ambassador to Haiti for The Bahamas. He will take up the post in London shortly.

New Commissioner To Take Over Monday 4th January

They seemed to be mugging it up for the cameras at the farewell police ball of the Commissioner in Grand Bahama. With the Prime Minister providing fulsome praise for outgoing Commissioner Reginald Ferguson and with his successor standing by in his dinner jacket, the Commissioner took his leave of the Force at a banquet on 30th December at Atlantis, Paradise Island. The handover takes place at the Police headquarters on Monday 4th January 2009. Ellison Greenslade is the successor to Mr. Ferguson. Mr. Greenslade’s appointment is approved by the Official Opposition.
Tribune photo/Felipe Major

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A BYE-ELECTION, NOT ABOUT MALCOLM
Malcolm Adderley, the former PLP MP, resigned from the House of Assembly on Wednesday 6th January, fulfilling what was widely expected and predicted in public circles and in this column last week. The move was disappointing for someone who was known as a revolutionary to go out under the pall of a promise for a seat on the court. He sought to disabuse the public of that notion, that he left for a seat on the court, but the Leader of the Opposition Perry Christie said that the drama was still to be played out and the other penny would drop soon.

The words are fairly bitter on each side. Suffice it to say that no PLP believes that this whole thing was not orchestrated by Hubert Ingraham and that the system has not been corrupted by the promise of a judicial office.

Shakespeare writes the past is prologue, and the PLP must fairly quickly put this whole thing behind it. Saner heads have prevailed and it appears that after some mixed signals in public, the PLP is after all going to field a candidate. For a political party that says it is ready to become the government again in 18 months, it appears ludicrous that the PLP would not fight this bye-election. No date has as yet been announced.

The Speaker of the House was out of the county at the time of the resignation and the law requires the Speaker to notify the Governor General of the vacancy. When that happens a writ of election will be issued and the election will be held anywhere between 21 to 30 days from that time. So sometime in February, there will be a bye-election in the Elizabeth seat.

Mr. Adderley left seeking to inflict maximum damage on the PLP. He came off like a whiner and the Leader of the Opposition was too apologetic. He should consign this to the scrapheap fairly quickly and move on. It is last week’s news.

From our point of view, the bye-election is not and should not be about Malcolm Adderley. This bye-election is about the governance of the country, about sending a message to Hubert Ingraham about his stop, review and cancel programme. He has bastardized and abused the system. There will be widespread attempted vote buying in the bye-election. It will be a miracle for the PLP to overcome it. But this is again a test of the leadership of Mr. Christie. He made it clear that if the PLP loses the bye-election he will not be resigning, but the country expects that what comes out of this is strong push back on all the perception issues about himself and the PLP.

The issue then is the economy: the mortgages that are unpaid, the power that is off, the medical bills that can’t be paid. The FNM is sending a candidate to Elizabeth who stopped the National Health Insurance programme from going forward. He has denied health care to the poor and now he comes to the poor to ask them for their vote. Fight on those grounds.

In this election, the answer to the question, if it comes up, should be: “Malcolm who?”

Number of hits for the week ending Saturday 2nd January, 2010 up to midnight: 136,792.

CHRISTIE ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY

Perry Christie, Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, speaking at the Elizabeth Rally 7th January, 2009:
    “My disappointment, I have to tell you, is a very personal one.
    “My colleagues and many others from the Elizabeth constituency will tell you that I was the one person who stood between Malcolm and the forces within the PLP who fought hard to deny him the nomination in the 2007 general election, not because they did not like him, but because they honestly felt, as indeed many of the people in Elizabeth felt, that he had been a complete failure as an MP from 2002, when he was first elected, to 2007.
    “However, after Malcolm and other wonderful people of Elizabeth came to me over and over - and I can use the word begging for my intervention and for my support - I as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party decided that he was deserving of another chance and that he was not beyond redemption. So even though I ended up taking some heavy blows from my own colleagues for doing so, I put my faith and my confidence in Malcolm Adderley and I saw that he was re-nominated.
    “Malcolm Adderley did not have a problem with Perry Christie when he was on his knees a little more than two years ago begging me to let him run again, asking me to lift him up and help him out. In fact, I was a very good man then, and a good leader. But all of you now see what a difference two years can make, especially when spiders are busy weaving their tangled web, and you all know who the spider is.
    “The reason Adderley gave for his exit from the PLP is disingenuous.
    “Malcolm knows full well that is not the reason he left the PLP and that is not the reason why he resigned from Parliament.
    “On the contrary, he has resigned from the PLP and from Parliament for one, single, simple reason. He has a backroom deal in his back pocket to become a judge of the Supreme Court, a backroom deal that was made in secret and I told the Bahamian people to just stay tuned for an announcement that he will be made a judge, and it is only a short time away and per chance, if they are listening to us as we talk, and they want to change their mind, they would be doing the right thing.
    “This backroom deal preceding the appointment to the Supreme Court bench raises another critical point that should be of great concern to Bahamians.
    “In recent months we have seen the judiciary of this country placed on the altar of political bartering. First, one FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general [Claire Hepburn] gave up her post and in short order was made a judge of the Supreme Court.
    “More recently, another FNM Cabinet minister and attorney general was appointed Chief Justice [Michael Barnett] almost within a matter of days of giving up his Cabinet post. Now, just a few weeks later, we have another politically engineered backroom deal under which a sitting member of Parliament is induced to leave his party, so that he can be sanitized, so that he can become a judge of the Supreme Court.
    “This kind of constitutional bartering is completely contrary to constitutional principles and represents a stain on the reputation of the judiciary as an organ of government that should be beyond political engineering and gamesmanship.
    “Unlike the current administration, I as prime minister never interfered with or sought to influence the selection of judges by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.
    “It is therefore so very lamentable that Hubert Ingraham is determined to deviate from that standard and policy of non-interference.
    “And what he is doing today is dangerous. It is blurring what we call the separation of powers that is so vital to the integrity of our system of constitutional governance.
    “The first and most important quality any judge should bring to the bench is impartiality.
    “But listening to Malcolm’s litany of resentment in the House of Assembly yesterday, you really have to ask yourself whether he should not go through a cooling off period before he formally applies to go on the bench.
    “No man is supposed to go on the bench carrying that kind of emotional baggage. It is therefore incumbent upon the Judicial and Legal Services Commission to carefully scrutinize the whole speech that Malcolm made in the House of Assembly and determine whether the point I made is a valid point and worthy of consideration, whether now is really the right time to put on the high court someone who is clearly hurting over injuries, real or imagined, from the leadership of one of the two main political parties of the country.
    “[This] demands the attention of those who are responsible, because clearly it brings into question whether the applicant would have the necessary degree of impartiality and the necessary lack of bias.
    “The Judicial and Legal Services Commission must not allow itself to be railroaded by anybody.
    “It must do what is right and best for the judicial system of our country.”

Christie On Malcolm Adderley In House Of Assembly 6th January:
    “My behaviour toward Malcolm Adderley was characterised by extreme patience, extreme tolerance and sympathetic understanding.
    “The PLP as a whole exercised forbearance towards Mr Adderley even as the MP for Elizabeth displayed what the country regarded as an attitude of indifference towards his fellow PLPs.
    “I personally supported Mr Adderley as he sought a nomination in the 2007 general election, to the extent of investing personal resources in his candidacy.
    “It would be disingenuous for me to state that I am not disappointed by this course of action now taken by the MP for Elizabeth.
    “It would be more than disingenuous of me if I were to profess not to be disappointed in the manner in which the course of action unfolded, not only today but in the days and weeks that preceded today.
    “But what must be absolutely clear is that the MP for Elizabeth is his own man and he must order himself in the way he feels he should.
    “Malcolm Adderley was an MP who lost interest in his party and constituents and his decision to leave politics had more to do with his own political deal-making than consideration of the best interests of his constituents.
    “The truth is we all know that this is not the end of the story and indeed the proverbial penny hasn’t yet dropped. We wait to see those acts in the drama that has already been scripted but not yet played out. There is more to this than meets the eye. We all stand alert pending a major announcement yet to come.
    “In the wake of Mr Adderley’s resignation, which leaves Elizabeth without a representative, the party will be carrying out consultations both with the people in that area and the relevant [party] councils to determine the way forward.
    “I can assure the nation that we are in no way deterred by the events that have unfolded. We will not be deflected from our work, which …has always been for the betterment of the Bahamian people.”
Leader of the Opposition Perry Christie in the House of Assembly; Nassau Guardian photo (left)/Tony Grant Jr.; Tribune photo (right)/Tim Clarke

MALCOLM ON WHY HE RESIGNED

Published On Thursday, January 07, 2010
    “Mr Speaker, Members of Parliament:
    “It is my belief that politics is about persons coming together to achieve common goals for the good of the people they represent.
    “In order for the group to survive there must be respect, honesty, transparency and decency towards one another. In order for progress to be achieved, there must be some real fundamental bonding with each other - and a vision as to what that group needs to achieve in order to capture the dream to which people aspire.
    “Mr Speaker, when I was invited to enter the political arena some time in the year 2001, I had a vision of being a part of an organisation that my father, a humble taxi driver (taxi no. 4) was a proud and faithful member of since its inception. I reluctantly agreed to enter politics but felt it was a noble cause. Over the years, my reluctance became sheer love for this new career path - especially as I came to know the people of Elizabeth.
    “Sir, I never once expected fame or fortune when I entered politics. Service to country was not new to me. In earlier years, I had served in the capacity of a prosecutor in the Attorney General's Office for four years; as an acting magistrate on several occasions; I served as the first president of the newly established Bahamas Industrial Tribunal for two years; and as a justice of the Supreme Court for a year - all at no significant remuneration.
    “I should add, sir, that before I left the Supreme Court bench I was invited to become a permanent judge and could have been a judge years ago had I wished. But I declined and returned to my own law chambers.
    “So to trivialise this matter by saying that this is about my not having been given a Cabinet seat is frightening, because it shows a mentality that is totally out of touch with reality. The Cabinet was chosen in 2002. This is now 2010 - why would I stay for seven and a half years afterwards if in fact I was "puffed up" over not being in Mr Christie's Cabinet.
    “Mr Speaker, the Elizabeth Constituency has some 4,000 constituents. Since the 2007 election, I have spoken to many of my supporters in Elizabeth indicating to them the possibility of my departure from the political arena depending on the direction in which my party chose to go.
    “Over the past few days Mr Speaker, the noise in the market has become quite vociferous. But, sir, I invite those who are not a part of the great constituency which I have been privileged to represent, not to mind the noise in the market.
    “You see, we in Elizabeth know what time it is. That noise is not coming from the decent people of Elizabeth. The noise is coming from the same direction that it came from prior to my nomination in 2007.
    “The people of Elizabeth are intelligent, decent, independent minded and have been calling me to tell me what they have been telling me since 2007 - we support you whatever you do.
    “Mr Speaker, ever since my election to this honourable House in 2002, my relationship with the leadership of my party has been strained. Seven and a half years later that relationship has worsened. From then to now has been the worst personal experience that my family and I have ever faced. I took the insults, the disrespect, the negative gossip, the careful and calculated undermining that has been the hallmark of my political journey.
    “…In the 2007 general election -- despite what has been said I was fighting two formidable giants.
    “Not only did I have to deal with the formidable, well organised, well-equipped political genius of the then opposition leader...regardless to what you have heard and will hear in the future, I was exposed to the forces of my own party.
    “…Mr Speaker, immediately after the recent election, I met with my family and close political friends. Together, it was agreed that I should allow time to pass to see whether there would be any improvement in my relationship with the leadership.
    “…What is important -- is that the people of Elizabeth deserve better...much better.
    “Mr Speaker, which other constituency held by the official opposition after the 2007 election other than Kennedy and Elizabeth were there persons being actively encouraged to campaign against us with a view to becoming the parties candidate in the 2012 election, brazenly knocking on doors, even dispensing T-shirts, groceries, even handing out Mother's Day gifts and cards, indicating to constituents that they were the party's choice for 2012.
    “… The point is, sir, that there is still too many issues that separate the leadership of the party and I.
    “The record will show that my future as a member of the Progressive Liberal Party has always been dim.”
    You may click here for Malcolm Adderley’s full resignation address.
Malcolm Adderley in the House of Assembly - Nassau Guardian photo/Tony Grant Jr.

PLP CHAIRMAN ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY

The language was harsh and direct in the style of Bradley Roberts. The crowd was charged up. Such were the words reserved for Malcolm Adderley, the outgoing PLP MP who resigned his seat in Elizabeth and thought to be taking a seat as a Supreme Court Judge. Click here for Mr. Robert’s full statement. His remarks were made at the PLP’s rally in Elizabeth on Thursday 7th January.

PLP DEPUTY CHAIR ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY

PLP Deputy Chairman Alex Storr said that he was deeply disappointed in Mr. Adderley. He said that in leaving the PLP the way he did, he has set a bad example for the younger people of the party. His statement was issued on Thursday 7th January. You may click here for the full statement.

THE HOTEL UNION AND THE COURTS

    Nicole Martin’s position as leader of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union is once more hanging in the balance. An English Judge, Sir George Newman, newly arrived in The Bahamas on the Court of Appeal, exercised his authority as a Judge alone to issue a stay of the elections that took place in September restoring Ms. Martin who had earlier been deposed by a court ruling.
    The rank and file were furious. The decision was reportedly taken without any affidavit evidence to support it. The question that arises now is whether or not the insurgent side in this dispute gets it. Democracy has prevailed twice; they got a second beating in September after the first defeat in May and yet they persist, even after it is clear that their leadership is not wanted in the Union.
    This should be abandoned, because it is eroding the public confidence in the Union. It may ultimately wreck the Union. The rank and file appeared on the streets outside the House of Assembly on Wednesday 6th January to say that they did not like it one bit. The commentary apparently stung the Judge because he, according to the Nassau Guardian, issued a statement in which he explained what he had done, suggesting that the statements made about his ruling were inflammatory and that the lawyers should explain properly to their clients what had been done.
    The Judge issuing a statement crosses another boundary in that he now enters into the public fray. The statement was not made from the bench. So now, you have a judge entering into the polemic with the public. What we clearly need is a Code of Judicial conduct for judges in this jurisdiction. The result of his ruling is that the election result is stayed. Ms. Martin is no longer able to exercise her powers as the president. Roy Colebrook and Leo Douglas are back in charge of the Union and well… This will obtain until the full Court makes a final decision on Tuesday 12th January.
    Here is what Sir George Newman said in his statement as reported by the Nassau Guardian on Saturday 9th January:
    “There is no truth to the perception that the Court of Appeal is interfering in the affairs of the hotel union. The court has not ruled in connection with the elections. The court is deeply sensitive to the case and saw the need for a speedy resolution to the dispute. The court has been especially convened to hear the appeal on Tuesday 12th January. It will be heard by Dame Joan Sawyer, Court of Appeal President, Sir George and another Justice of Appeal.
    “Let me also emphasize so this matter can remain quiet and without unrest and without misunderstanding and without inflammatory statements, let it remain clear that the Court has not ruled in connection with elections. What this court has done is endeavour to hold a position in which the union can, after the court has ruled as to any relevant legalities, itself determine, by its governing body, the executive council, what is that is going to do in light of the legal conclusions to which this court comes.
    “I understand why members might feel that the court is interfering with their affairs. Counsel and legal advisors have a principal responsibility to ensure that the union and its members understood what the court had said and one involving the dispute which was brought by the union and its members.
    “They might be at loggerheads, but the court does no intervene unless somebody comes before it and brings an issue for resolution by the court. Once the issue is before the court, it has to be resolved in accordance with the court’s duty to determine such legal issues as arise in connection with it.”
Nicole Martin - file photo

THE LEGAL YEAR OPENS
    The usual and endless round of church services and receptions begins this year to welcome the legal year. Joan Sawyer, the Head of the Court of Appeal, resented the pre-eminence of Sir Burton Hall as head of the Judiciary and decided to upstage him eight years ago by having her own opening of the year in the Court of Appeal.
    The real opening will take place on Wednesday 13th January in the Christ Church Cathedral with the Chief Justice leading the march through the streets as head of the Judiciary. To add to it, the Roman Catholic Church has a red mass, which they do on the Sunday (today) before the real opening takes place. All the Catholic lawyers gather at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral Church and get a blessing and then step outside for a photo. This year the Prime Minister showed up for it.
    In the meantime, Joan Sawyer at her opening of the Appeals Court announced that she is leaving on 26th November when she reaches 70. She claimed with the will of the lord. Good riddance and good-bye. Her comments concentrated on how efficient the court has been in disposing of cases, saying that the court was not for filing paper but to hear cases. The question many will ask is whether the court is also a forum for justice, given that so many of their cases were overturned by the Privy Council.

MITCHELL ON PRE-CLEARANCE

The House of Assembly at its sitting on Wednesday 6th January passed into law an amendment of the pre-clearance legislation that facilitates the examination by US Border protection agents to examine those seeking to enter the United States in The Bahamas both immigration and customs. Pre-clearance has been in The Bahamas since 1960 but was formalized by treaty in 1974. The agreement is now to be amended to facilitate fixed base operations (FBO) for pre-clearance. The first general aviation pre-clearance is to go to Freeport. Fred Mitchell MP for Fox Hill spoke to the issue and you may click here the full transcript of his statement in the House.

MITCHELL TO BE CONDEMNED BY THE HOUSE?

    As the House of Assembly adjourned on Wednesday 6th January, FNM Chairman Carl Bethel doing the bidding of his master Hubert Ingraham gave notice of the following resolution: “Be it resolved that this Honourable House condemns the Member for Fox Hill for falsely asserting that The Bahamas voted against the United States of America at the United Nations.”
    Fred Mitchell MP for the PLP is the Member for Fox Hill. Mr. Mitchell issued the following statement today:
    “This resolution is as laughable as it is stupid. It is an example of the stupidity and petulance of the Prime Minister who does not seem to understand the votes of his own government at the United Nations. He cannot have his way, so he seeks to use brute power to get his way. No amount of brute power can change the facts. The Bahamas voted differently from the United States on the issue of human rights. It raises the question of whether or not the government of The Bahamas is acting in the best interests of The Bahamas when it did so.
    “Carl Bethel, the Chairman of the FNM, who was recently demoted as a Minister of the government to acting as the scribe of the Prime Minister as Chairman of the FNM, ought to be ashamed that a London School of Economics graduate should be dragged into this thoroughly disreputable enterprise. History will condemn him for it.
    “No amount of promise or threat can change what I believe and what I say. The devil take the hindmost. Let the debate come in the House. I welcome it and I hope they are ready for what ensues. I promise to scorch the earth in my defence.”
Fred Mitchell in the House of Assembly - file photo

POLICE HANDOVER

Above left, new Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade inspecting officers. Above right, the new Commissioner of Police receives the Sword from retired Commissioner Reginald Ferguson at Police Headquarters, Monday 4th January. You may click here for the remarks of the Prime Minister on that occasion.

FITZGERALD ON ZHIVARGO LAING

Senator Jerome Fitzgerald continues to be relentless in his pursuit of the untruths and misrepresentations being made by Zhivargo Laing, the Minister of State for Finance, who keeps seeking to explain away the huge borrowings that the FNM have undertaken in the two and half years they have been in office. They have borrowed a billion dollars in the two and half years. Senator Fitzgerald described Mr. Laing's response to his statements hysterical. He said, “The facts are that the foreign currency portion of our national debt has almost tripled from 430 million dollars in 2007 to 1.1 billion dollars at the end of 2009.” You may click here for Senator Fitzgerald’s full statement. The credit rating of The Bahamas’ long-term debt has been downgraded by the international rating agency Standard and Poors.
Senator Jerome Fitzerald - file photo

PROMOTIONS IN THE POLICE FORCE

    The promotions listed below will take effect from 4th January 2010. They were given as Reginald Ferguson, the outgoing Commissioner of Police went out the door. Some key people were fixed up. Bradley Sands, the Head of the Police Staff Association (pictured, left) can no longer head that body because he is promoted out of the rank of Inspector to Assistant Superintendent. We predicted this would happen in an earlier report in this column. Mr. Sands who is the brother of one of the bodyguards of the Prime Minister was said to be instrumental in the removal of Reginald Ferguson as Commissioner. The other point of interest is that Kenwood Taylor (pictured, right), the Prime Minister’s bodyguard has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent. This seems to follow the pattern where the cops who guard the Governor General and the Prime Minister seem to get fast-tracked up the ladder.
    These promotions were in addition to the confirmations of Ellison Greenslade as Commissioner, Marvin Dames as Deputy Commissioner and three new Assistant Commissioners. Under the new law, you have to retire from the Force after 40 years or at age 60. That meant that CID crime fighter Raymond Gibson had to retire because, as young as he is, he has 40 years service. Shenandoah Evans had to retire because he is 60 years old. Mr. Gibson has been given a job in the Ministry of National Security as the Drug Czar. Reginald Ferguson is slated to takeover the Financial Intelligence Unit.
    The three new Assistant Commissioners are Assistant Commissioners Glen Miller, John Ferguson and Willard Cunningham.
    Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent: Paul Rolle, Ashton Greenslade, Leon Bethel, Robert Sherman-Young, Edmund Rahming, Noel Curry, Stephanie Demeritte, Ronald Campbell, Morey Evans, Ismella Davis.
    Chief Inspector to Assistant Superintendent: Samuel Butler, Hector Delva, Edgar Bain, Samuel McKinney, Maxine Leary, Kendal Strachan, Dereck Burrows, Rodney Smith, Bernard K. Bonamy Jr., Kirkwood Andrews, Kenwood Taylor, Dennis Sturrup Allan Emmanuel, Stewart Curtis.
    Inspector to Assistant Superintendent: Kendal Deveaux, Craig Stubbs, Bradley Sands, Michael Moxey, Floyd Bastian, Kirkwood Andrews, Kenwood Taylor, Dennis Sturrup, Allan Emmanuel, Stewart Curtis.

HOW THE LAND THINGS GOT STARTED

    Fred Mitchell MP for Fox Hill told the Nassau Guardian on Thursday 7th January that the Committee looking into the disposition of publicly held lands is winding up it work. He said that the report is to be ready by 20th January. He indicated that the report would make certain policy recommendations. He told the paper that the evidence shows that the matter of the land in Forbes Hill began as a result of a conversation at a party.
    Said Mr. Mitchell, “When the evidence comes out, you’ll find out that the whole thing started because they (the persons who received crown land approval for Forbes Hill, Exuma) were at a party together and they were all friends of Mr. [Tex] Turnquest’s wife and they mentioned this land in Exuma.
    “And that led to an application, [which] led to the application being granted. Now clearly the country sees there's an issue with that.”
    There was a controversy arising from the fact that Tex Turnquest former Director of Lands and Surveys advised the Prime Minister to give crown land grants to his relatives and a friend. Mr. Turnquest was asked by the Prime Minister to resign last year after he was unable to satisfactorily explain himself on the matter.
    The land was granted for the purpose building dwelling homes for retirement but was instead sold at a huge profit to the new owners. These owners were Mr. Turnquest’s mother-in-law, uncle-in-law, his wife’s godmother and a friend of his.
    All four parcels were bought for about $1,550 each and later sold individually to foreigners for $550,000.
    All of those who received the land were summoned to give evidence. One of the witnesses, who was the wife of one of the persons who received crown land in Forbes Hill, said she saw nothing wrong with the chain of events.
    Mr. Mitchell said that the in camera evidence will show that “She said she couldn't understand why this had become a public issue because everybody knows that you get things in The Bahamas by being connected to somebody. And that's the way the culture works.
    “She couldn't understand what the issue was about. But that is precisely what the issue is. The issue is you should not be getting things because you’re connected to somebody. The country has become larger, more sophisticated now. The public is demanding more standards. People are demanding that there should be transparency, rationality and fairness. So you ought to know what the policy is on land, where the land is available and if you apply, that your application is dealt with on a first-come, first-serve basis.”
Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell (centre) questions a witness during a parliamentary select committee on land hearing in this Nassau Guardian photo byTony Grant Jr.

BISHOP NEIL ELLIS

He heads the prestigious Mt. Tabor Full Gospel Church in Pinewood Gardens, New Providence. The church claims a membership of 8000. He is the second presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Fellowship in the United States. This month, he is the front-page feature of EEW magazine, which advertises itself as the essence of the black Christian woman. Click here for the link www.eewmagazine.com. The front page is shown above.

PICTURES FROM THE RALLY AT DAME DORIS

The PLP held a rally to bring together the troops as it prepares to do battle in the Elizabeth constituency bye-election. The rally took place at the Doris Johnson School and was chaired by branch Chair Myles Laroda on Thursday 7th January. The photos of all the speakers: Fred Mitchell MP Fox Hill, Ryan Pinder, potential candidate for Elizabeth, Craig Butler, potential candidate for Elizabeth; Obie Wilchcombe, Leader of Opposition Business in the House; Bradley Roberts, Party Chairman; Philip ‘Brave’ Davis Deputy Leader PLP and Perry Christie, Party Leader. You may click here for the address of the Deputy Leader.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Elsworth Johnson LLB Criticizes Malcolm For The Bench
    Please allow me an opportunity to express my opinion on an issue that is of significant importance at this stage of the development of my beloved country. Indeed, at the heart of any constitutional democracy is an independent, impartial and fearless judiciary which has as its foundation the guiding principal of integrity.
    I have followed the saga involving Mr. Malcolm Adderley and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), who both in my humble opinion have strayed from the ideology and philosophy of the pre 1967 PLP! Be that as it may, I vividly recall Mr. Adderley’s anecdotal story after the 2007 general elections about the difficulties he would have faced in being re-elected to parliament. Mr. Adderley with a degree of style and class has always demonstrated his disenchantment with the leadership of the PLP. Now, with the artistry of Master Sun and the treachery of Machiavelli, the final arrow has hit its would be target. That is poetic politics my dear public!
    Article 94 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas provides that Justices of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the Governor-General by instrument under Public Seal acting on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Lord Diplock in Thomas v. A.G. of Trinidad and Tobago, emphasize the “crucial significance” of the selection process and the role of the commission. The purpose is to insulate members of the Judiciary from political influence exercised directly upon them by the government of the day. The means adopted for doing this, was to vest an autonomous commission, to the exclusion of any other person or authority, power to make appointments to the Judiciary. In respect of the autonomous commission, the Constitution contains provisions to secure its independence from both the executive and the legislature.
    The aforementioned process was designed to eliminate what is known as the “spoil” system. A system by which the government of the day without the protection that our constitution offers would be able to use such appointments as political rewards and there by subordinate the sovereignty of the country to the furtherance of the political party’s aims. Without condescending to the particular, considering all of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Adderley’s purported appointment one just might be able to say that in this case, “’to the victor go the spoils”!
    While I acknowledge the fact that true judicial Independence cannot be totally guaranteed by constitutional provisions, because judicial independence lies in the heart of the individual, I submit the following; Inherent in the Westminster model system is the separation of powers, security of tenure of justices and the selection process which all combine to secure the independence as well as the integrity of the judiciary. Having regard to the significant role that the judiciary is called upon to play as guardians of those sacred principles out lined in our constitution. I submit, that the process by which it would appear that Mr. Adderley is going to be admitted to the bench, should he decide to so do may make the entire process a mockery.
Elsworth N. Johnson, LLB, LLM.
(The writer is a lawyer specializing in human rights issues. He is the son of Oscar Johnson Sr., recently deceased former Member of Parliament -- Editor)

Forrester Carroll... on the state of the economy

    A number of months ago, Zhivargo Laing told the country that the recession was over. As time went by and he realized that he had made a fool of himself by making this premature prediction, he then revised his outlook and assured us that only the brunt of the recession had passed. That, of course, also turned out to be wishful thinking, on his part, and now he tells us, in his December 2009 year-end assessment, that 2010 will be a “wait and see year.”
    But get this; around late 2007, early 2008, the Leader of the PLP warned the FNM that the economy was, in fact, slowing and needed the government’s urgent attention. Mr. Know-it-all Zhivargo Laing refuted that claim by the Hon. Perry Christie, and he declared then that there was no such slowing of the economy, as Christie had suggested, and that the country should not be alarmed at Christie’s gloom and doom predictions.
    Well, Mr. Laing, make up your mind, just what is our predicament? No slowing of the economy; no recession; the brunt of the “no-recession” is over or should we just “watch and see” what 2010 churns out for us? Shouldn’t your government have a little more positive things to tell us than to, “wait and see” what happens? This does not inspire us to hope at all, Mr. Zhivargo Laing. You are reminded that a government’s role is to inspire hope, not declare hopelessness.
    Get it through your head, Zhivargo Laing, the recession is not over; the brunt of the recession has not yet passed us and if your government’s only answer to this crisis, as we embark on a new year, is for us to watch and see, then God the Father, please help us all, sir.
    The book of Proverbs, authored by King Solomon, has an abundance to say about fools and about the pursuit of wisdom. The book of Proverbs really should be a “must read” for Ingraham’s entire cabinet. In one place it asks, “You simpletons! How long will you go on being fools? How long will you scoff at wisdom and fight the facts? This government scoffs at wisdom and fights the facts, they declare myths as facts and the facts they simply, glaringly ignore.
    The facts, as provided by the Central Bank of The Bahamas; Standard & Poor (S&P) and Mr. James Smith, an eminent financial wizard, all concur on a grim financial outlook for the country, through the year 2011, at least. This, while Zhivargo Laing and his government are predicting something totally different and opposite.
    To put our position very simply, we are up a creek without a paddle and we can thank Hubert Ingraham; Zhivargo Laing and the Free National Movement government for our woes.
    I call upon the nation and admonish, as King Solomon in his Proverbs admonished us, pursue Wisdom and live; ignore it at your own peril and die (paraphrased).
Forrester J Carroll J.P
Freeport, Grand Bahama
4th January 2010

IN PASSING
CS Caroline Launched In China

Lowell J. Mortimer, President of Campbell Shipping, a Bahamian company, was in China for the commissioning of the Cargo Ship Caroline named after his mother Winifred Caroline Mortimer, who in her lifetime was also known as Big Mama. The ship is registered on The Bahamas Registry and was built in China. The ship was commissioned on Wednesday 6th January in China. Photo: Min. Earl Deveaux, Director of the Nature Conservancy Bahamas, Mr. Lowell J. Mortimer, President of Sturdee Finance, owner of CS Caroline, Mrs. BJ Deveaux, Godmother & Mr. Yasuji Kodama, Vice President of Tsuji Heavy Industries (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.

Tyrone Fitzgerald Gets The Port Job

Tyrone Fitzgerald Sr., known popularly as Dr. Offff, the musician who died on 7th December, 2002, would have been proud of the announcement made last week that his son Tyrone Jr. is to become the General Counsel for the Grand Bahama Port Authority. Mr. Fitzgerald Jr. has been practicing in his own firm and will presumably give up that practice to move to Grand Bahama. Congratulations to Mr. Fitzgerald Jr. and his Mom Linda. Mr. Fitzgerald Jr. is also the grandson of the late Doc Rahming and his wife Ola, the founders of Economy Jitney.

PLP Rally In Elizabeth

The Leaders of the PLP gathered some 400 of the faithful in the cold night, 59 degrees was the low expected that night, to hear what the party plans to do now that there is going to be a by election in Elizabeth on Thursday 7th January. The Party leader Perry Christie said that there would be no retreat and no surrender. Translation: the PLP intends to contest the seat in Elizabeth.

Land Committee Resumes Soon To Wind Up
The Committee of the House of Assembly to investigate all matters with the disposition of publicly held lands is winding up its work. The Committee is to report to the House of Assembly by 27th January. The Committee met last in public hearings on Thursday 7th January. In the hearings, the Committee heard witnesses who had complaints about land issues personal to them. The witnesses were Sherlin Allen Lancelot Brown, Rev. Bursel Rolle, Anthony Cumberbatch, Anthony Curry, Emerson Major and Christopher Curry. The complaints seemed to be centred around the notion of insider trading within the Department of Lands and Surveys. The members of the Committee are Fred Mitchell MP Fox Hill, Chairman; Charles Maynard MP Golden Isles, Deputy Chairman; Philip ‘Brave’ Davis MP Cat Island; Branville McCartney MP Bamboo Town; Kenyatta Gibson MP Kennedy. The Chairman Fred Mitchell said that the final public hearing will be on 11th January and the report is expected in the House of Assembly on 20th January.

Plans Unveiled For Grand Bahama
The company Mid Atlantic Project Senior Managing Director Joe Rosetti has told the Nassau Guardian that the due diligence is continuing as part of their plans to buy the shares in the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s controlling company Intercontinental Diversified, listed in the Cayman Islands. Mr. Rosetti said that he had been in touch with the St. George family as well as the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Prime Minister David Davis. The company plans to expand the container port, expand the shipyard business and promote the further use of the airport, which he said was underutilized. No revolutionary ideas here. The interesting word however was that he thought there was potential for energy development. That seems to suggest that this is a company that is really interested in the gas pipeline from Freeport, which both the PLP and the FNM are so far against.

Fred Mitchell And Michael Lightbourne
An unusual pair appeared, one the guest of the other. Michael Lightbourne, the former MP for Long island and for Abaco had as his guest at his first meeting since joining the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Fred Mitchell MP for Fox Hill. What were that pair doing together?

Star 106 Having Problems
The Radio Station Star 106.5 is busy raking in the profits, what with a new deal with Cable Television and sharing expenses with the Nassau Guardian, but the owner of the licence Ken Perigord is not apparently getting his fair share. The talk around town is that the deal has gone sour and steps are being taken by the owner of the licence to remove the licence to a new place and under new conditions because the partners of Mr. Perigord refuse to come to new terms. Stay tuned!

Plane Wheel Collapses
Sky Bahamas just got a new plane and was all set to take its passengers up to Marsh Harbour, Abaco on Thursday 7th January when the right wheel of the airplane, the 33-seater Saab aircraft, looking sparkling brand new in its sea blue and green colours collapsed and the plane fell flat to the ground. Only the crew were on broad so no passengers were hurt. The passengers were put on another aircraft and dispatched to Marsh Harbour. Captain Randy Butler said that the airline is safe, but the Civil Aviation Department is investigating. This is the third incident involving these non-Bahamasair aircraft with wheel collapses. Two involved Western Air and now this one with Sky. The private airline companies have increasingly been responsible for taking Bahamian passengers across the country. The question many have raised is whether the county has the capacity to police the safety issues connected with running private airlines.

Cassius Is Going To Run
The ubiquitous Cassius Stuart, the leader of the Bahamian Democratic Movement announced on Thursday 7th January that his party will contest the Elizabeth seat in the bye-election scheduled for sometime in February.

The PLP Sets The Machine In Motion
PLP Leader Perry Christie announced on Thursday 7th January in Elizabeth that the Candidate's Committee would meet on Friday 8th January. It met. No word on the result. The Political and Leadership Committee of the Party will meet on Monday 11th January and the National General Council is set to meet on Tuesday 12th January to make the final decision on the run for the Elizabeth bye-election.

PLP Walkabout In Elizabeth
Organized by Dr. Bernard Nottage MP for Bain and Grants Town and later joined by PLP leader Perry Christie along with PLP MPs Melanie Griffin, Alfred Sears, Fred Mitchell, Shane Gibson and Senator Michael Halkitis, the PLP went into Elizabeth to meet the people. Great response to the more than 100 strong delegation on Saturday 9th January. More to come. Meanwhile the FNM threw a party on the public park in Sea Breeze to launch their campaign. In evidence Dr. Duane Sands who is to be the candidate for the FNM and FNM Chairman Carl Bethel.

FNM Torchbearer Chair on the Ropes
Jamal Moss, the incumbent, is being challenged for the leadership of the FNM's junior arm. There is an anti-Moss web campaign of vicious proportions that is being launched against him.

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MR. INGRAHAM AND HAITI

If the whole country has the ability to think logically for a minute and without emotion about events in Haiti, they might think back to the vigorous diplomacy with Haiti by the last PLP government. The PLP invested major time and diplomatic resources on Haiti, trying to see whether or not a solution could be crafted to assist in their political and economic problems. The shortsighted FNM was busy whipping up xenophobia and hysteria over it (not that they believed it) on the grounds that it would get them votes in the short term.

While whipping up anti Haitian hysteria on the one hand, the FNM then went to the Haitian community here in The Bahamas and promised them that they would regularize their status in the country. It is a pretty safe bet that today one third of the electorate is easily Haitian or first generation Bahamian with Haitian parents or grand parents. This is a significant impact on the society. It will increase as the 21st century moves on.

The conventional wisdom coming out of the last general election in 2007 is, playing on the fears of the Haitian population, that somehow the PLP was going to lock them all up and send them home, the Haitian population voted with the FNM. They now know they made a mistake because as with most things, the policies of both governments are the same. The government has to enforce the law, and there cannot be open season in the country, where the home gates swing open for every Haitian who wishes to come here.

The Elizabeth bye-election is now upon us. Again, the conventional wisdom is that there are major pockets of Haitian voters in the Elizabeth constituency. Some of the Haitian villages that the Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney has promised to rid us of are in Elizabeth. Now Mr. Ingraham has struck a political blow to assist in that area. At a press conference at the FNM headquarters, not the Cabinet office, while introducing his candidate for the Elizabeth bye-election, the Prime Minister announced that he was letting the detainees in the detention centre free; he was stopping round ups and repatriations. No one in the PLP doubted that this was a shot straight at the attention of the Haitian voters of Elizabeth.

Shadow Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell told the country on Friday 15th January in an official PLP statement that this was nakedly political, but he was certain that the people of Elizabeth, no matter the place of the national origin of their ancestry, would not fall for that old trick. The fact is, he said, the issues are unemployment, the fact that people can't pay their mortgages, rent and car payments and that the FNM provides no health insurance for the Bahamian people, while sending a doctor who opposed national health insurance to represent them.

The party’s spokesman criticized what he called unilateralism on the part of Mr. Ingraham. He pointed out that in other countries; Jamaica and the United States; both political sides had been engaged in efforts to assist the people of Haiti but that in The Bahamas, the FNM was going it alone. He believed they ought to suffer the political consequences of going it alone. He appealed for bipartisan public policy.

The "native" Bahamian public is outraged. They called the talk shows, forgetting the situation in Haiti and said essentially that Mr. Ingraham must have been out of his mind to let people out of the detention centre. The belief is that these detainees will never go home because Haiti will not be in a position to ever take them back.

Our position is to let Hubert Ingraham stew in his own fat on this one. He ought to reach out across the political isle so that the country has a joint and agreed position. There is significant tension in the country over this. It is the failure to promote the virtues of integration in the society, a society that is still too small and does not have enough people to carry out the tasks in its economy. But it is easy to create monsters in the form of poor people with no English language skills who are dark skinned. But think of the talent that comes into the country by virtue of immigration. The FNM has helped to promote the climate of hysteria.

The PLP’s long-term foreign policy was that if The Bahamas spent some money trying to help get Haiti sorted out in the short term, in the long term we would not have to be spending all this emergency money that costs us more. Spending a smaller amount up front in Haiti will help that society be better organized. But no one seemed to able to see it and the FNM played on the ignorance of people.

Yet again, some are saying this is not a time for logic. Mr. Ingraham’s calculations are purely political, they argue. We say: we ought to be as political as we can but we ought also to be logical. Ours is to make the case to the country that the people who can promote the best for the Bahamian people is the PLP through sensible and long term foreign policy and through measured and sensible domestic policies, not playing on people’s fears.

Number of hits for the week ending Saturday 9th January 2010 up to midnight: 155,800.

Top: former US Presidents Bill Clinton, left, and George W. Bush, right, join President Barack Obama in announcing aid efforts for Haiti; above: Civil Aviation Chief Pat Rolle hugs his daughter, just returned from post-earthquake Haiti.

PLP MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY FOR HAITI

    Leader of the Opposition Perry G. Christie MP issued the following statement on behalf of the Progressive Liberal Party after the earthquake in Haiti on Tuesday 12th January 2009:
    “Having taken stock of the events in Haiti, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Haitian people on the deaths of so many in Haiti following yesterday’s tragic earthquake in Port Au Prince. I am deeply moved by it. The picture of the Presidential palace, a place where I paid an official visit in 2004 and the destruction of that building is symbolic of the damage inflicted on Haiti.
     “All of us in the PLP are watching with keen interest developments there. We are of course concerned about the loss of life, the survivability of the people and the ability of the Haitian government to function effectively. We have encouraged the government of The Bahamas to lead to a Caricom wide effort to mobilize resources to assist Haiti. We think The Bahamas ought to lead the way.
     “It is also incumbent upon the government to continually brief the Bahamian people on the security implications for our country and how this is likely to affect migration from Haiti to this country. A word ought to be said about our diplomats if any in Haiti.
     “We are grateful to God for sparing our Nation, particularly our family and friends in Inagua and the other south-eastern islands, the full impact of this catastrophe.
     “I have asked our internal committee of the PLP to convene an early meeting with other non-Governmental Organizations, particularly Church bodies, to see what we can together do to raise funds to assist where
possible.
     “I have also asked that the rally that we planned for Thursday 14th January 2010 to introduce our candidate in the bye-election for Elizabeth be postponed given the enormity of the tragedy that is unfolding in our sister nation to the south.
     “I urge all Bahamians to continue to pray for our fellow Caricom citizens in Haiti.”
Top - Former Prime Minister Perry Christie and former Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell are shown with then Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide during a state visit to Haiti - file photo

WHAT IS INGRAHAM WAITING ON?
    Hubert Ingraham is crude. Of that, there is no doubt. You cannot however confuse crudeness with a lack of cunning. There are plenty of crude, but cunning people. That is how we label Hubert Ingraham. In the House of Assembly, he said that he is not a coward. He said this as he defended his planting the political axe in the back of Oscar Johnson back in 1977, even as he stood in 2010 and eulogized him in death at the House of Assembly. The crocodiles are missing their tears. The PLP cannot therefore confuse his crudeness, his boorishness with lack of cunning.
    So now, what is Hubert Ingraham waiting on with this bye-election? Bradley Roberts, the PLP’s Chair made the suggestion in his press release on 13 January (click here for the full statement) that Hubert Ingraham is delaying calling the bye-election. Oh no, said Mr. Ingraham in answer to what he called propaganda. He said that when Sir Lynden resigned his seat, it took three months before the bye-election was called. Of course, this is not the year 1997. We all know that Sir Lynden was forced out. There was an election to organize in the Family Islands. If you remember, Mr. Ingraham had first told Mr. Christie that since Sir Lynden’s seat was a PLP seat he was not going to contest it. His perfidy caused that delay.
    This bye-election in Elizabeth is one designed purposely by Hubert Ingraham, hatched in his office and plotted in his mind. Therefore, there is no accident as to why the date for this bye-election has not set. At first, they said that the Speaker was not in country, so he could not officially notify the Governor General of the vacancy until after his return. That was put forward by the young Deputy Speaker in the House on Wednesday 6th January, who could very well have let the Governor General know himself, since he in the absence of the Speaker has all the powers of the Speaker. That explanation does not wash.
    (As we uploaded, there was a report that the PM met with Governor General Arthur Hanna on Saturday 16th January: speculation is either to ask him to choose the date of his retirement or to set the bye-election date.)
    In any event, the Speaker has now been back in the country for over a week. He was very much in evidence at the investiture ceremony at Government House on Thursday 14th January. When is the bye-election being called?
    Our guess is this; Mr. Ingraham wants to pack the rolls with transfers and new registrants. This has got to be to pack the rolls with FNMs who do not now live in the constituency, but whom he needs to give a chance to get into the constituency. The PLP has to watch very carefully and identify who these people are and be prepared to challenge them.
    We say to Mr. Ingraham: call the bye-election and let's have done with it.

LOWELL MORTIMER GETS AN OBE

The Governor General Arthur Hanna presented the awards for the Queen’s Birthday honours 2009 and 2008 on Thursday 14th January 2010 at Government House. Amongst those receiving an award from the Queen was Lowell J. Mortimer for his work in the church and in philanthropy. Mr. Mortimer has been a leader in the community in supporting education. He heads the Endowment Fund for his church Christ Church Cathedral. He is Honorary Consul in The Bahamas for Turkey. He is a supporter of the Original Fox Hill Congos Junkanoo group. He was the winner of last year’s Golden Heart Award from the Victor Sassoon Foundation. He received the award of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) He is the son of the late Ulric and Winifred Mortimer of East Street and the Best Ever Candy Kitchen.
Photo/Peter Ramsay

GEORGE COX IS HONOURED BY THE QUEEN

George Cox, known to his friends as Georgie, is the nation’s premier engineer. He has been the mover and shaker behind so many projects in The Bahamas, they are impossible to count. He brings a quiet determination and strength to a project that gives you a sense that nothing can go wrong if his work is behind the project. He is 77 years of age and is recovering from quite serious surgery. The Queen awarded Mr. Cox the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) for his pioneering engineering work. Today’s young Bahamian engineers owe a debt of gratitude to him. He is married to Setella Cox. Their son John Edward is a well known Bahamian artist. They have two grandchildren Xelter and Story.
Photo/Peter Ramsay

RYAN IS THE CANDIDATE! (INTRODUCED BY HIS DAD)

    The Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party Bradley B. Roberts announced on Tuesday 12th January 2010 that Ryan Pinder, the tax law attorney, would be the party’s standard-bearer in the upcoming bye-election in the Elizabeth constituency. Mr. Pinder said that he accepted the nomination of the party. Mr. Pinder was introduced to the Party’s National General Council by his father Marvin Pinder, who served as a Member of Parliament for the PLP from 1987 to 1992 and as a Minister in the last Pindling Government. The family hails from Spanish Wells.
    Mr. Pinder received the unanimous endorsement of the PLP's National General Council Of Progressive Liberal Party and a pledge of full support from the other potential candidate, Craig Butler, National Treasurer of the PLP.
    You may click here for the full statement of the Party’s chairman announcing the candidacy and click here for the website and statement of Mr. Pinder.
    Mr. Pinder, centre, is pictured with Party Leader Perry Christie and PLP Chair Bradley Roberts.
Photo/PLP media

AND ALSO DUANE SANDS AND OTHERS

    When the history of the Elizabeth bye-election is written this could well go down in history as the “poppy show” election. Why? Everyone and their grandmother wants to run for office. No doubt, they all have visions of fame and fortune, but more likely, it is their chance for the fifteen minutes of fame. All of the wannabes and also rans are putting their hats in this ring.
    At the end of the day, this will be a contest between the FNM and the PLP, but that does not stop the also rans from polluting the issue.
    Duane Sands is the FNM’s man; we know that. But also in the race is Cassius (with a lean and hungry look) Stuart whose slogan is try something new (click here to see his ad). Then there is the National Development Party, who have not said whom they will run. They are going to have a primary, in line with their core principles that it should not depend on a Candidates Committee. Then there is Godfrey ‘Pro’ Pinder, who has a party called United Christian Love Revolution Movement (UCLRM) and his slogan is that he loves everyone. Yeah right! Then there is Rodney Moncur, the gadfly of Bahamian politics who heads the Workers Party, looking again for another fifteen minutes of fame. He has had one too many.
    Let’s see, do we have them all? Their pictures are shown just in case you don’t know who they are; From left, Cassius Stuart; Duane Sands; Rodney Moncur; and Godfrey 'Pro' Pinder.

OTHER AWARDS

Congratulations to long time political activist for the FNM in Fox Hill Fred Ramsey (with GG above, left) on being awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) at the investiture at Government House on Thursday 14th January 2009 and also to Pastor Wilbur Outten (with GG above, right) of the Freeport Gospel Chapel for his outstanding civic work in Grand Bahama.
Photos/Peter Ramsay

MARATHON BAHAMAS

    On the 14th February, the inaugural marathon of the 21st century for The Bahamas will start at the Montagu Beach near the fort built in 1742. From there, it will find its way the requisite 26.4 miles through the picturesque streets of Nassau. Chairman of the Marathon Bahamas Executive Board Franklyn Wilson of Arawak Homes is enthused and convinced that this can be a great marker for The Bahamas, leading the way for the Marathon to be put on the calendar of runners around the world.
    Mr. Wilson notes:
    “This is a major effort to pursue an opportunity to do something which truly builds "the common good" of all who are citizens of or residents of the Bahamas.
    “You would be pleased to know that already registrants are planning to come from several states in the USA, Canada, the U.K., The Netherlands and the Turks & Caicos.
    “In addition to the health and recreational benefits from participation, the marathon provides   opportunities for entrepreneurs. For example, there is to be "the marathon boil’ at Arawak Cay after the run. Think of visitors having a massage, seaside, after a long run -- especially in the height of winter. Beats whatever is possible from the New York marathon. There is also to be an expo on the Saturday before. More opportunity.
    “Charity clubs can use it to raise funds -- since there is to be a relay section -- six runners to a team.
    “Parents please be certain that the administrators at your child's school know that there is to be a schools division. Each school can enter without charge up to two relay teams. Each team can be comprised of students, school administrators or teachers, provided at least half of the team is students. The winning school obtains ‘The Minister's Cup’.
    “This inaugural marathon is important for reasons including, for example, the fact that the research establishes that once we do this first event right we will significantly create the potential to get the event on the calendar of runners all over the world for future events.
    “Marathoners represent an ideal market segment for Bahamas tourism - active people with the disposable income and interest to pursue their passion in different places.
     “Beyond economics, the marathon is also a means of getting an important message out to us-individually and collectively-- physical wellness is important to so much else in life.”
    We encourage you to spread the word about marathon Bahamas. We invite you to visit www.marathonbahamas.com for more information.
Recently, the organizers of Marathon Bahamas paid a courtesy call on Minister of Tourism & Aviation Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace. Pictured from left in this file photo are Shelly Wilson, Deputy Operation Manager, Sunshine Insurance; Janet Johnson, Director of Communications, Ministry of Tourism (MOT); Tyrone Sawyer, Director, Sports Tourism MOT; Minister Vanderpool-Wallace; Franklyn R Wilson, Chairman, Marathon Bahamas; and Veronica Duncanson, Public Relations Consultant, Sunshine Holdings.

HUBERT SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE

    The government of Hubert Ingraham and the FNM was scrambling on Friday 15th January 2010 to explain to the Bahamian people what they meant by announcing that the Haitian detainees at the detention centre for illegal migrants in Nassau were to be set free. The talk shows went ballistic.
    Tensions are beginning to rip in the society that could cause an earthquake; this is one of the major fault lines in The Bahamas, perhaps more politically potent than the white and black issues.
    The Haitian population in The Bahamas is restless about the problems in their own country and the continued discrimination in their adopted country against them and their children. Their numbers are out stripping the “native” Bahamians, although there are, strictly speaking, no native Bahamians.
    The people who called the talk shows and their representatives are these native Bahamians who are incensed that Mr. Ingraham is giving by this new policy a carte blanche signal to Haitians to come to The Bahamas. He says not only will the captives be set free but he will not have round ups any more until the emergency is over in Haiti; repatriations are suspended as well. Mr. Ingraham said he did not think that this would cause an opening of the floodgates, since most refugees come to The Bahamas from the north and the earthquake happened in the south. The announcement did not go down well.
    The Minister for Immigration Brent Symonette (above, left) said that the released detainees would have a fixed period of temporary residence and they would have to report back to Immigration. The likelihood of that happening is, what do you think? Then his Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney (above, centre), said that the policy would mean six or twelve month permission to reside in the first instance. This is fraught with difficulty.
    The Opposition’s spokesman on Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell (above, right) said that what was needed was a fuller explanation from the government and a bipartisan approach to developing policies on Haiti. You may click here for the full statement by Mr. Mitchell. He gave the examples of the co-operation in the US and in Jamaica between leaders of the different parties, but said that Hubert Ingraham chooses in The Bahamas to go it alone. Mr. Mitchell said that there was the possibility that this matter was designed to seduce the voters of Haitian descent in Elizabeth but he added that most people would not be fooled by that. The real issues, he said, were unemployment, health care and the fact that people can’t pay their mortgages and car payments.

COBUS RESPONDS TO COB ISSUE
Janyne Hodder, the President of the College of The Bahamas is leaving her post, but she is not having an easy time as she goes out the door. The faculty, led by the Union of Tertiary Educators, is restless and have been leading a series of industrial actions against the College. Jennifer Dotson, who is an Isaacs by birth, has been leading the Union in the protests. There was a sickout during the past week as part of that protest. It appears that the students don’t quite get it or don’t support it, as they made a rare public intervention through the student body COBUS to make their views known. You may click here for the statement of the College of The Bahamas Union of Students.

WALKING ELIZABETH

Last week PLPs in their scores on Saturday 9th January walked the Elizabeth constituency, mixing, mingling and schmoozing with the voters. The PLP did a walkabout in the Joe Farrington Road area of Elizabeth on Saturday 16th January following up on the one on 9th January in the Elizabeth estate area. A church service to ask God’s blessing on Ryan Pinder was held this morning in the constituency. The photos of the 9th January walkabout are by Andrew Burrows.

MITCHELL AT ST. ANNE'S ON MAJORITY RULE

Amidst all the political furore over the upcoming bye-election in Elizabeth, some feel that short shrift was given in public this year to the forty third anniversary of Majority Rule. Fred Mitchell MP on Monday 11 January, spoke on the subject to the students of St. Anne's School in Fox Hill. You may click here for Mr. Mitchell's remarks.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Forrester Carroll... on Majority Rule Day

Yes, “Majority Rule” was an achievement by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), but so was, the female’s right to vote; the bringing into effect of the one man- one vote provision; Independence; the college of the Bahamas; National Insurance; high school education in the country for all; the Defence force; the high degree of social services programs instituted, and the many other landmark achievements our people enjoy today.

I have questions for Hubert Ingraham and his FNM government; why have you, as a matter of FNM policy it appears, decided not to ever recognize and or commemorate, “Majority Rule Day”? Why do you avoid, even, conversation on the subject, as if it were taboo-a topic to be avoided at all cost? Why have you adopted this posture, in respect to Majority Rule Day, when in fact this was an achievement-as were all the others, enumerated-not only for PLP Bahamians or Black Bahamians, but for all Bahamians, and for all times?

I note a pattern here; for even our Independence Celebrations each year, under the FNM, are always scaled down; limited to stale flag raising ceremonies and lack-lustre, to say the least. Why on your watch and under your government, Mr. Hubert Ingraham, the nation has never been called-not even one year-to gather in churches around the country to give God thanks and praise, as a nation, for that day of liberation? Why, Hubert Ingraham, why?
I understand fully-but do not really appreciate-the reason(s) for the FNM financial backers and big wigs, not wanting to focus any meaningful attention on the 10th January and or 10th July each year. However, while their reason(s) is/are excusable for the FNM, as a political party in opposition to the PLP, it is/they are, inexcusable for a duly elected and installed Government of the Bahamas.

“Majority rule,” while, yes, it was achieved under a PLP government; it was achieved, however, for all Bahamians-black and white; rich and poor; PLP, FNM and others-for then, now and in the future. It is interesting, and I am very curious, as to why the Free National Movement party government-a political party which came out of the belly of the UBP and which itself had its origins in the old, feared Bay Street Boys Club-would not want to celebrate “Majority Rule Day” and or “Independence Day; but they wish each year, instead, to push off on us a silly season they call, “One Bahamas.” It is interesting, as well, to see the individual who they have appointed year after year, consecutively, (certainly in Grand Bahama) to be the person in charge of their so-called, “one Bahamas” celebrations, and I wonder, with great curiosity, why he seems so eager to accept the chairmanship of that committee. I am also very curious and extremely suspicious as to why, in these celebrations, they place their greatest emphasis on the involvement of our school children.

It is as if their long term plan, here, is to downplay the importance of “Majority Rule” and Independence Day” and promote this “One Bahamas” silly season celebrations, which the school children are forced to participate in, as being far more important. If this continues long enough, sooner or later our children will grow to become adults and the significance of these two historical events (Majority Rule and Independence) will vanish from their psyche and be replaced with this “One Bahamas” thing.

These people are brainwashing our children, and we are not the least bit concerned, it seems. The question we should be asking ourselves is; why is the FNM, which really is the old UBP in disguise, making every effort-every opportunity they get-to minimize the importance of our history, in the minds of our children? Are we going to stand by and continue to allow this Bay Street/UBP/FNM party government, to get away with emasculating the advancements and achievements we’ve made in this country, for which our forefathers, suffered tremendously during those many years of struggle? We should never forget, that History repeats itself, and history will be prepared to condemn us if we fail to remember that these wolves who are coming to us now, in sheep’s clothing, with this “One Bahamas” crap are the descendants of the very ones who opposed; majority rule; Independence; the defence force; national insurance and most of our other accomplishments.

Can we not see what they (Bay Street) are planning to do to us? Are we so blind that we cannot see, for God’s sake? Believe me when I tell you; Bay Street is alive and well and if they can succeed, through their surrogate Ingraham & Co, to get our school children not to appreciate and regard the importance of our “Majority Rule and Independence” days, then the battle-if not the war-would have been won and they (Bay Street) would be well on their way to accomplishing their long term goal; That being, since 1967, to undo the accomplishments of Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling and the Progressive Liberal Party. Sadly they have found, in Hubert Ingraham, a dedicated and committed ally to their cause.

Like the Emancipation of slavery in 1834 and Independence in 1973, majority rule in 1967 ranks more important an event, in the scheme of things, on our road to full empowerment of the Bahamian Masses. As was said, “There is no event of more consequence and historical importance, than the attainment of Majority Rule for the Bahamian people.” This event ushered in, for the first time in our history, the right and opportunity for women to vote; for all-men and women; black and white-21 years (legislation to change the voting age to 18 years came later) and older to vote and the abolishment of the unfair practice, by that minority group(Bay Street Boys), of the property vote.

On this day of importance, we would be remiss if we fail to single out, pause, remember, honour and pay our respects, to the late Hon. Sir Randal Fawkes and the Hon. Sir Alvin Braynen. These two gentlemen, now deceased, both, individually and collectively, played a more pivotal role, in my view, than any other single individual involved at the time-no question about that. I wish to honour them today and thank their families, who are still alive, for their sacrifice and contribution to our nation. Our young people should be told and our older ones, who remember, should be reminded that both Sir Randal Fawkes and Sir Alvin Braynen were given “signed” blank cheques, by those same Bay Street/UBP/FNM merchants, and told to fill in whatever figures they wished. They were offered big, big bucks and what did Bay Street want from them in return, you ask? They wanted Fawkes’ and Braynen’s support, so they could form a UBP government and continue their suppression of masses. These giants, of men, took the blank cheques; they were given, tore them up and gave their support to the PLP and the Bahamian people (black and white) instead; thus, facilitating the PLP in forming the first progressive liberal party government, which ushered in “Majority Rule.”

We should never forget that one of the by-products of that pre-1967; pre-majority rule era in the colony, was the lack of educational opportunities afforded 95% of the population, who were all obliged, by the system if not by law, to leave school at the ripe old age of 14 years. That is the way it was and only those with piles of money, like the infamous Bay Street Elite (UBP now FNM) were able to send their children out of the colony to boarding schools abroad. I am truly, forever, grateful and thankful to my parents who were not prepared to settle, however, for the rules of the system for their thirteen (13) children. They were prepared to do what it took and prevailed upon Mr. N.G.M Major(Pastor Rex Major’s Dad), who was the school principal, at the time, at Buckley’s All Age(Now N.G.M Major High) located at Deadman’s Cay Long Island, who consented and facilitated my return under his personal tutelage. Four years later, I graduated to become today, if not very much of anything else, a thorn in Hubert Ingraham’s side.
The Progressive Liberal Party has been stigmatized, and unfairly so, over the years with the, very narrow, view that it came into being for a single purpose; that of representing, only, the 85% black majority population, against the racial, economic and political discrimination which prevailed, in the Colony, at the time; but not so. All Bahamians, both white and black, who did not qualify for membership in the Bay Street Social Club, were outcast and discriminated against. It is just that the majority of those persons represented those of African ancestry.

We should not forget that the PLP was a party conceived in the mind of a white Bahamian (Mr. William Cartwright) and was eventually founded by a group of, fed up, white Bahamians, including my own father, whose name has hardly even been mentioned as a part of that founding group. They saw the scourge brought down on 95% of the population-both black and white-and had the guts to stand up to that group of Bay Street merchants, known as the feared Bay Street Boys, turned UBP, and now turned FNM; and the rest of the story is history. Statistics at the time, indicated that white Bahamians represented about 15% of the total population and at least 13% of them were no better off, economically or politically, than the large black majority.

The PLP did not discriminate, but represented all Bahamians, including our struggling white brothers and sisters, against those Bay Street tyrants. There are many white families who are still alive today, who would substantiate what I am saying as truth, including Mr. William Cartwright and my own dad, Mr. Joseph Carroll, who is now 91 years old and living at Deadman’s Cay Long Island. Don’t let them fool you, it did not start out as a black and white thing; they labelled the PLP with that stigma when it suited their own political purpose, to do so, and it saddens me that, for the most part, we have not been able to shake that dastardly perception.
Senator Michael Darville, in his address at the thanksgiving service held at Church of God Temple on peach tree street in Freeport, in commemoration of that wonderful day, 43 years ago, said,” Our political history would clearly demonstrate that majority rule ushered in opportunities for all Bahamians irrespective of colour or political persuasions…that our party(PLP)remains proud of its rich history and believes that the historic event was one that laid the foundation and plotted the course for the modern Bahamas…that January 10th 1967, represented the transition from the old Bahamas to the new Bahamas and from a minority government to majority rule;” Unquote.
Political conditions prevailing in the colony, pre- 1967, dictated the exclusion of the right of women to vote. In addition the property vote prevailed, in that males 21 years and older could vote; however they could only do so after establishing, legitimately, the fact that they owned property somewhere in the colony, and they were required to produce the evidence, to establish the same. I am advised, further, that, usually, the only evidence accepted as proof, at that time, was land papers duly issued and registered. I am told, as well, that if a male 21 years and older could prove that he owned one hundred pieces of property, scattered through out the colony, he could vote once for each piece of property he owned or one hundred times in that election. Now, no where in this world that could be right, and so the PLP and majority rule day, changed all of that nonsense.

If you owned no property or had property but could not show clear title, then you had no entitlement to a vote, and indeed could not. One man; one vote did not exist, at the time, and I don’t have to tell you who claimed ownership to most of the clear titled property in the colony, back then, do I? The Bay Street Boys or the merchant class as we referred to them, had things so arranged and rigged in their favour, that they could never lose an election. The property vote compensated, in all the elections, for the population disparity between Bay Street and the overwhelming black majority, who supported Bay Street’s opposition, and it guaranteed successive election victories for the “Bay Street Boys merchant class elite group.” They were quite content to maintain that status quo, which worked so well for them, but thank heaven for sixty-seven and thank God for the PLP, which came on the scene and disrupted their laid back, tranquil life of ease.

I can understand why the FNM financial backers (Bay Street Boys) wouldn’t want to celebrate “Majority Rule” but I don’t understand why Hubert Ingraham wouldn’t want to commemorate the day. I can understand why “Independence Day” would be a sore point with these FNM financiers, but I don’t understand why Hubert Ingraham would be grieved by our Independence Day celebrations. It is so sad to see how the FNM government, during their years in office under Hubert Ingraham, has mangled these landmark, historic achievements-year after year-and how they have relegated these yearly important events to the dunghill pile of the group of “nothing specials.” It saddens me that Hubert Ingraham, a direct descendent of that age of repression and that repressive regime, would allow himself to be used, as a little puppet, to do the dirty work of those who, once enslaved and oppressed him and his ancestors. Where is your national pride, Hubert Ingraham? Did you ever have any?

Happy Majority Rule Day to all appreciative, black and white, Bahamians.
Forrester J Carroll J.P
Freeport, Grand Bahama
18th January 2010

IN PASSING
Andrew Curry Dies

As we go to upload comes word that well-known organist and arranger Andrew Curry died Saturday night. This recent photograph of Mr. Curry was taken last Sunday at the Red Mass for the opening of the legal year held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. He will be misssed. Our condolences.
Photo/Peter Ramsay

Kudos To The World
Led by the United States and other developed countries including France, the UK, Canada, Cuba, China, Brazil and Caricom countries like Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, the world has responded with great generosity to deal with the crisis in Haiti. We in The Bahamas have responded with generous donations of money and kind. Let us continue to give. Haiti needs our help.

Bahamas Government Fund
The Bahamas Government announced on Friday 15th January a Haiti emergency assistance fund is being established to provide an “organised and safe way” for the Bahamian community to donate cash for the relief efforts. After talks with the Clearing Banks Association, a specific Haiti Emergency Fund has been set up. The government's statement said: “The Government will undertake to ensure that donations received are directed to the government of Haiti for use in its recovery efforts, or to identified international charities and first response organisations rendering assistance on the ground in Haiti. “The Government advises that assistance to Haiti is being co-ordinated with the member states of CARICOM and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).” CARICOM efforts are likely to be co-ordinated from the Bahamas Embassy in Port-au-Prince, which did not sustain damage during the earthquake.

British American Financial Donates To Haiti

In response to the devastation in Haiti caused by the recent earthquake, British American Financial announced its donation of $10,000 to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as a contribution to the national relief aid to Haiti. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at this time”, said President and CEO of BAF, I. Chester Cooper.

Chamber President: Change Or Die
Speaking at the Bahamas Outlook Seminar sponsored by Joan Albury’s Counsellors firm, Chamber President Khalis Rolle described The Bahamas as a dinosaur in business, operating on old rules. He called for there to be dramatic changes in the way The Bahamas governs and does business. His cry: "Change or die". His remarks were made on Thursday 14th January.

Select Committee Reports
The Chairman of the House Select Committee On Public Lands expects that the report of that Committee will be ready for the House of Assembly on 20th January when it next meets. Similarly, the Committee on the Abuse of Children at the Eight Mile Rock School is set to report on Wednesday 20th January. Committee Chair Glenys Hanna Martin and the Committee travelled Grand Bahama for their final hearings last Friday 15th January.

Ronnie Knowles To Make A Comeback
Before there was Vincent Vanderpool Wallace, Dr. Hubert Minnis, Michael Barnett and Duane Sands, there was Ronnie Knowles, the kidney doctor who served as Minister of Health in Mr. Ingraham’s government from 1997 to 2002; who once was Perry Christie’s campaign manager (a fact vociferously denied by him today). Dr. Knowles claimed not to like politics, but that is what they all seem to say. Now reportedly he has a hankering for a comeback since he has managed to get his friend Duane Sands into the fray. Look for a nomination for Dr. Knowles for the FNM in the upcoming general election or another Senate appointment. All of this in exchange for a policeman saluting you in the street and a government chauffeur-driven gas guzzler.

Jamal Moss Survives

FNM Torchbearer President and youth leader Jamal Moss was returned as President of the organization for a fourth term Wednesday 13th January.

A Scene From A Gilbert & Sullivan Play?… No - The Judiciary on the March

Justices, Magistrates and Members of the Bar took to the streets to Mark the Opening of the Legal Year, Wednesday 13 January.

Hartman Longley To The Supreme Court
In a little noticed or admitted fact in the remarks of the Chief Justice, it appears that Hartman Longley is to leave the Court of Appeal bench and go to Freeport as Judge of the Supreme Court. Is that right? Why would he agree to do that?

Air Jamaica To Drop Nassau Route
Air Jamaica is in the final stages of a sale to Caribbean Airlines, the airline owned by Trinidad and Tobago’s government. The press in Jamaica is saying that with the acquisition of the airline, the Nassau - Kingston route of Air Jamaica will be stopped. This will be a great pity. Now there will be no way for Bahamians to travel to the Caribbean save through the United States of America and the troublesome visa process.

Overture To C.B. Moss Ignored
C.B. Moss’ Bain and Grants Town Development Association in conjunction with the Bahamas Christian Council sponsored a Majority Rule Day Service on Sunday 10th January. He invited Perry Christie, the Leader of the Opposition, with whom he had a bitter falling out, to speak. Mr. Christie, Fred Mitchell MP and Dr. Bernard Nottage MP were the only politicians present at the service held at the Church of God at Lily of the Valley Corner. Rev. Moss said that he wanted the day to become a holiday by next year’s celebration. Mr. Christie said that the PLP would in future follow the lead of Rev. Moss in celebrating the day. This seemed like an overture to the good Reverend to come back home. He did not respond to the overture when he got up next to speak.

Ingraham Cusses Out The PLP Workers
Hubert Ingraham issued a statement saying that Perry Christie ought to stop PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts from spreading propaganda on him, but the workers swear it is true. The Watchman, famous for his interventions on the radio talk shows and others were putting up posters in the Elizabeth constituency on Saturday 9th January, when Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and Carl Bethel pulled up to them. The Prime Minister had a few choice words for them saying that he was going to beat their “f….ing ass”. The workers immediately reported the matter to the police who were asked not to prosecute the alleged assault but to warn the Prime Minister. Carl Bethel, the Chairman of the FNM, denied that it happened at all. Bradley Roberts, PLP Chair, said that Mr. Ingraham was trying to intimidate the PLP’s workers.

Decrying The Tribune’s Lack Of Patriotism
The day when all the newspapers Friday 15th January were leading with the frantic efforts to help save the people of Haiti, only one newspaper was leading with the “holy” words of Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister, talking about his plans for the bye-election in Elizabeth. That newspaper was The Tribune. It incensed many Bahamians. The lives of Haitians meant nothing next to the holy words of Hubert Ingraham, who, like the kid who likes to pull wings off butterflies just for the fun of it, is dragging the country through a bye-election just for the heck of it.

What We Need Is A Doctor In The Hospital?
Duane Sands, whom we all know as Ernie, has been ratified as the FNM’s candidate for the Elizabeth bye-election. He now joins Michael Barnett, Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and a line of former ‘neutral’, public issue oriented citizens who turned out to be FNM operatives in disguise. With regard to Dr. Sands, it immediately raises the question of whether his opposition to National Health Insurance was a principled one, or simply driven by the fact that he was an FNM. What we know is we need a heart surgeon and from all accounts, he is a good one. What we do not need is him in the House of Assembly. After all these years, with the expertise that he has built up, which the country still needs, he wants to lay down his scalpel for the salute of a policeman and doubtful comfort of a chauffeur-driven government gas guzzler. Shame! Shame!

Exchange Control
The Central Bank has announced measures to ease exchange control hassles in The Bahamas. Now the banks can issue you up $1,000 foreign currency at a time for gift remittances without any paper work except the banks’ own forms. The Central Bank has also scrapped as of Monday 11th January the need for a dollar card and for filling of the Central Bank’s form. Now all you need do is present the bills and the passport and fill out your bank’s own forms. There are also changes to the allowances for business and pleasure trips overseas. Wendy Craigg, the Governor of the Central Bank, denied that this had anything to do with the FNM’s Manifesto to liberalize exchange control mechanisms.

Carew Street
It is the former home street of Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson, the BAAA executive; his brother, Roosevelt Finlayson; Stan Smith, the Deputy Director of Agriculture; and Dr. Austin Davis of the Princess Margaret Hospital. In one sense, that was in the good old days. Today, the neighbourhood seems to be mired in gunshots and returned fire. One man has been charged with firing a gun and attempted murder, following an argument with some of the neighbours. Another man is dead; McCardy Baptiste, friend of some of the residents’ youngsters. After he was robbed, he and a youngster from the neighbourhood took off into a Grants Town neighbourhood to seek who knows what. McCardy was shot and killed on the scene. If the two youngsters, McCardy and the other youngster had simply left it alone, McCardy would likely be alive and the neighbourhood would have been in peace. What gives here?

Ruth Bowe Darville
Ruth Bowe Darville, the President of the Bahamas Bar Council, is recovering following an operation. No announcement has been made as to what the operation was for, but Cathy Johnson Hassan, the Vice President of the Bar has been filling in at public functions for Mrs. Bowe.

Butch Scavella
The Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Clifford ‘Butch’ Scavella has been told that he will not get a second commission as head of the Force. He is to hand over command on 21st January. He ends up serving one term like the PLP government that gave him his first Commission. He did not even get the full five years that is normally afforded a Commodore. This is no surprise since the FNM believes he is a PLP and they were plotting to get rid of him from the day they came to office. They have offered him a job as Ambassador to Haiti, which job it is believed he will take up. Mr. Scavella has set the Defence Force back to being a military operation and set strict discipline in place. His successor is Roderick Bowe whom the FNM moved from the Defence Force and made a Deputy Director of Immigration. Now they have moved him back after a short time to the Defence Force. Mr. Bowe said he was delighted to be taking over the helm. We are sure he is. Tellis Bethel is to be the new number 2. This, no doubt, will resolve some of the resentment by the officer corps that someone who did not do the British course at Dartmouth could get the commission to head the Force over themselves. The British who set up the Defence Force left that legacy of class division in the force, which still exists today. We wish Mr. Scavella well.

The Man In The Wig

We still have this tradition in The Bahamas of wearing wigs and gowns as lawyers. If you are a Queen’s Counsel, not only are you allowed to charge double, but you get to wear what’s called a full bottom wig. The enrobed and bewigged showed up to ask the Lord’s blessings at the Christ Church Cathedral, as they do every year on the second Wednesday in January to mark the opening of the legal year. The man in the wig is John Delaney, newly “en full bottom wigged” and the Attorney General. Behind him is opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and to his left Director of Legal Affairs Deborah Frazer. The photo by Peter Ramsay was taken on Wednesday 13th January.

Sir Michael Says We Don’t Understand
The allegations that the Prime Minister chooses the judges of the court are all wrong, according to Sir Michael Barnett, the Chief Justice, as he presided over the opening of the Court’s year for the first time on Wednesday 12th January. Trotting out the constitution that only the Chief Justice is chosen by the Prime Minister, the lawyers and the press no doubt nodded judiciously. One can only though hark back to the time of Sir Leonard Knowles who told us how the Prime Minister through his appointment of the people on the Judicial and Legal Services Commission influenced who went there. There are two stone cold FNMs on the Judicial Legal Services Commission. Even the Leader of the Opposition opposed one of their appointments it was so nakedly political. No doubt, this is all being said to convince us that when former MP Malcolm Adderley takes his seat on the bench, we will know that the Prime Minister had nothing to do with it. Yeah right!

Congratulations To The Musgroves
A new addition to the household of Senator and Mrs. Anthony Musgrove, a third son. Congratulations!

Aristide Ready To Come Back To Haiti
From his place of exile in South Africa, former President Jean Bertrand Aristide has told the world press that he is ready to go back to Haiti to help to alleviate their suffering as a result of the earthquake. That is a whole other earthquake no doubt.

Click on a heading to go to that story; press ctrl + home to return to the top of the page.

BYE-ELECTION FEVER

Each Saturday since Malcolm Adderley resigned the seat in the House of Assembly, the PLP’s campaign co-ordinator for the bye-election in Elizabeth, Dr. Bernard Nottage, has organized a swamp campaign in a particular polling division. Hundreds of PLP supporters clad in their gold shirts mass into the constituency to greet the people and seek their support for the PLP’s candidate Ryan Pinder.

The Elizabeth seat was won by the PLP in 2007 by 45 votes. That means that it is a marginal seat. The conventional wisdom is that at bye-election time most people will go with the government in power. But this is not a conventional time. There is so much suffering in the country that a signal should be sent that the Bahamian people get it. The way out of the suffering is seeking to elect a PLP government back to office.

The campaign however is not a contest between Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie. Mr. Ingraham, taking a page from his old playbook, is back again with the same tired slogan about it being matter of trust. He is talking about trusted leadership. This is the same trusted leadership that has given the country 15 percent unemployment.

Let us look at the fact that the country needs a heart surgeon. Why would the country’s only heart surgeon go and take that qualified talent out of the country’s skills bank at the Princess Margaret Hospital to be a politician sitting on the backbench in the House of Assembly? It is reprehensible and selfish. Dame Marguerite Pindling, speaking at the rally in Elizabeth, said that while Dr. Sands was her doctor; she made it clear to him what side she is on. She is PLP.

Ryan Pinder has been walking the streets of Elizabeth. This is the surest and best strategy for the bye-election. The high themes are fine; the rallies are fine but what the people really want is to see the candidate. They want to know that the abandonment that took place while Malcolm Adderley was the Member of Parliament will not be repeated. We think that Mr. Pinder will acquit himself well. One of the more positive aspects of his candidacy is the fact that his father left a good reputation behind him. He was known as a good representative who cared deeply for people. Mr. Pinder the younger can build on that reputation.

Much has been made about money in this campaign. There is no question that money is the mother’s milk of politics. Candidates suffer when they get the reputation for being cheap or chinchy. You should remember the story of the US president Barack Obama who won Pennsylvania, but lost Philadelphia because he didn’t put down any walking round money. The troops need food, transportation, and something to drink to keep going. There has to be the occasional grill and chill to take the streets and keep them quiet. That is what you call walking round money.

The campaign is heating up. Mr. Ingraham is letting is young deputy Chairman Anthony Musgrove take a more prominent role the campaign. That is good thing.

The PLP has its young people on the front line. So the baton is passing to a new generation of people, born in the 1970s. As the election heats up, let’s hope that there not too many low blows and at the end of the day the country comes out on top and we, of course, hope that means PLP all the way with Ryan Pinder.

Top: PLP Elizabeth candidate Ryan Pinder addresses Elizabeth rally; above - with Party Leader Perry Christie

BISHOP LAWRENCE BURKE DIES
The former Roman Catholic Bishop of The Bahamas Lawrence Burke has died. Bishop Burke passed away in Jamaica yesterday 24th January. He was 77 and had battled prostate cancer.

INGRAHAM OUTLINES HELP FOR HAITI
According to the Prime Minister, The Bahamas is part of a Caricom group led by Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica along with Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica who are to lead the Caricom wide effort to help Haiti. There have been some complaints because Caricom delegations have reportedly been turned back from the Haitian airport that is manned by the Americans. Bruce Golding and Portia Simpson Miller, the Leader of the Opposition in Jamaica flew to Port-au-Prince together on Thursday 14th January.
The Bahamas Prime Minister announced that Haitian detainees, the 103 of them in the detention centre, are to be released with temporary status for up to twelve months. He said that these were no new detainees but people who were in detention because they overstayed their time and therefore had family connections to The Bahamas. He said that those now interdicted on the high seas would be charged for immigration offences so they can be kept in custody. He said that The Bahamas will supply two platoons from the Defence Force (60 people) for Haiti relief. He said that the new Ambassador to Haiti Clifford Scavella would leave for Haiti immediately and he did so on Friday 22nd January. He said the country was exploring other ways that it could help.

THE LEADER SPEAKS ON HAITIAN DETAINEES

    The Nassau Guardian in its Thursday 21st January edition of the paper led with the headline ‘PLP ON THE FENCE OVER RELEASE OF HAITIAN DETAINEES’. The headline was not supported by what was reported in the story itself. It came out of an ambush by reporter Candia Dames at the House of Assembly when she spoke to the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday 20th January about the party’s position on the release of Haitian detainees.
    The PLP has consistently said that Mr. Ingraham acted unilaterally on the matter of releasing the Haitians in the Detention Centre. Given his view about the PLP and its role (he says he does not pay any attention to what the PLP says, “Its like water off a duck’s back”) one wonders why in the context of the Government’s action was it important to know what the PLP thought? Ms. Dames was not to be deterred. Here is what the leader said in his own words and these words were penned by Ms. Dames herself:
    “On the face of it I saw nothing to lead me to the decision that he made.
    “The prime minister obviously has information that we do not have. On the face of it, we do not understand why it was done, which means therefore that unless we had information that compelled us to see it as a wise decision, we would not have done it.
    “I do not know. You see because ordinarily people are in detention because that is the place where we put them when we are about to repatriate them. If a decision is made that we cannot repatriate them now, therefore we must let them go, what has brought about that decision and that is what we do not know.
    “The reason we took the position that we needed to hear from the prime minister as to his explanation for doing so was simply that it did not appear to be a rational decision.
    “And insofar as public policy is concerned... if in fact the prime minister was able to tell us why he did it and disabuse us of the view that this is just Hubert Ingraham playing politics then fine, we would have been able to come out in support.
    “In matters of this kind where the national security and the humanity of our country are at stake, there should be no difference between the PLP and the government. And so, the point that we were trying to make is please, when you are making a decision of that kind where people will not understand your decision, then we will join you if you inform us as to why you are doing it.
    “It simply doesn't follow in this country that he (Ingraham) gets up one morning, runs across the political landscape, (and) makes a decision that he's never made before. I don't even think his government knew what he was doing.
    “On the face of it you cannot have contradictory policies where you let people out and when the next ship comes along you know that you have to put them somewhere.
    “If you feel that these people need to be helped who are in the Detention Centre beyond the level of comfort that it offers, then what Perry Christie would have done specifically was to find a formula that did not go against the national security interest of the country and that Bahamians would have understood what we were doing.
    “I would have been the first to join the prime minister and stand by his side if he said 'Christie I did this because I feel that we cannot be seen to be holding people in detention (considering) what is happening in Haiti, because people simply would not understand and there is a greater humanity that is necessary. Fine, if he said things like that we would do it."
    “I must tell you that we were considerably surprised by the decision.
    “There is no question about that. In my dealings with [then Haitian President Jean Bertrand Aristide] we were very near I thought [to] a major accommodation, building on what the FNM had done in their prior term between 1992 and 2002.”
Perry Christie responds to the press in front of the House of Assembly - Peter Ramsay photo

CANDIA DAMES REPORTS PLP A PARTY OF CONFUSION

    In the same story in which she accused the PLP of sitting on the fence on the Haitian immigration issue, Candia Dames (w/microphone at left) also repeated that Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister said that the PLP is a party of confusion. What was his evidence? Mr. Ingraham said, “If you looked at the newspapers [Tuesday 19th January] morning I think it was, [PLP Chairman] Bradley Roberts said they weren’t sure whether they were having a rally or not. They did have a rally [Tuesday] night,” he said.
    “The left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing. And so they will sit on the fence. They are seeking to find out what we are going to do before they do anything. They are leaderless, rudderless. The reality is that we made a decision as to what we think was right. The Americans also announced their decision afterwards, the Canadians, the French, etc. It’s a very simple question. You cannot send people back to a country... without the permission of the government of that country.”
    Now is it not interesting that the very word Mr. Ingraham used was that the PLP was sitting on the fence and that ends up being the headline on Ms Dames’ article? The very word. So who is calling the shots at the Nassau Guardian? Looks like Mr. Ingraham is calling the shots. The fact is the very same day of Ms. Dames’ story, Hubert Ingraham had scheduled a rally in Elizabeth on Thursday night 22nd January. They cancelled the rally because they were not ready. Does that now mean by his logic and that of Miss Dames that the FNM is a party of confusion? We won’t hold our breath.
Opposition Leader Perry Christie being quizzed by reporters - Peter Ramsay photo

US AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE ON HAITI

    The United States Ambassador Nicole Avant made a public statement in The Bahamas press on Tuesday 19th January 2010 on the earthquake in Haiti:
    “Our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the Haitian and Haitian-Bahamian community in the Bahamas.
    “We know that many of you have been unable to contact your friends and loved ones in Haiti. We are all devastated by the loss of life and property in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.
    “The United States government has mobilised a significant contingent of civil and military resources to respond to the disaster.
    “President Obama has made assistance to Haiti a top priority across all federal agencies which are intimately involved in making sure that we can get in there as quickly as possible to engage in humanitarian relief and to provide immediate medical attention, and then long-term help with the recovery.
    “The first wave of our rescue and relief workers arrived on the ground last Wednesday. In fact, the first to arrive in Haiti were US Coast Guard assets based in The Bahamas. Relief workers are now working around the clock to save lives. More waves of major assets will continue to arrive each day.
    “The president has announced an immediate investment of $100 million to support our relief efforts in the early days of this crisis. Most of this is for the basics - life-saving equipment, food, water, medicine. This investment will grow over the year as we help our neighbours embark on what is going to be a long-term recovery.
    “For those of you who would like to help, there are many charitable organisations and NGOs who desperately need monetary donations. You can find details about how to do this on the State Department's website, www.state.gov, where you can find information on how to donate to international charities.
    “If you need information on locating missing relatives who are Haitian citizens, please visit the website for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), www.icrc.org.
    “ICRC has set up a family links website to help you trace your loved ones. People in Haiti and abroad can register on the site the names of relatives they are trying to contact, and responses will be posted as they come in. Local hospitals, schools and other institutions are also posting names of people found alive, injured or dead.
    “For those of you with family in Haiti who may be looking to leave the country, the high seas are a very dangerous way to travel. Please ask your loved ones not to risk their lives, and tell them that help is on its way.
    “Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this crisis and let me assure you that you have the full support of the United States government.”

HOTEL UNION STILL FIGHTING (LEGISLATURE MUST NOW ACT)
    The Court of Appeal thought they had put an end to the seemingly endless squabbling in the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union by a ruling that three weeks ago displaced Nicole Martin for the third time as the new President and set a date for the executive council of the Union to hold nominations and elections. Not so fast.
    The Union’s executives are disagreeing about when the nomination and election dates are to be. The dates have actually been set, but again there is a court hearing taking place where the Supreme Court is being asked to say whether the date set by the Union is in fact the correct date.
    We have said in this column that this is a matter on which, in the public interest, the legislature ought to step in and simply confirm the results of the last election or appoint a receiver of the Union to run its affairs and set a date for the election so that the Union can get back to business. Kirk Wilson, the agent provocateur in this matter, and his attorney ought to examine their motives for their continued resort to court actions. It is clear that Nicole Martin is the leader of the Union and they ought to resile from their position because they are doing more damage to the union by this continued action than any employer could ever do.

COMMODORE SCAVELLA TAKES HIS LEAVE

    When Clifford Scavella took over the Defence Force three years ago, he was a surprise choice and then again not. He was the first marine recruit to take over the Force in a Force in which the lettered and Dartmouth recruited and trained are the leaders. The class divisions in the Force, a legacy left by the British, are quite stark. So he was from the lower classes and here he was leading the upper classes. Strike one. But those who knew him knew also his work ethic and when the recommendation was made for the Force to be retooled, they wanted to pick someone who would bring back the military discipline and make the Force a disciplined force again. He did that and he was not liked for it. But he would be the first to tell you that he is not in the business of being liked.
    Commodore Scavella wanted a military force. One of the first things he did was tell the men that you could not qualify for promotions unless you lost weight and you also passed the physical. There were howls of protest. It reminded a former PLP Minister of the time the PLP were negotiating with the Haitian government and a senior Defence Force officer contradicted the Minister at the table in front of the other side to say that what the PLP proposed might lead to marines being killed. Whereupon the officer had to be reminded that soldiers die in wars and that is what they pledge to do when they join up. That is what they are paid for.
    'Butch' Scavella, the former Commodore, has now taken his leave of the Force and he left with the song ‘My Way’ playing in the background. He has gone off to Haiti as Ambassador, with two close protection marines as his guards, and to set up the Caricom effort in Port-au-Prince, where conditions will be rough. He is a good soldier and we are sure he will do well. We hope that The Bahamas Government gives him the support he will need with this difficult mission.
BIS photos/Peter Ramsay

CANDIA DAMES’ EQUATION
    Whatever shall we do with Candia? We mean Candia Dames who is the editor of the Nassau Guardian. She has to examine her motives and her modus operandi. She is developing for a reporter a reputation of being too close to Hubert Ingraham as if she is working on his behalf. Sometimes her stories are as if Mr. Ingraham gave her dictation. There is a difference between being a sympathizer and being able to maintain one’s journalistic objectivity and writing pieces in the newspaper which come off as partisan, party drivel and not worthy of the objective standards of journalism.
    The Nassau Guardian has a history of people being at the gate to protect those in political authority. It is a pity that Ms. Dames has now become another in a line of editors who seem now to be revisiting that sordid and decidely biased past history of the Nassau Guardian. Not even The Tribune, which is rabidly anti-PLP, stands as a Praetorian Guard for Hubert Ingraham, granting access only to his opinions and giving primacy to his opinions over those of his political opponents.
    At least The Tribune makes an attempt, however feeble, at balance. There appears to be in the Nassau Guardian however, at least in certain stories, a personal animus against the PLP; something which many believe dates back to a misunderstanding of what happened to her brother who is now the Deputy Commissioner of Police. The latest example of this animus is the headline PLP ON THE FENCE ON HAITIAN ISSUE. A remarkable headline, because when you read her story, it is clear that the PLP is against the release of the detainees. How that translates into being on the fence (see story below for the answer) can only be manufactured from a mind that is poisoned against the party politically.
    Perry Christie's speaks elliptically and parenthetically and sometimes it may require attention to detail to distil what he is actually saying or believes, but that is not the business of the journalist. When he speaks, they have the duty to report what he says and not editorialize on what he says unless they are writing an opinion column. The standard of objective journalism is not met by this kind of behaviour. Perhaps in light of this Miss Dames will re-examine her motives and behaviour toward the PLP and give balance in her work at the paper. But knowing how Bahamians who suffer criticism go, she will simply get puffy and the matter will become even worse. But there it is.

OUR FRIEND ANDREW CURRY

    We announced last Sunday that Andrew Curry, the Catholic Church organist and musical director and producer died at his home on Saturday 16th January following a brief illness. He was buried at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Nassau on Saturday 23rd January. He is survived by his wife and four children. Peter Ramsay took the photos at the funeral mass and burial. He was a former student of Mr. Curry. Here is how he described him in his own words to the Nassau Guardian:
    “Mr. Curry is one of those people that I have known all of my life. I don’t know myself without Mr. Curry. He was always playing the organ in church from the time he was a boy.
    “I heard that when Andrew played the organ as a child his feet could hardly touch the pedals.
    “Andrew was the organist when he was an altar boy at St. Francis.
    “Everybody that I know who is involved in theatre in the country today would have gotten their start with Mr. Curry at Aquinas, because that is where it all started. King and I, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Camelot - they were all performed back in the day and Mr. Curry was the one that made it all happen.
    “He was a brilliant musician; I think among the best that the country produced. I’m sad, but you are born and you die.”

SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND REPORTS

The Speaker of the House set a deadline for 27th January for the Committee on Land to report back to the House. The Committee met its deadline by 7 days, reporting to the House on 20th January 2010. The report said that while it could not conclude any malfeasance in public office by Tex Turnquest, the former Director of Lands and Surveys, it believed that the executive ought to consider investigating the matter further to determine whether or not there was any evidence of criminal malfeasance in public office.
The matter came to the fore last April when it transpired that Tex Turnquest had advised his relatives and friends to apply for land and in Exuma. They got the land for sums as little as $1270, up to $2750 and later sold the land for sums as high as $550,000. The public was outraged. You may click here for the full report. The photograph shows Committee Chairman Fred Mitchell (PLP) delivering the Committee’s unanimous report. Other Committee members were Charles Maynard (Minister of Youth Sports and Culture), Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (PLP), Branville McCartney (Minister of State for Immigration) and Kenyatta Gibson (FNM).
BIS photo/Peter Ramsay

GLENYS HANNA MARTIN REPORTS

    Members of the House of Assembly Select Committee to Investigate the Eight Mile Rock High School Sexual Misconduct Allegations are pictured during a press briefing at the Office of The Prime Minister in Freeport on Friday 15th January. From left: Obie Wilchcombe, MP for West End and Bimini; Glenys Hanna-Martin, Chair and MP for Englerston; Kwasi Thompson, Deputy Speaker of the House and MP for Pineridge; and Maurice Tynes, Chief Clerk of the House of Assembly.
    In late April of last year in the wake of several allegations of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of students at the Eight Mile Rock High School, allegedly perpetrated by a teacher at that school, the House of Assembly agreed to the appointment of the Committee to investigate the allegations.
    The Committee was formed to review and consider all matters pertaining to allegations of sexual abuse and sexual molestation at the Eight Mile Rock High School and all matters related thereto and an inquiry into procedures and protocols of the Ministry of Education relative to allegations of sexual abuse, sexual molestation, and any form of sexual misconduct in the Public School System with powers to send for persons and papers, with leave to sit from place to place and with leave to sit during the recess.
    Committee members include Glenys Hanna-Martin, Chair and MP for Englerston; Loretta Butler-Turner, Minister of State for Social Services; Obie Wilchcombe, MP for West End and Bimini; Kwasi Thompson, Deputy Speaker and MP for Pineridge and Kenyatta Gibson, MP for Kennedy.
    Mrs. Hanna Martin reported to the House on Wednesday 20th January. She said that the evidence revealed lapses across the board leading to the conclusion of one witness that “everybody dropped the ball”. According to the report, the parents relayed a sense of profound disappointment that there appeared to be no apparent recourse.
    She said that it was “critical that the teachers and administrators receive continual training on how to recognize signs of abuse.
    “Witnesses recommended that teachers receive specific guidelines on appropriate behaviour with students outside of school hours, spelling out under what circumstances they should spend time away from school with a student and what places are not appropriate to take students outside school hours.
    “In addition, what are appropriate gifts, lunches, etc? It is important not to discourage the vast majority of teachers who are genuinely interested and concerned for their students, but it must be a matter of priority to protect students from abuse from those who wish to use this as a tool for abuse.”
    The committee also made a number of recommendations, including that the Office of the Attorney General implement a more expedited process for charging possible sex offenders and that the Royal Bahamas Police Force “be empowered to arrest and charge an accused person, thereby allowing the bail process to monitor the movements of an accused person.”
    “Other recommendations coming out of the proceedings are that a (school) principal should be given the authority to place a teacher on administrative leave in appropriate circumstances,” said Mrs. Hanna-Martin, adding that the “vetting process for the recruitment of teachers both locally and abroad must be enhanced, including the review of applications by a clinical psychologist.”
    Andre Birbal, the accused teacher, who fled the jurisdiction last year, is under arrest in New York and proceedings for his extradition have begun.
Above right, Glenys Hanna Martin reports to the House of Assembly - Peter Ramsay photo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Pierre Dupuch Writes On Malcolm Adderley

    22nd January 2010 - Other than the earthquake in Haiti, Malcolm Adderley’s resignation and the resulting bye-election in the Elizabeth Constituency seems to be the talk of the town.
    Malcolm Adderley had every right to resign his seat, but the real question is "why?"
    He had every right to disagree with the PLP and cross the floor. After all, Sir Winston Churchill was famous for it. If he did not believe in his party's position, he simply voted with the other side. This is real democracy at work.
    He has every right to disagree with Perry Christie. It is his right to express that disagreement. The real question is "what was the disagreement about?"
    He has the right to do all those things, but what he does not have the right to do is to "trash" the system of government for his own selfish ends. When Mr. Adderley first came to the House of Assembly he sat immediately behind me. My first real conversation with him was about his reason for being there. It was then that he told me in no uncertain terms that he would not be there if Christie had not promised him a Cabinet post. He was very angry that Christie had not lived up to his word.
    I was concerned. Here was a man who was there because he had been promised a Cabinet post, not because he wanted to serve the people.
    But Malcolm Adderley is not alone with these sentiments. There are many in Parliament with the same objectives.
    What bothered me is "why" he resigned. Was it as the newspapers reported? Was it because Prime Minister Ingraham promised him a "Judgeship?" If this is so, it is serious, and people should be worried, very worried.
    Our system is based on the complete separation of the Judiciary from the Parliament. This lies at the base of our system. Separation. Complete independence from each other.
    If it is true that he had been promised this in return for resigning his seat, does he not compromise himself? Can he be fair in his judgment when called on to make a judgment against a government which has just saved him from the jaws of bitterness and given him a more lucrative position?
    He has put himself in the precarious position of making a judgment that should not only be objective and fair; it must APPEAR to be objective and fair. Can this be done?
    A case in point was reported recently that the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Barnett, was seen in a car with the Prime Minister in the Elizabeth Constituency. It APPEARED that he was campaigning. Although it may not have been "fact" that he was campaigning it APPEARED to be fact. And that is all that was needed to "trash" the system. If true, Sir Michael Barnett and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham should be ashamed of themselves, and the country should be alarmed.
    Separation? Lets put it together. Claire Hepburn was appointed by Hubert Ingraham as an FNM Senator. She was then appointed by Hubert Ingraham to be the Attorney General. She was then appointed a Judge.
    Then came Michael Barnett. He was appointed an FNM Senator by Hubert Ingraham. He was then appointed Attorney General, and then Chief Justice of The Bahamas and became Sir Michael.
    And now comes Malcolm Adderley. Saved from the jaws of bitterness by Hubert Ingraham, it is now reported that he will be appointed to the more lucrative position as a Judge of the Supreme Court. It is reported that he will replace Mrs. Cheryl Albury whose application to serve for two more years has been turned down. But she and Malcolm Adderley are reported to be the same age? They both must retire at 65 unless they are allowed to serve for two additional years.
    If they extended Mrs. Albury's term by two years, the Government would only have to pay one person a pension. If all that I hear is true and Mr. Adderley is appointed, the government will have to pay two pensions. Wow!!
    Remember, a Judge and his/her judgements must not only be objective, they must APPEAR to be objective. Which of these judges would preside over a potential election case resulting from the upcoming Elizabeth election? Before making a decision, just remember what I said - a judge must not only be fair and objective, his/her judgment must APPEAR to be fair and objective.
    It is unfortunate that it is necessary to have to call names. Really, names don’t matter; "precedent" is what counts. According to our system of Justice actions taken ten years from now will be justified by the "PRECEDENTS" we create today. Do we wish to saddle our grandchildren with this? Maybe they will be faced with a Mugabe or Chaves as their leader or Prime Minister, and I can assure you, men like these would welcome this kind of precedent.
Pierre Dupuch

(The writer was a Member of Parliament from 1982 to 2002 as an FNM and from 2002 to 2007 as an Independent - Editor)

Hubert Cares Only For Himself

Bahamian voters, who are of Haitian and or Haitian/Bahamian parentage were, I am quite sure, not fooled by Hubert Ingraham’s pretending to care for them, nor were they impressed by his invisible crocodile tears two weeks, or so, ago, during his party’s press conference. The conference was called specifically to officially introduce the FNM’s candidate in Elizabeth, Dr. Duane Sands.

During his dialogue with the press, Ingraham made, in my view, only a passing reference to the tragedy in Haiti. He did not give the situation in that impoverished country the kind of urgency, as far as I am concerned, that it deserved. The magnitude of this tragedy demanded special focus by our government not just an ‘Oh by the way’ reference to the crisis.

If Ingraham had any respect and cared any at all for the Haitian people during this their worst crisis in history, he would have immediately, after the earthquake struck and the situation on the ground was ascertained, caused parliament to meet in an emergency session and at the end of that session, appoint a by-partisan parliamentary committee to convene immediately, in emergency meetings, for the express purpose of agreeing The Bahamas’ approach, in terms of the kind of help the Bahamian people are able to offer the Haitian people…

But not Mr. Big Stuff; not Mr. Know-it-all, Hubert Ingraham; he chose, rather, to go it alone. I am convinced that whatever he announced was an arbitrary decision taken by him alone, without even the knowledge of his cabinet.

…To exclude the official opposition from any official discussions, arrangements and or involvement, is an unforgivable act of dictatorship. This man has no appreciation, regard or respect for the constitutional role Her Majesty’s loyal opposition plays in our Westminster system of governance.

…It amazes me that after 13 years, at the helm, Bahamians still don’t get it with Ingraham… Thousands of ordinary Bahamians can testify, over those 13 years, to the mistreatment they have received at the hands of Ingraham and under his FNM government.

Anyone who is suspected of being his political rival would receive his immediate judgment and he is merciless in carrying out the sentence, which is usually very severe. If you are on a temporary government job, you will be fired. If you were under contract, he would find a legal way of cancelling it somehow. If you are a career civil servant, God help you. You would be kicked around, from pillar to post, until your pride would be so hurt so that you would gladly take an early retirement or just simply quit in disgust. If you’ve been in the service 38-40 years, whether you are at retirement age or not, he will retire you, ‘in the public interest’.

Ingraham consults with no one and he couldn’t care less how what he does affects the functioning of public service. Words count only when ones corresponding actions back up those words. One cannot talk about ‘love’ in words, when one’s deeds speak volumes, otherwise. This is hypocrisy, plain and simple. The man is indeed, a hypocrite and the truth of the word ‘love’ is not found anywhere in his vocabulary.

On the heels of coming to office in 2007, little did civil servants know, that the passion in his voice and the eagerness in his hand waving gestures at the FNM’s victory celebrations on the park that night were indicative of his anxiousness to get to work downsizing the civil service.

He couldn’t wait to begin signing all those termination letters that he anticipated sending out to selected public sector workers throughout the system.

The Rt. Hon. Perry Christie warned public servants, during the election campaign, that Ingraham intended to downsize the service; that, if he won, he intended, in effect, to purge the system of hundreds of them. Christie told government workers, from the platform of PLP rallies, that the careers of hundreds of them were subject to be shortened, under an incoming FNM Administration, but they did not believe. They chose, rather, to believe Hubert Ingraham and not Perry Christie and, today, many hundreds have already paid the ultimate price for their unwise decision in electing Ingraham to office.

During the months following the re-election of the FNM, and to date, we have seen the humiliation, firings, unfair transfers, demotions and superseding of hundreds of public sector workers, including many from the country’s vital security forces. Many with long, promising careers in the public service were bullied and forced into signing letters that had been prepared for them, giving consent for the FNM government to retire them early

Hubert started with ZNS, but in three years he has succeeded in completely wrecking Urban Renewal and the Customs department; demoralizing Immigration and the Police departments; dismissing top-tier Execs from National Insurance; Social Services staff are in uproar; Defence Force and Prison Staff are humiliated; the hotel corporation’s offices are closed and staff have been dismissing. Now his latest restructuring exercise victim, I am told, is the Local government Administration’s department in Freeport.

Administrator Cornish, who is a close relative (first cousin they say) of Mr. Ingraham, came to Freeport in October 2009. He came with orders, I am told, to shut down the Local Government Administrator’s office, and to merge its functions with those performed in the office of the prime minister. To accomplish this feat Mr. Alexander Williams, who is the most senior Administrator in the system, having served for 42 years in the service, had to be removed, pushed aside and sent elsewhere - anywhere; just get him out of Freeport. This was the first order of dirty business for this new Administrator, reportedly first cousin to Hubert Alexander Ingraham.

Mr. Williams received his marching orders shortly after the new administrator took up his new post here. Williams was instructed to report to Governors Harbour, Eleuthera. Mr. Williams is said to have objected to what is clearly rank political victimization. His Eleuthera posting defied all protocols and precedents observed over the years, with respect to transfers, in terms of rank and or seniority, within the system.

For him to be sent to Eleuthera was, in fact, a demotion and it should not be him, who has 42 years on the job, being sent to Eleuthera; but rather someone like Cornish who has accumulated only a little more than 15 years in the service thus far.

This argument, of course, makes no difference with the Ingraham crew. It is obviously not about qualifications or seniority or being fit for a particular post, but rather it is about convincing the King (Ingraham) that you support him and his FNM government.

The second phase of this dirty piece of business was to disperse, now, the remaining ten staff members which they thought would be a piece of cake. In doing so, it had to be determined who these staff members were, politically, and then decide where to send them or if to send them, at all, anywhere. The FNM supporters, it was agreed, would be assigned postings in other departments, whether their services were needed or not, but those who were determined to be of any other political persuasion, but especially PLPs, would be kept on the public’s payroll, but in limbo, with no office; no space; no desk and no assignments. The whole idea here was to, in effect, ‘torture’ as it were, those non-compliant PLPs, until they would have surrendered and quit the service in disgust, or submit for early retirement.

Nine of the ten targeted staff, I am told, were eventually offered, and they accepted, postings at other menial odd jobs, in various other government ministries. To her credit, the tenth female staff member was determined not to go down without a fight. She was not prepared to be pushed around and bullied about, as if she were a floor mat. She refused to accept a number of what she regarded as ‘any old kind of thing’ jobs, which she was offered. She was not prepared to accept anything other than a lateral position or higher and so she defied them, at every turn, for weeks.

After the Ingraham strongman and his henchman had exhausted all their options for her, without any solution to the situation, the lady was finally ordered out of her repossessed office and off the property. Asked, where should she then report to wait for her orders? She was told, she said, by the young, inexperienced Administrator, that she had one of two choices; go home and wait to be called or report and wait, each day, in her parked car in the parking lot of the office complex. He told her that it made no difference to him what she did, but that there was just no place for her, being from the wrong political side of the fence, in an FNM prime minister’s office.

Making every effort to fight back her tears, she told me of how naked and exposed she felt. She said that it was as if her whole world had tumbled down on her; that, at that very moment, she missed her mummy and daddy, who were no longer alive to help her through this crisis in her life, so much.

She told how Ingraham’s strongman, on the 13th January, directed her to leave her telephone contacts and go home and wait to be called because, as he informed her and reiterated for emphasis, there was no longer a place for her at her usual place of work. The female civil servant went on to tell of how Ingraham’s strongman intimated, that he could not have her in the office of the FNM prime minister because she reported, you are from the ‘wrong political family’ (both her parents were PLP Stalwart Councillors).

In a very sad personal diary entry, (a copy of which I am in receipt) she wrote, among other things, quote:

“I sit in my home at Jansel Court, located diagonally across from the office of the Prime Minister, in Freeport Grand Bahama. I can stand on the balcony of the 4th floor and look at the building on East Mall drive, the symbol of the highest authority in the country - the office that my parents fought for, to gain Majority Rule… and I am, today, told by one of my own, that I am denied access only because I am of the wrong political persuasion… that I am from the wrong politically family”.

“How dare you insult my mother and father, Mr. Hubert Ingraham? Are you calling me an accident of birth?”

This is, today, the cry of one solitary Bahamian Soul, who holds a Master’s Degree; a professional Bahamian woman, who relocated here from the United States, many years ago, where she was earning big bucks, to take up a lesser post in the Bahamas Government service, why? Because, as she said, her mom and dad told her that it was the right thing, for a Bahamian patriot, to do.

At age 56, this woman is in limbo; between a rock and a hard place; at the crossroads wondering which way to turn.

“This cannot be happening to me, the daughter of my father and mother who fought - and in many cases physically - so that the children of slaves, like Hubert Ingraham, can sit in the office of prime minister in a free and democratic Bahamas”.

It should be noted that this lady is not unique in this situation. There are dozens who are languishing at home, waiting to be given other assignments in the public service, while they are being paid their full salaries from the public’s purse (they are being paid only because their salaries cannot legally be withheld from them).

‘Of all my mama’s children, I love myself the best and when I get my belly full, I don’t give a damn about the rest’. This, in my view, sums up the essence; the character, the DNA, if you will, of one Hubert Alexander Ingraham; some call him prime minister; I call him a dictator.
Forrester J Carroll J.P
Freeport, Grand Bahama
25th January 2010

IN PASSING
Hubert Turns On The Siren
PLPs are furious. The Prime Minister and his buddy Ronnie Knowles were up and down in an unmarked SUV on Saturday evening casing the PLP’s Elizabeth headquarters on Prince Charles Avenue in Nassau. He stopped in front of the PLP’s HQ and then turned on the police siren in the car, grinning as he sped away. Is this any way for a Prime Minister to behave? The week before, we reported that he cussed out the PLP’s workers. Boy, things must be getting to him.

The Customs Scandal
It is said that a Minster of the government is sweating after being exposed in the press, but without his name being called. A relative of his is being investigated by Customs for pulling a fast one, which means bringing in goods without paying. The story is that suddenly one of the Minister’s relatives has a lot of clout at some stores at the airport and customs wants to know how he does it. The press did not call the name in the story of Thursday 21st. Sometime earlier, the press accused another business of violating customs law. They did not call names, but when Burns House said it was not them in public, it was clear it was a company associated with another senior FNM Minister. It goes to the double standard of the press. When it is PLP, you call the name. When its FNM you don’t say. We promise to investigate and follow up.

Mitchell Joins Farewell To Scavella

Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs and the Public Service, Fred Mitchell PLP MP attended the farewell lunch at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base for Commodore Clifford Scavella on Tuesday 19th January. Photo/RBDF PR Office.

Simeon Hall In Hospital

Bishop Simeon Hall, the pastor of New Covenant Baptist Church is said to be resting in comfort in hospital following a bout of fatigue arising from his diabetes condition. He was reportedly in Doctors Hospital.

Eileen Carron Attacks Brave Davis
You can always expect a slimy attack by Eileen Carron. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, the Deputy Leader of the PLP spoke at the rally in Elizabeth on Thursday 21st January. You may click here for audio of Mr. Davis' remarks. He accused Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister of seeking to divide the Bahamian people by stoking the fires of division on the Haitian issue. He did not even mention the Haitian issue by name. But clearly, Mr. Ingraham was making a bid for Haitian support by releasing the Haitian detainees from the detention centre. This has caused a furor in the country with former Minister of Immigration Loftus Roker denouncing the move. The talk shows are running against Mr. Ingraham forcing him to back pedal saying that he is now going to arrest and charge the detainees who are caught after that. Eileen Carron says that Brave Davis, by saying what he says, is bringing politics into the Haitian issue. What a silly thing to say. It is her servant Ingraham who is bringing Haitians into politics. There are none blind as those like Eileen Carron who cannot see.

Ryan Attends Church Service

Ryan Pinder is the PLP’s candidate for Elizabeth in the bye-election set for 16th February this year. He sets a good profile, what with his father the formidable Marvin Pinder at his side. His father used to be the representative for the area. Today, Mr. Pinder attended church at the Christian Life Church, Rocky Farm Road also known as Sea Breeze Lane with the PLP’s leaders and supporters in the constituency.

Sandals And The Fifty Non-Bahamian Butlers
The property owned by Butch Stewart of Jamaica in Exuma that used to be the Four seasons is now open for business with 183 all suites. Each is to have its personal butler. The hotel opened on Thursday 21st January. It expects some 80 percent occupancy over the next two months. Some Bahamians are back to work there in Exuma, but the problem is that none of the 50 butlers that they have are Bahamian. They are all English. Say what?

Musgrove Emerges From the Shadows
Anthony ‘Tinny’ Musgrove, the FNM Senator who is also the Deputy Chairman of the Free National Movement, announced last week that the FNM would hold four rallies in the Elizabeth constituency opposite where they have set up their headquarters. The party is confident that it will win says Mr. Musgrove. Not this time though!

Beating Malcolm Adderley
Hubert Ingraham after orchestrating the departure of Malcolm Adderley from the House of Assembly gave a press conference in which he claimed that the PLP gave up the seat and did not treat the people of Elizabeth properly and so the FNM was going to offer a candidate who could. So much for all the high praise his party had for Malcolm Adderley. That is what one gets for making a deal with the devil. No respect!

Speculation On Malcolm Adderley
Bradley Roberts said at the rally in Elizabeth on Thursday 21st January that Malcolm Adderley will not get the position as Judge that he was promised by Hubert Ingraham in exchange for stepping down and creating a bye-election in Elizabeth.

Good Surgeon Should Stick To Surgery
Dr. Duane Sands has been giving out his biography in Elizabeth where he is to run for a seat in the bye-election now scheduled for 16th February. He is good surgeon. There is no doubt about that, but what the country needs is him at surgery in the Princess Margaret Hospital, not as a member of the House of Assembly. The good people of Elizabeth will make sure that he sticks to his chosen profession where he is needed.

Sir Michael Confirms
At the opening of the legal year in Grand Bahama, the Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett repeated that which we reported on this site last week that Justice of Appeal Hartman Longley is to move to Freeport as a Supreme Court Judge. This is a strange move, although he is good judge.

Click on a heading to go to that story; press ctrl + home to return to the top of the page.

A TIME OF CONFRONTATION
Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister must surely be losing it. He is now the best example of the saying, those whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad. He is obviously a man under pressure. He chose to manipulate the electoral process by precipitating a bye-election. He induced Malcolm Adderley, the former PLP MP, to abandon his constituents and the party that he had served for a generation. Now he is attacking Mr. Adderley from the platform as abandoning his constituents. It is a hell of a thing.

What a week it has been for Mr. Ingraham. His policy on Haiti is in absolute shambles. The press reported that on the morning of 25th January, 56 immigrants from Haiti breached the borders of The Bahamas and got all the way up to the Coral Harbour base of the Defence Force in New Providence.

The press confronted Mr. Ingraham and his Ministers as they went into the Cabinet.

First Brent Symonette, the substantive Minister for Immigration and the Deputy Prime Minister. He said that the immigrants would be let go.

Then came Branville McCartney, the Minister of State for Immigration. He said they would be sent to the courts.

Then came the Prime Minister, he cussed the press out and asked them why they were asking him if they had already spoken to the previous ministers. It was there on tape for all to see (click here for the video). Bumbling and stumbling. They had no answers.

The migrants came on Monday 25th January. The policy mess before Cabinet came on Tuesday 26th January.

Mr. Ingraham had an opening for his headquarters for Duane Sands, the candidate that he chose to run for the Elizabeth seat. Hardly anyone turned up. It was a paltry crowd. So when the PLP held its rally on the same night Tuesday 26th January, they blew him out of the water. The video is there for all to see as the crowd of PLPs swelled into the hundreds (click here for the link). Young people from wall to wall.

Mr. Ingraham shut his constituency opening down shortly after 8:30 p.m. The PLP went until 10 p.m.

But that did not stop a group of overenthusiastic FNM supporters from trying to provoke PLPs. During the PLP’s rally, a truck blaring music with FNM stickers and FNM paraphernalia tried to pass through the middle of the PLP rally. The PLPs would have none of it. The police asked the driver to turn back in order to avoid a confrontation. As he turned back, he shouted at the reserve officer in charge that he would be speaking to the Prime Minister and he promised the officer that his job would be gone by morning.

And we cannot forget that Oswald Brown who was one of his main defenders at the Nassau Guardian and then the Freeport News was unceremoniously retired by the Nassau Guardian on Monday 25th January. The Guardian said he retired at 67 after ten years there. Mr. Brown would have none of it. He said that he had been fired because he had written material that attacked Hubert Ingraham.

Then Perry Christie, the Leader of the Opposition attacked the new regulatory authority for broadcasting in The Bahamas because they hurriedly put together some new rules to regulate broadcasting at election time. The rules are clearly unconstitutional and seek to limit free speech. So the call is going out that Mr. Ingraham is attacking free speech in the country; that the country is headed toward a dictatorship if we are not careful. Why should there be restrictions when money can be made. The radio stations should simply ignore it. Anyone who comes with the money and pays, take the money and run the ads.

PLPs are ebullient and full of energy. When the crowds showed up at Thelma Gibson School for nomination day on Friday 29th January, the PLPs outnumbered the FNMs three to one. They swept past the police controls and into the school compound. Ryan Pinder nominated for office and he expects to win office on 16th February. We believe he will win and deserves to win. The PLP should retain its seat. We will be working for it night and day.

This is the time to confront Ingraham. After having read this, you see the signs of a man who is simply losing it.

PLP RALLY PHOTOS

All week long the PLP has been rallying at the headquarters site on Prince Charles for the Elizabeth bye-election for 16th February. Then there was a mass march to the nomination site at Thelma Gibson. A sample of the scenes in photos.
Photos/Joette Penn

HAITIANS COMING IN DROVES
    On Monday 25th January, the reports started coming in fast and furious that Haitians were invading the Bahamian space.
    The Bahamas government’s version of the story is that 56 Haitians breached the borders near the Coral Harbour base in New Providence and escaped into the bushes. They were caught.
    There was confusion as one rumour after another spread over the country. Some said that there were seven boats with 1500 Haitians. Some said that there were 300 hundred Haitians. The Director of Immigration denied the numbers, but the fact that three government ministers: Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Immigration said three different things caused further confusion on Tuesday 26th January.
    The Haitians were taken to court, 49 convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of six months if they could not pay the fine imposed of $300. They are to be deported. However, if you follow Mr. Ingraham’s logic when he released the Haitians from the detention centre, they have no country to go back home to, so one guesses they will have to be released into the general population.
    PLP spokesman on Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell said that Mr. Ingraham was the only one who did not expect the influx of Haitians to come, predicting that because the earthquake happened only in the south and Haitians normally come from the north, there would be no influx here. Turned out these people come from Port-au-Prince. So much for that theory. Mr. Mitchell called on the PM to get his facts straight and level with the Bahamian people. You may click here for Mr. Mitchell’s full statement for the PLP.

OSWALD BROWN FIRED

    It is difficult for anyone to feel sorry for Oswald Brown now that he is no longer working at the Freeport News. It is hard to resist saying: “…what goes around comes around.” He has been too nasty to too many people, just plain pigheaded and wrong. He did not, while he had power, operate with a sense of fairness or balance. He was opinionated to the point of stupidity. Notwithstanding all of that however, one should not gloat at the sufferings of others.
    Oswald Brown has been names as ‘Jackass of the Week’ more than any other person by this site for his utter foolishness as a journalist. He took his FNM partisanship too seriously and it clouded his judgment. Now he claims to have been dumped because he decided to switch his support to the PLP and attack Hubert Ingraham. This is the same claim that he made against the late Sir Lynden Pindling that he said caused him to move to Washington because he could not find a job in Nassau after Sir Lynden caused him to be fired. Now he says he is contemplating moving back to Washington since Mr. Ingraham has caused him to be fired.
    The point we make is that when you are in a position of authority you have to act with equanimity toward everyone. Here is the announcement from the Nassau Guardian on Tuesday 26th January 2010:
    “Veteran journalist Oswald Brown has retired after serving decades in journalism and five years as managing editor of The Freeport News.
    “Brown's retirement was announced yesterday by Nassau Guardian publisher and president Anthony Ferguson.
    ‘Oswald Brown has been a key part of The Freeport News over the years. His experience, knowledge and dedication to the paper will be sorely missed’, Ferguson said.
    ‘We wish him every success in the future.’
    “Brown is 67. During his career he worked at The Tribune, and served as editor of the Bahamian Times, and The Nassau Guardian. He has been managing editor of The Freeport News since January 2004 and served as general manager of the paper until recently.
    “Nassau Guardian associate editor Frederick Sturrup will serve as acting managing editor of The Freeport News, effective February 1.”
    Anthony Ferguson who is the Publisher of the Nassau Guardian has himself to watch that his own public conduct and the way he deals with people does not begin to cross the line toward the reputation that Oswald Brown developed while working at The Guardian.
    Most people admire the success of this young man Mr. Ferguson from one of the poorest and remotest of settlements in The Bahamas, but he is developing a reputation of stepping on too many people, without regard for process. Perhaps a word to the wise is sufficient in this case. We happen to think that he is probably right with regard to Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown does not have the temperament for editorial balance but that seems to be a problem all around in this country, not knowing when a public institution like The Guardian is to be used not as a personal instrument, but as a truly public servant.

MINISTER THREATENED WITH DEATH

    It clearly was a matter taken seriously by the Minister, so seriously did he take it that he reported the matter to the police. Most experienced politicians would have simply laughed the matter off. The press reported on Tuesday 26th January that the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Charles Maynard had received a death threat from someone signing the written threat ‘The brothers’.
    In the follow up article on the matter on Wednesday 27th January, the Commissioner of Police was interviewed and he said that he had put his best detective on the case and would seek to protect the Minister. This of course comes with the knowledge that two FNM supporters killed a Minister of the FNM before, following a political rally in 1997.
    Former Minister Charles Virgil went to his grave and could not be protected by his own government as a Minister. The FNM spread the propaganda at the time that Sir Lynden Pindling, who had sought to bring gang members into the fold of the PLP, was responsible for the murder. It was a damnable lie. It turned out that the murder was committed by two FNM supporters who left with the Minister from one of their rallies during the campaign. But never let the truth interfere with a good story.
    The point we make here about this death threat is The Tribune asked the Commissioner of Police if there were any truth to the rumours that a PLP supporter was suspected of making the threat. Now wait! We will say it this way. In the old style politics of Chicago in the United States, Richard Daley and his Democratic Party machine was known for dirty tricks. But everyone knew that if a car covered with stickers of the Democratic Party was found with its windows smashed and the tires slashed and the car burned, you could be sure it was not the Republicans who did it as it was meant to convey. The Daley machine probably did it and set it up to look like it was the Republicans. You go figure in the most recent example here.
Charles Maynard file photo

EZRA RUSSELL TO RUN AGAINST BRAVE (Well I‘ll Be…)

Sometimes, strange things happen in the public life of a country. Just when you have heard and seen everything, something even stranger comes along. Ezra Russell had not three months ago been at the side of Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, the now Deputy Leader of the PLP. In fact, he was a delegate at the PLP’s convention supporting Mr. Davis at every step of the way. Mr. Davis has been fighting to get him land from the crown, a fight that started under the PLP and which Hubert Ingraham refuses to convey to Mr. Russell. Perhaps that is the answer to what is now being said.
The Tribune reported on Tuesday 26th January that Mr. Russell (pictured) is set to run against Mr. Davis at the next General Election, saying that there has been bad representation for Cat Island and that the island needs representation. This is amazing. But then, we have seen a parade of what the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party has called “the political equivalent of the world’s oldest profession”.
Ezra Russell - Tribune photo

‘BRAVE’, MITCHELL, ALLYSON, WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY

Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (foreground back on) PLP MP Fred Mitchell (far right of the photo) and Senator Allyson Gibson (not shown) represented the PLP at a luncheon meeting hosted by Frances Singer Hayward and Kim Aranha of The Bahamas Humane Society seeking support of a new bill to replace the present Animal Control Act. The Bahamas Humane Society is fighting to update the laws of the country to protect and care for animals. The new Act can be seen on the government’s website (www.bahamas.gov.bs). From left in the photo taken at the Graycliff luncheon are: Frances Singer Hayward, DPM Brent Symonette, Kim Aranha and Fred Mitchell.
Photo/Tim Aylen

RED CROSS ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Fred Mitchell MP for Fox Hill was the host together with the Fox Hill Urban Renewal office at the Fox Hill Community Centre of a disaster preparedness seminar, led by the Bahamas Red Cross. Mr. Mitchell welcomed the Red Cross and thanked them for their work on 21st January 2010. The Red Cross wants to start a programme for training in first aid and disaster preparedness for neighbourhoods in The Bahamas. Fox Hill is one of them. The programme is paid for US AID, a Department of the State Department of the United States.
Photo/Jason Springer

BAHAMAS MARATHON RUN

    Momentum is building for the first Marathon Bahamas to be held on Sunday, February 14th. The marathon is aiming to become one of the signature sports events for the country, attracting runners from around the world. This first year is important to its long-term success. Several major hotels, including Atlantis, the Sheraton and Breezes are onboard as sponsors.
    The race starts at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, 14 February at the Montagu foreshore. The runners then head west along East Bay Street, over the western bridge to Paradise Island and returning over the eastern bridge to Shirley Street; west on Shirley Street, down Marlborough Street to Bay Street, west on Bay through Cable Beach on to Old Fort Bay, before looping back on the same road to end at Arawak Cay.
    The Race committee will provide bus transportation for runners from the Cable Beach area and the Atlantis Resort to the start. Buses will take runners from the finish at Arawak Cay to Cable Beach and Atlantis following the event.
    The first runners should be at the Hilton Hotel at about 6:20AM with the slowest passing at about 7:20AM. The fastest should be at the Sheraton at about 6:40AM with the slowest at about 8:40AM on the run out. After looping at Old Fort Bay, the runners will return along West Bay Street to end the race at Arawak Cay.
    Marathon Bahamas is inviting everyone to view the race and join the awards ceremony at Arawak Cay where there will be music and refreshment available. A race map can be found at www.marathonbahamas.com
    The organisers note that in addition to “health and recreational benefits for participants, the Marathon provides opportunities for entrepreneurs in a wide range of areas.
    “For example, there is to be an expo on Saturday 13 February, 2010 at the Crown Ballroom of Atlantis. Anyone selling items or services of interest to runners or crafts which reflect the skills of the Bahamas could find it helpful to have a presence.
      “There are still sponsorship opportunities to provide very high profile for specific businesses or products.
    “Charity clubs can use the Marathon to raise funds since there will be an opportunity for six persons to form a relay team with each team member running one leg of the marathon.
    “Schools have been invited to form relay teams, and two teams from each school would be registered free of charge, thanks to the financial support of the President of Marsh International, the world’s largest firm of Insurance Brokers/Risk Managers. The winning school will be awarded ‘The Minister of Education Cup’.
    “The inaugural Marathon is important to the Bahamas because the research establishes that once it is executed effectively, the numbers are likely to grow over time, as it becomes a recognized part of the international calendar of Marathons.
    “Marathoners represent an ideal market segment for Bahamas tourism – active people with the income to pursue their passion in different cities around the world."
    Readers may contact Brian Moodie at 502.6505 or Philip Smith at 502.6516 or Veronica Duncanson at 502.6538 for additional information, or visit www.marathonbahamas.com for event info.

STAN BURNSIDE CARTOON
As usual Stan Burnside was able in his cartoon of Tuesday 26th January to sum up the confusion in the FNM government on immigration policy. See Comment of the Week.

Stan Burnside's 'Sideburns' from The Nassau Guardian 28/01/10

REX NETTLEFORD HOSPITALIZED

Professor Rex Nettleford of Jamaica, a friend of The Bahamas and a leader and cultural icon of the Caribbean, is seriously ill in hospital in Washington DC following his collapse at a fundraiser for the University of the West Indies on Wednesday 27th January in Washington. It appears that he had a heart attack and the ambulance took too long to get to the scene and did not have the proper emergency equipment to deal with the emergency. He was stable at the time of this upload. He is in a coma and in a “touch and go” condition. He is 76 years old.
Professor Nettleford is the author of Mirror Mirror: Identity and Race In Jamaica. He is a Rhodes Scholar, former Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor of Extramural Studies for UWI and head of the Trade Union Education Institute. He was last in The Bahamas for the performance last year of the National Dance Theatre of Jamaica which he founded and where he served as artistic director.
Professor Rex Nettleford file photo

POLICE INSPECTORATE APPOINTED
    The Ministry of National Security has announced the appointment of the Police Complaints Inspectorate. The Inspectorate was established under the Police Force Act 2009, which came into force on January 4, 2010. Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest advised that the appointment of the members of the inspectorate came into effect on the same day. Members of the body include former superintendent of police Douglas Hanna; attorney Elliot Lockhart; Anglican priest Father Mervyn ‘Buck’ Johnson; insurance executive Cedric Saunders; and director of the Crisis Centre Dr. Sandra Dean Patterson.
    The Police Complaints Inspectorate has been appointed to review the investigation and determination of complaints by the Royal Bahamas Police Force's Complaints and Corruption Branch, and may give guidance to the branch. “Their work will start immediately as the need arises in accordance with the Act”, Mr. Turnquest said.
    The inspectorate has the power to request from the commissioner of police, the Complaints and Corruption Branch, and others, information, documents or things regarding a complaint, a notice published yesterday pointed out. The inspectorate can also call witnesses when reviewing complaints made to the police and taken up by the complaints and corruption branch. The body will also review reports of that branch. The inspectorate is also required to periodically report to the minister of national security on the matter of complaints submitted to the police force, the notice said.
    According to the Police Force Act, one member of the inspectorate is required to be an attorney with at least 10 years' experience, or a person who has retired from the police force at the rank of superintendent or above.
    Those ineligible to serve include government elected officials, serving officers of the police force, an undischarged bankrupt and people convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or moral turpitude. Former government elected officials and former officers of the police force could serve on the inspectorate, provided they would have left office for five or more years.

RED CROSS BALL

Here are a few photos of the annual fundraiser for the Bahamas Red Cross Society. Loretta Butler Turner, Minister of State for Social Development with Dame Marguerite Pindling; Governor General Arthur Hanna with former patron of the Red Cross Lady Ingrid Darling, wife of former GG Sir Clifford Darling; Carla Mitchell Seymour of Pictet Bank.
Photos/Peter Ramsay

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Gilbert Morris on the next steps in Haiti

Occasional correspondent to this site Dr. Gilbert Morris today writes about the next steps in post-earthquake Haiti. You may click here for his letter.

Stone McEwan - A New Well; The lone campaigner for reform of the ballot used for elections in The Bahamas writes on the subject:

    The voters in the Elizabeth constituency have been presented with an historic opportunity. How is this, one may ask? With the upcoming by-election, Elizabeth constituents are being granted the privilege of sending a critical message to both major political parties in The Bahamas—the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM)—that Bahamians are fed up with being served the same old stale bread from the same bakers.
    In 1997, when I began my crusade for a truly secret ballot—the cornerstone of democracy—unbeknownst to the public at large, I tried to recruit influential Bahamians from throughout a broad spectrum of our society to assist in this noble and just cause. To comprehend just how far I reached out, I will name a few of the persons or groups whose assistance I sought —the then-seated Governor General of The Bahamas, the late Sir Lynden Pindling (R.I.P.), all of our elected officials, all the members of the Senate, the Bahamas Bar Association, the Bahamas Union of Teachers, all the news organizations, and 50 carefully chosen members of the clergy throughout the Bahamas. Despite untraceable secret ballots being the key to fair and just elections, from among all the leaders to whom I had written, only two (2) members of the clergy and eight (8) elected officials acknowledged my correspondence. Most interestingly, none of these persons offered support or assistance—this in a democracy that prides itself on fairness and justice.
    To me, this was a clear indication of the reluctance associated with replacing the shackles of traceable ballots with the freedoms made possible by implementing untraceable ones. It became evident that our nation’s leaders preferred the status quo with respect to this undemocratic practice and that my campaign to temper corruption as well as initiate a move to our citizens casting their votes based on the merits of a candidate (i.e., based on what they could do to advance our country as a whole as opposed to individual persons) would be an uphill and lonely one...
Stone McEwan
(You may click here for the full text of Mr. McEwan's letter - Editor)

Outrage Over Freedom of Speech

    Mr. Oswald Brown was fired from the Freeport News for criticizing Hubert Ingraham; of that, I have no doubt. As well, I have no doubt that it was at Hubert Ingraham’s insistence that Mr. Brown was terminated without notice. Ingraham’s signature is all over this whole sordid affair. We have now come to a point in this ‘democratic country’ where the freedom of the press, like most of our other freedoms, is no more.
    Hubert Ingraham has been allowed to single-handedly curtail free speech in The Bahamas, which is a fundamental in any matured Democracy, which we claim we are.
    Brown is neither the first nor the second to feel Ingraham’s wrath for criticizing him and neither will he be the last. Ingraham has now grown to expect that no citizen would dare engage or become critical of him; that he could do as he likes; say what he pleases and no one would dare oppose him. He will become more intolerant of opposition, as time goes by, unless we, the people, grow the testicular fortitude needed to stand up to this bully (Ingraham) and say, enough is enough.
    The print, sound and visual media in the country ought to rise up and say, “Hell no; no more” and lead mass demonstrations against what is happening. Reporters ought to regard the firing of Mr. Oswald Brown as an attack on all of them and their industry and resign themselves to do whatever it takes to force Brown’s re-instatement. If they allow this episode to go unchallenged, there is no telling what next Ingraham would be emboldened to do; a firing squad maybe?
    In any free country media giants, their reporters and all their employees would have shut the country down the following day after Mr. Brown was let go. But we don’t seem to concern ourselves about anything except to have money in our pockets, food whether it’s on our tables or someone else’s, liquor to drink, a couple sweethearts to lay up with, Junkanoo and generally having fun.
    All the cabinet, civil servants and government workers and all Bahamians, it seems, are scared to hell of this academically deprived Hubert Ingraham. We have apparently grown into a bunch of ‘yessa boss’ Negros who regard Ingraham as some god. I am quite sure that that is what the people of Uganda thought, at the beginning, of Amin and Zimbabweans of Mugabe, but we all know the misery these two tyrants brought down on their people, in the end. History always repeats itself; we should never forget that fact.
    I would have expected, by now, that at least the almighty Mrs. Eileen Carron, who’s publication boasts a couple hundred years, would have taken issue with Ingraham’s very obvious interference here, and regarded it as a blatant attack on ‘freedom of the press’, but her silence is deafening.
    This is issue is not about Oswald Brown and his being fired; it is about something more fundamental than that; it is about our constitutional freedoms. Haven’t you noticed that Ingraham never talks about the rights of Bahamians; only his rights as prime minister to do what he pleases and no jackleg dare object?
    Wake up Bahamas, before it is too late. We should remember that Ingraham is setting precedent here, all by himself, and ten years from now any other dictatorial-minded prime minister can say; ‘well, ten years ago Ingraham was allowed to do it, so I can by precedent do the same’, and he/she would be right.
Forrester J Carroll J.P
Freeport, Grand Bahama
30th January 2010

Statement by: Dr. Andre Rollins - NDP Candidate for Elizabeth

Dear Constituents of Elizabeth,
    Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham, declared at the FNM’s rally on Thursday, January 28 that there are some “daydreamers” contesting this Elizabeth by-election and that that’s all they’ll ever amount to being. Mr. Ingraham was suggesting that any political party not named the PLP or FNM was dreaming by believing that they stood a chance in this Elizabeth by-election contest.
    How arrogant it is for a Prime Minister to look down on the small men who are brave enough to stand up against the awesome Goliath? Our major national problem is that we are led by leaders who do not have big dreams for this nation and its people; empty leaders who lack the creative imagination that will empower us all. Instead of dreaming about what Elizabeth and The Bahamas could be, we have taken on the persona of our leaders, by settling for what Elizabeth and The Bahamas is now.
    We are settling for a poorly performing education system; settling for a one-dimensional, stagnant economy; settling for the escalating cost of living, while wages remain stagnant; settling for escalating violent crime and lawlessness, while the judicial system remains dysfunctional; settling for the great difficulty that the average Bahamian has in obtaining a piece of land in his own country; and settling for unchecked and uncontrolled immigration, where our government refuses to let us even know how many legal and illegal immigrants are living and working in our country.
    And so, yes, it hurts me to see so much going wrong in our country and to feel frustrated knowing that no one in power seems bold enough to fix these problems. People in Elizabeth have had to endure flooding for quite some time and here it is you have to see the same two political parties sending candidates promising to solve the same problems that the candidates before them promised to fix. Constituents in Elizabeth are still complaining about the lack of street signs and speed bumps, but such things are a basic and fundamental duty of any government. How then can we in 2010 have candidates campaigning about bringing street signs to what are supposed to be “developed” areas? Constituents shouldn’t have to vote for a candidate of the governing party to have these problems corrected. Why can’t the party in power fix these problems now?
    We must raise our expectations of what government should be doing to make this nation fulfill its maximum potential. I see our political leaders trying to lower our expectations and I ask myself do they have the passion to lead? How can you lead if you expect so little of your people? With all that is wrong in our nation and Bahamians everywhere complaining day after day and year after year via the radio, television and internet, I wonder: Are our leaders listening? When I hear the same concerns and criticisms being raised over and over and over again, I ask myself: If they’re listening, do they care?
    When the leader of my country states publically that no matter how poorly the PLP and FNM have performed in solving these major problems, the Bahamian people will always come back for more punishment, I wonder: Are we listening? When the leader of my country states publically that any persons who wish to free themselves and the country of the PLP and FNM by building a new party are “daydreamers”, I wonder: Is our Prime Minister telling us not to dream? I say that such comments are truly indicative of the ignorance of arrogance and Elizabeth doesn’t deserve to be insulted by the prime minister of their nation.
    If it is possible for a barefoot boy from Coopers Town to rise from poverty to the highest office in this land, then I ask myself: Why can’t a dentist from a new political party rise to victory in this Elizabeth by-election?
    Mr. Ingraham was once ridiculed by Sir Lynden Pindling, who called him a “delivery boy”, and so as a candidate who has big dreams for a better and brighter future for the people of Elizabeth and Bahamians everywhere, I accept the label of “daydreamer”, and I am hopeful that the people of Elizabeth use their votes to show the prime minister that dreams can come true. Let's make history together, Elizabeth. It is Possible!
Passionately yours,
S. Andre Rollins, D.M.D
NDP Candidate for Elizabeth
January 29, 2010

[Dr. Rollins nominated using 1600 25 cent pieces, saying that this was a sign of the eocnomic hardship in the country. - Ed.]

IN PASSING
We Are Family
We reported on this site that Dame Marguerite Pindling who is the mother of Michelle Pindling Sands, sister-in-law of Duane Sands is on the campaign trail with Ryan Pinder in Elizabeth. She told the crowds that he is good doctor and that is where his skills are needed. She told him that while he is her doctor, he knows what side she is on. ‘Sandy’ Sands, who has always supported the PLP, was reportedly at his brother’s side on nomination day. Michelle Pindling Sands, Sandy’s wife, was at the PLP rally. This kind of thing happens in a small country.

Swine Flu Vaccine

The Ministry of Health will begin to administer free vaccinations for the Influenza A (HINI) Virus to 30,000 of the most “at-risk” Bahamians as early as next week, Minister of Health Dr Hubert Minnis (pictured) said on Monday, including all infants between the ages of six months to two years of age, and children and young adults between the ages of 10-19 years of age with underlying risk factors such as asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, cerebral palsy and seizures. Pregnant women will also be included in the first wave, in addition to educators and healthcare workers who provide care and attention to the at-risk group. The vaccinations will be administered by the Department of Public Health and the Grand Bahama Health Services. Dr Minnis said that as with the vaccine for seasonal influenza, persons with allergies to eggs should not receive the Influenza A(HINI) vaccine.

Parliamentary Photo

The Leaders of the Parliament and of the country were called together for the annual service for Parliamentarians. This year it was held at St. George’s Anglican Church in the Valley and the preacher was the Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd. He used as his text ‘Trust in the Lord with all thy strength. In thy works acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.’ The service took place on Wednesday 27th January.
BIS photo/Peter Ramsay

Sonny Martin In ICU
Well-known Grand Bahama businessman Elon ‘Sonny’ Martin is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Rand Memorial Hospital in Freeport. Mr. Martin, soon to celebrate his seventieth birthday, is reportedly battling with prostate cancer. Sonny was a powerful and effective field marshal for the Progressive Liberal Party in West End, Grand Bahama before deciding to follow Hubert Ingraham when he parted company with the Party. But Sonny never forgot his friends in the PLP. And his friends in the PLP have never forgotten him. We wish him well.

Uriah Cartwright In Traffic Accident
Uriah Cartwright is reportedly in ICU at Doctor's Hospital in Nassau. The Scotiabank executive was involved in a traffic accident on Friday. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Elizabeth Register Flawed
Errol Bethel who flubbed the last election list for the 2007 General Election, told the Bahama Journal and Love 97 radio during the past week that he cannot vouch for the integrity of the register for the Elizabeth bye-election, because he cannot say who lives in the constituency and who moved out. Some 700 new people have transferred in or have registered since 2007, but he can’t say who moved out. He will depend on the candidates to clean up the list. This is incredible. The PLP is said to be writing to protest it as ridiculous and a threat to a free and fair election.

Those ‘Greedy People’ In Elizabeth
Duane Sands will not live this one down. He is seeking the votes of the people of Elizabeth, but he said that he was surprised at the greedy people there, looking for money, and that he was surprised that there were people who could not make ends meet. Lost soul. Greedy people eh! The Tribune, who published the story, issued a correction to their saying that he called the voters of Elizabeth greedy. That was their characterisation, they said, not his words. We like the first version better, so we will stick by it because that is obviously what he meant.

Hubert Ingraham Talking Fool
Speaking at his rally on Thursday 28th January to FNM supporters in Elizabeth, Mr. Ingraham claimed that he named the Elizabeth constituency after his grandmother. Fact check: it is a lie. Elizabeth Estates was named after Queen Elizabeth who came to The Bahamas during the time of the Pindling government and named the subdivision.

Five People To Run In Elizabeth
…And the candidates officially nominated for the Elizabeth bye-election after nominations closed at 12 noon on Friday 29th January 2010 are: Ryan Pinder (PLP); Duane Sands (FNM); Rodney Moncur (Worker’s Party); Andre Rollins (NDP); Cassius Stuart (BDM). And the winner will be: Ryan Pinder

Archbishop Burke Funeral Arrangements
The funeral arrangements for former Roman Catholic Archbishop Lawrence Burke have been announced. The funeral is set for Thursday 4th February in Kingston, Jamaica at 3 p.m. A charter has been arranged on Bahamasair, which will leave Nassau on Thursday 4th February at 9 a.m. arriving in Kingston at 10:30 a.m. It will depart Kingston at 7:30 p.m., returning to Nassau at 9 p.m. Lunch and ground transportation are included in the round trip price at $470.

Panday Defeated In TT (Kamla Persad Bissessar)
Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Basdeo Panday has lost the contest for political leadership of the Opposition party in that country, and badly. He received 1359 votes; less than a tenth of the 13,932 for the new Leader of the Party Kamla Persad Bissessar. Mr. Panday says he is not going to step down as Leader of the Opposition. He says that the MPs will have to go to the President and tell him that they no longer support him.

St. Kitts Elections (Douglas wins six out of eight seats on 25/01/10)
Dr. Denzil Douglas has been re-elected to the Prime Ministership of St Kitts and Nevis. He defeated for the fourth time the Peoples Action Movement (PAM). Dr. Douglas won 6 out of eight seats in the Parliament.

‘Pro’ Pinder Stands To Be Disbarred
Despite showing up for a television appearance on the morning of nomination day 29th January to say he was going to nominate for his ‘Love’ party, attorney Godfrey ‘Pro’ Pinder did not show up in nomination, reportedly because tried to pay with a personal cheque and the law allegedly says that he must pay in cash or certfied banker's draft. So there are only five people running in the bye-election scheduled for 16th February. Mr. Pinder is not one of them. He has other troubles. The Bar Council announced at the start of the week that he is suspended from practice for three months for not completing a transaction. If he does not complete the transaction within the three months, he stands disbarred. This is serious stuff. He has announced that he will appeal.

Protests In Eleuthera Over Teacher’s Treatments
A controversy in North Eleuthera schools has led to the parents in the Bogue and Bluff settlements withdrawing their students from the school. The protest is almost a week old and came about when the principal and another teacher were transferred without notice. Even the normally supplicant Member of Parliament for the area Alvin Smith said he objected to how it was done. The parents were also furious over a statement by the Minister of Education Desmond Bannister, which appeared to say that the principal and teachers were moved for being involved in sexually molesting children and supporting a prostitution ring. No apology has come from the Minister and he has delayed meeting with them until Wednesday of this week.

EPA Signed In Nassau
An Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was signed with the European Union in Nassau on 25th January by Zhivargo Laing and a representative of the European Union. The EPA was signed with the Caricom countries in December 2007 liberalizing trade between the region and Europe. The Bahamas was given an extension to settle the services side of the agreement.

Senate Appeal Dropped By Ingraham; Pintard To Be Appointed
Hubert Ingraham, the Prime Minister, has dropped his appeal of the case brought against the ruling of former Chief Justice Burton Hall that the Senator appointed by the Prime Minister under provisions that say that the senators must reflect the balance of the House must in fact reflect that balance. The Chief Justice said that anyone who was subject to FNM party discipline could not fill the seats. He had appointed Senator Anthony Musgrove, the Deputy Chair of the party to the Senate. Musgrove had to resign following the ruling and has since been reappointed under a different provision. Former Prime Minister Perry Christie, who, as Leader of the Opposition, has to be consulted on these three appointments, said that the Prime Minister wants to appoint Michael Pintard, another FNM former candidate to the position. Mr. Christie objects and plans to go ahead with his appeal.

St. Agnes Patronal Festival

The patronal festival of St. Agnes Church in Grants Town with the annual march through the streets of Bain and Grants Town. We will present a photo spread next week.

Finally! Water Back in Nassau East North
Citizens of Nassau East North have been out of water since Tuesday. The water is said to have come back on just about the time we went to upload at 2.00 p.m. Apparently, the good people of Nassau East North had been forced during the five long days of no running water from the Government to tote water from the nearest standpipe; - in Fox Hill. “I thought we moved out of the bottom”, said one, “and left all this behind.”

3^rdJanuary, 2010 *Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com* *How do you do today? It's great to have you as a reader. We have the most incisive political news about and from The Bahamas!* *Please tell all your friends about us.* ...TOO MANY LOST AT SEA...
ADDERLEY RESIGNS...	PLP ACKNOWLEDGES ADDERLEY'S RESIGNATION...
RIGBY COMMENTS ON THE RESIGNATION...	HAPPY NEW YEAR (The decade ends)...
‘DEY ROB US’...	WHY FRED GOTTLIEB RESIGNED FROM BEC...
DIEDRE ROLLE’S BIRTHDAY LUNCH...	DO THE POLICE KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING?...
HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH AIRPORT SECURITY...	MITCHELL’S POLITICAL BROADCAST ON THE US...
BAHAMIANS LEFT STRANDED BY DISNEY IN ABACO...	NEW YEAR’S DAY JUNKANOO...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...	TRIBUNE REPORTERS AT LUNCH...
FORECASTS FOR 2010 BY GILBERT MORRIS...	IN PASSING...




Fred Mitchell Launches 3^rdEdition of 'Great Moments In PLP History...	Fred Mitchell's 56th Birthday Party In Support of the 'Mission Fund'...
The Official Site of the Progressive Liberal Party...	The Official Site of the Free National Movement...
PhilipBraveDavis.com...	Interesting Places...
JeromeFiztgerald.org	Bahamas Government Website
KendredDorsett.com	Reg & Kit's Bahamas Links
FredMitchellUncensored.Com ARCHIVES...	Bahamians On The Web
How & Why The PLP Lost in 2007 - The Greenberg Report...	Bahamian Cycling News

10^thJanuary, 2010 *Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com* *How do you do today? It's great to have you as a reader. We have the most incisive political news about and from The Bahamas!* *Please tell all your friends about us.* ...A BYE-ELECTION, NOT ABOUT MALCOLM...
CHRISTIE ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY...	MALCOLM ON WHY HE RESIGNED...
PLP CHAIRMAN ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY...	PLP DEP. CHAIR ON MALCOLM ADDERLEY...
THE HOTEL UNION AND THE COURTS...	THE LEGAL YEAR OPENS...
FRED MITCHELL MP IN THE HOUSE ON PRE-CLEARANCE...	MITCHELL TO BE CONDEMNED BY THE HOUSE?...
POLICE HANDOVER...	FITZGERALD ON ZHIVARGO LAING...
PROMOTIONS IN THE POLICE FORCE...	HOW THE LAND THINGS GOT STARTED...
BISHOP NEIL ELLIS...	PICS FROM THE RALLY AT DAME DORIS...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...	IN PASSING...




Fred Mitchell Launches 3^rdEdition of 'Great Moments In PLP History...	Fred Mitchell's 56th Birthday Party In Support of the 'Mission Fund'...
The Official Site of the Progressive Liberal Party...	The Official Site of the Free National Movement...
PhilipBraveDavis.com...	Interesting Places...
JeromeFiztgerald.org	Bahamas Government Website
KendredDorsett.com	Reg & Kit's Bahamas Links
FredMitchellUncensored.Com ARCHIVES...	Bahamians On The Web
How & Why The PLP Lost in 2007 - The Greenberg Report...	Bahamian Cycling News

17^thJanuary, 2010 *Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com* *How do you do today? It's great to have you as a reader. We have the most incisive political news about and from The Bahamas!* *Please tell all your friends about us.* ...MR. INGRAHAM AND HAITI...
PLP MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY FOR HAITI...	WHAT IS INGRAHAM WAITING ON?...
LOWELL MORTIMER GETS AN OBE...	GEORGE COX IS HONOURED BY THE QUEEN...
RYAN IS THE CANDIDATE! (INTRODUCED BY HIS DAD)...	AND ALSO DUANE SANDS AND OTHERS IN THE RUNNING...
OTHER AWARDS...	MARATHON BAHAMAS...
HUBERT SETS THE CAPTIVES FREE...	COBUS RESPONDS TO COB ISSUE...
WALKING ELIZABETH...	MITCHELL AT ST. ANNE'S ON MAJORITY RULE...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...	IN PASSING...





Fred Mitchell Launches 3^rdEdition of 'Great Moments In PLP History...	Fred Mitchell's 56th Birthday Party In Support of the 'Mission Fund'...
The Official Site of the Progressive Liberal Party...	The Official Site of the Free National Movement...
PhilipBraveDavis.com...	Interesting Places...
JeromeFiztgerald.org	Bahamas Government Website
KendredDorsett.com	Reg & Kit's Bahamas Links
FredMitchellUncensored.Com ARCHIVES...	Bahamians On The Web
How & Why The PLP Lost in 2007 - The Greenberg Report...	Bahamian Cycling News
	BahamasIssues.com

24^thJanuary, 2010 *Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com* *How do you do today? It's great to have you as a reader. We have the most incisive political news about and from The Bahamas!* *Please tell all your friends about us.* ...BYE-ELECTION FEVER...
BISHOP LAWRENCE BURKE DIES...	INGRAHAM OUTLINES HELP FOR HAITI...
LEADER SPEAKS ON HAITIAN DETAINEES...	CANDIA DAMES REPORTS PLP A PARTY OF CONFUSION...
PICTURES FROM THE CAMPAIGN RALLY...	US AMBASSADOR’S MESSAGE ON HAITI...
HOTEL UNION STILL FIGHTING (LEGISLATURE MUST NOW ACT)...	COMMODORE SCAVELLA TAKES HIS LEAVE...
CANDIA DAMES’ EQUATION...	OUR FRIEND ANDREW CURRY...
SELECT COMMITTEE ON LAND REPORTS...	GLENYS HANNA MARTIN REPORTS...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR... *Hubert Cares Only for Himself - Carroll on FNM Victimisation*	IN PASSING... *Hubert Turns On The Siren*





Fred Mitchell Launches 3^rdEdition of 'Great Moments In PLP History...	Fred Mitchell's 56th Birthday Party In Support of the 'Mission Fund'...
The Official Site of the Progressive Liberal Party...	The Official Site of the Free National Movement...
PhilipBraveDavis.com...	Interesting Places...
JeromeFiztgerald.org	Bahamas Government Website
KendredDorsett.com	Reg & Kit's Bahamas Links
FredMitchellUncensored.Com ARCHIVES...	Bahamians On The Web
How & Why The PLP Lost in 2007 - The Greenberg Report...	Bahamian Cycling News
	BahamasIssues.com

31^stJanuary, 2010 *Welcome to bahamasuncensored.com* *How do you do today? It's great to have you as a reader. We have the most incisive political news about and from The Bahamas!* *Please tell all your friends about us.* ...A TIME OF CONFRONTATION...
PLP RALLY PHOTOS...	HAITIANS COMING IN DROVES...
OSWALD BROWN FIRED...	MINISTER THREATENED WITH DEATH...
EZRA RUSSELL TO RUN AGAINST BRAVE (Well I‘ll Be…)	‘BRAVE’, MITCHELL, ALLYSON, WITH THE HUMANE SOCIETY...
RED CROSS ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS...	BAHAMAS MARATHON RUN...
STAN BURNSIDE CARTOON...	REX NETTLEFORD HOSPITALIZED...
POLICE INSPECTORATE APPOINTED...	RED CROSS BALL...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR...	IN PASSING...





Fred Mitchell Launches 3^rdEdition of 'Great Moments In PLP History...	Fred Mitchell's 56th Birthday Party In Support of the 'Mission Fund'...
The Official Site of the Progressive Liberal Party...	The Official Site of the Free National Movement...
PhilipBraveDavis.com...	Interesting Places...
JeromeFiztgerald.org	Bahamas Government Website
KendredDorsett.com	Reg & Kit's Bahamas Links
FredMitchellUncensored.Com ARCHIVES...	Bahamians On The Web
How & Why The PLP Lost in 2007 - The Greenberg Report...	Bahamian Cycling News
	BahamasIssues.com

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Volume 8 © BahamasUncensored.com 2010

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