Political scene after Ingraham, Christie
More and more, conversations of a Bahamian political scene without Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie at the forefront are popping up. Both men were entrenched in their leadership roles respectively of the Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party going into 2009, with no signs of a shift away from their power bases. The conventions of late 2009 though, gave an indication that a new era in Bahamian politics could be dawning.
First, Philip Brave Davis stormed to the deputy leadership position of the PLP with Mr. Christie not being a factor at all. Traditionally in The Bahamas, party leaders have influenced in some way big party election battles, certainly one as important as the No. 2 position. Mr. Davis though put his very own campaign program together and steamrolled over prominent party figures like Obie Wilchcombe. The scenario was much different from the last big leadership fight in the PLP.
A failing revolution
Forty-plus years ago black leaders sold the people on the promise that removing an oppressive minority group from power would lead to bliss for all.
In today's Bahamas there are few empirical indicators providing hope that the future of The Bahamas will be bright.
Port Authority leads the way
T he expectation of Grand Bahamians is for the Grand Bahama Port Authority to be the investment anchor for the island. Indeed, in the past it has been the Port that has driven the island's economy through meaningful investment connections.
But, there has always been much more to the Port. It has been a support base for the educational system, charities and civic activities. The Port has been a giant in promoting Grand Bahama and projecting its stalwart indigenous sons and daughters and other residents who came to call Grand Bahama their island home. When one examines the makeup of Grand Bahama, the realization is clear that along with ongoing productive investments, lifting up the northern island in other areas have proven equally as vital through the years.
The Container Port, Ginn project give GB vibrancy
The economy is still down in Grand Bahama. Even though the most optimistic predictions have the economic depression easing in 2010, full recovery is another matter.
There is however, the potential for a definite turnaround. Yes, it's still pretty dismal for many who live in Grand Bahama. Hundreds are out of work. Some are working and have not been paid in months. Others are being paid a week or so late.
Transparency needed from the AG's Office
The criminal justice system in The Bahamas needs repair. And the attorney general's office (AGO) needs to change how it engages with the public.
Data is rarely released from this agency to citizens. Bahamians may be 'blessed' at budget time with a line or two from the attorney general of the day talking about the case backlog. But very little is given beyond that.
A good idea
Addressing one of the service clubs in Grand Bahama last year, a retired judge from the United States suggested that a drug and alcohol court – similar to the one he presided over in Seneca, New York – would work well in addressing the needs of The Bahamas. With the increasing prevalence of drug use in this country, perhaps this is an appropriate time for The Bahamas to consider establishing such a court.
Drug courts offer supervised rehabilitative treatment to people whose criminal acts stemmed from drug or alcohol use. The premise of the program is that people who are charged with crimes and are fighting drug and alcohol addiction are given the opportunity to enroll in a rehabilitation program in lieu of going to prison.
Senior police salaries need adjustment
The prime minister is set to prorogue Parliament and bring forward his government's new agenda in April.
This new agenda is all but certain to include measures to combat the surge in violent crime in The Bahamas in recent years.
Enforcement of road traffic laws necessary
The discourtesy on the streets of New Providence has become overbearing for many residents.
In recent times there have been significant changes to the hierarchy of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. There were strong hopes that a law-abiding attitude would spread.
Mid-year budget is needed
S everal opposition members of Parliament have argued that the mid-year budget debate instituted by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is a waste of time.
They argue that the House of Assembly does not need to spend three or four days debating a mid-year budget only to come back and debate the annual budget a few months later.
Public views sought of legal system
The legal system has received its share of criticism in recent years. In fact it's fair to say that many residents do not have faith in the system. From the public has come a landslide of complaints. There is constantly a backlog of cases. A large percentage of criminal offenses have been committed by persons out on bail. Some are on bail for an inordinate amount of time. There are persons on remand whose cases have not reached the courts for years. Many can speak to traffic cases that seem to just go away.
To put it mildly, the legal system is in a sad state.
Time to get tough on illegal gun owners
Almost on a daily basis the crime report from the police includes the arrest of someone for having an unlicensed firearm. The process that follows is one that involves this person being taken to court and formally charged, then invariably released on bail.
This has got to change. The frequency at which handguns are used in the commission of robberies in this country is a compelling reason in support of such a change. So too is the high rate of murders in The Bahamas, although many of the record number of 87 murders that have been committed in 2009 have been the result of stabbings.
Borrow with care
Bahamian governments have been fairly responsible in recent years managing the national debt level.
The financial crisis and ongoing global economic slowdown have exposed the failure of some countries to do the same.
Dangerous politics
The Elizabeth by-election results may be a scary indicator of what is to come at the next general election.
Neither Hubert Ingraham nor Perry Christie could significantly distinguish themselves in either the 2007 general election or the 2010 Elizabeth race.
NIB's benefit to The Bahamas
The late Sir Lynden Pindling was maligned in his latter political career. Some of the criticism was justified but in general he was unappreciated by a large number of Bahamians. It was not until the death of the nation's first prime minister when his many contributions to the development of this country unfolded again, that many heads nodded in agreement that he was the true Father of the Nation.
Tributes in abundance were paid to Sir Lynden. One of the milestone achievements he was praised for, was leading the drive to establish the National Insurance Board. To a large degree, certainly in recent times, NIB has been a financial savior for the central administration. The benefits afforded many, locals and foreigners who once lived here before departing, made life better for all who participated in the program.
Sir Lynden's protégés locked in battle
The Elizabeth by-election has developed into more than the average Bahamian would have ever imagined. It may have gone beyond what the leaders of the two major political parties may have anticipated.
The by-election has become a fierce battle of the political minds and political wills of the country's leaders. The rallies, the speeches, the voting, the results and now the Election Court have created an interesting scenario. |
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