Dear Editor,
There are some misguided or possibly very stupid people who constantly accuse the governing PLP of being autocratic, dictatorial, and worse, without an ounce of shame or self-introspection. In fact, according to them, there is very little that the iconic PLP is able to do or get right. They regale themselves while calling many of the leaders of that party corrupt and decadent. Well, long has it been said that God does not like ugly, and that the pot should be very careful in calling the kettle black.
There are also some who admonish non-FNMs, of which I am proud to be one, to stay out of FNM business. Well, as a Bahamian of sound mind and a patriot, I am obliged to jump into FNM business and to dissect its declared public policy initiatives and its internal conduct where such items may negatively impact The Bahamas, collectively.
The Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (FNM–Killarney) served this nation as Minister of Health within an incarnation of the now-defunct Hubert A. Ingraham regime and eventually became Leader of the FNM and subsequently Prime Minister himself. In addition, he is a gifted medical doctor and an astute businessman. He has held real jobs and pursued tangible career paths. Dr. Minnis has also served as the distinguished MP for the Killarney constituency for more than twenty (20) years.
The current “leadership” of the FNM has publicly declared that Dr. Minnis, despite all of the above, WILL NOT receive an electoral nomination from what some uncharitable Bahamians call “THE BIG DOLL HOUSE,” even though it is not publicly known that he has or will apply for such. Preemptively, Dr. Minnis has been advised not to bother to apply and that he should, in fact, go home and sit down until the FNM decides where to deploy him, if at all.
To date, no public explanation or rationale has been offered as to why Minnis is now, apparently, persona non grata. This, I submit, is not an example of democracy. If this is how that cadre of putative “leaders” will treat one of their own, judge how they will treat the Bahamian people at large if re-elected to high office.
Now it has been announced by the perennial “FAILED” candidate, Duane Sands, M.D., who is currently the National Chairman of the dysfunctional FNM, that that entity will be holding a “NON-VOTING” national convention so as to amend and/or change the constitution in fundamental ways. Delegates will NOT be allowed to actually vote on any and all questions of leadership. No one seems to be sure if the delegates will be able to actually vote on any issue.
Is this convention legal, and what are the real purposes for why it is being called? Another ploy to legitimize the virtual expulsion of Minnis from the floundering FNM? This upcoming “convention” reminds me of the so-called non-binding referendum fiasco which Brother Christie staged a decade or more ago in reference to the web shop industry. Our homegrown politicians seem to take Bahamians, collectively, for natural nuts and bolts.
How is it that one is able to “change” the constitution of any party or organization if delegates thereto are NOT enabled or allowed to cast ballots for or against amendments? Is the Pintard/Sands-led FNM a clear and present threat to democracy? To God then, in all things, be the glory.
Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
Business Consultant & Talk Show Host
