NASSAU, BAHAMAS –Bahamian politics is like a hybrid creature in that we prefer ‘forceful’ leaders who are capable or appear to be capable of getting things done AND at the same time, demonstrate and show empathy for and with the unwashed masses. Indeed, politics, especially here in The Bahamas is NOT an exact science.
A classical case which brings this phenomenon in focus is the never stage play by the Hon. Michael Clifton Pintard, (FNM-Marco City)) Leader of the Opposition, ,for now.. After several failed attempts to enter, the House of Assembly, Leader Pintard was finally able to be elected for Marco City over in Freeport, Grand Bahama. It is interesting to note that that same constituency embraced the former Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield a perennial ‘loser’ many years ago.
I have ‘known’ both of these men in public life. They both posses similar attributes. Both ‘brilliant’; good orators; fairly good tacticians and able to project leadership perceptions. Clearly, however, in both cases, they failed to climb to the top of the greasy pole. In addition, neither of them could ever win a seat in New Providence, save and except in Marco City, Grand Bahama.
Their public persona and facial expressions are deadly similar. I have ‘known’ the late Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield for decades before his death. He, et al, in the embryonic FNM tried to recruit me into their ranks BUT I always saw the FNM and all of it’s leaders, so far, save and except for the indomitable Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham, our former Prime Minister. , as flakey, Dr. Minnis included.
No one, to date, had a bigger than life personality more so than Sir Lynden. Of course, public displays of self confidence, for a politician is crucial. One does not have to wear it on one’s sleeve with arrogance and acting like a Bull Frog dressed up in soldier’s clothes. That was the image projected by Wallace-Whitfield and that, in my view, is the same style that Pintard has ALWAYS projected.
Pintard has declared that he, Clifton, is the BEST person (God help the FNM) to continue to lead his Doll House of Cards. Mind you, he has experienced three consecutive massive political whipping by Brave BUT he wants to come back for MORE? Is this man crazy; delusional or simply a sucker for beatings?
The good brother has had his three bites at the political Apple and failed. What more or else does he hope to accomplish? If you are involved in a relationship and your partner decides that they want nothing further do with you, rightly or wrongly, what are you able logically and lawfully able to do?
Beg; plead and cry like a baby or pick up your Georgie Bundle and move on? The Pintard era is , mercifully, over. It is public knowledge that that CORE leadership of the increasingly irrelevant FNM and , possibly, the demoralized rank & file adherents within that entity NO LONGER want him as Leader. I advise Clifton TO GET OUT with the remnants of his dignity intact. To God then, in all things, be the glory.
Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
