An Advocacy For Tolerance:
Bahama Journal Editorial -
Nassau, Bahamas:

Perhaps it could not be otherwise.

This is the conclusion we are currently forming as we reflect on the nature of the current electoral struggle for power in The Bahamas.

Here reference is to the role that Big Money is playing in both major parties and the extent to which those resources are being used to finance an American-styled political campaign, one that is replete with slick advertisements, high-tech pandering and wedge issues.

Today we comment on the use of so-called ‘wedge issues’ that is being made by some political strategists and operatives in today’s Bahamas.

A wedge issue is a social or political issue, often of a divisive or otherwise controversial nature, which is used by one political group to split apart or create a "wedge" in the support base of an opposing political group, with a view to enticing voters to give their support to the first group. The use of wedge issues gives rise to wedge politics.

Political parties are usually fairly diverse groups though they will always try to project a united front. A wedge issue may often be a point of internal dissent within the opposing party, which that party tries to suppress or ignore talking about because it divides "the base."

Such issues are typically a cultural or populist issue, relating to matters such as crime, national security, sexuality (e.g. gay marriage), or race. Another party may exploit this dissent by publicly supporting the issue, and in effect align itself with the dissenting faction of the opposing party. A wedge issue is intended to bring about such things as:

A debate, often vitriolic, within the opposing party, giving the public a perception of disarray; the defection of supporters of the opposing party's minority faction to the other party if they lose the debate and the legitimizing of sentiment which, while perhaps popularly held, is usually considered inappropriate or politically incorrect; criticisms from the opposition then make it appear beholden to special interests or fringe ideology.

To prevent these three consequences from occurring, the opposing party may attempt to take a "pragmatic" stand and officially endorse the views of its minority faction. However, this can lead to the defection of supporters of the opposing party's majority faction to a third party, should they lose the debate.

For better or worse, the wedge issue concept has been imported into The Bahamas; and is being put to use by some who see it --despite its religious garb-- as a legitimate political weapon.

While we know the names and occupations of some other political operatives who are playing this game, we recite but one of them; Frederick McAlpine.

We can honestly tell you that we felt it.

We thought it.

Now we know it for a fact.

What we now know is that there are political operatives abroad in this land who have decided to play the so-called gay card.

There are others abroad in the land that are getting set to play their own preferred version of the morality card.

One or two other zealots are getting set to play their version of the rape, capital punishment and law and order card.

But no matter what card is played the purpose is the same; namely that of identifying, isolating and thereby assisting in the political demise of this or that person, unlikely enough to brook the ire of this nation’s new thought police.

One pristine example of how far, how deep and how terrifying this kind of politics can go is exemplified by some of what Frederick McAlpine had to say about this or that political figure in the Progressive Liberal Party.

His rhetoric was flamingly homophobic, blatantly incendiary, asinine and totally unnecessary.

We believe too that the questionaire put out by a group of pastors is unnecessarily intrusive. It runs the risk of being abusive. And for sure, it can become a precursor to witch-hunting.

No sensible Bahamian should condone such a project that is freighted with such possibilities.

We hasten to add that we are not questioning the extent to which certain pastors may or may not be sincere and therefore convinced that they are correct. Our advocacy is otherwise.

It is an advocacy for tolerance and respect.

And for sure, it is also a cry against intolerance and witch-hunting.

25th April 2007

Promises And Price Tags:
Bahama Journal Editorial -
Nassau, Bahamas:

Both major political parties have put forward –albeit belatedly- their manifestos and covenants. These documents are politically important; containing as they do implied contracts with the Bahamian people.

These documents can make or rue the day for any or all who renege on promises that have been put forward in black and white.

For the moment, our only advice to all who would read, all who would lead and all who would vote is that they should remember that promises always come freighted with price tags.

The public wants to know whether those who would lead from the helm have what it takes to speak to the issues that would distinguish one leader from the other.

The debates we talk about should be pitched to this type of thinking Bahamian voter. We make this call in a context where it is conceded that both major parties have a tremendous amount of crowd support as witnessed by what has been happening at the mass rallies.

For some weeks now, both the Progressive Liberal Party and the Opposition Free National Movement have made it their business to rally their troops.

Based on crowd size, both have been spectacularly successful. Each has been successful in attracting its share of that ‘Look at the people- sized crowd.’

We suspect that some of their political operatives and strategists have finally figured out that such large displays may not give them the full information they need about what will actually happen come Wednesday, April 2nd 2007.

The whispered word that we are hearing is that both parties are both gravitating to a view that the Election Day decision could be heavily influenced by two minorities of Bahamians. On the one hand, there is that group of Bahamians who have decided not to register. On the other is that sliver of independent minded Bahamians who could vote for either side.

We are convinced that the general elections will be won or lost by one party or the other depending on how their written statements or manifestos are received by that minority of Bahamians who do read and who do actually weigh issues.

And here we revert to a suggestion previously made concerning debates; which is that there should be a wide ranging debate on the issues between Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Progressive Liberal Party leader the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie and Free National Movement leader the Rt. Hon. Hubert Alexander Ingraham.

We go further and suggest that this would be a tonic for all those Bahamians who relish a bit more than cheers, jeers and rake and scrape served up on any night of the week to a wildly receptive mass audience.

These Bahamians want to see their leaders defend their positions. These same Bahamians –albeit a minority- want to hear their leaders debate the issues.

We make the additional point that it is this minority that will actually make it its business to read manifestos and covenants sent its way.

And as we have previously indicated, in the search for votes the ruling Progressive Liberal Party and its nemesis the Free National Movement have both sought – as they should – the support of the masses of Bahamian people.

They have done so using any number of wildly popular appeals; inclusive of cheers, jeers and other such repartee.

Such seems to be par for the course in getting the message to the masses in a Bahamas where so much hangs on how the people - in the mass - vote. From one point of view, this is not at all surprising.

Indeed, there is evidence galore to support the proposition that Election Time is somehow considered ‘party time’ for so very many people. And quite evidently, there will be hype, shenanigans and any other amount of fun stuff.

In time, this kind of public display begins to play out.

We suspect that this is precisely what is happening now that Election Time is upon us.

We are also convinced that it has finally dawned on both major political parties that they must now reach out to that discerning minority that, come Election Day, may well make the difference that counts.

As we have already indicated, all roads now lead to Election Day, May 2, 2007.

On that date, the voice of the people will roar.

Once that cry comes forth, some will hear the mournful cry that they have been weighed in the people’s balances and have been found wanting.

This crew will then be expected to slink away and tend to the business at hand, namely licking their wounds and wondering to themselves how they could ever be so wrong.

24 April 2007

Clifton A Nest Egg of Economic Empowerment, Says Ritchie:
By Vanessa C. Rolle -
Nassau, Bahamas:

Confident that he will be elected as the first parliamentary representative for the newly created Clifton Constituency, businessman Jackson Ritchie said last night the controversial Clifton property holds many economic opportunities for Bahamians.

At a PLP rally held at the carnival site of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, Mr. Ritchie told thousands of supporters of the intrinsic wealth of the Clifton property and how the FNM administration was prepared to sell this prized historical property for the construction of a gated community.

Once inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, and later, slaves, the Clifton plantation will be transformed into the first national theme park and managed by the Clifton Heritage Authority, he said.

"Everywhere you turn in Clifton you can see our heritage, but more importantly, you can also see the dynamic future that has been put in place by this Christie government that will blossom, bringing Clifton’s people great economic benefit and security," Mr. Ritchie told the crowd.

He said that the FNM government would have sold the land to foreigners "to make a golf course on our ancestor’s graves," but the PLP administration’s plan for the area would directly and positively impact the development of the Clifton community by bringing employment, spin-off businesses and prosperity.

"Tourists and Bahamians alike will flock to his theme park every day of the year and will enrich the Clifton constituency with many kinds of employment and educational opportunities," he said.

Yet, apart from the developments at Clifton, Mr. Ritchie urged Bahamians to take a look at the transformation of the entire Bahamas.

Under the Christie administration, he said, The Bahamas’ present economic state is rewarding and there is a dynamic future ahead as the prime minister employs his visionary concept of anchor properties owned by both Bahamian and foreign investors.

"These anchor properties, which are investments not only in The Bahamas but in the future of The Bahamas, represent a steady income stream for many Bahamians in today’s Bahamas, and also a steady source of employment in the future as these properties grow and expand to meet the demands in the years to come," Mr. Ritchie continued.

At the heart of the PLP’s governance has been the welfare of the Bahamian people as evidenced also in its successful urban renewal programmes in the inner cities of Grand Bahama and New Providence, and the establishment of the "cradle-to-the-grave" health system called National Health Insurance, he added.

On the Family Islands, the quality of life of many families has also vastly improved with major infrastructural developments, he said.’

"Everywhere, Bahamians are being touched by the caring and compassion of the Christie government, a government that is truly concerned about everyone, not just the privileged few that are trying to bring back the bad old days when Hubert Ingraham’s FNM took very good care of that very small bunch," Mr. Ritchie said.

Bahamians are standing at the threshold of an economic development boom where everyone will benefit from such a time of opportunity and empowerment, Mr. Ritchie said.

He said that he is committed to use his business skills and knowledge to help make the constituency of Clifton a well-run community where everyone has access to information on jobs, opportunities and matters of national interest.

"I want to see the people of Clifton truly benefit from the wealth that is all around them from the natural and historic treasures and from the economic growth that is on its way to western New Providence," Mr. Ritchie said.

"I will make sure that the people of Clifton are positioned to take advantage of the vibrant economic growth that the Christie government has created and will continue to maintain for the foreseeable future. The people of Clifton will not turn back now."

18 April 2007

Local Pastors Pose Moral Questions To Candidates:
By Juan McCartney -
Nassau, Bahamas:

With only two weeks left before the next general election, a coalition of local pastors is asking political candidates to answer questions regarding morality.

The coalition has composed a list of moral questions it intends to forward all 110 candidates in the May 2 election.

The survey asks the personal opinions of candidates on a number of hot button issues. The questions cover issues ranging from gay marriage and "homosexual tourism" to stronger sentencing for sex offenders and capital punishment.

The group, headed by Grace Community Church senior pastor Lyall Bethel, will also forward the questionnaire to the chairman of each political party.

At a press conference held at his church Monday, Mr. Bethel explained that the committee will collate the data on the candidates’ positions.

"We feel that these particular issues are often overlooked because of their controversial nature," Pastor Bethel said. "We want to create a tool to help people understand their (candidates’) convictions."

"We believe that the 148,055 voters are very much interested in what the 110 candidates [who seek to represent] the 41 constituencies have to say."

"We believe that the political parties have gone to great extent to put forward candidates that people can say ‘ I know them; I know what they stand for’," Pastor Bethel said.

"We want to know that these people are not just PLP, FNM, BDM or independent. The candidates should want to be seen as individuals with convictions, beliefs and a system of values."

Pastor Bethel is joined in his quest by other clerics like pastors Cedric Moss, Deanza Cunningham, Gil Maycock, Jay Simms, Myles Munroe, Perry Wallace, Richard Pinder, Shelton Beneby, Vaughn Cash and Andy Knowles and Allan Lee.

"Our concern is more of a spiritual and moral one than it is political. I think if you look at the issues, they reflect more on the morality of our (Bahamian) people and of the candidates," Pastor Lee said.

"We have a rich history as Bahamians. Our history reflects a Judeo-Christian culture. We have been seeing that this history is slowly being taken away."

The questionnaire asks the following questions:

Are you in favour of the preserving of the words "Christian Values" in the preamble to our constitution or replacing it with "Spiritual Values"? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to granting same sex couples some form of legal recognition or status under law? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to recognizing same sex marriages/unions, even if they were performed outside of The Bahamas? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Do you support increased efforts to enforce our environmental laws through stricter fines and additional funding for educational efforts, or do you feel the current laws and enforcement efforts are sufficient? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of returning the age of sexual consent to 18 or should it remain at 16? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to increasing the mandatory minimum sentencing for sexual offenders? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are in favour of implementing "pro-choice" laws in terms of abortion, or would you like to see stricter enforcement of the current laws? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to amending the Constitution of the Bahamas to make capital punishment the mandatory sentence for murder convictions? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to abolishing the capital punishment laws? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to organized groups of homosexuals, swingers, swap marriage partners, and nudists being allowed to visit the Bahamas under the umbrella of promoting their cause? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to the strengthening and stricter enforcement of public decency laws to address topless/nude sunbathing on public beaches, strip clubs and public profanity, or do you feel the laws should be changed to allow more freedom of expression? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

Are you in favour of or opposed to the stricter enforcement of decency in broadcasting laws to address such incidences as lewd and suggestive images on cable television, profane lyrics on the radio and semi-pornographic images in the newspaper, or do you feel the laws should be changed to allow more freedom of expression? If you feel otherwise, please explain?

Are you in favour of or opposed to establishing a national lottery?

Are you in favour of or opposed to legalizing privately owned gambling businesses?

Are you in favour of or opposed to amending the laws to allow Bahamian citizens and residents to legally gamble in local casinos?

Are you in favour of or opposed to using a Judeo/Christian Value system in our public schools? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

As a matter of conscience would you be willing to vote against your party?

Do you feel that after expressing your opinion following fair discussion, that it is your duty to always support your party? If you feel otherwise, please explain.

The coalition expects to have answers returned to it by next week Thursday.

The results of the questionnaire will then be published in the local newspapers on Monday, April 30, according to the pastors.

There is no indication yet as to how political candidates will respond to the challenge.

17 April 2007

By VIRAJ PERPALL,
Guardian Staff Reporter -
Nassau, Bahamas:
viraj@nasguard.com -

With a three week countdown to the May 2nd general election, many Bahamians are preparing themselves for a short and furious campaign season and are expressing their personal feelings on the matter.

The Nassau Guardian took to the streets of Nassau yesterday to get the general mood and opinions of many persons concerning the upcoming election season and received mixed views on the topic.

"Both parties could have made a bigger effort, the time was too short and I think the campaigns on both parts are a bit cheesy, instead of focusing on issues they are both focusing on who slept with who, not with what they will do when they get back in power," said Alistina Kemp.

Another vocal gentlemen who wished to remain anonymous said that he has been waiting to vote ever since the PLP was elected to lead the government in 2002. "Everyone is ready and if Mr Christie had called the election date for the very next day, people in The Bahamas would all know who they want in power," he said.

He stated that Bahamians have made up their minds a long time ago on who they want to run the nation and no campaign no matter how good it is can change what the people want.

However with campaign season being just a mere three weeks before elections many also felt it necessary to voice their concerns on the shortness of the election season.

"I don't think it's short at all and even if other people think it is, it doesn't really matter because Bahamians know what they want deep inside," said a gentleman referred to as Doctor Bones. He added that he feels the time given was more than enough time and he said that everyone should have known a long time ago that elections were coming up soon.

Another lady told The Guardian, "I am not a very political person, but I just want for the elections to be peaceful." She also said that she would be voting for a party rather than her representative in this election because, the representative for the party she wants in power is not worth voting for.

"I do not believe in the person I am voting for but I am voting for the party because I want to see them as the government, but the person running for the party has done nothing and does not deserve my vote."

Rebecca Saunders said that she personally felt that the campaign season is too short and feels that the political candidates need more time to know the people in the areas they are running in. "You never see them in the hard times and in the bad times, but they pop up all of a sudden during elections."

Taxi cab owner, Edward Ferguson said that he feels the election is too soon since the announcement of the election date and said that candidates were announced too late. He added that picking a political party in this election is like choosing between the lesser of two evils. However he said that the true problem with politics in The Bahamas is that it is lacking young persons who have the knowledge and the sincerity for the nation.

"The younger people need to be in governance because they are more educated and have better ideas."

He added that a solution to the ills of The Bahamas must be found very soon as he feels the nation is rapidly deteriorating due to a steady decline in moral values.