The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

As a long time practising metaphysician I have discovered that the easiest way to achieve or to get something done is to follow the path of least resistance. No I am not suggesting for one minute that one should sacrifice principles or morals to get one’s way, but rather to come to the understanding that once something is conceived in one’s mind (conscious) that that sub-consciousness automatically kicks in and figures out a plan to accomplish the same.

This may sound like Obeah to the untrained, but those who know the secret, so to speak, are more than aware of the power of mind coupled with action. Let us look at a case in point. The Fisheries Amendment Act (2021) has been passed by both Houses of Parliament but not yet published in The Gazette so as to bring it into force. A very large and vocal section of the fishing industry has come out against the same alleging discrimination and that the Act itself is unconstitutional or ultra vires The Bahamas Independence Order (1972).

Without delving into the pros and the cons of the Act or the legal arguments being advanced by learned counsel for the opposing group of fishermen and fisheries any law which seeks to unilaterally bar or ban native Bahamians or those who are conferred residency and the right to work regardless of original nationality is clearly ultra vires. Who advises the administration and ministers of the law of the land? It is supposed to be the Attorney General, who also sits in cabinet.

It is commonly known that there was a time when I was a partisan of the current AG, especially when a revolt was being hatched against the former Prime Minister Ingraham by certain elements within the FNM. No I am not, and have never been an FNM. I am a student of politics and my loyalty remains where it has always been since I turned 18 years of age.

Over successive appointments as AG I have watched Carl Wilshire Bethel’s performance in office. I am not and have never been impressed with his legal acumen, such as they might be, or with his skills. Yes he is now a Queen’s Counsel, but we all know how that rank, at least in The Bahamas, is filled.

Having said the above it is clear that the Minnis administration has an individual and collective in your face attitude towards governance. It starts with the PM himself. Remember when the pandemic first arrived? Big as Billy the PM declared that ‘If Bahamians could not/would not listen to his one man edicts that they would feel’? Even before this the administration brought in some UK based Queen’s Counsel to assist in the failed and flawed prosecutions of the Hon. Shane Gibson and the Hon Frank Smith. To this very day the AG has failed to disclose just how much fees were paid to them. Surely as taxpayers we deserve to know how our money is being spent.

When asked about the Freedom of Information Act that was promised on the campaign trail by the FNM in opposition, Carl Wilshire Bethel bluntly and boldly stated that he did not recall the FNM making such a pledge! Perhaps because he is legally trained we should expect this attitude and posture.

Instead of out of court settlements this administration seems hell bent on frivolous court cases which even the most stupid of lay persons would determine could not be won in a competent court of law. Since this crew has been in office a number of high profiled cases have been decided against it and the poor taxpayers must pony up substantial awards of damages and legal costs.

Weeks ago when the proposed Fisheries Amendment Act was being bandied about, former AG the Hon Alfred M Sears, a real deal Queen’s Counsel and not necessarily a paper one, wrote a letter of protest to the Hon Michael Pintard (FNM-Marco City) outlining serious objections to this Bill. Pintard being the smart pants that he tends to come across as, said that he understood that the letter had been received by his ministry BUT that he did not intend to read it! How stupid and politically injurious!

Now litigation, well researched and drafted by Sears has been filed and the administration must scramble to mount a defence in what may well turn out to be an indefensible case. This will result in more taxpayers’ dollars being possibly wasted at the end of the day.

Is the Hon Elsworth Johnson (FNM-Yamacraw), Minister of Immigration still around? In opposition he was all over the place lamenting the human rights posture of the then Christie led administration. Now in office he has presided over some very damaging immigration cases/matters with a very straight face and strident tones.

Brother Brensil Rolle (FNM-Garden Hills), Minister for the Civil Service and NIB threw out the suggestion that rates for NIB may have to be increased. User fees are going up in an already challenged economy. Governance by attitude is not desirable and for sure it is not working. Unless and until this crew makes adjustments Flight # 533 is doomed to fail. To God then in all things be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

January 14, 2021.