The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune. THANKS for allowing me space in your valuable column to express my view on two topics: men of the cloth's involvement in politics and the stewardship of the Free National Movement Government over the past five years. First, it is my view that men and women of the cloth have a right under our Constitution to align themselves with any political party that they chose and to propagate such affiliation openly insofar that they do not infringe upon the rights and freedom of other members of the country or are in conflict with the public interests. I submit that it is a tragedy and miscarriage of justice to maroon men and women who are preachers to an island where they are mere spectators and observers in a process which may be termed the most significant in the constitutional framework of our democracy. I further submit, that nothing is wrong for a preacher to ask God's blessing on his party of choice and also to ask for that party to rise to the office of governing the country. After all, man does not dictate to God; he only prays, makes intercessions and supplications; but God answers according to his plan. Those who hold opposing views to mine are within their right to do so. But for goodness sake, no one has the right to take away from a pastor or a minister of the Gospel his right to openly support and to campaign on behalf of his/her party. I think we need to credit the Bahamian people and visitors with more intelligence and to note that people will choose their politics regardless of Pastors, parents, or associates' views. Bahamians are smart and make up their own mind as to which party will serve their best interest. Hence, I go against the grain, and encourage pastors to get involved and to speak truth to perceived and real issues, so that the masses will have the benefit of your thoughts and ideas. Above all, to maintain loyalty to God, to engage in private and public devotion to God Almighty, perchance he hears and answers. As it relates to the stewardship of the Free National Movement over the past near five years, I am satisfied that this was one of if not the most busiest and productive of all governments of this country. I tip my hat to the Rt Honourable PM Mr Hubert Ingraham and his government for his diligence and fortitude in steering the ship of state in seemingly rough times. Let's not forget that without pain, there will be no gains. The road works; selling of BTC, dredging of the harbour; relocating the port from Bay Street to Arawak Cay; downsizing ZNS; the introduction of the drug prescription plan; the introduction of the employment benefit; preparing more courts for the administration of justice; the redevelopment of Saunders Beach; steering the progress of Baha Mar, completion of the National Stadium and progress towards the completion of the Lynden Pindling International Airport; the replacing of the water mains in most areas of New Providence and the rebuilding of the Straw Market. These are just a few of the visible things that this government has done, over the past four years plus. By the way, there was great stride made in public health; the redevelopment of the Rand Hospital in Grand Bahama, etc. Sadly, crime continues to be the Achilles heels of this government notwithstanding its best effort to provide the police with most of the tools they need to fight crime. There is obviously too much crime of all sorts and it is incumbent upon the powers that be to provide the preventative strategies to offset and to circumvent the criminal activities that have engrossed our nation. Beyond this, I submit humbly that this government has earned its pay for the period for which it has been elected. Hence, all the ramblings and the blindness of those who refuse to see must be replaced with recognition of the positive things that have been done. In any event, politics which is all about people; has become all about winning at any cost. Finally, I encourage all to speak truth peaceably, be kind and tolerant of each other; lift the fallen; feed the hungry and hold fast to the words pulled from our National Anthem "March on to glory your bright banners waving high...till the road we trod, lead unto our God, March on Bahama Land". At the end of the day; whomever God places in charge are those we all must support and help them to succeed. Consequently, let God be truth and all men liars. PERRY E NEWTON Nassau, March 2, 2012.