The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Long ago, in the distant past, there lived a fabled bird - the Albatross. That magnificent winged creation of Yahweh was rumoured to be capable of flying across oceans, real and imaginary, without nourishment or rest. Alas, after serving whatever role that was allotted, the Albatross has now been relegated to the ranks of extinct.

We have leaders whose shelf lives have expired. Some of them think, I believe, that critics have something personal against them. Not so at all, at least on my part.

One need not be a rocket scientist or a Divine Illuminator (as I am) to be able to appreciate the almost impassable trench for the Prime Minister and Sarkis Izmirlian to cross. The PM has questioned Sarkis’ mental status. Many Bahamians, even to this day, have long questioned the mental stability of many of our high ranking and senior politicians, across the divide. It may have been cute of the PM to have gratuitously questioned Sarkis’ mental status, but why now at this point in the midst of very delicate negotiations?

The PM and Sarkis go way back viz-a-viz their public interaction. I have always held that the Cable Beach project was simply too big and was destined to have challenges. Atlantis is the premier New Providence-based destination for the bulk of our air and sea visitors. The varied amenities being offered at Atlantis are far and beyond what Baha Mar will be offering. There will be, at least initially, no comparison.

I am a partisan of the Progressive Liberal Party and wish that it would get on with the good and transparent governance of the nation that it promised, ad nauseam, during the 2012 electoral campaign. To now be involved in a very public dispute with the developers send a bad message to all, including Bahamians and foreign investors. This was the same PM who said that those in the media “could go to hell”. This is the same PM who used to represent Phil Ruffin, who, allegedly, may still owe millions of dollars in various taxes and utility bills.

Christie was the so-called brain behind the failed Genting Project in Grand Bahama. He is the same PM who gave encouragement to a former fired FNM cabinet minister into believing that he and his investors group could partner with the Chinese to launch a “pie in the sky” project in Grand Bahama. In recent times, Kenneth Russell has gone decidedly quiet and not a word is said about the status of this mega bucks development.

The former South Ocean property continues to languish out west. Khaalis Rolle (PLP-Pinewood), Minister of State for Investments (by the way what is in his empty portfolio?) used to wax halfway eloquently that the reopening of that property was just around the proverbial corner and that a casino licence would go along with it. Lo, and behold, three years later it remains nebulous and elusive.

Mr Christie’s own mental status has never been publicly questioned by anyone hitherto but his recent series of vitriolic and bombastic utterances may be cause for wonderment. Mind you, I do not suggest for one moment that “whom the gods would destroy they first make mad”, but the devil, as always, is in the detail. It is now obvious that the Albatross is now extinct.

The PLP is at the crossroads. It can go forward with a new leader or it may wish to remain trapped in the past while clinging to “dead people; ghosts and holograms”. Christie has charisma and political oratorical skills that few frontline leaders would have ever possessed. This style of leadership has its place but it may have now gone the way of the Albatross and may well be the source of most of what is retarding our progress as a nation.

We’ve just celebrated our 42nd anniversary as a so-called “independent” nation. While we have a few things to brag about, for the unwashed masses, nothing much has changed except for the fact that the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. The stark differences in income equality might look like a USA, et al, based societal and economic “problem” but, trust me, this is the growing foundation of revolution and change.

No one begrudges anyone for making money legitimately. The question which pops up is whether it is fair and equitable for any one individual to be able to make hundreds of thousands of dollars, literally with no income taxation while another barely survives on minimum wages but pays, proportionally, the same rates of indirect taxation? What is wrong with this scenario? After a life of working for peanuts, many Bahamians, especially in New Providence, find themselves in retirement with absolutely no savings, no insurance, few reliable family members and a miserable and mean existence.

The Ingraham and Christie administrations proved to be a boon for their rabid supporters and cronies at the expense of the ordinary Bahamian. Those who had nothing save and except the ability to sing the songs of deception and shaving cream to the leader rose up the financial totem pole. Others, like me, were obliged to look deep within to devise the ways and means to survive while pulling others up.

Crime is a problem and we just obtained a $20m loan. What, by the way, is this loan for? Dr Nottage, the enigmatic Minister of National Security (PLP-Bain and Grants Town) said that it was to “beef up” the fight on crime. Many of our erstwhile MPs have yet to publicly disclose their assets, liabilities and net worth, as is required by law. It is almost ironic that some of our lawmakers are, possibly, lawbreakers while entitled Honourable Members of Parliament.

Housing is being retarded by the anaemic and clueless approach and leadership of Kenred Dorsett (PLP-Southern Shores). Our Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture is a poster boy for what such a minister should not be like. Dr Daniel Johnson (PLP-Carmichael) used to be one of my favourites within the Gold Rush administration. His ‘silence’ and apparent non-involvement in matters relating to his “do nothing” ministry and his apparent neglect of the good people of that constituency leaves too much to be desired.

Other ministers are a collective natural disgrace when one looks at their performance and total lack of compassion for the unwashed masses. The PLP is at the crossroads and we must decide just how much more rope we will allow Christie before he hangs us all and precipitate our imminent descent into hell.

I say we go forward with a new leader. I say that at least two of those who have indicated that they are ready to assume the mantle of political leadership are merely posturing and preening, while meowing just like Sophie (one of my cats).

The Bahamas has had her fill of charismatic leaders with oratorical skills but not an ounce of governing capabilities. The Albatross played a role in creation back in the prehistoric days. The Baha Mar experience has been, I am sure, a teachable one, even for the Albatross.

ORTLAND H BODIE JR

Nassau,

July 10, 2015