The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Report

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney has joined calls for Prime Minister Perry Christie to resign over the outcome of both Bahamian referendums held under his administration, following the example of British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr Cameron stepped down on Friday because of his position regarding his country’s relationship with the European Union (EU) as the British public voted to leave the EU.

In a press statement, Mr McCartney argued that under the Westminster system, if a government brings a referendum to the people which is not successful or favours the government's position, the Prime Minister must immediately step down.

Pointing to the Gaming Referendum of January 18, 2013, and the June 7 Constitutional Referendum this year, the DNA leader said, "with respect, the Bahamian people deserve leadership that is obedient to the wishes of the people and respectful to our Parliamentary system".

He said: "If we are to progress, we must be consistent and transparent in all of our national forums. We must adhere to rules and regulations. Culture flows downward. We will continue to cultivate a culture of lawlessness if we do not begin to practice discipline at the top.

“Ironically, on the 18th January, 2013, and the 7th June, 2016 (referendums) I reminded the Bahamian electorate that we follow the Westminster system,” Mr McCartney said. “Some of the conventions we follow as a country, which indicate our alignment with the Westminster system are: we do not have fixed election dates, the election cycle occurs every five years, the configuration of the Cabinet i.e. the Prime Minister being 'First Among Equals’ and the Governor General being the representative of the Queen.

“On the 18th January, 2013, the Bahamas had a referendum/opinion poll on gaming. Our Prime Minister at the time stated that he would abide by the wishes of the Bahamian people, whatever the outcome of the referendum/opinion poll. The Bahamian people voted against the Gaming Referendum/opinion poll.

"Following the Gaming Referendum, Prime Minister Christie: ignored the call to resign as a result of the loss referendum, ignored the wishes of the Bahamian people and decided to bring legislation to Parliament to enforce what the Bahamian people voted against."

He continued: “This single act by Prime Minister Christie was described as the ‘Death of Democracy’.

“More recently, on the 7th June, 2016, the Bahamas had another referendum. The Prime Minister attempted to change the Constitution of The Bahamas. A ‘yes’ campaign for the change was initiated by the Prime Minister and funded, without the permission of the Bahamian people, by the public purse.

“The referendum to change the Constitution of the Bahamas failed (and) again the Prime Minister was called upon to resign. He did not. In his words, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas' name was not on the ballot.”

Mr McCartney said Mr Christie has completely ignored the Westminster convention on two occasions and, in one instance, introduced legislation contrary to the Bahamian people's vote on Gaming.

Moments after it was announced that several constituencies overwhelmingly rejected all four of the Constitutional Referendum questions, Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins in a statement said he believes the vote was not about gender equality but rather “it was a referendum on a very unpopular PLP government and confirmation that this PLP government is not trustworthy”.

He said Mr Christie should resign immediately after spending millions “on two failed national referendums in a single term in office”.

The government has said it spent $1.2 million on the 2013 gambling referendum and had budgeted $1.57 million on the June 7 vote - a total of $2.8 million.

On Friday Mr Cameron said he will step down after British voters decided to withdraw from the EU.

Official results showed the "Leave" campaign took 51.9 per cent of the ballot compared to 48.1 per cent for "Remain".

The referendum was Mr Cameron delivering on an election promise - but he had forcefully campaigned for Britain to remain in the EU.

The results served as an indictment of Britain's government and immediately sparked speculation about Mr Cameron's political future.

He said on Friday morning that the British people had spoken - and "their will must be respected".