The Tribune

By Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya

With all the political manure flying about, as ‘silly season’ has begun, I must admit as a professional comedian there is a ton of material to work with on a daily basis.

I also must confess it gets tiresome, laughing off the continuous political failings of the present administration and the opposition (whoever that is?)

So this week we will take a break from the norm, time to escape the political minutia for a minute.

The usual characters are off this week: no ‘Birdman’, no ‘Branetta’, no ‘Jeromey the Homie’ and definitely no ‘V.A.G’.

Instead I want to focus on potential young leaders of the future from the various political parties.

It’s about time they had the spotlight instead of the political dinosaurs, who’ve been monopolising the stage for the past five decades!

No longer do I want to hear from septuagenarian leaders and their alternative facts.

Neither from the (at times impotent) opposition, in all their splintered forms, who are still rife with political fossils in their midst influencing the decisions and direction of the various factions, stunting the growth of younger candidates within the FNM, DNA, UPM etc.

When one is apolitical such as myself, you can look at things objectively.

I make fun of all politicians and call them out for their blunders equally, all while giving them kudos for a job well done - when deserved. And therein lies my objectivity.

To this end, over the next few weeks, I will highlight young leaders from the various parties, who if given the opportunity, who have the potential to be the next great leaders of this country and rescue us from this abyss into which we continue to freefall as a nation.

Now before I get into this ... yes DNA candidate for Golden Isles Stephen Greenslade is a childhood friend.

We grew up in the western part of New Providence and, as all close knit neighbourhoods are, Stephen and his two younger brothers, grew up like brothers to me. Stephen was the oldest and the knowledge he imparted to a certain, mischievous only child was greatly appreciated.

He looked out for all of us as we grew into adulthood. Not because it was his job, as an officer on the RBPF. Stephen did it because he cared (we were his little brothers, and he was ‘big bro’ - a term I use still to refer to him to this very day.)

Caring is a trait he has exuded all along the way. Whether God, family, country, community, Stephen cares and wants the best for the Bahamas. He also wants to be a part of the positive change and renaissance in our nation. Not just talking about it but actually being a part of the process, putting in the work.

That is what we need: young leaders willing to serve and lead by positive examples.

So when I read in the dailies, and more importantly on Facebook, of a potential defection to the FNM, by six DNA candidates, may be going down, I had to call my friend Stephen to get it right from the horse’s mouth, since he was allegedly one of the candidates that were courted by the FNM hierarchy.

“Bro, I’m not going anywhere. I got into politics to help change the entire political culture in this country. I’m in it for the long haul; win, lose or draw. I want to do my part to create a better Bahamas, not be a part of the political status quo.”

I must admit I was relieved to hear those sentiments from Mr Greenslade. He needs to stay right where he’s at in order to achieve his political goals.

There is no assurance with the infighting within the FNM (despite recent shows of unity) that he could reach his true political potential. In the DNA he can.

If you do the simple math, the PLP and FNM arguably have potentially 10 to 15 seats. With 39 seats up for grabs, the race is to 20.

Here’s where Mr Greenslade has leverage staying in the DNA.

Prior to the surprise resignation of FNM candidate for Golden Isles, Kenyatta Gibson, word on the street had Greenslade making inroads into the Golden Isles community, with popular appeal I might add.

Throw in the fact that the incumbent, PLP Michael Halkitis, is on thin ice so to speak, it seems like the stars are aligning for Mr Greenslade. Can you imagine, on Election Day, as the polls close and the votes come in and Mr Greenslade emerges as the winner in Golden Isles!

If it does come to fruition, Mr Greenslade would instantly become one of the most powerful political players in the game. Singlehandedly able to effect change in this country. He will have won the first ever seat in the history of the DNA, instantaneously putting him line for leadership of that party. Sorry Bran; nobody wants to follow a seatless leader.

As I mentioned previously in this column, Mr McCartney seems to be in love with the politics of politics but I doubt he has the backbone to see it all the way through. On the other hand Mr Greenslade has no problem seeing something through from start to finish and putting in the hard work to achieve successful results.

Personally, I want to see my friend stand pat and reap the rewards for his tireless efforts and hard work.

The people of Golden Isles need a young vibrant MP in the House such as Mr Greenslade, accountable and committed to service.

And hopefully others will rise up the ranks in other political organisations, as well as the DNA, to ensure a positive way forward for the Bahamas politically and nationally.

I’d much prefer to have Mr Greenslade as our ‘Big Brother’ watching over us in the House rather than the government’s ‘Big Brother’ in everybody’s house!

• Inigo ‘Naughty’ Zenicazelaya is the resident stand-up comic at Jokers Wild Comedy Club at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, resort and presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday, and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm on KISS FM 96.1. He also writes a sports column in The Tribune on Tuesday. Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net