By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AS HE called for former Prime Minister Perry Christie to resign as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) last night, Alfred Sears said he saw the sweeping defeat coming after Fort Charlotte residents repeatedly told him they could not stand the leadership of the country any longer, despite their personal affection for him.
Mr Sears, who was projected to lose to the Free National Movement’s (FNM) Mark Humes according to unofficial results, said last night that it is “obvious” the party would have stood a better chance winning the election had he been victorious in the PLP’s leadership race in January, adding that “the party made a mistake” in choosing Mr Christie.
“The outcome of the convention did not inspire trust or confidence in the Bahamian electorate but that’s behind us now and I think the party has a wonderful opportunity to rebuild and reengineer itself,” he said.
When asked if he thought Mr Christie should resign as party leader, Mr Sears said: “Certainly. I think the party needs to be refreshed. I don’t see how the party can rebuild without new leadership.”
One of Mr Sears’ peers, former State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis, told The Tribune last night that he is now finished with frontline politics and will not run again.
Mr Halkitis was the incumbent MP for Golden Isles. Last night it appeared that he - like the majority of his colleagues - lost his seat; however all of the poll results were not made available up to press time.
Mr Sears, however, said he saw the defeat coming.
“As I canvassed, the refrain that I met almost unbearably is that ‘we like you, we respect you and we feel you would be a good member of Parliament for this constituency and also we feel that you have a significant contribution to make on the national stage. But we cannot in good conscience continue with the leadership of our country for another five years under the PLP.’ That is what I met in so many of the homes in constituencies in Fort Charlotte, including registered members of the PLP.”
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts was the first prominent official to concede defeat yesterday, adding the party will have to enter an era of rebuilding.
He said he was surprised by the results and that officials would have to review the matter to determine the way forward for the party.
His statement came at the PLP’s headquarters on Farrington Road.
By 9.30pm the building was nearly empty as the few PLPs who had gathered in hope of celebrating victory left as the results foreshadowed a staggering loss.
Some people were near tears as they sighed while watching the results.
“Perry cause this,” one elderly man said, while others dressed in PLP paraphernalia agreed.
“Today thousands peacefully exercised their democratic right to elect the government of their choice in free and fair general elections,” Mr Roberts said. “We congratulate them on their civility as the Bahamas cherished its international reputation as one of the oldest and most stable democracies.
“They spoke loud and clear and there is an adage that the voice of the people is the voice of God. We believe this and we humbly accept their verdict. We congratulate those that are victorious. And the PLP will have to go in a mode of rebuilding.
“We would have to review this matter obviously because this was unexpected; it caught me by complete surprise but, as I said, the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
Mr Christie did not speak to supporters or the media last night. However he released a statement conceding his loss and congratulated the country’s Prime Minister elect, Dr Hubert Minnis.
Comments
Economist 7 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Sears, many wanted to vote for you but could not risk you being the one who took the PLP over the top to another 5 years, so they voted strategically.
People voted against the corruption and the secrets and the lack of accountability of the PLP. The FNM happened to be the beneficiary.
The DNA also lost votes because no one could stomach the idea of another 5 years of the PLP and many DNA's also voted strategically.
Had you won the leadership, and been able to persuade 5 or 6 of the last cabinet not to run, you might have seen a different story.
Under normal circumstances you would have won your seat.
Alex_Charles 7 years, 6 months ago
I absolutely agree with this assessment. Sears was a damn fine candidate but voting for him was too risky.
sp1nks 7 years, 6 months ago
And so the PLP infighting begins
MassExodus 7 years, 6 months ago
Yall swing yaselves KML
SP 7 years, 6 months ago
Whereas I agree Mr. Alfred Sears stood to have had a better result than Mr. Christie as leader of the party, the PLP would have still carried the decades old stigma of corruption, gross incompetence and unbridled nepotism, which would have still spelled doom in yesterdays elections.
Alfred was pointedly questioned on Peace 107.5FM how he intended on dealing with corruption in the PLP if won the leadership race. He immediately went into "full bullshit mode" responding "The Bahamas was part of international organizations that address such issues"...Wrong answer!...And proof positive that he was well prepared to continue offering sanctuary to colleagues caught involved in political graft. AKA...Business as usual!!
Dr. Minnis approach to addressing corruption is the only sensible solution to corruption and the only solution accepable to the electorate.
Alfred Sears did not display the fortitude needed to deal with corruption and people simply did not trust him to do what is necassary to rid our country of systemic corruption.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts found himself "caught me by complete surprise" because he lives in world of 4 decades of spin, lies, corruption and victimization.
Bradley Roberts, Witch Maynard, Perry Christie, Shane Gibson, Obie Wilschcomb and the vast majority of PLP lost touch with average Bahamians reality so long ago that they no longer recognize, and has no care whatsoever for truth, needs and the will of the people.
Speaking of Witch Maynard & dem.....???
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 6 months ago
"former State Minister for Finance Michael Halkitis, told The Tribune last night that he is now finished with frontline politics and will not run again."
If it's one thing the incoming MPs should learn, your life and your reputation live beyond politics, so make sure you do the things to ensure they both come out for the good. There's probably not a person in the world who's not wondering how Halkitis and Wilson approved the financial recklessness of the past five years and why they should be given anyone's books to look after.
baldbeardedbahamian 7 years, 6 months ago
CAN WE CUT THE AMOUNT OF HIS PENSION? HE DOES NOT DESERVE MUCH AFTER HIS DISMAL PERFORMANCE AS POMPOUS BUFFOON IN CHARGE OF THE FINANCES OF THE COUNTRY. DOES THIS CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT MEAN THAT EVIL UNCA BERNIE AND BASTARDGERALD CANT READ MY EMAILS AND HACK MY PHONE ANY MORE?
baldbeardedbahamian 7 years, 6 months ago
I THINK BIRDIE NUSSA HAVEHAD ITS PLP TROLL CONTRACT CANCELLED COS I DONT SEE NO POSTS FROM IT.
ohdrap4 7 years, 6 months ago
she stayed home today until she went to pick up the grandchildren from school after 3pm.
the water and sewage bill which accumulated for 5 years will rear its ugly head.
realfreethinker 7 years, 6 months ago
birdie is lurking he/she posted a few minutes ago
realfreethinker 7 years, 6 months ago
This is birdie's contribution thus far "The PLP had a tough way to go they were always criticized. The FNM Government will have a much easier time, but the results will speak for themselves and they will not be able to hide their results"
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 6 months ago
Sears should be kept out of active politics forever. He was instrumental in the 'legalization' of the racketeering activities of the gaming web shop owners against the wishes of the Bahamian people as expressed in the outcome of a costly national referendum that the PLP unbelievably ignored. Sears is now much too beholden to the numbers' bosses!
sheeprunner12 7 years, 6 months ago
The PLP is in a quandry ....... They have NO viable, trustworthy electable leader for the foreseeable future ......... Perry's stalwarts must all die first
Greentea 7 years, 6 months ago
Come on man. It was going to be legalized one way or the other. HAI would have done it witouth a referendum because the country needed the revenue. This had more to do with money than morals. But what you are saying is like saying D'Aguilar, Dames and them who worked for Baha Mar or had business ties to Baha Mar are in Izzy's pocket because he once paid them and that is ridiculous.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 6 months ago
"Money over morals" or "Money at any cost" appears to be your motto. You're probably the type who would borrow from a loan shark rather than take a second job if you need money. I don't think you and I have much in common and realize that in and of itself may please you.
realfreethinker 7 years, 6 months ago
Can perry ignore that opinion poll that happened yesterday?
SP 7 years, 6 months ago
Lol....He can ignore everything and everybody as usual, but WE will be totally focused on HIM!
sheeprunner12 7 years, 6 months ago
The PLP had its convention in January 2017 ......... and the PLP delegates re-elected Perry as opposed to Sears ......... They made their bed hard and now have to lie in it ..... Too bad
jackbnimble 7 years, 6 months ago
The PLP would have feared better at the polls with Sears at the helm. Personally, I probably would have voted PLP with a change in leadership but the cronies wanted Christie and so they got what Christie came with - the cut behind of a lifetime at the polls.
The only thing that worries me with Sears, though, is his connection to Flowers who is still looking for a bank license and a government who can give it to him.
Alex_Charles 7 years, 6 months ago
man it's a crying shame Alfred lost. sadly Sears was with the wrong party, but he had integrity that NO-ONE on the PLP side possessed. There needs to be serious reformation.
Greentea 7 years, 6 months ago
Perry hasn't resigned yet? Late again to the inevitable.
sheeprunner12 7 years, 6 months ago
The PLP continues to spit in the face of the Westminster system ...... When a leader loses a major election he/she resigns from the post to allow for a new leader with a new vision for the party to emerge ..... but the PLP is a kleptocracy (a group of rich power-hungry elitist families)
ohdrap4 7 years, 6 months ago
he can take all the time he needs to resign now.
soon enough, no one born after independence will remain in the party.
The_Oracle 7 years, 6 months ago
Personal affection or personal affliction? I ask because we were all afflicted........ Mr. Christies disgraceful legacy is further disgraced by the fact he did not address even his constituents! Seems the old guard of both Parties are poor losers.
SP 7 years, 6 months ago
Sore loser mouth could say anything! Michael Halkitis, Kalise Rolle and Arnold Forbes were a tremendous disappointments.
These guys jumped in Christie's 2012 corruption pool and DOVE DEEP & OFTEN.
Goodbye PLP...Please stay gone!
sheeprunner12 7 years, 6 months ago
Yep ....... they were SLOP spawn gone wild under Perry ......... BOL
Baha10 7 years, 6 months ago
Now that virtually all of the "old Guard" have been washed away by the Red Tide and the few that remain are not wanted either, it would be the perfect time for the PLP to consider "re-branding" as the New Vision Party (NVP) under Sears and a cadre of young talent.
John 7 years, 6 months ago
Word is circulating that Glenn's Hanna-Martin lost her seat in the recount. If this is correct then the PLP has no seats in New Providence. WOW!
Alex_Charles 7 years, 6 months ago
word is also circulating that Brave may be going to election court over voter fraud.
diplomatic Immunity GONE. Somebody gonna pay ninety a visit for a LONG time!
DaGoobs 7 years, 6 months ago
Sears, Galanis and Miller come out stabbing Caesar (Christie) in the back while he is down. If Sears was in charge, the result would not be any different. I don't know why Sears sees himself as some sort of knight in shining armour. His hands are just as dirty as the rest of his colleagues: COB, gambling referendum, Caribbean music festival, etc. His credibility is just as shot as Christie's and the other PLPs. Good time now for the PLP to remake itself from the inside out and find honourable men and women who believe in accountability, honesty, public service, truthfulness, humility.
banker 7 years, 6 months ago
There are no honourable men and women in the PLP. They are about as honest as the men who say that they go to Hooters for the food. They flip flop like a dying fish, depending on who is paying. Truth to them is like speaking Chinese to a Mexican. They are all as solicitous as sphincter salt pounders. For PLPs, patriotism is like deodorant. Those who need it most, never use it.
The PLP should be disbanded. They are an anti-truth, criminal racket. Here is a quote from Fweddy's post on BananasUncensored.com:
They lie worse, stink more and are lower than a dead potcake pounded into the pavement. They are a pox on this country that was excised. It was enough to convert me back to religion.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 6 months ago
I whole heartedly agree with your astute and truthful observations here about Alfred Sears. He long ago crossed the line and must be made to forever lie in the bed he has made for himself. Had he spoken out against the 'legalization' of the corrupt racketeering activities of the gaming web shop owners (instead of choosing to richly line his pockets instead), the outcome of the costly national referendum that was held might not have been illegally treated by Christie as a mere survey to be ignored. The grave harm Sears has caused our country is more than cause enough for him to be banished from active politics forever!
Sickened 7 years, 6 months ago
Perry I am laughing at you. Every time I pass your house I smile a little wider. I am happier now than I have been in 5 years.
SO LONG LOSER!!!!!!
Take your long deserved vacation AND NEVER COME BACK!!!!!
LOL! LOL! LOL! LOSER!!!!
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 6 months ago
Have you ever considered for a moment that Christie may in fact be laughing at all of us.....after all he will be enjoying the fruits of his corruption, all the while crying poor mouth and 40+ years of loyal service to the Bahamian people in the hope that Minnis walks away from a criminal investigation of the mega-millions stolen......leaving us poor honest hardworking Bahamians holding the proverbial empty bag while facing new huge increases in government taxes and fees soon to be announced by Minnis....I frankly don't think we have anything to laugh about...it really seems we (the Bahamian people) are the real losers, especially if Minnis allows Christie and his cronies to get away scot-free with their ill-gotten gains!
ThisIsOurs 7 years, 6 months ago
I don't think do, it might be true for some people like Shame, but the former PM lives for praise and the spotlight of the camera. He could have all the money in the world, rejection trumps it all
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 6 months ago
When hristie gave us his flipped middle finger he was telling us in no uncertain terms - "All of you people can go f**k yourselves...I get mine and left y'all with what you deserve - absolutely nutting'." That was in all likelihood the defining moment when Christie realized for himself that he had got his unjust great wealth and therefore remaining in power or his political legacy no longer really mattered a hill of beans anymore.
Sickened 7 years, 6 months ago
If we start an official investigation then his worldwide assets should at least be frozen until the investigation is concluded.
MassExodus 7 years, 6 months ago
WHY do you support Christie. Why would you imply that he has the upper hand. You are worse gutter trash to the Bahamas than he is, unless you are in fact him.
Reality_Check 7 years, 6 months ago
Someone please grab MassExodus and whisper the following in his good ear: "Hellooo, do you have any grey matter in here?"
SP 7 years, 6 months ago
Anybody see Perry Christie lurking anywhere lately?
Word is Pampers are completely sold out in the entire country and ASA Pritchard is double ordering for the next several months.
Perhaps there is some truth that Perry Christie and chief strategist Alfred Gray and Bradley Roberts are in conclave again planning a comeback!!
What fools these idiot geniuses made out of themselves….Lol!!!
SP 7 years, 6 months ago
Witch Maynard and Bradley Gargoyle Roberts also suddenly missing in action and assumed urgently in need of more "large" Pampers!
"Oh how the mighty has fallen"
No sympathy for traitors. Will someone PLEASE strip that arrogant, self serving, patently corrupt, Witch Maynard, of that "QC" title she bestowed upon herself.
Free at last, free at last, "BAHAMIANS FIRST" are free at last!
Socrates 7 years, 6 months ago
they still dont get it... when someone is not getting the results you want, you dont keep asking them quietly behind some bush to resign, you FIRE them man.. kick him out as leader..
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