The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I am very selective when it comes down to my politics. Yes, I am perceived as being a die-hard supporter of a well-known party but my personal preferences have little to do with how I look at and react to various politicians or those who are seeking front line participation.

There will be many casualties and there will be much weeping and gnashing of teeth or dentures on the night of the general elections. Adult sized pampers will be sold out or in short supply. Some of these people want to get into politics to “serve” the people, or so they say. Others are simply entering or trying to enter for personal enrichment and the perks of office. The majority of them must be fully scrutinized and questioned about their motives and plans for the particular constituency.

There is little doubt in my mind of the outcome of the general elections. The battle will be between the FNM and the New Deal PLP. The so-called independents will be politically slaughtered and I would be surprised if even one of them got their deposits back. There is something “noble’’ about being a so-called independent and going up against the political giants but, in the real world those candidates are living in La La Land.

In Garden Hills, currently represented by the Hon Brensil Rolle (FNM-Garden Hills) we have a young and dynamic New Deal PLP candidate. No doubt the fringe parties, like the DNA, will offer their own candidates. The FNM has ratified Brother Stephen Greenslade.

I first met Greenslade some years ago when he was seeking to become the MP for Golden Isle on the DNA slate. He did not perform badly seeing that he was a first time candidate and that the red wave was inevitable in 2017. Christie and the old PLP had to go by any legitimate means necessary. He was unsuccessful then, but I am persuaded that his second time around will be a charm.

I am not always right (vis a vis the USA Presidential elections), but I am convinced that Greenslade will emerge victorious in Garden Hills, barring any unforeseen events or an act of God Himself. He may as well go ahead and order his parliamentary suit.

Why do I say and hold to this position, even though I am not an FNM and my other habits are basically good?

This man is self-made as a very successful businessman and entrepreneur.

A former police officer he served the nation well but at some point on the force he decided to become self-employed or to broaden his wings in the private sector. He dabbled in various businesses and worked in the hospitality industry for a short period.

ICS Security Concepts was later launched. This company has grown by leaps and bounds and is now the undisputed leader in the security and armored transportation Industry. That company employs hundreds of Bahamians at good wages/salaries. Greenslade’s personal reputation and integrity are beyond reproach. His word is his bond and he does not mix business with pleasure. Just as important, he is a dedicated family man with one wife and several children at home. A Christian, Stephen knows where All of his help cometh……from The Lord Jesus Christ.

I am convinced that Stephen is seeking front line politics because of his expressed love for the Bahamian people and because The Lord has blessed him materially he wants to give back in a positive and meaningful way. He is not entering politics to get rich or die trying. He is the sort of stellar and positive candidate that all parties and fringe grouping should seek out and ratify.

I again maintain that I am Not an FNM but if I lived in Garden Hills, regardless of how I will vote in Mount Moriah (Marvin can kiss that constituency goodbye), I would have voted for Stephen Greenslade. To God then, in all things, be the glory

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

March 4, 2021.