ELECTION RESULTS LIVE: Christie concedes after crushing defeat

As of Thursday, May 11, 2017

12.40: That brings an end to our live coverage of the election results. Don't miss Thursday's Tribune for all the news and reaction from a dramatic election day.

12.30am: As it stands, the unofficial results have the FNM on nine seats, the PLP on one, with none for the DNA or Independents. However, the FNM is projecting their victory will be by 34 seats to five.

The unofficial results have seen victories for the FNM from Reece Chipman (Centreville), Brensil Rolle (Garden Hills), Jeffrey Lloyd (South Beach), Desmond Bannister (Carmichael), Shenendon Cartwright (St Barnabas), Peter Turnquest (East Grand Bahama), Frankie Campbell (Southern Shores), Adrian Gibson (Long Island) and Hank Johnson (Central & South Eleuthera).

Philip Davis is the unofficial winner of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador for the PLP, with Glenys Hanna Martin (Englerston), Picewell Forbes (Mangrove Cay and South Andros) and Chester Cooper (Exumas and Ragged Island) expected to follow. Fox Hill is believed to be facing a recount.

Other projected victories for the FNM are Travis Robinson (Bain and Grants Town), Renward Wells (Bamboo Town), Duane Sands (Elizabeth), Mark Humes (Fort Charlotte), Dionisio D'Aguilar (Free Town), Michael Foulkes (Golden Gates), Vaugn Miller (Golden Isles), Dr Hubert Minnis (Killarney), Romauld Ferreira (Marathon), Marvin Dames (Mount Moriah), Halson Moultrie (Nassau Village), Reuben Rahming (Pinewood), Lanisha Rolle (Seabreeze), Brent Symonette (St Anne's), Donald Saunders (Tall Pines), Elsworth Johnson (Yamacraw), James Albury (Central and South Abaco), Iram Lewis (Central Grand Bahama), Michael Pintard (Marco City), Miriam Emmanuel (MICAL), Darron Henfield (FNM), Carlton Bowleg Jr (North Andros and Berry Islands), Howard Mackey (North Eleuthera), Frederick McAlpine (Pineridge) and Pakesia Parker-Edgecombe (West Grand Bahama and Bimini).

11.10pm: The Centreville result with all divisions in: Perry Christie PLP 1,875 votes, Reece Chipman FNM 1,900, James Darling BCP 12, Lorraine Arthur IND 16, Frederick Sawyer IND 31, Celi Moss DNA 139, Harold Ward IND 6. So Prime Minister Perry Christie has lost his seat.

11.00pm: Dr Minnis says those who voted for a party other than the FNM “have nothing to fear” adding that “our founding fathers didn't believe in victimisation and neither do we”. He says “we will not deny any Bahamian access to opportunity based on partisan politics.”

But, he says, “those who abused positions of trust may have something to fear. We will give the Auditor General the money and tools he needs to find how the people's money was spent. And if there is evidence of criminality we will let the law take its course.”

10.55pm: Dr Minnis says “As we go about the business of governing we ask for God's help. That he protect us from the sins of arrogance and greed. That he keeps us ever mindful that this new day is not about us, but about the people we have to serve. It's truly the people's time.”

10.50pm: Prime Minister-elect Dr Hubert Minnis is now on stage at the FNM celebrations in the Carnival site. He says: “This was a long fought battle, but the victory is not mine, the victory is yours. This is the people's time and I am your servant.”

He says he received calls from Prime Minister Perry Christie and from Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling – who invited him to be sworn in tomorrow at 5pm.

10.50pm: In Marathon, Jerome Fitzgerald is trailing to Romauld Ferreira by 318 votes with 10 out of 13 polling divisions in.

10.40pm: With all the polling divisions returning from Centreville, Prime Minister Perry Christie appears to have lost his seat. He finished with 1,875 votes. The FNM's Reece Chipman had 1,900. Given how close that is, Centreville could see a recount.

10.30pm: Jeffrey Lloyd wins South Beach for the FNM.

10.25pm: The first seat to be called for the PLP tonight - Philip 'Brave' Davis wins Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.

http://youtu.be/ehMox28l5Ok

10.05pm: Another two seats for the FNM as Shenendon Cartwright takes St Barnabas and Desmond Bannister wins Carmichael.

9.50pm: Prime Minister Perry Christie has conceded the election and released a statement:

“I called Dr. Minnis earlier this evening to congratulate him on his party’s victory. I understand as perhaps few others the challenges that await Dr. Minnis, and I wish him only success on behalf of our nation. He has my full support for a smooth transition.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Prime Minister of this great nation. I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Bahamian people for that opportunity. To those who served alongside me, I thank them for their dedication to our shared ideals.

“May God Bless Us All, and May God Bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

http://youtu.be/EjuStcGg3VA

9.30pm: FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest wins East Grand Bahama.

9.20pm: Another result - Southern Shores for the FNM.

PLP headquarters.

9.20pm: As the FNM celebrate what looks to be a great night at the polls, the PLP headquarters is now virtually empty.

9.10pm: FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest has been speaking about tonight's events: “I am elated by the results. I am humbled and I look forward to serving for another five years and I am certainly committed to the further development of East Grand Bahama and improvements for the people. Overall, I think the margin of victory was very gratifying and humbling. I want to thank the supporters and constituents again for their trust.”

9.00pm: Confirmed results for Long Island and Central And South Eleuthera:

http://youtu.be/rqPzN2Pyk1o

8.50pm: PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts says the “voice of the people is the voice of God” and added that the party humbly accepts the election results and will now have to be rebuild.

8.35pm: Yamacraw with eight of 13 Polling Divisions returning: Melanie Griffin PLP 947, Elsworth Johnson FNM 1,559, Charlis Robins DNA 215, Carol Thompson BCP 15, Kendal Lewis IND 4.

8.32pm: Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson is behind with 9 of 13 returning: Agnes Glinton BCP 25, Rudolph Dean DNA 191, Michael Foulkes FNM 1,782, Shane Gibson PLP 1,280, Sharmaine Adderley TPM 15, Anthony Rahming IND 8.

8.30pm: East Grand Bahama, with 14 of 16 returning: Elkanah Pinder DNA 182, Peter Turnquest FNM 3,221, Preston Cooper PLP 1,503.

8.25pm: Long Island has just one Polling Division left to return - but it's looking like the FNM's Adrian Gibson is heading for victory.

8.20pm: Prime Minister Perry Christie is behind in the three Centreville Polling Divisions that have returned so far.

http://youtu.be/E9p6HjsGEYE

8.10pm: Pineridge, with 5 of 13 Polling Divisions in: Michael Darville PLP 645, Frederick McAlpine FNM 765, Leslie Lightbourne DNA 36, Kendel Kowles BCP 20.

8.05pm: Early results from Prime Minister Perry Christie's constituency of Centreville, 2/12 returning: Perry Christie PLP 316, Reece Chipman FNM 392, Celi Moss DNA 21, James Darling 3, Frederick Sawyer IND 3.

Some FNM supporters are celebrating at the party's headquarters, but they have been advised to calm down for now.

http://youtu.be/T1sjgNjifTA

FNM supporters gather at the party's headquarters as tonight's results come in.

7.55pm: Another strong showing for the FNM so far in South Beach with 5 from 12 Polling Divisions returning: Cleola Hamilton PLP 466, Jeffrey Lloyd FNM 1049, Randy Butler DNA 99, Leyvon MIller IND 19, Claridge Williams BCP 2.

7.50pm: Three from 12 Polling Divisions have returned in Southern Shores - Kenred Dorsett PLP 544, Frankie Campbell FNM 846, Madlene Sawyer DNA 83, Marlin Newton IND 0, Livingstone Lynes Jr 0.

7.48pm: Polling Division 12 from Killarney - FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis' constituency - Reneika Knowles PLP 107, Dr Hubert Minnis FNM 307, Arinthia Komolafe DNA 39.

7.45pm: The FNM candidate for Long Island, Adrian Gibson, is celebrating right now, saying there is “pandemonium” throughout the constituency. But, there is no official result from Long Island yet.

7.40pm: Central Grand Bahama - 2/14 Polling Divisions returning - Iram Lewis FNM 483, Julian Russell PLP 231, Jedrick Robinson 13, Donald Mortimer IND 5.

7.30pm: Central and South Eleuthera with 11/15 Polling Divisions' results: Hank Johnson (FNM) 1145, Clifford Scavella (PLP) 1100 and Hank Johnson (DNA) 19.

7.25pm: The energy is beginning to pick up in the FNM's Mackey Street headquarters as the early results come in.

7.22pm: North Abaco with 3/12 Polling Divisions' results: Darron Henfield FNM 375, Renardo Curry PLP 275, Claire Basden DNA 6, Cay Mills IND 4.

7.15pm: Mangrove Cay and South Andros with 9/12 polling divisions returning: Picewell Forbes PLP 514, Zendal Forbes FNM 456, Cyril Miller DNA 5.

The colours of all the parties are represented here in these election day outfits.

7.15pm: North Andros & Berry Islands, Polling Division 5 - Perry Gomez PLP 45, Vincent Peet IND 14, Carlton Bowleg Jr FNM 46. Polling Division 7 - Perry Gomez PLP 35, Carlton Bowleg Jr FNM 31.

7.10pm: Results are coming in thick and fast - Carmichael: Polling Division 3 - O'Brien Knowles BNCP 0, Buscheme Armbrister DNA 16, Desmond Bannister FNM 190, Keith Bell PLP 82. Polling Division 6: O'Brien Knowles BNCP 2, Buscheme Armbrister DNA 30, Desmond Bannister FNM 231, Keith Bell PLP 107.

6.55pm: Three polling divisions have returned in Central and South Eleuthera - so far Hank Johnson (FNM) has 151, Clifford Scavella (PLP) has 121 and Hank Johnson (DNA) has 3.

6.30pm: Welcome to our live coverage of the 2017 general election results. We'll bring you all the results and reaction tonight as it happens. Voting is still taking place at Polling Division 11 in Elizabeth, which will close at 8.15pm, and Polling Division 4 in Seabreeze, which will close at 8pm.

MassExodus 6 years, 11 months ago

Here we go! Get these fuckers out!!

sp1nks 6 years, 11 months ago

GET THEM OUT!!!

Perry Christie: on behalf of the Bahamian people, you're fired!!

DreamerX 6 years, 11 months ago

Get hype

MassExodus 6 years, 11 months ago

Where's Birdie and Tal at??????

paul_vincent_zecchino 6 years, 11 months ago

Gone like the morning mist.

Cobalt 6 years, 11 months ago

Exactly!!!! Ask dem again!!!

ohdrap4 6 years, 11 months ago

their contract expired yesterday.

coco3103 6 years, 11 months ago

now is the time!!!

sp1nks 6 years, 11 months ago

Calling Birdie Strachan! Birdie... where are you? Not even a tweet-tweet?

chuck 6 years, 11 months ago

Hey Birdie, cat got your tongue?

Baha10 6 years, 11 months ago

So said, so done, "Roc wit Doc"!

Baha10 6 years, 11 months ago

Biggest Victory in Bahamian Political History!!!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Gee...well just remember that the PLP got a good percentage of the vote, don't do that "dis our country" ting. The Bahamas needs to move forward together (pity they used that slogan)

tell_it_like_it_is 6 years, 11 months ago

Congratulations to the newly elected governing party. I am most grateful that it was a peaceful election process. The people have spoken.

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Guess we'll find out what our future looks like in a minute.

Gotoutintime 6 years, 11 months ago

My faith in the Bahamian people has been restored---Hopeful for prosperity in the Bahamas for the next five years and beyond!!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Wait a second...does this mean the Reckley woman gone?

Honestman 6 years, 11 months ago

The most disastrous administration in the history of independent Bahamas is over. Perry Christie you have your legacy!

happyfly 6 years, 11 months ago

I just hope that the new crowd has the fortitude to acknowledge that this wee country can not afford five years of unabandoned rape and pillage. The fact that we have been able to vote these scum bags out is a testament to this great little nation but there has to be more than a slap on the wrist. The PLP tyrants were trying to sell our fishing rites forever, booking $50m. to pay off their bad debts at BOB, bold faced lying to their electorate and abusing their positions of power on a daily basis. It has been appalling and there needs to be a mechanism to stop it from happening again

coco3103 6 years, 11 months ago

it is well!!

JennyTho 6 years, 11 months ago

ITS THE PEOPLE TIME !!!!!!!!!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

All the old crooks gone...it's a miracle. Papa was right

BMW 6 years, 11 months ago

Thisisours she needs to go to jail!!!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

We shall see...Papa say there has to be evidence of criminality...they have the files now

pablojay 6 years, 11 months ago

Poor Loretta, she could have been a cabinet minister again. Oh how have the mighty (Leader of the Opposition) fallen!

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

It's time to fire Darrold Miller at ZNS - my goodness he is annoying. He sounds under the influence of something.

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

I guess I like foolishness...Darold won me over with his coverage of the straw market fire, "There's a fire!!!!" Rotfl

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

Do you remember Darrold covering the last execution in the Bahamas? It was bizarre.

I have seen and heard him coked up too many times. And just a few minutes ago, he tried to say that women's rights were not human rights (when talking about Glenys Hanna Martin).

paperbahamian 6 years, 11 months ago

Now the cat will soon be out of the bag and we will see what the PLP gave away! The Chinese will be asking for what they were promised and expecting the deals to be honoured. .

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

What are the top ten things we won't have to put up with? Hmmmm...

The PM speeding through Sunday traffic :-|

BahamaPundit 6 years, 11 months ago

Thank God!!!!! I am so proud of the Bahamian people. I celebrate that common sense has prevailed!!!!

SP 6 years, 11 months ago

Wake up call for Perry Gladstone Christie and crew of stupid idiots that ALL crashed and burned with lying, bullshitting Christie!

BAHAMIANS FIRST!

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by SP

SP 6 years, 11 months ago

You Tribune bloggers are the biggest hypocrites on the Island. YOU guys have been calling Bahamians stupid for Months thinking "stupid black people" would vote for an idiot like Perry Christie.

Look who looks stupid now!!

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

You are right. I was one of those who categorised a lot of Bahamians as stupid. But in my defence, Booger Brave was elected, and a PLP wife beater was elected, and Crisco Butt lost by 7 votes and in Centreville there were 5% more votes than registered voters (ballot box artistry courtesy of Valentine Grimes). So there are still a lot of cognitively-challenged people in the Bahamas.

However, if anyone was offended, I do apologise, and own up to the fact that I have made those categorisations in the past.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel, and for once, it is not an oncoming train.

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Please don't stop being yourself and continue to call Reality "Mudda"..lol, that was the best joke in 3 years

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Not true. I stand by, I still don't know if Minnis is just awful in public but excellent behind the scenes, that's to be seen, BUT I do know that he has some good people on his team and that gives me hope. I am overjoyed that Duane Sands will finally have a voice and i hope Rollins makes it to the senate. For me it was very iffy who would come out on top, the only thing I was sure of was that Perry or Minnis would be PM and no one was voting DNA, the DNA simply misinterpreted the votes they got in 2012.

The results have not given the FNM an overwhelming "percentage" of the vote, it's almost as if the country is split right down the middle.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

There are some awfully good things in the works for the Bahamas, and they were all put forward by his team. I particularly like the idea of the audits, and folks going to jail for it. If I was Shame Gibson, I would be sore afraid now.

paul_vincent_zecchino 6 years, 11 months ago

His physician's training and mindset would enable him to, as you say sublimate his ego - no place for it in the OR - and detach from an issue, step back, see the big picture, and make carefully considered decisions,

Things are looking up. Many on this side of the drink watched this election with baited breath as well.

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

That sounds very encouraging...

sheeprunner12 6 years, 11 months ago

Long Island has been vindicated ........ We now have an honest, committed young man to lead the change that we need ......... Again, the people will have the last laugh in a democracy .... The PLP kleptocracy has been defeated ....... maybe for a long time

proudloudandfnm 6 years, 11 months ago

Christie lost. Now that is justice. He should retire a failure just as his entire career was. Pathetic excuse of a leader. He should be ashamed of himself...

Alex_Charles 6 years, 11 months ago

Biggest Cutass in Bahamian history.

A cutass so bad that even Christie lost his seat. While we have no opposition essentially, we the people need to be involved. No room for skull duggery anymore. Time for change and accountability!

Investigate that AG and where ALL the monies gone for the last 5 years. People need to go to JAIL.

Zakary 6 years, 11 months ago

It would have been even better if Brave lost his seat, but I can't complain.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

Ortland will get his wish. Brave will lead the PLP.

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

Brave was very quiet for the most part, may have saved his seat.

Honestman 6 years, 11 months ago

Most of the criminals have been voted out. Unfortunately they leave with our money!

birdiestrachan 6 years, 11 months ago

The FNM has won , I am all right with it. That was the easy part Now they must get to work and do all of the things they promised.. They will know where the VAT money Gone.

Cobalt 6 years, 11 months ago

Carry ya ass, birdie!!

MassExodus 6 years, 11 months ago

Birdie you got 5 more years of this, so sit small.

paul_vincent_zecchino 6 years, 11 months ago

Where's ikalikl?

mangogirl01 6 years, 11 months ago

Celebrating! lol!

John 6 years, 11 months ago

Perry Christie and the PLP had the opportunity to lead Gods people out of the wilderness and take them into the promise land. But PM Perry choose to bow down and worship strange gods. Gift of wood and paper and of stone. So the wrath of God's judgment was brought against him and all who continue to follow him now that road. So the wrath of God is clear for all to see

John 6 years, 11 months ago

When I said in this forum that both Perry Christie and Bernard Nottage may lose their seats y'all thought I was crazy. I saw the landslide but never to this extent. But God (my God Almighty) says the only way to fix the Bahamas is to remove everyone (yes everyone) that was hindering that progress

MassExodus 6 years, 11 months ago

Not everyone... Brave still win he seat lmao

John 6 years, 11 months ago

we need an opposition, ole boy..else we have a dictatorship

TorontoGal 6 years, 11 months ago

So glad to see Bahamians have voted for a better party, one who will work for the people and not just themselves.

Now is the to clean up the island of New Providence bringing it back to what it should be. getting the young people involved, helping them gain some pride for their country while making some money to better themselves. Help the youth to get out of gangs and rid the island of guns so they'll be productive members of this beautiful nation. And with perseverance we might even help some of the youth to get off drugs!

The Family Islands need so much help to restructure after two devastating hurricanes after being very much ignored by those who were in charge.

The Bahamas are in a positive position now to be the most beautiful place in the world to live, work, visit and vacation.

Cobalt 6 years, 11 months ago

RED WAVE!!!!!! Tell Perry ta shuffle he ass on outta here!!!!

ThisIsOurs 6 years, 11 months ago

I like the fact that Brave and Chester made it, I might go further and say Fred Mitchell if he pulls through even though I'd like Shonell to win. The government will need a good opposition and since the opposition doesn't have the numbers they will need people with knowledge and wisdom. Would have preferred less controversial figures but I'll take those two elders over other less savory characters, very slim pickings. Hopefully dey een gat to go to jail

Best of all Bernard Nottage gets to rest for a bit and I mean that literally. Sometimes you only fight because it's expected and now he doesn't have to

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

I am still hugely disappointed in Chester for joining the PLP. I can't believe how wrong I was about him.

carmichaelrdgal 6 years, 11 months ago

From southern shores, Ken gave the dummies through my corner some liquor and chicken they party Tuesday evening when I got home after work. Look who partying now. They dont even know why they voted for him. just because the family voted that all their lives. smt. Congratulations Campbell on your victory I was waiting on the good news. Happy for Vaughn Miller too and all our MPs. IT'S THE PEOPLE'S TIME

PastorTroy 6 years, 11 months ago

Like I told the EX PM (PGC) in a previous post this week, retire with dignity, now he will retire in SHAME! Hey China, THIS LAND IS OUR LAND!!! we don't like ya and our neighbor to the north DEFINITELY don't like ya either! Congratulation my fellow Bahamians job well done, now they (politicians) will begin to tremble in fear at the power of the people, Dr. Minnis, just do your job sir and we'll have no problems, however, any party, PLP, FNM, DNA, UBP whatever they call themselves try us (The Bahamian People) again, they will be met with the same fate expeditiously, We are BAHAMIANS FIRST!

Honestman 6 years, 11 months ago

Finally the criminals have been ejected from office through the power of ordinary men and women. Let's start building a new Bahamas based on honesty and transparency and a fair deal for all Bahamians, not just the party faithfull. There must also be no resting place for those who have plundered the National's wealth. They must be hunted down and prosecuted.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

The thing that blew me away, was the quiet confidence of an FNM win by the candidates themselves. I spoke to a couple of them. I asked them why they weren't out there beating the bushes, standing on soapboxes and doing innovative things to raise their profile.

They both said that it wasn't necessary to do extraordinary measures. If you recall, Doc was away from parliament in his final days of the Christie regime. He was doing what organisers do. He was meeting candidates, discussing policy with all of them and instilling a quiet confidence that it was their time.

When I first heard this from their mouths, I thought that they were being naive. As it turns out, I was the naive one.

I think that Doc and his TEAM are going to do just fine. I am looking forward to seeing some of the stuff implemented that I have heard from the candidates, and now MPs.

I am starting to have a bit of hope. The road ahead is massive and fraught with danger and little resources to handle them. Expectations are high for the FNM, and they have very little room to maneuver. I am sincerely hoping for the best.

To everyone who has voted FNM, as a Bahamian patriot, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those who voted PLP, it is my fervent desire that these tumultuous events will soften your heart to see the truth (my goodness, I am starting to sound like Darrold now).

realfreethinker 6 years, 11 months ago

This is for 1kalik, "fook the motherfooking plp criminals" birdie cyc don't come here looking for sympathy. I hope you are now able to remove your head from perry them ass. FNM all in your guts. Y'all got gutted like a fish lastnight.

John 6 years, 11 months ago

"A landslide victory is an electoral victory in a political system, when one candidate or party receives an overwhelming majority of the votes or seats in the elected body, thus all but utterly eliminating the opponents. The winning party has reached more voters than usual, and a landslide victory is often seen in hindsight as a turning point in people's views on political matters. Part of the reason for a landslide victory is sometimes a bandwagon effect, as a significant number of people may decide to vote for the party which is in the lead in the pre-election opinion polls, regardless of its politics. The term is borrowed from geology, where a landslide takes almost everything with it on its way."

MassExodus 6 years, 11 months ago

I am so proud to be a Bahamian this morning. I had fears that the average Bahamian would not understand the issues and consider voting PLP.

I am so glad this didn't happen. We may still have a country left to salvage.

Many things need to change in our constitution and certain limits need to be put in place, but I think we are in much better hands under the FNM.

They also need to be held accountable. Now more stealing and inside deals.

Please make examples out of the PLP and investigate the entire administration. If they committed crimes against the country they must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

OldFort2012 6 years, 11 months ago

Not that I want to piss on the parade, but the fact remains that all the problems we had yesterday, we have today. If we compare the Bahamas to a boat headed for a very sharp reef, we have probably slowed the boat from 30 knots to 10 but have not changed course. That will take years of hard work. I pray to God that Doc has the vision and ability necessary for this enormous task. Time will tell. But I am not optimistic. Not because I have anything against Doc. I don't. I just think the overall consciousness of what it takes to succeed in the digital age is generally very low and the skillset Bahamians have to compete in it is practically zero and that does not change one iota with political changes. Very steep learning curve ahead of us. May God help us. And Minnis.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

You are absolutely right. However the difference is now, there are people who are ready, willing and able to dip the oars into the water (for the first time, I might add) to slow the velocity toward the reef and try to turn away.

As you pointed out, the overall digital consciousness is low, but for the first time, you have MPs who understand that there are things that they do not know. The first step to knowing, is to start learning the things that you don't know.

I suspect that it will require a few strategic foreign consultants who actually want to work with and create Bahamian infrastructure that will foster this awareness.

What Minnis needs right now, is a few quick governance victories to start the process. There is a very steep learning curve, as you point out, but big doors swing on small hinges. If they start doing little things right, from the outset, then there might be hope. Let's hope that Minnis is not a dawdler.

OldFort2012 6 years, 11 months ago

Agree with everything you say. A leader's vision and deeds are very important. My worry is that it is not going to be enough. He literally has to change mindsets which have been forged by generations. But it is a small step, let us hope it is followed by many more. He needs all our prayers, goodwill and willingness to work much harder on improving ourselves.

John 6 years, 11 months ago

it will be interesting to see what happens in Centerville. Will Perry Christie contest his seat or will he accept defeat. If he does then maybe the FNM should just give it to him, So he can sit in the house and get some sleep

John 6 years, 11 months ago

I retract this statement as there are suggestions that there may have been some voting irregularities in Centerville. So let the chips fall where they may.

DreamerX 6 years, 11 months ago

Everyone getting on Birdie case...y'all know nothing is achieved yet right? Now when the FNM make some good moves y'all could bash on birdie with dignity. Right now it's just like fans of sports teams they don't play for.

I preferred the PLP to be honest but I never had any investment in the PLP to need them to win. My life works regardless of who is in power. I hope my fellow alumnus Minnis can be more than his public presentation. Either way I feel a win. But you know a few of you just going to become Birdie in red for the next five years.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

But you know a few of you just going to become Birdie in red for the next five years.

That is true as well. In this country, patriotism, now more than ever, has to be more than just empty words and cheering.

Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 11 months ago

It has already begun. There will be no Royal Commission of Enquiry. Instead Minnis proposes that the auditor-general's department be given the funds and tools needed to do its job. Well we should all know what will eventually come of that. Without a much larger opposition we will soon see the real Minnis in full bloom with Symonette and D'Aguilar wheelin' and dealin' for any and everything but the people's interest. Too many of us are going to be crying the following before the first year is out: "Ain't nutting' changed - it even get worse!" Oh well...time will do as it normally does. i.e. tell all.

Reality_Check 6 years, 11 months ago

Without a Royal Commission of Enquiry the Bahamian people will end up with a very watered down and filtered view of what actually transpired over the past five years as regards the abuses of office (criminal conduct) involving : The Baha Mar development, the 'legalization' of the gaming web shops, the BoB debacle, the Crown Land giveaways, BEC/BPL, Cable Bahamas, and so on. Much will simply be swept under the rug; just wait and see. And rather than trying to shrink our bloated non-productive public sector work force, Minnis will instead focuse on increasing government taxes and fees wherever he can, all the while crying that he must do so in order to carry out the landslide mandate to govern that the people have given him and the FNM. Folks, braze yourselves - it ain't gonna be pretty!

Honestman 6 years, 11 months ago

Oh P#ss off Mudda Reality! Let's give the new team a chance. You are obviously hurting this morning.

Reality_Check 6 years, 11 months ago

No, I'm not at all "hurting" this morning - the better word would be "disappointed". But I do truly fear the Bahamian people will by this time next year be hurting like they've never hurt before. Giving Minnis a landslide victory with little or no opposition will not be a good thing for us.

Millennial242 6 years, 11 months ago

Starting with the auditor-general department is methodical, and allows investigations to take place while Minnis organizes the new government. Results of the auditor general should be then taken to either require criminal prosecution or a broader Royal Commission of Enquiry on more damning issues once the details have been collected. I see this as a good approach.

birdiestrachan 6 years, 11 months ago

I am not dependent on FNM nor PLP I am all right Healthy and wealthy. for which I am grateful to God and God alone.

I am not sorry the PLP has lost just as they counted murders under the PLP they can now start to count them under the FNM. When the FNM won the Government in 2007 there was lots of money to spend there is not so much now. If they decrease VAT I will benefit Things will not be easy for the FNM Government and the people will turn against them just as the people of Israel turned against the God who brought them out of bondage.

LET THE SHOW BEGIN

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

I am not dependent on FNM nor PLP I am all right Healthy and wealthy.

I pray that your wealth is not as a result of your PLP affiliation. If so, you have something to fear, as the good doctor prescribed last night. However, if that is the case, as a corporal work of mercy, I will visit you in Fox Hill Prison and bring you benny cakes that you can trade for not having to empty SLOP buckets.

The_Oracle 6 years, 11 months ago

Minnis is awful in public. He is like a bowl of grits without the boil fish. However, he is a planner. He is slow and deliberate. He can sublimate his ego (something PLPs can't do) and he trusts others on his team. He is an awful politician, but as I previously iterated, he will make a good leader." In this I believe you are right Banker, minnis is not the usual egomaniac we usually Lust after. (and then regret!) I truly hope he holds to Not having a ministry, but overseeing all ministers appointed to ministries, with particular emphasis on "fraud and corruption control"

Reality_Check 6 years, 11 months ago

"Slow" will always be the more operative word for Minnis when it comes to looking out for the people's interest - but "Fast" will be the applicable word as he now goes about looking out for his own interests and the interests of his select few cronies. Minnis, Symonette and D'Aguilar will be greatly emboldened and enabled by the fact that they will effectively face no opposition in the HOA.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

Ah shaddup you face Mudda! Take your sock puppets elsewhere.

The_Oracle 6 years, 11 months ago

Criminal prosecution of the guilty would be quicker, A royal commission costly, which has never ended in criminal prosecution. (correct?) Our country is beset by so many shortfalls and shattered structures of governance it will take more than ministers issuing edicts to fix. It will take the combined efforts and will of all who recognize the issues at hand.
Also, without a strong opposition, the people better find and use their voice in the 5 year interim! Just as the people voiced their displeasure to depose the PLP, be consistent and remove that very necessity!

Reality_Check 6 years, 11 months ago

Too bad you and so many like you seem all too willing to swallow the marshmallows. There will be no beef (no justice) for the people without full and proper investigations of the Baha Mar and Pointe shenangians, the 'legalization' of the gaming web shops, the BoB debacle, the Crown Land giveaways, BEC/BPL, Cable Bahamas, and so on.. The auditor-general's department and the police will never be up to the task of conducting the type of investigations needed for the Bahamian people to unwind fraudulent agreements entered into with crooked Chinese enterprises, to seek restitution from those hanging onto millions and millions of dollars of their ill-gotten gains and unjust riches, etc., etc, etc.

Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 11 months ago

You certainly will not see effective campaign finance reform legislation being passed anytime soon or a freedom of information act that has real teeth. And as for an independent office for the director of prosecutions.....well, I strongly suggest no one hold their breath.

banker 6 years, 11 months ago

Talking to yourself again??? Sigh ...

Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 11 months ago

Glad to see you are always so keen to read and respond to my postings. I'm of course quite happy to have you be a part of my audience (can't really stop you), but I do realize and appreciate that you are not one of the brighter crayons in the box.

realfreethinker 6 years, 11 months ago

mudda you sound worse than a woman scorned. Doc took your marbles when you were a kid huh?

OMG 6 years, 11 months ago

Great victory but now reality sets in and the FNM is burdened with all the debt, extra hirings, infrastructure failures to deal with. I look forward to seeing some of the skeletons in the PLP closet being exposed especially the use of VAT unless of course the shredding machines were working double time last night. Now what happens to the 12 month hirings made just before the election, the 30 million dollar hospital for central Eleuthera. If Minnis is sensible he will review everything very carefully and prune were necessary. As a suggestion instead of rapid and instant downsizing of the bloated civil service use natural wastage like retirement and death as a way. Less political fall out. The reality is that unless a proper fiscal budget is prepared and implemented we still face downgrading, devaluation and IMF. At least we have a chance and hopefully have a Prime Minster who doesn't believe in "pissing away money". I guess Austin Knowles Junior must have wasted a lot of money in the lead up to the election and his wife's position as head of National Insurance in Governors Harbour definitely needs reviewing.

alfalfa 6 years, 11 months ago

If it is necessary to have a "Royal Commission" it will happen. Evidence garnered by the auditor general will guide the new government as to which courses of action to take. I, for one, hope that criminal prosecutions result, as my memory of the last Commission seems like it was a lot of "hot air", with Penn ridiculing the Commissioners and after it was all said and done, nothing happened to Pindling and the PLP. They need police presence in BOB, Ministry of Finance, NIB, etc. now, to ensure that cronies are not destroying necessary information. More than just the ministers were involved, in order to pull off some of these activities.

Well_mudda_take_sic 6 years, 11 months ago

I would venture to say that in less than a year's time many of you posting to this website will have a strong feeling of having been somehow betrayed. And in less than two years' time some of you will even be saying: "Lord we should have kept the corrupt Christie-led PLP government in office!" Oh well, such is the vulnerability of an electorate all too easily razzled bedazzled by "Roc wit Doc" and the idle promise that "it's the people's time".

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