The Tribune

Updated for:

Thursday, February 23, 2012 3:07 AM

Helpful Tools

Subscribe to:

RSS Feeds

Cabinet Minister in shock resignation

Share This Article:

Delicious

diigo it Diigo/Furl

Published On:Monday, March 01, 2010

By ALISON LOWE

Tribune Staff Reporter

alowe@

tribunemedia.net

THE Ingraham administration suffered a blow yesterday when one of its youngest and most popular Cabinet Ministers - Branville McCartney - resigned from his appointed position, claiming he felt he had been "unable to fully utilise his political potential."

In a statement issued before Mr McCartney formally announced his decision to the Press, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said that while the resignation of a Cabinet Minister is "always regrettable" he was "not completely surprised" by the Bamboo Town MP's move, of which he said he was apprised during the course of the day by Mr McCartney.

Mr Ingraham said: "Each of us in politics are bound to follow what we believe to be the best course of action in the interest of the people we are privileged to represent and in accordance with our own convictions and perceptions at any given time. I have no doubt that Mr McCartney, as he indicates, has given serious consideration to the action he has taken.

"I regret that in the forefront of his considerations leading to this decision are, as he put it, 'my feelings of stagnation and the inability to fully utilize my political potential at this time'. I should only like to remind him of what he himself says in his press release, which is 'that in life nothing comes before its time'."

The Prime Minister added in his statement that Mr McCartney had "been kind enough to share with me a copy of a press release he intends to issue with regard to his resignation", however, no such statement was forthcoming from Mr McCartney up to press time yesterday. Several phone messages seeking comment from the MP went unreturned up to press time.

Nor was there any word on who might replace Mr McCartney at the Department of Immigration.

The 42 year old's decision to step down comes just over two weeks after police reported that they were investigating a death threat against him, which called for Mr McCartney to "resign or be killed." The call came in the form of an anonymous letter. It was the second death threat to a government minister in a month, after Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Charles Maynard was also threatened in a letter signed by "The Brothers".

There was no suggestion yesterday that Mr McCartney's decision came as a result of this threat, which police sources said was being taken very seriously.

In a statement issued shortly after the Prime MInister's, the PLP said Mr McCartney's resignation as State Minister for Immigration "is a source of serious concern for the country" as the country is "in the midst of a crisis in immigration."

The party added that, given the reasons given by the MP as noted in the Prime Minister's statement, it was also a "serious indictment" of Mr Ingraham's government.

"His resignation has exposed the truth of how Mr Ingraham governs the country and his party. The PLP believes that the country is not well served by the conduct of public affairs led with bombast, harsh words and disrespect as a hall mark of governance. We warned against it from the day Mr. Ingraham first took office. Now the FNM has turned on one of its own. The country must be told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth on this matter."

While Mr McCartney's move will inevitably lead to speculation that his dissatisfaction with his political experience within the governing party might serve as a preface to him switching political allegiances, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts yesterday said neither he nor any of his parliamentary colleagues have had "any conversation with Mr McCartney" about his decision. "We just heard about it today," he stated.

Yesterday an FNM government insider said he was "shocked" by the Bamboo Town MP's decision. "He's a great guy, a wonderful guy who has a great future in politics", admitting that yesterday's resignation could "make it difficult" for Mr McCartney to achieve his potential in this regard.

Mr McCartney was appointed to the post of State Minister for Immigration in 2008, after previously serving as State Minister for Tourism and Aviation. An attorney by profession, he was elected to parliament for the first time in the 2007 general election.

During his time at Immigration Mr McCartney was vocal about his focus on getting the country's rampant immigration problem under control and on improving customer service and efficiency within the Department.

The Prime Minister yesterday thanked Mr McCartney for his "service to the Bahamian people and to my Government."

"My colleagues and I look forward to working closely with him in the best interest of the people of the Bamboo Town Constituency and the country as a whole," he said.

Reader Comments - 18 Total

House Rules

Be nice. Everyone is entitled to an opinion even if it differs from yours.
Be honest. Check your facts before posting.
Don’t curse. Surely you can find a way to communicate without resorting to profanity or delving into the gutter.
Keep your comments relevant to the topic of conversation.
Links to outside sites will be deleted.
If you want to sell something, contact webads@tribunemedia.net to book an online advertisement.
If you’re doing something illegal, don’t write about it here. And don’t encourage anyone else to break the law.
Let us know if something offensive, slanderous, libelous or just plain illegal has been posted by clicking on the ‘report this post’ link.
We like feedback, so let us know what you think of a story. If you have more information, share it.
If you spot a spelling error in one of our stories or think we've got our facts wrong, email jdonald@tribunemedia.net or call 242-502-2391

Posted By: Dave Smith On: 3/2/2010

Title: "Driftwood"

it is sad that the fnm and the govt lost their best mp and minister. i believe its a major lost for the govt. mr. mccartney has great potential as is evident from his stance against illegal immigrants. i have always respected the guy. i wish he remains in politics for a very long time.

Posted By: D On: 3/2/2010

Title: Pass Da Ball

Well Mr. Branville McCartney you are a great guy with leadership qualities. Its clear that you have the best interest of the people at heart but 'dey say you wasnt passin da ball...'

Posted By: Mr Clarke of Fox Hill On: 3/2/2010

Title: Sad(You just reach)

I like Mr Jones comment what has Mr. McCartney done that is so GREAT(no disrespect) that other Min. of Immigration didn't do? Go out on raids? Send home some unfortunate pople who are looking for a better way of life? IS THAT WHAT BEING A GOOD MINISTER IS? That was not safe but no one told him that. Every officer has a job discription, leave the raids to field generals they are train for it. Do you see the the person in charge of homeland security on the Mexican border. I'm making this comment, it might make you more popular but I cant vote for you I live in Fox Hill, there is plenty just like me love you but cant vote for you all over the Bahamas. Becareful dont listern to your own MEDIA

Posted By: Bahamian Voter On: 3/2/2010

Title: Bahamians

Mr. McCartney be careful of the Bahamian voter. they say one thing and do the other. Our MEDIA HOUSES SAY THAT YOU ARE VERY POPULAR, this might be true(remember Mr.Bernard Nottage?) your popularity does not equate to votes. I hope you are not going by what you hear on the talk shows I will say those folks that lift you up will not vote for you. TAKE A LOOK AT THE BYE ELECTION. THE BAHAMIAN VOTER IS THIS PLP/FNM REMEMBER RON PINDER HE COLLECTED TRASH ALONG WITH THE OTHER WORKERS FOLKS WERE SAYING HE IS WORKING BUT HOW SOON THEY FORGET .

Posted By: I fa Rodney On: 3/1/2010

Title: I Salute you Sir,

Mr. Cartney what you did today say alot about your character and I salute you, I agree wuth your statements made on Cable 12 and you did stress at this time which is now. I would really like to see young men like yourself and Dr. Rollins teaming up and producing a real powerhouse party cos we the young people tired of the same ole ting. I see you going places in politics and changes the way business is being carried out in this country. I hope Whomever the Prime Minister appoints to Immigration has the same passion as you do for country and not self. I pray God's blessing and protection on you and your household. Amen

Posted By: fish bone in ma troat On: 3/1/2010

Title: let the feast begin

Branwille, Branwille, Branwille! Sit still in the middle of that tray on the table now. ya better hold dem cards close to ya chest cuz the way I see it, a couple a dem fellas sitting down round da table, shakin your hands, smilin and congratulatin you, dey gat dey fork and knife in dey lap where you can’t see it. ( Peeps At the Place Cards on the table) Sittin at the table wid Branwille on the serving platter:
Seat 1. MP for Black Crab Projects (2). Minister of State for Pretty Boy Slaying
(3). Director of Back Stabbing Operations (4). MP for. Too chicken to do it hesef constituency ( 5). Ya come out too soon constituent (6). Senator Double Agent (7). Third Force Jonsers ( 8). Need to Increase the Profit Margin Media (9). Out to Lunch Talk show hosts (10). Gullible Public pushin the hearse from that funeral home on Nassau Street …but doon worry chile…what fa you, you ga get.

Posted By: Jessica Robertson, Online Editor On: 3/1/2010

Title: @concerned Bahamian

The previous comments were attached to the story we posted last night. This is a new, updated article.

Posted By: Deon On: 3/1/2010

Title: 48 laws of Power

Has anyone read a national best seller book called 'The 48 Laws of Power'. Well if you did then you would probably know the PM next move... Rule no. 42 heads 'strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter'. This method is used to avoid any threats posed on one position.

Posted By: Unlisted On: 3/1/2010

Title: The strategic mastermind

Shocking, i don't think so. It is strategic and tactical. I was just commenting with someone the other day that the only person i didn't think Mr. Ingraham would fire would be Branville McCartney, due to his mass popularity with Bahamians. Be that as it may, he has been fired, which is clearly Mr. Ingraham's way of telling others "if I can do it to Branville, I can do it to anyone". For Mr. Ingraham this is simply a chess game to be won. He will lose the popular vote for the next few days, maybe a couple months, but Bahamian memories are fickle and they tend to forget. By next election this will simly be another forgotten dream to all, and most will probably be wondering who this Branville McCartney fellow was anyway. Not that i agree with Mr. Ingraham, but this is the nature of our political system. Anyone remember the movie "Roots", and how the PLP used it as a political chess piece to keep black Bahamians focused on 'sticking to the white man" and keep their eyes off everything but the issues. You may disagree me on this issue, but watch and see if anyone else in the FNM will dear challenge Mr. Ingraham again.

Posted By: Deon On: 3/1/2010

Title:

Thank you for your helpful advice disappointed citizen

Posted By: Disappointed Citizen On: 3/1/2010

Title: New story

I would suggest that if you want to see the previous comments on this issue, put Mr. Mcartney's name in the helpful tools box at the top and press enter. The previous story before this one that has all of the original comments attached to it with his picture will come up.

Posted By: Deon On: 3/1/2010

Title: The Technical Twist

In accourding to house rule no. 4 which states that comments should be relivant to topic I will try my best to comply. Yes police presence should be increased to prevent crime. Maybe Brenville Mccartney should be appoint to an office in policing. Oops. did I hear someone say he resigned. Oh my... what a political way of firing someone. We need the same backbone to support policing on the family of Island but I guess Huey has other plans. My God three years in office and the rot has already set in. If they drag humans in the mud what will they do to the dog!.. Uh uum! (clears throat). However I am reserving the right to exercise pt 2 of house rule no. 1, so if this comment is removed by the press then Im convinced there is some form of internal conspiracy.

Posted By: DISAPPOINTED CITIZEN On: 3/1/2010

Title: (COPIED AND PASTED) TRULY DISAPPOINTED

Today is a sad day in the Bahamian society. A great man, with integrity and honor, a man who actually deserved the seat he sat in has resigned. A glimmer of hope in the political arena, an insight to the sucessful future of Bahamian politics is GONE!!! The last of a FEW GOOD MEN. Lost in the sea of political intimidation. Mr. Mcartney is all of the above. He graced our presence for such a short time. What could have possible been the catalyst to such a detriment to our Bahamian society. Mr. Mcartney had PASSION, DRIVE, VISION and to top it all of he was honest and SINCERE to the Bahamian people. The BEST POLITICIAN AND MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT THERE IS!!!! I DARE SAY HE WOULD BE IDEAL AS A PRIME MINISTER. I feel as if that should be his next step. Start your own party, your own revolution Mr. Mcartney. As you can see, the BAHAMIAN people are behind you 100%. It has been a while since someone like you came around and we dare not think to let you disappear amongst what seems to be a gloomy age in politics. I wish you the best in life and may the fire within you keep on burning.
p.s I AM A FAITHFUL FNM SUPPORTER BUT I HOPE THE PRIME MINISTER WILL REALIZE THAT THIS MAY JUST BE THE STRAW THAT BREAKS THE CAMELS BACK IN THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION!!!

Posted By: D On: 3/1/2010

Title: Matters of Importance

Guess everyone broke rule no. 4 so that sounds as tho either the rule needs to be adjusted or the topic needs to be changed to suit public interest

Posted By: Samuel P. Greene On: 3/1/2010

Title: The Media

The Independent and Impartial Media in our beloved Bahamas is absent without leave. There was consistent and intellectual insight by members of both political parties in respone to this article on this site. It has now dissappeared. Perhaps the agents of Hubert 'Mugabe' The Papi are hard at work again. Whipping the Media into shape. What we need is journalism with the resolve shown by Mr. McCartney. This is our Beloved Bahamas. All of us has a role to play. We, not Mugabe, form the goverment of this great country.

Posted By: I fa common sense On: 3/1/2010

Title: A man still exists in the FNM!

Why is it that all the real men, self-made men, men with guts, charisma, character and a backbone leave Hubert Ingraham's cabinet. Pierre Dupuch, Tennyson Wells, Algernon Allen, and now Branville McCartney. Well, Mr. McCartney you've joined a group of notable men, the only difference is that you've made the move with youth on your side. Much respect to you! You've restored my faith that there are some people in politics who place PRINCIPLE above power, PRINCIPLE above profit. Move to the head of the class!

Posted By: Morris On: 3/1/2010

Title: Barnville McCartney

This is why young minds that can make a difference in this country have little hope of doing so as they are not allowed to fulfil their potential when they try, they are accused of trying to take over. Should not our Leaders find that jewel and groom them for Political leadership? Paving the way for a smooth transition as oppose to creating utter chaos, that leaves everyons scrambling and leaves the nation looking like a gang of idiots who never learn from their mistakes?

Posted By: concerned bahamian On: 3/1/2010

Title: Mp resigns

Tribune, where did all the comments go!

Today's Poll

Question: As part of The Tribune's ongoing campaign to improve public transportation, what do you think most needs to change about the bus service? View Results