The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - A Grand Bahama pastor is calling for nationally televised political debates in the Bahamas. Pastor Mark Smith, of Dominion Community Church, believes that the time has come for political leaders to come together in one place to have more mature discussions on pertinent issues affecting the country. He said that there should be at least two debates: one in New Providence and the other in Grand Bahama. "We should be careful not to exclude any leader of any party running in the upcoming elections," Pastor Smith said. "We cannot underestimate the importance of this upcoming election. After the debates, the new Bahamian voter will be more informed as to whom to cast his ballot for on that great Election Day. And as they say let the proverbial chips fall where they may." Pastor Smith said the political landscape in the Bahamas has changed and the new Bahamian voter is different from the voter of the past. With the proliferation of the internet, international television, and smart electronic devices, he said most of the new Bahamian voters would not attend political rallies. "They want to be able in the comforts of their homes or anywhere else, for that matter, and see their leaders outline their platforms for the upcoming elections electronically or digitally. "This way, people in Inagua, Mayaguana, Cat Island, Long Cay, Abaco, Grand Bahama or New Providence for example can simultaneously view the candidates and the party leaders," he said. In the past 30 years, there has never been a national political debate between leaders of the major political parties in the Bahamas. Mr Smith commended Wendell Jones of Jones & Co for pushing for the televised debate between the candidates in the Elizabeth by-election. "I believe that it was a grave political mistake for Dr Duane Sands not to participate in the Elizabeth debate and that he would have fared much better had he done so," Mr Smith said. Mr Smith said the "priministerial debates" should take place at a leading convention centre with an audience of voters on a strict first come first served basis. He said the host properties should view this as their contribution to nation building as good corporate citizens. Pastor Smith said there should be police presence to keep the peace and to ensure that the debates are not interrupted, and are kept safe and professional. He said that there should be no opening statements, just closing statements. Mr Smith said coloured lights resembling traffic lights should be used to aid the candidate as to the time left with green indicating 30 seconds, yellow indicating 15 seconds and red indicating only five seconds left. If necessary, a buzzer or a flag could be used. The moderators, he noted, should be news anchors from the major media houses, including Wendell Jones, Shenique Miller, Jerome Sawyer and Candia Dames. Pastor Smith said the debates should be two hours long, with four five minutes or two five minute and one ten minute break. "The candidates should be standing behind their podiums with the moderators seated on the other side. The moderators should ask the questions allowing each candidate two minutes to respond and others one minute to respond or rebut," he stated. He said the questions should be on issues that are pertinent to voters, such as the economy, Atlantis, jobs, crime, immigration, and education. Pastor Smith said that candidates in each constituency should also have a chance to debate the issues on a smaller scale, but it should also be televised nationally. "I agree with Wendell Jones when he said that if a candidate is not willing to participate in a nationally televised debate and put forth his and his party's position on the issues then he or she is not worthy to be a candidate," he said.