The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I HAVE attended the rallies of the Free National Movement (FNM), the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the street meetings of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA). All of these political parties have one quest; to be the next government of the Bahamas.

The FNM has pulled out all of the stops. They have more commercials being aired than the other major parties combined, their posters are much larger than their adversaries and they have the majority of airtime on ZNS.

The PLP has also pulled several hats out of the bag. Their rallies are jam packed. They have the best entertainment that money can buy and they, like the FNM, are literally hosting major concerts and parties.

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) seems to be a bit different. They are not having parties, but are having meetings and they are speaking only on the issues. Is their message falling on deaf ears though? Time will tell on May 7th.

I talked to several supporters of the FNM after their mass rally on R M Bailey Park last Thursday. All I heard them discussing was colour red and the thousands of people that attended. I didn't hear anything about the crime problem in the Bahamas, the unemployment problems and the social decay in our country. All I heard was talk about the red splash.

On Saturday past, when the PLP rally at Clifford Park was completed, I spoke with many party supporters. They were very enthused. As I listened to them talk all I heard was the Gold Rush and that they believe in Bahamians. There was no talk about how this gold was going to be attained and there was no talk of evidence of the belief in Bahamians.

Both the PLP and the FNM supporters seem to be more concerned about the crowd gathering and who had the largest crowd as opposed to the message of the candidates and the leaders.

I attended the DNA street meeting on Carmichael Road and I listened to a well laid out speech by the party's leader. He spoke on a myriad of issues and solutions to move this country forward. There was no mudslinging, but rather a balanced critique on the successes and failures of successive governments.

Bahamians are inexplicably put in a trance after attending rallies of the FNM and the PLP. Most of them are only talking about numbers and the large crowd in attendance. I reiterate my stance that this election will be one for the ages. The election results on May 7th, 2012 will determine our path for the next 20 years. I implore all Bahamian registered voters to please not only look at the numbers, but look at the message. The message being delivered should be vital in your decision making process. Don't just vote for a party because you are impressed with a large gathering. Vote for who you truly believe can best solve our country's problems. Let's vote for real progress and show all these politicians that only good governance will impress us.

DEHAVILLAND MOSS

Nassau,

April 15, 2012.