The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Some have said that it is too soon to critique the performance or lack thereof of the PLP. That may well be the case, but Ortland H Bodie Jr, has little, if any time to waste playing silly games and pantomimes. While a large number of fellow Bahamians may be prepared to bow at bogus political altars and subject themselves to tin gods; iron men and fruit of the loom women, I refuse to go that route. Some years ago, I made a decision to align myself with certain political forces and personalities. My life and the future of my immediate family hang in the proverbial balance. Now that some of them may have achieved lifelong dreams of power; influence and primacy, many of them are now playing the “thing” with the big ears. I am not prepared to bend the knee or to appear to beg anyone, other than Jehovah, for anything. It does not go like that. A deal is a deal by whatever name you’d wish to label it. It is inconceivable, almost unthinkable, that our leaders, across the board, are reluctant to mix with or to speak with the ordinary masses. Either they are too busy or they say, openly, that they are not prepared to associate with the riff-raff of our society.

Some years ago, I read a small book entitled “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. He wrote: “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.” That might well be the case but I refuse, absolutely, to accept or believe that highly insulting and patently bogus proposition. The Christie Administration came back to power on a simple and compelling argument: ‘Believe in Bahamians.” The PM and his team are now acting and playing out something for which the majority of us did not vote for or support. There are countless ministers and members of parliament who are now, literally, ducking; shucking and jiving. Even members of the opposition are playing the same disrespectful game. I will no longer seek or ask for an audience with ministers; members of parliament and or parliamentary secretaries. They all work for you and me and I will not demean myself or personal dignity to chase after anyone with two legs like all of us. If The Lord continues to tarry, however, the day will come, again, when they will chase after the electorate. The big payback is just around the corner. The former Prime Minister used to act and behave as if he was God’s greatest gift to the nation. His clarion cry: “I am a one man band” rings hollow, weeks after the general elections. His supposed legacy lies in tatters; sack cloth and ashes. One seemingly deluded parliamentarian with the greatest of charity, referred to him as “the best Prime Minister” since Independence. No doubt, whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad. Major, a self appointed “leader” of the animals on Animal farm said it well when he said: “Now comrades what is the nature of this life of ours? Let us face it; our lives are miserable, laborious; and short. We are born; we are given just so much food as will keep the breath in our bodies....”

Here in The Bahamas is it any different? We support politicians and political parties, but what do we, collectively, get at the end of the day? Empty promises and more shaving cream, ad nauseum, while they lord it over us? What do we get at that crucial time when we expect a better life for ourselves and family? Do they really care about you and me and do they really empathise with what you and I are going through? I submit to you for your consideration that they don’t care, much less feel our pain. The FNM and the PLP are not much different, in my submission. Yes, I may make some more political enemies, but so what? None of them is checking, or has ever, in my submission, checked for me or for you. You are given “fixed” appointments but at the end of the day, if you’re lucky, you’re told that this minister and that Member of Parliament had to go to cabinet or had an unavoidable appointment. Animal Farm was once a place where all “animals” were considered equal. Today, it is clear, even though less than 100 days have expired, that some of the animals are more equal than the rest of us.

The FNM and its leaders at that time were all gung-ho and believed that they were saying something. Mr Christie; Brave Davis and the crew appear to be adopting the very same attitudes. Bahamians don’t ask for or expect much, but we do expect common courtesies and a simple “thank you.”

Today you may appear to be large and in charge but, as I bluntly told the PM in the Smokers Room a few short weeks ago, it is and cannot be business as usual. We brought you in and we are more than capable of taking you out, literally. Ask Messrs. Knowles and Cartwright of McDonald’s fame. This is not a threat in any way shape or form, but the powers that be must come to the immediate and stark realisation that the rules of the political game are different and that we are not playing by some subservient and past rules and regulations. Urban Renewal must mean more than the demolition of derelict buildings and clearing of vacant lots. The roar of bulldozers will not stop the wailing of persons whose loved ones may be slaughtered by criminal elements. Will Urban Renewal arrest the continuing grade “D” average in our schools? It is my prayer that it is not just a vehicle to provide menial jobs and a pay cheque for the selected “boys” of the PLP. Mr Christie and crew said that they would hit the ground running. It is clear that they did do so, but the question is: “Who are they running from?”

Yes, dear friends; countrymen and enemies (do I have any?) to God be the glory in all things.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

July 15, 2012