The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Remember this “Democracy must not only be done, but must be seen to be done!” Those of us who would pretend to guard against democracy being slaughtered under any disguise and say nothing, are no less guilty of destroying it than the persons who intentionally assassinate it themselves.

We have been watching and waiting for democracy to really be seen in the Bahamas. We have witnessed both political parties use all sorts of shenanigans to get their man in the seat of leadership.

We have seen, with all of the fanfare, leaders who get beat, not relinquish power to the new and incoming leader, return and even want to return again, how sad.

I am positive, from conversations I have had with key PLP players, many would love to see the back of Mr Perry Christie, but they know the PLP completely abandon democracy when the majority of delegates would be totally loyal to Mr Christie who appointed them.

In this case, it is impossible for Mr Christie to lose in any election run off because the majority of appointees far outnumber the elected officers, thus the deception.

So no opposition to the leadership stands any chance of surviving.

Of course, there is a stalling tactic for whatever reason that would retard the purpose of having a convention. In this scenario, democracy was killed.

On the other hand, the opposition is in a bit of quandary, the leader was selected, for lack of a better word.

There are guidelines that should be normally followed in a timely manner as it relates to the people having their say.

In the normal scheme of things, every two years the party should meet in convention, for the express purposes of changing the officers, many of whom become stale and have exhausted ideas.

The change will bring in new fresh ideas and people. Every position, including leader should be “up for grabs”.

So both parties seem to be circumventing what their constitutions spell out, that a convention should be held every two years.

Every reason for not having one is nothing more than an excuse.

Money is the weakest excuse because the PLP held a mini convention in Andros where $100m was promised, and the FNM held a mini convention at Holy Trinity, where Dr Minnis was selected.

So there is no “honest excuse” the PLP or the FNM can use to tell sensible people why conventions for either party should not be held.

If Mr Perry Christie or Dr Minnis loves the Bahamas more than themselves and feel comfortable in their positions, then they both should do all they can to solidify their position by getting a mandate from the party.

This would remove all doubt about the authenticity of their position and support.

Anything else would only be a farce. Failing to have a convention will only weaken their position.

Finally, it seems to be a pattern that Third World leaders have a difficulty relinquishing power, they usually want to die in their positions. “All for me baby, all for me!”

IVOINE W INGRAHAM

Nassau,

March 18, 2014