The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The Bahamas finds itself in a bit of a quandary. On one hand, there is a government that is so clueless that it has wreaked havoc on every foundational pillar of this civilised society and patted themselves on the back while doing so. Additionally, it seems that they have even more creative ways of increasing their destructive influence on this nation.

On the other hand, we have an opposition that is unable to gain momentum with a credible message and a display of strong, capable leadership despite the overwhelming failings of the present government.

The Bahamian people are tired of politics and politicians as usual. Thus far there are only an estimated 7,000 persons registered to vote out of a potential pool of 156,000 voters. The concern that I have is that potential independent voters (like myself) who find themselves disillusioned with the PLP will not register to vote for a divided visionless FNM. On the other hand there are those disgruntled FNM’s who will not turn out to vote, since they view their vote as a show of support for Dr Minnis.

Loyal PLP supporters can still be expected to register and turn out to support their dysfunctional party in spite of it glaring failings. In short, the PLP can win the elections again, not because they are the best party for the job, but simply because the FNM will not be able to garner enough support from its own supporters and independent (swing) voters.

I suggest that if Hubert Minnis is a man that has the best interests of this country at heart, if he is really a patriotic Bahamian without a self serving, ego boosting agenda, that he seriously considers stepping aside as the leader of the FNM.

His presence in the party as leader is clearly divisive. His continued attempts to hold on to the reins of power will ensure that the present group of governing incompetents will reduce this country to fifth world status post haste. Should the PLP win the next general election, he will have no one to blame for the evils that will continue to befall this country but himself.

The FNM must make the time and create the opportunity to rebrand and promote itself to the Bahamian people before the next general election, without resorting to relics of its political past. Dr Minnis seems to be incapable of uniting  the FNM and inspiring the electorate and is unlikely to attract the votes of persons like myself who have no political party allegiances.

JB

Nassau,

January 18, 2016.