By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMAS Public Services Union (BPSU) President John Pinder says more than 500 membership applications were issued on Thursday night as hundreds gathered to attend the first meeting of the People's Movement, a populist project that could morph into a political party.
Former Senator John Bostwick, one of the central figures in the People's Movement, said the group's origins grew out of sessions in which various members had participated before the June 7 constitutional referendum on Hard Copy, a local radio show hosted by media personality Steve McKinney.
"It is populist," Mr Bostwick said yesterday. "Other parties highjack, kidnap, rape populism. How often do any of them speak to policy? The policies they speak to, is it damaging? Is it for national development?"
Despite its populism, Mr Bostwick said the organisation will put forward serious proposals.
"It would be sad for anyone to think this group is not saturated with policy," he said. "It's sad to address any of us in that way."
Mr Bostwick said political parties in this country are typically "impotent when it comes to policy and lack courage when it comes to the implementation of policy".
With the group in its nascent stage, it is unclear what precise policies it will champion, although Mr Bostwick said it will be guided by the popular principle of Bahamianisation, causing for greater Bahamian ownership and "sovereign independence".
Others from the group at Thursday's meeting included Ali McIntosh, Rev Patrick Paul, Paul Moss and Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe.
The group's establishment and the sizable crowd it attracted at the Bahamas Communications Public Officers Union (BCPOU) hall was a reflection of dissatisfaction in the trajectory of the country.
Mr Pinder told The Tribune those who join the organisation will decide whether it should morph into a political party. Mr Bostwick suggested that this must happen for the group to have a significant impact.
"Nothing happens without central government involvement," he noted. "It's difficult to talk about changes that would change monetary and fiscal politics without executive level involvement."
Mr Pinder has also expressed hope that the organisation will be a vehicle for opposition parties around which to unite.
"All people said they were looking for a change because they are fed up with the status quo," he said. "What surprised me is that they stayed at the meeting for the entire time. That was impressive."
Comments
Regardless 7 years, 9 months ago
John Bostwick is a gangster and convicted felon.
PastorTroy 7 years, 9 months ago
Hmm
SP 7 years, 9 months ago
Since your labeling John Bostwick, what choice names do you have for Hubert Ingraham, Frank Watson and Brent Symonette knowing they are the receivers of the bribe money from Fred Ramsey??
Regardless 7 years, 9 months ago
John Bostwick is a GANGSTER and a CONVICTED FELON!!!!
SP 7 years, 9 months ago
Since your labeling John Bostwick, what choice names do you have for Hubert Ingraham, Frank Watson and Brent Symonette knowing they are the receivers of the bribe money from Fred Ramsey??
ohdrap4 7 years, 9 months ago
colorful characters, to say the least.
people need change but they need new names.
the people who have been active for 20 or more years need to make way for new people
PastorTroy 7 years, 9 months ago
Respectfully, 'they' said Jesus was all the above too. In our current Government and past Bahamas Government's there were thieves, gangsters, rapist, lunatics, whoremongers etc, Mr. Boswick sounds like a passionate Bahamian citizen, rather than just bending over and getting what the 'duck' get year after year, he's trying to do something about the problem. It's amazing the language we learn from our former 'Slave Masters' to try demonize our own people. Go to Back town Mississippi, USA, see what name (if you make it alive) they will call you! "Ye without sin....
SP 7 years, 9 months ago
................................. "People's Movement" Long Overdue ..............................
FINALLY people of substance are stepping forward answering the call to save our country!
I sincerely hope and pray this "People's Movement" group rapidly gathers momentum and come together as an alternative to governance of our country.
43 years flip-flopping between PLP & FNM have proven beyond all doubt totally disastrous, decimated our people, destroyed what used to be the number one tourist destination in the region, and 3rd wealthiest country in the Western Hemisphere.....LOOK AT US NOW!
After 4 decades of utter and absolute failure in every sphere of managing the country, "right minded thinking people" have decided PLP and FNM are no longer worthy of consideration to manage our affairs.
As evidenced by an overflowing, standing room only attendance actually represents just the tip of the iceberg of the dire hunger majority of Bahamians have for leadership and change in direction for the country.
With only a 3 day "window" clarion call across the airwaves "People's Movement" organizers successfully pulled off a major event never before seen in the country!
Unquestionably our people are ready for change.
Congratulations "People's Movement", its been a long time coming!
DillyTree 7 years, 9 months ago
This is surprising coming from the likes of John Bostwick. Is he feeling sold out by the PLP and Minnis? Seems suspicious he was nailed for the ammo possession on a trip to GB during which he was supposedly meeting with others regarding the Nygard setup. With him discredited, it put paid to anything he might have been able to add to the allegations of a Nygard hitlist. Does anyone else remember this? The timing was just way too convenient.
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