The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FOLLOWING the aftermath of category 4 Hurricane Matthew two weeks ago, the Rt Hon Prime Minister, sprung into immediate action. Unlike last year when Joaquin barrelled through the nation, the PM, God bless his soul, knew what he had to do and he did it with dispatch, grace and aplomb. No sensible Bahamian is able to lambaste him this time around for inaction; dithering and, even worse, a lack of focus.

In public policy discussions, at least here in our wonderful nation, there is always talk about an unemployment crisis; a health care crisis; environmental crisis; an energy crisis and now, loose and clearly politically dangerous talk about political biasness relative to the distribution of hurricane relief supplies. We tend to, rightly or wrongly, ascribe some sort of political quotient to every public initiative.

The PM had barely finished announcing the stellar appointment of Minister of Labor; the Public Service, etc, as Hurricane Co-ordinator before the political darts were hurled at him. Minister Gibson, God bless his soul too, is an individual whom I have known all of my adult life. While I am unable or unwilling to swear for many of our home grown; greedy and allegedly corrupt politicians, I will do so when it comes down to Brave and Shane.

Many years ago, a former FNM cabinet minister, Kenneth Russell, alleged, without a shred of evidence, that the Hon Shane Gibson, while serving as Minister of Housing, had received five thousand dollars per home constructed at the government’s behest! No charges were brought and no one was ever prosecuted. Russell, God bless him too, has faded into the sunset while mumbling something about ‘Chinese’ investment in Grand Bahama.

Minister Gibson (PLP-Golden Gates) is comfortable in his own skin. He is a seasoned former trade unionist and a devout individual, despite our generic human frailties. He is a hands on person and does not easily brook fools and political detractors who are seeking to score brownie points.

Dr Minnis, a/k/a ‘Doctor No’, a man who would be Prime Minister (God forbid) is all over the place seeking to sow discord and suspicion where they are not warranted. He’s been accused, again without any evidence, of favouring PLPs over others. How does one know who is a PLP except he/she declares the same?

How does an FNM or DNA look? What are the distinguishing facial or other marks?  Is it possible that some are pink or green ones? If the hapless and issueless putative leader of the crumbling FNM has the evidence put it up or sit small and shut the hell up.

Public policy initiatives, such as the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts should never be held hostage to partisan posturing except in the most fundamental cases, ie, constitutional referenda. Why would Minister Gibson ‘facilitate’ the misappropriation or theft of donated hurricane restoration supplies? The Devil, I submit, is still a liar.

The PLP has heeded the cries of many, inclusive of yours truly to postpone our national convention until early next year. This is the ideal situation. We restore the country; we get NHI rolling and implement a form of National Youth Service. God willing, early next year we should all see and feel the resumed construction at Baha Mar and the complete pay out to those whom monies are due and outstanding.

The FNM is clutching at straws and tilting at wind mills. It has no real issues on which to lambaste the PLP administration so it stoops to conquer, where possible, by spewing out diabolical plots; crafting asinine conspiracies (remember Togo and Bobo?) and titillating itself and a majority of its deluded supporters.

The DNA is not worthy of mention. It has proven to be, to me at least, a one man band with a group of “moon beamed” individuals who are entranced with the idea that they are now “politicians” and messiahs for the unwashed masses! I predict that that caricature of a political party will garner a few votes, at the expense of the FNM but , save for one or two seats, if it is lucky, all of their “candidates” or lambs for the political slaughter will all go down in flames.

The PLP is on a mission as we approach the final stretch of this electoral cycle. We have no time to waste talking and doing any more fool. Yes, over the past four years, we have fallen down in some cases and have been almost criminally negligent in others.

In hearing the cries of most Bahamians for a postponement, the PLP has, again, demonstrated a profound concern for the well being of all Bahamians in a time of national disaster and calamity. PGC has, again, risen to the occasion.

With the postponement, delusional PLP leadership candidates like Alfred M Sears, will sit small and save his/her announced nomination. Others, across the board, will have more time to posture and play with themselves ad nauseum.

To God then, in all of these mundane things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

October 28, 2016.