The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is heartwarming to see my friend Algernon Sidney Patrick Benedict Allen receive a well-deserved honour. The honour given can hardly compensate for his charity. His selflessness is his calling card. The ease he displayed in freely giving is a rare quality. I am positively sure that many would quickly jump to their feet in applauding Allen’s contributions to this country. He is selfless. Few have helped more people than he.

I am just wondering if the gesture to honour him was genuine or for political reasons. Many on both sides of the political divide can speak glowingly of his good-nature, fun loving, patriotic, true-true son of the soil.

Allen is well respected by all and can bridge the political divide better than any Bahamian politician, past and present. None was as exciting, energetic and people-driven. Unlike some political leaders of today, he can comfortably mix and mingle with the lowliest and kings. His philanthropy is legendary. We cannot ignore or forget that in 1992, Allen, Minister of Youth, was the driving force behind the “One Bahamas” initiative to generate a greater sense of identity, pride and community among Bahamian youth.

Allen’s mission was to erase the demarcation line between the haves and have nots, rich and poor, connected or disconnected, from both sides of the track.

One Bahamas co-chaired by Sir Durward Knowles and Sir Orville Turnquest, with the blessings of Sir Clifford Darling, was well-intentioned. Sadly, the programme is not given the kind of attention needed by the Minnis administration to continue.

Allen’s compassion is well known. Perry Gladstone Christie showed great confidence in Allen and Cynthia Mother Pratt to co-sponsor the revolutionary Urban Renewal Programme that rescued many from the brink of despair. Allen is still relevant in the inner city, being one of the few politicians past and present who can command an audience with ordinary enthusiastic Bahamians. They still trust his opinion.

Allen’s propensity for the protection and love for his “little darlings” saw fit to encourage Philanthropist Philippe Bonnefoy to bring to life an oasis for at-risk youth through The Nazareth Centre, a Child Protection Centre in Millennium Gardens.

Allen sacrificed his resources to assist the project along the way. Of course, the Catholic has done a yeoman’s job since then in keeping it functioning. Even though Allen is overqualified for this honour, the tongues are wagging about Minnis timing in this political season, especially since not too long ago, Allen was seen by all in primetime on stage at a PLP convention.

So is this exercise designed to confuse his followers? Was this done to lay claim to Mr Allen as an FNM or neutralise him among the PLP? I hope not? Judging from Hubert Minnis’ modus operandi, one would question his motive.

Of course, the conversation by FNM around the water cooler today is, why did Minnis give such a high honour to someone outside of his inner circle? Minnis would have to explain his rationale, but I would not hold my breath.

The weak in courage is strong in cunning. Cunning is the dwarf of wisdom. Bold enough to be honest and honest enough to be bold.

IVOINE W INGRAHAM

Nassau,

July 14, 2021.