The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have been very acquainted with the struggles emanating out of the constituency where the vacancy occurred, and the mixed emotions, the wayward sentiment often times, than not, when the decision goes against the choices of the constituents so impacted and needing to have a representer of substance, focused, and people centric agitating for and on their behalf sitting in the Halls Of the People’s Debating Chamber (the parliament of the Bahamas), in principle many have deemed meritoriously, and having merit, and deserving the utmost praise, we believed.

Now, on the other hand, the question that must be asked is, not only how have the politicians over the decades addressed this political need? For starters, the constituents have headless, and less input into how the final choice was made,but why?

I will tell you that if it had not been for a lack of interest on the part of the constituents, because we have seen, they verbalised their belief systems, pointing to who they felt should lead the way, and fulfill the welfare and protection of the State drive on their behalf...but apparently does always fall on deaf ears.

As the selection were materially done by the P M Office and under the auspices of the Cabinet as the case might be, but was, and is such a process fair to the snow trapped in this sea of disrespect generally, we have seen people not even connected to the part of the district, or the island being expected to know what the people wanted, needed, why?

The general impression of the matter tends to support the practicality of the argument opting with beliefs, that selections ought to be proffered by the people for whom need is sought, and who basically want residents from their constituency who know the levels of the lack being experienced thereby the inhabitants, acquainted with the blood, sweat tears (in other words), and have skin in the game, does carry, but why’s it not accepted by the political leadership?

I can appreciate the strategic marshaling on the part of the leadership, but yet again,if we’re talking about being true to the principle of democracy, I fail to see how the people most affected do not get their way, why?

I am persuaded that it is still time to give the residents of West End, Grand Bahama and Bimini the candidate of their choice, to battle on their behalf, otherwise, I suspect that bad blood can potentially prevail, because they were not allowed to decide who will serve them in the Halls of Parliament?

I also call on the leadership of the Free National Movement, to canvas the constituency and pick from among them the most qualified prospect, after all, the office does require competence, wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Parliamentary procedure code,and advance mechanics in people management, common sense, etc?

FRANK GILBERT

Nassau,

October 27, 2023