The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

We are witnessing a disturbing trend in our Bahamian democracy. The recent video clip from the House of Assembly has left many of us feeling uneasy, and rightfully so. Prime Minister Davis' attempt to discredit the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Michael Pintard, through character assassination and unfounded accusations raises serious concerns about the direction of our nation.

The clip reveals a worrying pattern of weaponization. The Prime Minister appears to be using the Royal Bahamas Police Force, an institution vital to our safety and security, as a tool for political gain. This transformation of the police into a political instrument erodes public trust and undermines the very foundation of our democracy.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister's accusations against Mr Michael Pintard lack any concrete evidence and, in my opinion, were a blatant misrepresentation of the facts as he knew them, especially coming from a learned King’s Counsel. PM Philip Davis in responding to the rebuttal by Leader of HMOO Michael Pintard showed that PM Philip Davis was aware of his actions, and appeared to be deliberately engaged in twisting of facts to elicit a particular perception of Michael Pintard in the public’s eye.

A careful examination of Mr Pintard's press conference fails to reveal any direct accusation of lying against the Commissioner of Police. This attempt at deflection by PM Philip Davis reeks of desperation, a smokescreen to divert attention from the critical issues facing our nation.

The true concerns of Bahamians lie elsewhere. We are grappling with a pervasive sense of insecurity as violent crime continues to plague our communities. The Prime Minister's administration has failed to effectively address this crisis, leaving many of us feeling vulnerable and disillusioned.

This is not the time for political squabbles and character attacks. This is the time for leadership, for solutions. We deserve a government that prioritizes our safety and well-being, not one that engages in divisive tactics for personal gain.

We call upon Prime Minister Davis to:

Cease the weaponization of the Police Force: This institution must remain neutral and serve the public, not political agendas.

Focus on addressing the real issues plaguing our nation: Crime, poverty, and economic hardship demand immediate and effective action.

Engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with the opposition: This is not a zero-sum game; collaboration is essential for the betterment of our country.

We, the people, deserve better. We deserve a government that acts with integrity, accountability, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the common good. Let us raise our voices, demand integrity, accountability, and transparency, and work together to build a brighter future for the Bahamas.

With hope and determination.

C ALLEN JOHNSON

Nassau,

January 30, 2024.