PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis during his visit to Botswana. Photo: OPM
By KEILE CAMPBELL
kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to be “revamped and reformed” after the United States used its veto power to kill multiple draft resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been killed.
Mr Davis’ comments, which surprised some yesterday given this country’s relationship and reliance on the United States, came during a joint press conference in Botswana with President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Journalists asked Mr Davis if he agreed with some leaders of African countries that the UNSC, which has five permanent members with veto power, should be reformed.
“We all understand what’s going on in Israel right now,” he said. “I mean, there’s an outcry now, and because of countries exercising their veto power, nothing is happening to bring relief or to bring peace to the Middle East, and the time has come for the UN to be the UN and what it is established for to ensure peace is in the world, and peace will not be in the world as long as one country has the ability to say ‘no‘ to it.”
The US vetoed a UN resolution for a ceasefire for the third time last month, arguing it would undermine negotiations to release hostages held by Hamas, the militant organisation that attacked Israel in October, prompting months of hostilities.
President Masisi “concurred completely” with Mr Davis.
“These were brought about because of our common position with respect to how we look at the multilateral order, and so in coming together, there are great dividends to be drawn out of this collaboration and this relationship,” he said.
The Bahamas has repeatedly called for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In October, the country co-sponsored and voted in favour of a resolution calling for an “immediate and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities between the involved parties”.
“The resolution also demanded the unhindered provision of essential humanitarian aid to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive, demanding their safety, well-being, and humane treatment in compliance with international law,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
According to the Associated Press, more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since the conflict began, including over 12,300 children and 8,400 women. Millions have been displaced.
More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed.
Many countries have long called for reforming the UNSC. In 2002, then-Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said The Bahamas believed “the time has come for us to take the hard decisions and agree to a practical programme of reform that fully takes into account the need for equitable membership and for a more democratic and transparent council.”
Comments
Dawes 1 month, 1 week ago
he who pays the bill will always want to have a say in how it is run. Just a quick look and the US contributes over 22% of the money paid to the UN. If it is 1 nation 1 vote then each should contribute the same (not going to happen).
Porcupine 1 month, 1 week ago
"Having a say in how it is run" doesn't translate in being a bully. The world sees clearly who the US really is. Sometimes, just sometimes, perhaps we could stand on principle, and not just money. All eyes must be on minimizing human suffering immediately. We must understand the reason for the UN in the first place. Seems we missed history class and all events since its establishment. I am starting to believe that most Christians are ignorant and confused. I do not believe that might doesn't make right. The world order, as presently exists, needs radical and fundamental change. It is happening, while the US kicks and screams, and kills millions worldwide. We continue to worship mammon, expecting different results. Decency in our world is waning.
ThisIsOurs 1 month, 1 week ago
"Having a say in how it is run" doesn't translate in being a bully"
"shouldnt" is the operative word. The reality is it does. Many people see it play out in this country and on their jobs. The people with power do what they want. Even if its counterproductive to the goal.
SP 1 month, 1 week ago
This country’s relationship and reliance on the United States, has nothing to do with what is right and what is wrong! The Bahamas has every right to it's opinions regardless.
The United States knowingly providing munitions used to slaughter 30,000 Palestinians is unconscionable, cannot be justified, and will come full circle soon enough with far reaching negative effects for America.
The entire world rejects the gross hypocrisy of the United States.
Porcupine 1 month, 1 week ago
Agreed!
TalRussell 1 month, 1 week ago
How much travel abroad. --- Before you start bitching about complex world issues as are outlined --- Are a reach, --- Far too many pay levels,--- Above the salary scale of a premiership who left 3018 potholes, - gunning to be patched.back home in their island colony. --- You couldn't make it up, now, could you. --- Yes?
IslandWarrior 1 month, 1 week ago
Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis's call for action at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resonates deeply with the collective aspiration for a world founded on principles of empathy and equality. His initiative reflects a profound belief in the enduring essence of humanity's noble qualities amidst the complexities of political and economic dynamics.
In endorsing Prime Minister Davis's stance, we affirm our commitment to fostering a global community where compassion and fairness are guiding principles in international relations. His call highlights the imperative for concerted efforts to address pressing issues, transcending borders and ideologies.
At its core, Prime Minister Davis's appeal underscores the unwavering belief that humanity possesses the capacity for positive change, even in the face of formidable challenges. It serves as a reminder that, despite differences, a shared commitment to justice and humanity unites us all.
Echoing his sentiments, we express solidarity with those who champion peace, justice, and equality on the world stage. Let us heed this call to action, recognizing that by standing together, we can create a future defined by compassion, cooperation, and progress for all.
Sickened 1 month, 1 week ago
It appears that Botswana paid for Davis' trip in full? His siding with Africa over the US was the cost of admission. The entire PLP get a free trip out of it - nothing more - and the people of The Bahamas have to wait for a backhand slap from Big Brother. Davis is out of his depth in this again.
TalRussell 1 month, 1 week ago
Once lured under Botswana's spell. --- Expect the Premiership to perform [a full body move] in whatever direction the [wind blows], which is pleasing for the People's Republic of China (PRC). --- You couldn't make it up, now, could you, how quickly can you return --- Speaking in [Setswana tongues]..--- Yes?
hrysippus 1 month, 1 week ago
Of course the UN needs reform but such talk is like leaves blowing in the wind. It is instructive to know how and why this organization came about; it was years and tears of great compromise by the politicians of the more powerful countries after millions of their soldiers and civilians had been slaughtered in the two World Wars. The formation of the UN was paid for by the sacrifice of those major countries. The big countries might find this recommendation from the elected leader of a a country so small that only something a bit over 100,000 make up the electoral role.
IAmOne 1 month, 1 week ago
The “big countries might find this recommendation” what? (Not being snarky, it just seems you didn’t complete this thought and I’m genuinely interested to hear the full take.)
hrysippus 1 month, 1 week ago
My apologies, Amone2. The completed sentence could have read; "hard to the o take as seriously as if it had been suggested by, for instance, President Joe Biden". Is the Bahamas current with our UN payments?
IAmOne 1 month, 1 week ago
Thank you! And, fair point. (As we see that retort quite often these days.)
IAmOne 1 month, 1 week ago
The tragedy in Gaza, where thousands have lost their lives, is something many Bahamians are deeply concerned about. The Prime Minister has spoken out against this as well as the current UN setup, and rightly so.
But why do we often hear about it from far away places, instead of right here at home? It’s like always finding out critical family news from neighbors, not from your own family.
Our parliament- a mere stone’s throw from that mammoth new US embassy- should be where the PM makes clear our position. This practice of continually announcing The Bahamas’ position on foreign soil rather than at home is concerning, somewhat disrespectful, and can unintentionally undermine the integrity of our democracy and Bahamians’ collective voices.
TLDR; Stand on business from the Capital, Mr. Davis, first respecting and informing the people whom you represent.
sheeprunner12 1 month, 1 week ago
We have our own Hamas in 242 ....... They are called the New Day crew
TalRussell 1 month, 1 week ago
One day the premiership [offers his approval for somethin'). --- Next day ---- **Not as much. --- Ah! ---Yes?
John 1 month, 1 week ago
Emphasis In 1947, Haiti voted for the United Nations' partition of Palestine and the creation of the State of Israel. Many Haitians have a lot of admiration for Israel and its struggles. The Israeli ambassador in Panama represents Israeli interests in Haiti.. So let’s put things in perspective: Haiti was a signatory on the treaty that gave Israel the right to exist and become an independent nation. No problem with this. Back then everyone felt that the Jews were God’s chosen people and so yes, they should have a right to exist. Even if it was in the heart of another sovereign nation. And even if it meant taking their land. And from then to now Israel has grown into a most powerful nation. It has canibilized and virtually consumed Palestine and about to consume the last mouthful that will eliminate Palestine. The capital has been moved from Tel Avi back to Jerusalem ( with the help of Donald Trump). Then they ( Israel) will rebuild the holy temple as foretold in the Bible. Then ‘the abomination that will cause desolation’ will come to pass. And it isn’t a good thing. And Haiti is probably in the same economic condition and instability today probably as it was in 2947 when it signed onto the treaty to make Israel a nation in another man’s land.
DreamerX 1 month, 1 week ago
Israel will prevail with or without the blessing of the Bahamas. We Bahamians have never fought for our right to exist at the threat of annihilation not once or twice but a multitude of times from the day the state was formed by those who were natives and additions of the those fleeing global oppression. People complain about immigration, but being the destruction of this country, and then look to a country that was once attacked by all of it's land bordering muslim nations, on their holiest day and sieged by terrorism ever since, and then say "They must be stopped". Then, by that, I hope you will tell Davis to cease destroying the Haitian illegal villages and demand cease deportations, since we are the Angels now.
IAmOne 1 month, 1 week ago
“Natives ‘and additions’” is doing a lot of work glazing over uncomfortable truths in your statement, especially given how things stand now.
Here’s another uncomfortable truth: Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyahu and the Israeli government have squandered a lot of global goodwill with their disproportionate response to the terrible attacks perpetrated by Hamas. Tens of thousands of Palestinians (and hundreds of Israelis) dead, dying, or starving to death because of policy failures.
Say what you want about The Bahamas but if even our Prime Minister, from this tiny island nation in the Atlantic is so appalled he’s calling out our so-called ‘Big Brother’ for running interference for Israel - and in such strong language- believe me when I say Israel /US/Uk /France and co have lost most of the world’s support on this issue.
Your lack of concern for the ‘threat of annihilation’ faced by others will not silence good people but rather compel them to speak up and call for a ceasefire.
DreamerX 1 month, 1 week ago
No, from the ARAB league attacked, nothing in your failed moralizing is equitable to attempted annihilation. Beg on to the idiotic movements about peace who can't digest what it means to fight for your right to exist. There is no need for a cease fire with out Oct 7, cope harder.
IAmOne 1 month, 1 week ago
‘Equitable’ says the one supporting genocide. Have your fight then, ‘fighter.’ But do spare us your useless propaganda. At this point it’s futile. The whole world sees you now. Cry harder.
Porcupine 1 month, 1 week ago
Do people, or countries, have a right to exist? Those who support Israel no matter what are morally lost.
DreamerX 1 month, 1 week ago
Cope more
ted4bz 1 month, 1 week ago
Are we finally finding our balls and coming to our senses? Look, I know, speaking out at this point may not do any more than being silent. However, it sends a message, the Bahamas like other nations are ready to move away from the US reckless actions, behaviour, and anti-human rule over this planet. This behaviour is extremely toxic and over the edge for any civilized people to want to continue in this direction with the US, the EU and the G7 (the gang of 7), for that matter. Whatever madness this is, nobody should dear prescribe any part of it for the future of this planet. Everything is transitioning to a multipolar world, away from the US unipolar lateralism. If ever there was a time to stand up, this time is now. BRICS is the alternative, and now that there is an alternative, let's get on board, with BRICS.
John 1 month, 1 week ago
I ain’t too bright or intelligent but from what I understand, the people who originally occupied where Israel currently is fled that country and went down into the bowels of Africa after these people claiming to be Jews ( they came down from the Caucus mountains ( hence tge name Caucasian) and forced them out, not unlike they are now doing the Palestines. So what happened to them? The original people who occupied Israel? Well millions of them ( and their offspring) were sold into slavery and many thousands of them were captured by French President Napoleon, loaded into ships taken bout to sea and slaughtered.
ThisIsOurs 1 month, 1 week ago
I'd like the PM to relay why he let the police harass the BEC union president's elderly parents. I hope the mother doesnt have a heart attack. Recall one of the US capital police dying of a heart attack a day or so after the storm on the Capital building due to stress. We know the police here dont make any high profile moves without checking in.
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