First published in The Tribune on Saturday, July 14, 2007 under the byline, Young Man’s View.
PLP: Fight Club or viable Opposition for The Bahamas?
THE Progressive Liberal Party’s convention in November could be the site of Nassau’s newest fight club as a political mêlée is anticipated as several eager politicians are expected to be jockeying for the posts of leader and deputy leader.
As the debate continues about former Prime Minister Perry Christie’s future as party leader, it is without question that the time has come for Mr Christie to step down. After serving a single term, Mr Christie’s party suffered a crushing defeat and seemingly has yet to recover from their election thumping.
During the five years that he led the country, Mr Christie was accused of indecision and seemed incapable of making decisions without a multitude of opinions. He was at the vanguard of a unruly Cabinet and a government that was entangled in allegations of corruption. Although the former PM promised accountability, transparency and a strict adherence to his much-hyped Code of Ethics, he seemingly turned a blind eye to the scandals and the accusations of nasty goings-on that plagued his administration.
While Mr Christie was a fancy talker (little action) who dithered for a considerable proportion of his term, I do credit him with maintaining a stable economy, initiating the Urban Renewal Programme that he championed to provide opportunities for inner city residents and discourage crime, his decision to revitalize historic Nassau and relocate the ports, the establishment of the Clifton Heritage Park and his efforts to attract foreign investors/capital to our shores.
With that said, as with most former leaders of countries that suffer election defeats, Mr Christie must begin grooming potential successors and should step down in the coming months. In Canada, that is also a parliamentary democracy that adheres to the statues of the Westminster system, when the Liberal party was ousted, former Prime Minister Paul Martin did not only relinquish his post as parliamentary leader, but he also resigned as party leader. Martin’s resignation came within two months of his party’s defeat.
Who will lead the PLP after Mr Christie’s departure?
Knowledgeable sources say that the main contenders for the leadership of the PLP are Dr Bernard Nottage, Obie Wilchcombe, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, and to a lesser extent Fred Mitchell and Vincent Peet.
Although Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt is currently the party’s deputy leader, it is highly unlikely that she would throw her hat into a leadership rumble.
Former Health minister Dr Bernard Nottage is a top contender in a potential leadership face-off. Dr Nottage, who is also seen as a protégé of the late former PM Sir Lynden Pindling, is a veteran politician who is known as an adept coordinator and well-known to the rank and file of his party.
Dr Nottage’s main opposition, however, is expected to come from those elements within his party that do not regard him as a party loyalist, particularly since he left, led his own party and vociferously chastised the PLP, abandoned them (CDR) and then crept back to the PLP at the party’s 2005 convention. Another shortcoming that could hinder Nottage’s ascension to the leadership post is his age (senior citizen), as many party stalwarts may now be seeking a youthful leader who would not only be able to lead the party in the interim but possibly for another 10-15 years.
Dr Nottage has the experience and talent, but will the party’s delegates and young turks accept him?
Obie Wilchcombe, a two term MP, is considered a most formidable candidate to be leader. Mr Wilchcombe is well-liked among party delegates, has experience in both the House of Assembly and the Senate and is youthful and rather charismatic. A leadership confrontation between Nottage and Wilchcombe could cause a splinter within the PLP.
Allyson Maynard-Gibson is said to have led a conservative fringe party at some point before she entered frontline politics as a member of the PLP. Although Mrs Gibson is a viable contender, she is seen as potentially divisive, appears to be pompous and hot-headed and is not seen as the most engaging or affable challenger. Recently, Mrs Gibson has been heavily criticized for what appeared to be inane utterances made in an attempt to filibuster during the budget debate. After an electoral spanking in the Pinewood constituency, Mrs Gibson is said to have been shell shocked, demanding recount after recount in disbelief. In a leadership race, she would garner strong support, but only enough to finish third.
A high ranking PLP, without hesitation, said that when the issue of leadership arises, Fred Mitchell can be discounted as a “lightweight non factor”.
Vincent Peet would also be an interesting candidate in the leadership race. Mr Peet has parliamentary experience, charisma and unexpectedly recaptured his seat in North Andros although bets were against him. While he has been embroiled in scandal, he (or Alfred Gray, if he enters) can be the sleeper candidate that could threatens the chances of those stronger contenders if he is simply counted out.
While the most probable outcome of a PLP leadership fight may likely result in Obie Wilchcombe and Bernard Nottage in the roles of leader and deputy leader, one thing is for certain, and that is, Mr Christie must ready himself to gracefully bow out!
