Adrian Gibson

First published in The Tribune http://www.tribune242.com/  on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 under the byline, Young Man's View.

THIS week's FNM convention is expected to feature lots of finger-jabbing, ruffian-like browbeating and the throwing of verbal bricks all, at this juncture, aimed at the PLP.

Hopefully, instead of a demonstration of the stark political myopia shown at the PLP's convention nearly two weeks ago, the FNM espouses a new and innovative approach to governance/economy that would deepen the populace's trust in the present administration.

The sheer goofiness of the PLP convention leads me only to wonder about the FNM's impending caucus and what merits it will bear.

In hindsight, the PLP's convention appeared to be an exclusive affair, geared towards PLPs rather than serving as a conscientious platform to address the entire electorate. Indeed, the blame game was played throughout the convention and little to no innovative policy was promoted. Frankly, the atmosphere at the PLP convention appeared to be a tired old attempt at furthering the concept of a personality cult.

Although former PM Perry Christie was re-elected as the party's leader, it appears he crushed all indications of a political insurrection with the overwhelming votes of deck stacked with stalwart councilors/delegates who were blindly loyal. Truthfully, Mr Christie's margin of victory appears to be out-of-step with the feelings of the average Bahamian on his leadership. Both political parties are top heavy with stalwart councilors that, according to medical doctor and legal scholar Dr Dexter Johnson, exhibit "loyalty (that) is blind, with no regard for issue-oriented type discussions."

"The fact that the PLP personality cult type of leadership and political culture infects parties is the single most damaging factor in retarding the movement of this country towards a more participatory democratic form of government," Dr Johnson said.

While I accept Mr Christie's convention apology, his speech did not proffer a vision for the next five years. He spent too much time recounting what his government did but said little about empowering Bahamians.

The PLP's delegates/stalwarts seem to have voted in lock step and overwhelmingly like assembly-line drones, bringing back some of the party's senior citizens.

The resurrection of Bradley Roberts from the political bone orchard and the dumping of a youthful and ethical female chairman – one of few women on the party's frontline – shows the desperation of that organisation.

Admittedly, Bradley Roberts' return will profoundly impact the political culture, so much so that it is speculated the top-brass of the FNM has already responded to his re-election by handpicking and approving Labour Minister Dion "The Bruiser" Foulkes as the chairman designate which will, I am told, be confirmed on the convention floor.

Furthermore, high-ranking party sources reveal that attorney Don Saunders is likely to be chosen as party secretary general and Senator Anthony Musgrove as one of two deputy chairmen.

Undoubtedly, Bradley Robert does bring the fear factor element, giving his party quite an intimidation boost.

While I congratulate Mr Christie, Philip Davis and Mr Roberts on winning their races for party leadership, I wonder whether the party's delegates/stalwarts may have sabotaged their own electoral hopes with these choices.

Based upon the convention, it does appear that the PLP is out of ideas and are, in the words of Sam Tenenhaus, "trapped in postures of frozen light, clenched in the rigor mortis of a defunct ideology."

Even after their convention, the PLP appears to be at a bloody crossroads.

Although it will take a lot of work to remedy the impediments left by the former administration, the FNM will no doubt use this convention to prepare for a slugfest as the PLP chairman is expected to amplify any shortcomings and be on them like white-on-rice because, as a distinguished FNM friend put it, he is their "worst nightmare."

While the FNM was the party of choice in 2007 for Bahamians disillusioned by the PLP's scandalous reign and lack of vision, the party has had its shortfalls, particularly as certain members of the party's frontline are among the walking wounded of our political culture and should not seek a nomination.

The FNM, like the PLP, has an assemblage of reprobates, headbangers, wasters and morons in its ranks, some of whom I can personally attest to as being hell-bent on seeking revenge for comments relative to their ministerial mismanagement or political standing in the party/society.

Frankly, there is one or two in the current Cabinet who are hamstrung by stupidity and unwilling to accept divergent opinions.

These folks, in my opinion, are the "flamers", hopeless liabilities and useless baggage that an astute politician like Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham may have already thought of relegating to the political dustbin as they will undeniably be setbacks in what is expected to be a hotly contested general election in 2012.

The FNM still commands respect as it does not have such a checkered past as the PLP. Much credit for the FNM's scandal-free term thus far must be bestowed upon PM Ingraham who, like AD Hanna, has demonstrated his honesty and forthrightness.

Mr Ingraham's enforcement of ethical codes, and the work of the FNM's founders, has managed to construct and maintain a party that continues to be a legitimate and credible political force. The PM must, however, reel in certain ministers who have once again adopted a full-blown megalomaniac despotism that was one of the main reasons for the party's defeat in 2002.

The public is increasingly becoming uneasy with this government and is demanding a Cabinet shuffle during or after the convention. There are certain FNM ministers who are sufferers of windbaggery and fictitious disease syndrome and frankly, some of their performances in various ministries amounts to nothing more than a substantive negative outcome!

Unquestionably, those found to be deadbeats in the present Cabinet must be selectively separated or, in layman's terms, "rolled out."

Furthermore, it appears that the FNM, like the PLP, is home to a lameduck legion of political pretenders who should not offer in 2012.

These MPs and persons seeking nominations should just ride off into the sunset, as they have had their chance and have done little more than bloviate during that period.

Today's crop of FNM backbenchers also appear to be nothing more than government cheerleaders, all echoing and supporting everything the executive branch does rather than raising questions and truly representing the interest of the electors.

Thus far, the FNM has been feeble and ineffective on crime and had failed to diversify the economy.

Unemployment remains a thorn in the government's side.

However, having reviewed the manifesto and factored in a sluggish economy, the FNM seems to be on the right track Quite honestly, the party under Hubert Ingraham's leadership was the best choice to lead the country during these perilous economic times and the government deserves credit for its efforts to mitigate the effects of a global economic downturn.

The public at large is unwilling to suffer the poor standard of service by public servants, some of whom are always seeking a tip for merely doing their jobs.

Moreover, the government needs to provide incentives to boost the role of the private sector in generating employment opportunities and also divest the state of loss-making companies (BEC/Water and Sewage). The latter would play a role in reducing a ballooning budgetary deficit.

I have also been reliably informed that, in anticipation of the next general election, there are moves afoot to replace Phenton Neymour with former senator Darren Cash who is purportedly already campaigning in South Beach.

I am also told that former ambassador Joshua Sears will be nominated to run against Melanie Griffin in Yamacraw.

Even more, my source alleges that West End and Bimini MP Obie Wilchcombe is being brought to New Providence to contest for the St Cecilia constituency and that the FNM's
David Wallace is being courted by the PLP to replace Wilchcombe as the PLP's candidate for West End and Bimini. These things have yet to unfold.

Since it is likely that no one will challenge PM Ingraham and DPM Brent Symonette for the top posts, I remain curious as to who among the current FNMs on the frontline has the ability to revivify the masses once Mr Ingraham departs the political scene.

During this convention, rather than falling into the ditch of petty politics, the FNM must deal with the issues that take into account the greater interest of the country and the welfare of the people.