Dr. Andre Rollins told the House of Assembly this week that he will not apologize to Prime Minister Perry Christie for anything he said based on his convictions.
Rollins was referring to his outspoken speech during the debate on the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill last month, in which the Fort Charlotte MP said, among other things, that the country needs new political leadership.
In declining to apologize, Rollins said: "One of the most regrettable things that you learn in politics is, don't always worry about what people say to your face; worry about what they say behind your back.
"Mr. Speaker, anything that I say about my leader, the right honorable member for Centreville, he knows. I don't keep any secrets from him."
He added: "When we, particularly as backbenchers, are not happy or comfortable of the things we see happening, it is our duty or responsibility to those very same people who elected us to speak to those issues, even when the way we communicate our thoughts or concerns come across as being harsh in nature.
"When we express those views, it is not because we are running counter to the principles of democracy. In fact, we are doing exactly what is expected of those who participate in a democracy."
There is indeed room for a greater level of frankness and honesty in the political discourse
of The Bahamas. More to the point, the anti-authoritarian spirit behind Rollins' insistence that Christie is "not a god or someone to be worshipped" should be welcomed in a country that still harbors an unhealthy tendency to make idols of its leaders. And, the ability of MPs speak up for the interests of their constituents is without question a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. Nevertheless, though Rollins may have been correct in declining to apologize, it is not for the reasons he thinks.
From time to time, a measure of upheaval and revolt may have an invigorating effect on a party, and by extension a positive impact on our democracy as a whole. At the same time, no serious political organization can allow a member to call the competence of the leadership into question with impunity.
Ultimately, there is no point in Rollins apologizing, because though many may feel his message was constructive, he effectively sacrificed his position in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to deliver it.
The fact that he does not seem to realize this cannot be blamed on the young MP alone. The demand for an apology actually came from the PLP's National General Council at the end of a contentious meeting last week.
It was clear, however, that this demand did not satisfy PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts, who after appointing a four-person committee from the NGC to decide what sanctions, if any, Rollins should face for his comments, warned that an apology may not be enough.
For the good of the party, and as an example to the rest of the political class in what is still a very young independent democracy, the committee should take the chairman's hint and bid Rollins a decisive farewell.

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