The PLP: Disintegration, mismanagement or inept

Tue, Mar 24th 2015, 12:09 AM

Dear Editor,

The question that many would wish to ask but are afraid, in most cases so to do, is: Is the PLP disintegrating before our very eyes, or is it a case of gross mismanagement? At the very least, the PLP and its leadership would appear to be inept and clueless as to governance. Oh, by the way, I am still a supporter of that iconic party.

The Renward Wells saga has yet to be explained or dealt with by the prime minister. The most stupid of persons would acknowledge that Wells did something that was not within his portfolio. A commission was appointed by the PM and one by the DPM. Yet, months later, we have heard absolutely nothing from those commissions or even if they would have reported.

The PLP is treating the people of this wonderful nation with contempt and total disdain. Last year, the PM led a delegation on a European junket to visit with the Pope and to attend a high level conference relative to the Commonwealth heads of government. Questions were raised about the costs of that trip. The loquacious PM, as usual, promised a full accounting. A year later, the silence is deafening and a threat to good governance and accountability.

The NIB report and "investigation" relative to the very public spat between the then director and the chairman have yet to see the light of day, much less be fully aired and debated in Parliament. The NIB, headed by my beloved brother and friend, continues to issue no-bid contracts, with impunity, and an 'in your face' attitude. Questions about competency and qualifications are swept under the rug.

Sidewalks are necessary, especially in areas of high pedestrian traffic (school and business zones) but never before in the history of this wonderful nation have so many contracts been issued for such construction. This is a clear sign that political cronyism is alive and well, as we approach the electoral season. Taxpayers' monies are again being deployed to secure political support. Yes, some might suggest that this is necessary to generate employment, but who is getting the bulk of such contracts?

The PM is either delusional or something worse when he was able to fix his mouth the other day to suggest that he hoped that the majority of contracts awarded at BAMSI was to PLP contractors! Never before in my life have I ever seen or heard of such blatant and disgusting drivel from a sitting leader of a nation.

The PM should be above such mundane utterances and sentimentalities. Was he suggesting, coyly, that in order to secure a governmental contract that one had to be a certified or perceived member or supporter of the PLP? The PM has yet to understand and possibly appreciate that he is the prime minister of and for all Bahamians, regardless of race, color, creed or political affiliation. The PM is in urgent need of a reality check, with the greatest of respect.

There are too many negatives now coming on-stream against the PLP, and no one seems to realize it except for a handful of its parliamentary members. The PM acts as if he is a political novice or, even worse, an amateur. The PLP is disintegrating, right before our very eyes. It is being badly managed. The ineptitude displayed by some of its ministers leaves much to be desired.

As if BAMSI, Renward Wells, Andre Rollins and the landfill were not bad enough, we now see the judicial spectacle where, by his own public admission, Minister V. Alfred Gray, spoke to a quasi-judicial administrator in his constituency and explained to him his legal powers. The administrator could have and should have sought advice from the Office of the Attorney General.
The PLP has much to be proud of over the years, but in recent times it is clear that it has lost its way.

If it does not get back on track sooner rather than later, this may well result in an electoral loss at the polls, especially if the dragon from North Abaco decides to heed the massive call for his return to front line politics. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

- Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.

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