The departure of Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder from the Cabinet at the end of last year sparked considerable public commentary. Reactions ranged from understanding in light of a "mind-blowing" private sector offer, to disappointment in seeing a public figure choose self above service.
Opposition Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said Pinder lacks confidence in the government's "sinking ship", while his deputy, Peter Turnquest, said the resignation is concerning given the current state of financial services in The Bahamas.
Turnquest added that the move exposed a "visible crack" in the government's self-titled bridge to the future, which he said seemed to be more of a bridge to the past.
"The prime minister has consistently spoken about his fabled bridge to the future; however this resignation highlights a serious crack in that bridge and the fundamental lack of confidence his ministers have in his leadership and his government's failure to promote young leaders within his government to substantive decision-making levels, instead of being constantly overshadowed and minded by returning senior civil servants and consultants to various ministries," Turnquest said. "This young generation must feel duped and used."
In fact, Pinder's departure follows a series of rifts between the PLP old guard and the much-touted generation of Young Turks, whom Christie said during the 2012 election campaign he was grooming to receive the baton of governance.
During the budget debate in July, several "cracks" were already visible. Marco City MP Gregory Moss criticized the plan to introduce value-added tax (VAT) as being against the principles of the PLP; Fort Charlotte MP Dr. Andre Rollins stood up for Moss, while Nassau Village MP and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly Dion Smith called into question the government's approach to dealing with issues like crime and poverty.
Then, another leading light in the new generation of PLP politicians, Renward Wells, was removed from his position as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Works over a controversial letter of intent he signed for a waste-to-energy contract. Many felt the government did not give a satisfactory explanation of this debacle, with several observers suggesting Wells was "thrown under the bus" by certain senior party members.
Generational relations became even more strained over the constitutional amendment bills, with Rollins resigning as party whip in August and calling for new leadership of the party.
Rollins blasted the government for appearing to use young politicians as "tokens" to help win the last election, but not wanting them to freely express their views.
As it currently stands, only a few of Christie's celebrated next generation can plausibly be said to enjoy good relations with the government. Most are conspicuously alienated from the party or, like Pinder, are removed from decision-making circles altogether.
The public must either demand that the prime minister work to repair his bridge, or look elsewhere politically for a viable link to the future. One thing is for certain, this country cannot endure more of the same for another election cycle.
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