Dear Editor,
As we move into the final day of the FNM convention, I urge the delegates and I urge the people of The Bahamas to carefully consider who wins and who loses if each nominee is successful or unsuccessful. Who stands to gain, and who stands to lose if the FNM fails to reunite? I urge you to consider the same if the PLP remains in power.
We are at a turning point and now more than ever we must carefully consider our future; the future of the FNM party and the future of our country. We must do everything in our power to move forward. Right now, we are a country on its knees, with many struggling to pay bills and put food on the table.
There are many people hurting, and we desperately need to heal. But we need to make sure it is done in the right way. Any underhanded dealings must not be condoned. Minnis' decision to remove the voting rights of one delegate so close to the convention does raise questions. We cannot let our views be misguided or our judgment clouded. We must stand strong.
I read a comment on social media recently stating that the six MPs should stand behind Minnis as leader, for the very reason that he is "leader". Leader by name alone. In my view, a leader leads by his or her actions, and is followed by people who believe in that person or share the same view and or goal. They are not followed simply because they have the title of leader.
It seemed that some people believe the six MPs to be troublemakers, rather than considering an alternative. Some failed to have considered that the six MPs and potentially many others have stood up to voice concerns. Concerns, that they believe to be legitimate, and to have so far fallen on deaf ears.
Some would argue, that after four years with Minnis at the helm, the ship is still without a rudder, floating without a direction. It ain't easy to stand against a current. And if speaking up and speaking out are the only ways to get your voice heard above the noise, then I commend them for the strength that that took; and for the strength that it continues to take.
We each have a voice. And it seems to me that Minnis has not been able to lead and represent all of the voices in the party, which is why some people are standing out; not to further the divide, no, standing to represent a group that has so far had their voices stifled or ignored. We as a country have many voices, have many people from various social and economic backgrounds, from all walks of life; and we need a leader who understands this and a party that represents all of us.
Loretta Butler-Turner and Dr. Duane Sands offer a new voice, and a new opportunity for change. Not everyone may agree with their beliefs. But I urge everyone to give them the opportunity to be listened to. All of our voices need to be heard, and we need the opportunity to have all of our views represented in order for a leader to be successful and for a country to be great.
FNM delegates I urge you to consider, during the past four years that many have lost. I urge you to ask yourselves, in the past four years have we been putting our best foot forward? Consider the future of our Bahamaland. Because we need change. We need it today. And it doesn't just start with the PLP government; it starts with each one of us.
Consider actions, rather than just promises and question everything. Why has Minnis refused to confirm whether or not he will still work with the six MPs who have opposed him after the convention if he remains leader? Question, what he means when he said that "he'll deal with them afterwards". Remember that those six MPs whom he refers to, were elected by their constituents. Chosen by Bahamians to represent Bahamians, surely it is the choice of the constituents whether or not to remove their MP.
Are they to be thrown out simply for having a difference in opinion? Above all, before casting your vote, question what the PLP has to gain from Minnis remaining leader of the FNM? Several have been very vocal in their support of him, why.
At some point surely Minnis also has to question himself. When so many PLPs are rushing to voice their support for him as leader, you have to question why. Why would the party that you are working to replace be so vocal in support of your staying as leader?
Surely, one has to question one's own ability to lead. And if they don't, then one must understand that no one person has all of the answers. Only by questioning do you learn, and we need a leader who continues to learn in order to be successful in moving our country forward.
Please, for each and every one of us. Before casting your vote, ask yourself who wins and who loses.
- FP
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