Dear Editor,

It is a given that leadership is difficult to define or even to explain from a rational basis. It is, however, by the same token, elusive and handed to or grabbed by a handful of individuals who are able to attract, motivate and lead the populace or members of an organization. As it goes in civic and religious society, so it goes in politics.

A lion, it has been said, is able to lead a thousand sheep into war but it has been difficult, the sophists opine, for a sheep to lead a thousand lions into harm's way. The recent passage of Matthew through our wonderful nation revealed much and brought out the best and the worst of our leaders.

Perry Gladstone Christie (PLP-Centreville), not historically known to be a go-getter, rose to the occasion admirably. He displayed a hands-on and sober-headed approach to the devastation wrought by Matthew and was to be seen empathizing with the unwashed masses. His timely pronouncements on assorted hurricane-related matters and recovery and restoration efforts were huge and impactful. This is to be contrasted with the "leadership" of the FNM and the baby party on the blocks, the DNA, while Bahamians were being battered half crazy by the howling high winds and ever-present flooding in areas of New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Dr. Hubert A. Minnis (FNM-Killarney), not known to be an adroit or politically logical individual looked like a deer in high-beam headlights. His few utterances could hardly be heard, much less interpreted. My good friend but reluctant (or so it seems) prime minister in waiting, Branville McCartney, to his credit, did issue his usual voluminous press releases, while really saying nothing of value.

Yes, dear beloved, Matthew brought out the best and the worst of our leaders. Junkanoo is a cultural and traditional outlet for the massive artistic and creative talents of our people. Some say that it (Junkanoo) was imported from western Africa (where most of our ancestors hail from). The resonating and throbbing beat and sounds of the assorted drums unleashed the hidden genie and the rest is history. It has its place.

In the wake of the immediate passage of Matthew, however, Minnis, God bless his soul, decided, or was advised by his coterie of nebulous and, obviously, clueless kitchen advisors, to donate a few dollars to the two major Junkanoo groups because they suffered losses during the passage of Matthew. This was a great gesture but, in my view, it was made at the wrong time. Yes, the money donated belonged to Minnis so we should have no problem with that. The problem, if there is one, is the timing.

The art of leadership does not come easy, nor is it delivered and served on a silver platter. Natural disasters and other calamitous events offer up an opportunity to individuals who are able to grasp it, a platform to greatness. It is unfortunate, in my considered view, that neither of the two alternatives to PGC could match his adroitness or ability to soothe and calm an anxious population.

The PM rightly pointed out the deficiencies of Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and, to a lesser extent, Cable Bahamas Limited. NEMA performed admirably and Cpt. Stephen Russell and his team, along with the RBPF and the RBDF, are all to be congratulated on a job well done. We thank God that there was no loss of life.

The art of leadership does not come easy and it has no particular criteria that may be referred to as text book science. People are either born to be leaders or they adopt those successful traits and habits of others who would have blazed a trail. Sir Lynden Pindling was a natural leader. Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, to a lesser extent, was also a leader. Despite his boorish and crude behavior, politically, Hubert Ingraham was a rough and tough leader. Minnis and McCartney, with all due respect, are still both a work in progress. By the way, are they not cousins?

Matthew also brought out the fact that neither Minnis nor the political kid on the block may be temperamentally fit, politically, to become prime minister. Rhetoric has its place but hands-on experience and ability trump it all. We may all wish to be leaders but it either comes naturally or it is thrust upon one.

The PLP has a strong leadership cadre, even if oftentimes misguided and convoluted. My party will mash them all up come the 2017 general election. It is my desire, however, that we get battle-ready and laser focused as the end of this year draws to a close. There is much work to be done and little time in which to do it.

To God then, the Great Leader, in all things, be the glory.

- Ortland H. Bodie Jr.

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