Considering leadership in The Bahamas

Tue, Jul 5th 2011, 12:59 PM

Dear Editor,
 
What is next for our country and its people and who will be our 4th prime minister?
Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling led this country for 25 years.  From 1967-1969, Sir Lynden served as the first black premier of the Colony of The Bahama Islands.  From 1969-1992, Sir Lynden served as prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  He was the only leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) from 1965-1997 (32 years) when he resigned from public life.
From 1992-2002, Hubert Ingraham served as prime minister.  He was also leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) from 1990-2002.
From 2002-2007, Perry Christie served as prime minister.  He has been leader of the PLP from 1997 to the present.
Ingraham was elected prime minister once again in 2007 and he remains in the post.  He returned as leader of the FNM in 2005.
For 42 years The Bahamas has had only three prime ministers.  In less than 12 months leaders from each party, including the new Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney, will be contesting the upcoming general election.  If lngraham regains the post of prime minister in 2012, it will mean that he will serve as prime minister of The Bahamas for 20 years once he has completed his full five-year term.
In 2013 The Bahamas will celebrate 40 years of freedom.  The question is, is The Bahamas ready for a new prime minister in 2012 or do we need more time, like an additional five years, to make that change?  Bahamians have to consider seriously if we are ready for this fundamental change.
Before we decide on this question we must understand what a leader is:
o A leader is a person who fears God and rules or guides or inspires others.
o A leader is a person who guides others toward a common goal, showing the way by example, and creates an environment in which other team members feel actively involved in the entire process.
o A leader is a person who listens.
o A leader should work with his or her teammates and learn how to delegate responsibilities while being mindful of everyone's interests, goals, and strengths.
o A leader is firm but fair and never flaunts personal authority.
o A leader operates well under pressure and in rapidly changing environments.
o A leader does not fear challenges or obstacles, but instead deals with them head-on.
o A leader takes responsibility.
o A leader has an exemplary character and is trustworthy.
o A leader is enthusiastic about work or cause and also about being the leader - people respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication.
o Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be a part of the team working towards the goal.
o A leader is able to think and consider the future, giving it equal importance as the present.
We must remember that our children's future depends on the type of leader we choose to govern.  We must ensure that this new leader has the interest of all Bahamians at heart.
Our beloved country either will move forward in prosperity and great success, or moved backwards in disarray.  We have a serious decision to make when it comes to choosing a new leader and I hope and pray that this decision will not be made just on party lines.  Instead, we should choose the person who is best to take our beloved country forward with all Bahamians on-board.
This country has been politically divided for so long.  This new leader must be a person to build the bridge to success for all, not just the haves.  We, meaning all Bahamians, must be very careful in deciding which party is suitable to govern the entire Bahamas.  This is not a job for want to be leaders, indecisive leaders or leaders who find it easier to just quit under pressure.
God help us all if we choose one of the above.  We need to think about what is best for our families, our children and their children.
Let us choose wisely our next leader - our next PM;  let us not be moved by the hype and by those who tend to play with our emotions; let us, the Bahamian people, make a loud and bold statement.
May God continue to bless today's leaders and our future prime ministers.  May God also bless you the reader and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
 
Yours, etc.,

MICHAEL STUBBS

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