Dear Editor,
Please allow me a space in your valued chronicle to dually vent and share as the general election looms.
Arguably, the most momentous governance in recent Bahamian history was that of the then Free National Movement "Government in the Sunshine" administration in 1992. It was then that a young zealous Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham took the reins of a scarred international headliner, making "Nation for Sale" Bahamas; and led our island nation into the modern era of technology, communications and political transparency.
The Progressive Liberal Party "Pingdom" had been toppled in a sound defeat, winning only 16 seats to the Free National Movement's 33. The shocking landslide was refreshing for those who craved free speech and opposed Progressive Liberal Party hallmark partisan political influence and nepotism.
From his cottage in Andros, Prime Minister Pindling conceded the contentious election, ushering in a new era in Bahamian politics. Nature even seemed to bless the news of concession with a light, brisk and short breezy spat of rain -- and it was done.
In the months to follow, the airwaves were opened and parliamentary proceedings became the people's business in real-time. Much can be said of this shift -- I'll leave the undeniably transformative Ingraham early years to history -- I suspect she will be kind to Mr. Ingraham.
Prior to, and post that momentous five-year progressive national jolt, The Bahamas has (for the most part and to my estimation) experienced substandard leadership stained with corrupt cronyism. Musical chairs has since become the norm: red -- Free National Movement today, gold -- PLP tomorrow!
In the musical chairs game, many dysfunctional Bahamian societal staples have remained constant: antiquated health care provision, a bloated and terribly inefficient civil service, an education system that produces more failed students than it does successful ones, a shrinking middle class, and polarizing poorer classes against the wealthiest. Moreover, a compromised infrastructure, inclusive of roadways, government offices, dwindling neighborhoods and landmarks of national significance, among other derelict dynamics.
Just for a minute think; for each of these presiding ministries, high office keepers, prime ministers and accompanying cabinets -- all have taken turns keeping these same two "seats" in the musical chair game warm.
As the game goes, the music plays then stops without warning, the competitors scramble to occupy the seat/s first. Those who remain standing are automatically eliminated. The music begins once more and the process of elimination begins again. In the end, there are two chairs ...then one -- and with each round one stays and one goes.
Bahamians have been stuck with the same two players and have perfected the non-starter cycles five years at a time. Once in office, the prime minister makes all appointments unchallenged -- more power than even the United States President. This Parliamentary system invites corruption because of the prime minister's autonomy therein!
To catapult to the highest functional office in the land, all a Bahamian prime minister must do is coordinate the biggest party, supervise the catchiest slogan/song, and draw the biggest crowds to his rallies. Of course, he is required to also appease the adoring tribe in attendance as he keeps in sync with perfectly choreographed jingles from the rally disc jockey (per every three sentences) to which the slavish crowd crescendos in a roar. Yes, fun-fun for everyone.
When all is done, riled up supporters leave the grounds and compare numbers to the opposing party rallies the following day. What serial rally goers all readily agree on, is that "it was good" -- seemingly nothing of policy and/or the way forward matters.
Let us call this negative spin from a disgruntled and miserable voter, tired of the same old, one who has voter apathy and who is intent on throwing all under the bus to validate his own funk. Fine! Now, ask yourself what of the aforementioned is untrue, and how have the voting masses (perhaps you) empowered this game of Bahamian musical chairs that ends up producing more of the same?
o How many constituency members fraternize with the people who take to the streets during campaign and on their behalf outside of election season?
o Skill set considered, does being issued a blue government license plate and a chauffeur make a candidate-turned-member of Parliament the authority on his/her ministry?
o When is there ever a respectful and/or informative forum in which the voting public can compare policy positions of candidates?
o Is it enough for you that perhaps the prime minister appoints ministers of government based on his own selfish motivation and political expediency?
o What matters (in your mind) most to Bahamian voters -- a charismatic candidate, or a skilled and moral one?
o Does it not disturb you that, for every election cycle, there are earmarked positions for some who have played musical chairs for up to 25+ years in Bahamian Parliament? ...am I to understand then that only they are capable of governance?
o Is there more movement and engagement at
the "changing guard station" than there is at the "people level" to which they are commissioned to protect?
o Are you satisfied with the way successive governments seem only to remember you when in fact they need your vote?
o What of paving 4.5-year-old derelict roads, pushing back bush, sprucing up constituency offices weeks before and after election, only to shut down for another 4.5?
o When I have applied for jobs in the past, I have had to argue my credentials. Are you happy with the effortless way that your representatives just slide in on a ticket without doing same?
o Babysitter and maid not working out? Do you fire both to save the house, or just one?
o Are you happy with the same 15 Bahamian families sharing all The Bahamas' wealth and monopolizing the income potential for the ordinary citizen?
o Is your vote just worth a few Blue Marlins and a T-shirt, cable or light bill (paid in full) perhaps?
Just some thoughts -- change the outcome to change the hamster wheel that we call our governance -- truly we are going around in circles. I'm dizzy ...are you?
If -- just if -- enough spoiled ballots make the record, perhaps we can elect to change the political model that keeps us watching the band of thieves' game of millionaires and power from the sidelines.
- Kirkland H. Pratt
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