The PLP catfight -The hottest event in Nassau town

Adrian Gibson

First published in The Tribune on Monday, October 19, 2009 under the byline, Young Man's View.

This week's PLP convention is expected to be great political theatre and primetime drama with more mudslinging than a monsoon. Undoubtedly, the convention floor is expected to be the site of rowdy politicking, the spillage of political blood and likely the 21st century's very own 'Night of the Long Knives.'

Earlier this week, a friend and I discussed acquiring tickets to the PLP's catfight which will no doubt be the hottest event in town.

Bahamians should expect the leadership melee to intensify as the time draws near, with last minute backdoor deals/promises and a flurry of tacky, image-moulding press appearances in order. As I write today, I can imagine the mad dashes across the convention floor by candidates as they jockey to engage as much of the losers supporters as possible after each round of voting--all in a desperate bid to attain the 51 per cent needed to win the post sought after.

PLP stalwart councillors and delegates must know that amidst the hype and internal warfare, now is their chance to reject the same old stale political arguments that are immaterial today, uproot some within their ranks who have behaved like broken buffoons since the party's electoral defeat, snub those egocentric and self promoters vying for top posts, subdue all odds of a mutiny while patching the holes in the hull of a sinking political ship (SS PLP) and save their party from the brink of political impotency.

The PLP is fractured and already in a state of disarray, so it's possible that as they engage in what will unquestionably be a cannibalizing civil war this convention--as is seen with nearly all inter-party face-offs around the world--they will emerge with a way forward and move to completely overhauling the party, while ridding that historic political organization of those shallow and empty headed occupants of frontline posts (Parliamentary and party posts), ridding the party of those perpetual tail wagers, corrupt nincompoops and albatrosses who have, in the past, cost them so dearly.

As Sir Arthur Foulkes, in his awe-inspiring tribute to Sir Clement Maynard, so rightly put it:

"Politics, that most noble of professions, can sometimes, descend into something approaching savagery. And it seems that there is no greater fury in the political arena as when colleagues turn on each other."

Both the PLP and the FNM need to engage in a comprehensive house cleaning exercise when reviewing candidates--including incumbents--seeking nominations, while consistently recruiting better candidates and rebuilding the parties. There is a need for truthful voices amidst the cancerous pit of sleaze and dishonesty with which Bahamian politics/society is rapidly becoming synonymous. In 2007, the PLP was jilted by voters who were fed-up with chronic corruption, indecision and their failure to deliver economic and social initiatives/projects in a timely manner. Since the party's electoral defeat, the PLP has adopted a modus operandi that is a self-destructive shadow of its once looming stature.

It has been alleged that in the lead up to the convention, some delegates and stalwarts have received financial incentives for their votes--much needed by some desperate for cash during these tough economic times.

This week's convention will feature contenders and a few pretenders--all fervently trying to galvanize support from the party stalwarts/delegates, some no doubt employing Brutus' tactics and stabbing each other in the back with sharpened political knives.

Frankly, certain persons contesting positions throughout the party could not realistically serve as effective backups to Bozo, the clown!

The PLPs challenging current leader and former PM Perry Christie are Paul Moss, Dr Bernard Nottage and, there have been rumblings that Fred Mitchell will also enter the race for the top spot. Presently contesting the open deputy leader post are Obie Wilchcombe, Philip "Brave" Davis and Jerome Fitzgerald. There has also been challenges mounted against party chairman Glenys Hanna-Martin by ousted MP Keod Smith, deputy party chairman Ken Dorsette and perennial protester Ricardo Smith--with speculation that party behemoth--Bradley Roberts--might enter the race at convention.

Cremation

Former Prime Minister and party leader Perry Christie is a man who, in 2005, promised to "cremate" current Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham during the 2007 general election but instead suffered a nightmare then and seems to be on the verge of a cremation by members of his own party. For Mr Christie--who dithered for a considerable portion of his term as PM and seemingly turned a blind eye to the scandals and accusations of nasty goings-on that plagued his administration--it must be tough living in Sir Lynden Pindling's all encompassing shadow.

It appears that, while Mr Christie (Kool PC) is a decent man, he took a disengaged approach to governance, giving off the perception that scandals and signs of indecision may have forever wrecked his legacy and gravely hurt his chances of being reinstated as party leader. Mr Christie was a literal disaster as the leader, being seen as too forgiving of the transgressions of his colleagues, running a rudderless Cabinet where ministers reigned supreme over their own fiefdoms and embarrassed the country, and mockingly being referred to as Perry "Promise-a- lot" Christie or Perry "Talk-a-lot" Christie.

Admittedly, Mr Christie continues to have widespread appeal and is a fancy talker whose oratorical delivery and passionate conjecture sounds so good that sometimes I find myself feeling keyed up by his style--that is, until I rationally decipher what he is really saying in some of his convoluted talkathons (don't get me wrong, many times he makes great sense). Mr Christie does appear to be a nice man, who is today being challenged by persons he protected and stood up for. The PLP leader's biggest drawback--in our political culture--is that no one seems to fear him. Surely, as more and more challengers come out of the wood work, Mr Christie can see the writing on the wall.

Although Mr Christie has a very likely shot at being returned as leader and has clearly enunciated his belief that he will lead the party into the next general election, in the end, it appears that he may be outmanoeuvred by his challengers--particularly Dr Bernard Nottage. However, no one should "sleep on" Mr Christie as the recently appointed stalwart councillors/delegates and those from the Pindling era will likely support him.

Dr Bernard Nottage, the political journeyman and his party's very own prodigal son, appears to be the only titan--besides Mr Christie--in the race for his party's leadership. Dr Nottage who, in terms of media relations pulled a disappearing act this year, has illustrated his firm and appreciable management skills during his stint as leader of the CDR. Although rather arcane and now a senior citizen, it is expected that the politically astute and charismatic doctor will storm the convention. By all accounts, the former Health Minister has commanded a great deal of support, appeals inside and out of the party ranks and is seen as the only serious contender for the party leadership. Thus far in his political career, Dr Nottage appears to be uncompromised and fearless, and according to most persons I spoke to, is the best person to reinvigorate a demoralized PLP and prepare the party for frontline combat in 2012.

However, although he appears posed to be politically resurrected to ascend the PLP's throne, the doctor remains the ultimate enigma. As the rounds of voting wind down, it is likely that the other challengers will urge their supporters to support Nottage and take him beyond the 51 per cent threshold.

Paul Moss, another challenger for the PLP leadership, can be merely summed up as a rank outsider. While I can appreciate Mr Moss's steely determination, he has come to be seen as a fame hankerer who appears to be plainly delusional if he believes that he can win a leadership contest in a party where the political hacks of long standing dominate the order of the day. I do applaud Mr Moss for stepping-up early, being a pace setter and a free thinker--if only he could win on that alone, he would be leader!

The lawyer stood up to confront the PLP's strongman while everyone else cowered and were too afraid to do so. However, unless Mr Moss is sprinkling sparkly fairy dust over the delegates, he will soon find himself experiencing a cold political winter. Mr Moss, who is seen as a "Johnny-come-lately", has yet to secure a nomination with the party and seems too impatient, nearly to the point where his "eager beaver" approach can be seen as malignantly narcissistic and presumptuous. The social activist is a long shot as he has never been elected or appointed to public office, has yet to secure a nomination and only recently joined the PLP. Besides, I doubt that a party trying to transform itself will select a leader who sits in none of the Houses of Parliament--just like the rest of us.

Mr Moss seems to have quite a bit of grass roots support, does not appear to suffer from "kiss up disease", seems busy with life, does not appear to be concerned with petty politics and is of strong financial standing.

This time around, I urge Mr Moss to remember the words attributed to the great philosopher Aristotle, which goes:

"He who has never learnt to obey cannot be a good commander."

By all accounts, Paul Moss is a man of strong values; however, he must also remember that patience is a virtue. It is my belief that the newly established National Development Party (NDP)--with which one of Mr Moss's brothers is affiliated and which has no leader--is preparing for Mr Moss to become their leader depending on the outcome of the convention and/or in the lead up to the next general election (particularly if he hasn't secured a nomination by that time).

Fred Mitchell, who is speculated to announce his bid for the leadership, is viewed by many as a polarizing figure. Although he is perceived to be very smart, Mr Mitchell must revamp his image due to perceptions such as his divisiveness.

Frankly, if Dr Nottage wins the PLP's leadership, it is expected that Mr Christie will likely resign his seat as it is unlikely that he will serve under the doctor. I also doubt that Nottage will serve under Christie if he is once again defeated by him. Since these resignations are likely, both parties should prepare for possible by-elections in Farm Road or Bain Town. Respectfully, if Mr Christie is defeated and resigns, maybe he should enter religious ministry as he has the oratorical delivery that is well suited for religious service.

* This week I shall discuss the race for the deputy leader and chairman posts.

Heartfelt Condolences to Mrs Carron and son Robert

TODAY, I wish to express my heart-felt condolences to Tribune Publisher Mrs Eileen Carron and her son Robert on the passing of Mr Roger Carron, husband and father, early yesterday morning.

I have called the Carron homestead on many occasions – mostly in search of Mrs Carron and/or returning a call – and held frank conversations with Mr Carron whose views on certain social and political issues were candid and unambiguous.

Mr Carron was the bedrock of the Carron household, a respected newsman and a class act. My family and I will keep the Carron family in our prayers as they go through this period of bereavement.

E-Mail Adrian.