By-Election in Elizabeth reflects a sad state of affairs in The Bahamas!

by Jerome Pinder

Should we be surprised?  The daily media tells a sad tale coming out of the by-election in Elizabeth.  From illegal voters, lack of integrity in the voter registration process, vote buying for a $100 or $200, defacing of political posters, and the whole process coming down to a battle between Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie.  What about the issues?

The education system is still in the dumps, violent crime is still a daily occurrence, our financial industry remains under threat, and our debt and deficits remain at serious levels.  The Government and Minister of National Security must think the people have forgotten all the strong talk they fed us towards the end of 2009 about dealing with crime.  Am I missing something here?

With so many challenges at the forefront, the Elizabeth voters have a golden opportunity to speak out on behalf of all Bahamians.  Send a message to both the FNM, PLP, Hubert Ingraham and Perry Christie that we are tired of the petty politics!  Their vote is the one chance to send a message that change is needed, because it is obvious that neither major political party listens to the Bahamian people.

I say to the Elizabeth voters, don't allow yourself to be bought for $200 or for any amount.  The future of the Country is at stake and the future of all Bahamians.  It would be a wonderful shock and wake up call to send both the PLP and FNM Candidates packing on the day of the by-election.  The balance of power will not change and the PM will still have ultimate authority, however, the voters would have sent a message directly to the halls of Parliament.  Right where it is needed!

I wish the by-election was in Seabreeze, I have not seen or heard from my representative since before the last general election.