Dear Editor,
There is a historical context about Senate appointments so ingrained into the Bahamian political psyche, that it was almost impossible for the Henfield appointment to not cause an uproar. It was such that Juan McCartney and the infamous “Änthone” were almost in agreement as to the amount of turmoil and problems the appointment was going to bring on Mr. Henfield. Now we can add the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party to the mix; his familiar vitriol and venom reminds us of the language he used to attack the present Prime Minister. Is it possible that there are those among us who have a sixth sense as to who the contenders for leadership are? With the way things are going it is almost as if persons who we have come to disregard are confirming for us who the next wave of leaders are going to be. Perhaps they should have waited until he messed up because their rhetoric is only reminding him of why he is where he is.
I am not one to measure anyone’s political acumen, but I am impressed by what I have seen of the young “Senator” so far. His decision to become a Senator actually gives him a broader platform for what he will choose to espouse. It would have been foolhardy not to accept the offer made if he sees himself as an agent of change; and those who follow his lead are more accepting of this than the naysayers think and the inhabitants of the “Carmichael corridor” that swung the election for the Free National Movement will not be content just to march up and down the streets of Nassau. Dr. Minnis and Mr. Henfield may have seen what the PLP missed in this last election cycle; the importance of whatever is happening on both sides of Carmichael Road and the growing presence of a community that does not have a need to come “over the hill” for anything. A community that can be self-sustaining in the years ahead.
What about Ranard Henfield? He has made a serious choice and the validity of that choice may come to light sooner than he thinks. He may have accepted a “party” position, but he may have thrown away the playbook that comes with such a move by an established political entity; and this possible fact may have been disregarded by his detractors who are many. He can take consolation in the fact that they said the same things about the present Prime Minister, so he is in good company. This situation may be a test for the Prime Minister if it is to be politics as usual in the Bahamas. Dr. Minnis must show that it is really the “people’s time” by allowing Mr. Henfield to exercise his conscience within the boundaries of his Senate appointment; anything less would go against something that the good Doctor holds dear. Conscience.
Sincerely,
Edward Hutcheson
May 23, 2017
