By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Chief Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

DEMOCRATIC National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday said his perspective on the constitutional referendum bills have evolved in the months leading up to the vote, thanks in part to the arguments laid out by former Court of Appeal President Dame Joan Sawyer.

Dame Joan has previously said she does not see the need for the referendum, which she has called a “waste of time,” stating that the government could make the changes contained in the first three bills by acts of Parliament.

“Over the course of the past several weeks and months I, like the entire citizenry have watched with interest as the various arguments for and against the four amendments,” he said in a statement. “Over that time, my own thoughts and opinions on this particular issue have evolved. While I have long maintained my opposition to bill number four, I have also publicly said that I previously saw no real problem with the first three bills.

“The arguments laid out by the likes of brilliant legal minds such as Dame Joan Sawyer have changed my perspective. The former president of the Court of Appeal laid out a convincing and well thought out legal and moral argument.

“Sadly, at the hands of the members of the ‘yes’ vote committee and its supporters, Dame Joan, like other vocal opponents of the bills have been publicly castigated and shamed for their opinions.”

He also blasted the YES Bahamas campaign for wrongly using his photo in its social media campaign, a move he called dangerous, irresponsible and blatant misrepresentation.

Mr McCartney suggested that organisers have “lost or abandoned” their moral compass as the unauthorised use of his photo showcased the group’s total lack of respect for dissenters.

He said he hoped today’s historic vote is conducted in a fair manner, free of political interference and manipulation.

“For the vote yes group to use my image to promote their agenda without first consulting with me on the issue or even bothering to inquire about my current leanings on the bills shows a total lack of respect for dissenting views and opinions and that in itself is dangerous to the country’s democracy.

“If this government funded group cannot act responsibly on a matter as simple as social media posting, then I am very concerned about the way (today’s) vote will unfold.

“Based on this administration’s corrupt reputation, its misrepresentation to the Bahamian public on the last referendum/opinion poll, its change of position on the 2002 referendum . . . I can only hope that (Tuesday’s) vote will be fair and free of any and all levels of political interference and manipulation.”

According to Mr McCartney, his photo went viral after it was posted on Facebook as part of the “I’m voting yes” campaign. The photo was taken down after Mr McCartney requested its removal and a statement acknowledging the error. Mr McCartney said the request was honoured but it did not negate the level of irresponsibility or the lack of respect that the government has cultivated on this issue.

“In just a few hours,” he said, “Bahamians will head to the polls in what will undoubtedly be one of the most historic votes in the country’s history. Not only does this vote have widespread legislative implications but it also holds great significance for the country’s moral compass as well.

“Sadly, it appears that members of the vote yes campaign have either lost or abandoned their moral compass, instead stooping to any and all possible tactics to sway the voting public.”

Last week, less than 50 per cent of eligible persons voted in the referendum’s advance poll in New Providence. The vote takes place today.