By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Cabinet minister George Smith yesterday called on politicians to “move aside” if they are not ready to adequately serve the electorate.

He lamented the fact that a dispute between “two self-absorbed, rich white foreign men” has dominated the national discussion over such pertinent issues as gender equality, Baha Mar and crime.

His statement came after the House of Assembly’s mid-year debate was dominated with arguments about Lyford Cay fashion mogul Peter Nygard and his billionaire neighbour Louis Bacon.

“Somewhere in the maze of court affidavits, local and international news reports and commentaries, recordings and parliamentary speeches, there is the truth about the Nygard/Bacon controversy,” Mr Smith said.

“What is painfully clear to all is that what started as a disagreement between two self-absorbed, rich white foreign men, now dominates the national discussion. Sufficient is known to clearly establish that Nygard and Bacon are not good for this proud, predominately black nation.

“Decisions about their continuing presence in the country must be made in the interest of The Bahamas. The suggestion that each has spent a great deal of money here and may have bought individuals who are said to presently have influence in the FNM and the PLP must not matter. Leaders must subordinate their personal choices to what is best for the Bahamian people. That is what must be demanded of them.”

Mr Smith called on elected officials to focus on the issues that affect the everyday citizen.

“Gender equality is a process which the people want finished, so that we could consider other constitutional advancements. Leaders should promote other progressive constitutional changes. The people want to see progress in the fight against crime and improvements in education. They want serious action on National Health (Insurance) and employment opportunities. They want the fires at the garbage site stopped,” he said.

“They want to see the result of the government’s persuasiveness on Baha Mar’s future. They want a plan unveiled on economic empowerment of average Bahamians. They want to know that the vast majority of government consultants are Bahamian professionals. The Family Islands, including Grand Bahama, must see action. They are weary of promises and speeches. Now is the time for them to see the results of their patience,” Mr Smith also said.

He went on to note that “real leaders” must champion the cause of the people they represent.

“They must make real the commitment of ‘putting Bahamians first’. That is why they were put in office by the Bahamian electorate.

The elected politician should be the voice of the people. That is their job: to be the voice of the poor, the unemployed, the dispossessed, the young, the exploited and the infirm.

“Those are the people they swore that they would serve. Those are the people they are paid to serve. All elected politicians are called on to do their job; or, they should move aside for their replacements who will. The people deserve better.”

An affidavit filed on March 9 by several directors of Save the Bays (STB), including Mr Bacon, alleged that Mr Nygard hired two “gang members” to commit criminal acts against those who opposed further development at Nygard Cay.

In one of several secret videos of Mr Nygard that were also filed in court, the fashion mogul is heard alleging that he contributed $5m to the PLP only to receive “fake promises” from Prime Minister Perry Christie.

In the wake of the allegations, members of the PLP have accused STB of trying to “destabilise” the government under the guise of being an environmental watchdog group.

Mr Nygard has since filed court documents disputing the allegations made by STB.