Your closing sentence "It is time to unite with Minnis" is an oxymoron as Minnis has proven to be a divider not an unifying influence. within the Free National Movement. Ergo, sugar-coated platitudinous responses to criticisms leveled at Minnis, such as the above, rings hollow to the many supporters and the electorate -at-large who disagree with your assertion that he is ready to lead this country at this time given the country's near-caotic state. the fnm is sorely divided and anyone who says differently has his head buried deep beneath the proverbial sand. Under Minnis' and other of his obsequious band of supporters FNMs have been systematically marginalized particularly those who played pivotal roles within the FNM's political machine while others have been marginalized because of their support of the immediate past leader which has resulted in the party's inability to provide the quality of Opposition to the PLP which has been characterized as lack luster at its best which no one who has witnessed the Minnis led FNM's performance over the past three and a half years can deny. What is really sad about this state of affairs is that the FNM can wrest the government from the death grip of the PLP if they were united with its base energized and battle ready. Minnis, himself, is incapable of making this happen. The party itself must lead the way in this uniting effort to heal the wounds inflicted by Minnis and his crew, energize the base and become battle ready to take on the reins of government which the citizens are crying for. Their only hope being the FNM. In my opinion the most effective unifying mechanism the party must employ, and sooner rather than later, is an unifying convention which will reunite, reenergize and cause the party to be reelected to govern. Food for thought.
I have a question for all of you hypocritics who have posted negative comments herein above. Why are all of you using nom de plumes as signatures for your posts? Are you all hiding as well? Are you all cowards? Hmmmm? I'm certain that just as the former FNM Candidate has a good reason for not disclosing his/her name so do you all.LOL…LOL.
We should not be so surprised as a result of these revelations…after all we live in a most corrupt society where politically connected thieves are protected. Whenever they are caught they are seldom prosecuted, They are simply transferred to another department or ministry.
A recent case in point: When it was discovered, late last year, that some **$50,000.00, in cash, had gone missing from the Supreme Court receipts** a Finance Officer, who happened to be on vacation at the time of the discovery, was arrested by the police, questioned and released. The officer was later transferred to another Government Department. Needless to say the officer is politically connected to a high ranking Cabinet Minister.
This was the second time the officer had been transferred for stealing. Maybe the Auditor General will have a look at the Supreme Court Accounts as well.
Mr. Pintard and others in the FNM, who are driven more by their personal ambitions than acting in the best interest of the organization, continue their divisive tactics, which will destroy the FNM’s viability as an alternative to the inept PLP in the next general election.
His denial that there is, at present, a serious rift in the party’s parliamentary team in connection with Minnis’ leadership is laughable as is his comments in response to Darron Cash’s posts on Facebook.
The rift in the party is real which in turn necessitated the Tuesday meeting referenced by Pintard in his response to Cash. He should have revealed that The FNM MPs also met with Minnis and others on Tuesday of the previous week and during the course of which a convention, among other matters were discussed,
Readers will recall Pintard and Minnis’ previous statements that the party would not have a convention before the next election. What was it that changed their minds?
The action taken and contemplated by the FNM MPs are but the first steps toward restoring the FNM to a well-oiled and focused machine having all hands on deck.
It is imperative, therefore, that Minnis and Pintard have a “Come-to-Jesus” moment and come to realize that the FNM has a rich legacy which includes the period 1990 – 2012 and that they were sorely misguided in their attempts to erase that period from its legacy. In addition to the attempted erasure there was also a purge of committed individuals who contributed to the successes of that period. While some have moved on others will reengage after the restoration.
And now a bit of advise for Minnis, Pintard and others: Pay close attention to the MPs and other advisors. They are not alone.
"Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…". what is Allyson going on about. She has not done one single thing, as Attorney General, to improve the judicial system of The Bahamas. She has instead sullied it with her political interference and decisions. Ask Jerome Fitzgerald.
Court calendars are backed up; “Swift Justice” is apparently for the privileged only. What is ironic about this so called “swift Justice” is that it has apparently been adopted by the criminal element in the society to settle scores amongst themselves.
After she has dispensed with the alleged BEC bribery case perhaps she could tell the Bahamian people why a case of stealing by a politically connected Supreme Court Finance officer, that was initially turned over to the police, was covered up and the Finance Officer simply transferred to another Government Department. Maybe, just maybe, the police and her advisors “are in the process of reviewing it”.
While the observations and recommendations proffered by the FNM’s Deputy Leader, Mr. Peter Turnquest, are sound they do not, however, address the larger problem of corruption and refusal of the current administration to continue and complete the Land Use, Policy And Administration Policy (LUPAP) initiatives taken by the Ingraham Administration which would have addressed among other issues: A National Land Registry System. A National Geographic Information System (NGIS) as well an Integrated Coastal Zone Management system.
The completion of the Land Registration component would have reduced the corruption associated with land transactions and registrations in The Bahamas by 99%, and in addition would have removed the necessity for costly land title searches and opinions by local attorneys thereby turning the Title Search industry on its head which is probably the core reason it was not completed by the Christie Government.
The forced resignation of the former Director of Lands and Surveys, Mr. Tex Tourniquets, should have been accompanied by others, Chief among them being a former Permanent Secretary and a naturalized Under Secretary in the Office of The Prime Minister who facilitated Crown Grants, on several islands, to members of his immediate family.
The Under Secretary was recently retired from his post at the OPM but is retained as a consultant and was recently spotted meeting with the Attorney General at Starbucks, West Bay Street, and was overheard giving the AG information on land in Eleuthera.
This project failed to get off the ground because its success was predicated on the PLP winning the 2007 General Elections. It is alleged that Mr. Penn had partnered with a very powerful PLP Cabinet Minister who was in the process of revamping the Ministry of Housing’s Low-Cost Home Construction’s awarding of contracts model.
The plan was to have contractors bid for the provision of machinery and labor, only, leaving the procurement of all building supplies to the Ministry of Housing which would, in turn, purchase same from/ through Mr. Penn’s Oscarkath Home Depot, exclusively.
The “powerful” Cabinet Minister and another of the partners sit in the current Christie Cabinet.
Madam Attorney General is at best disingenuous and her response a puerile obfuscation. I am confident that citizens have tuned her out. Thankfully she will demit office soon.
As for the source close to the matter suggesting, “ Prosecutors must consider the legal issues relating to the case such as whether the statute of limitations applies….” is astounding as this would ordinarily have been determined prior to embarking on an investigation, for obvious reasons.
With the greatest of respect Tall the above mentioned comments were not directed to those of your ilk. Those to whom it was directed have received the message, i can assure.
Mr. Pintard’s “team approach” to governance is an euphemism for “Yes, we are aware that we have, in Mr. Minnis, a weak, unappealing, ineffective and uninspiring leader, We will, therefore, circle the wagons around him and hope for the best.”
Hoping for the beat is not good enough for The Bahamas and the Bahamian people who yearn for competent leaders. They are looking for leaders who, firstly, love The Bahamas and who will dedicate themselves to the task of rescuing the nation. A mixture of bright and talented young Bahamians *sans* the oversized egos and who will put the country before all else together with experienced leaders to nurture and guide the inexperienced.
We have over the past three years witnessed the failed attempted make over of the FNM in Mr. Minnis’ and some of his supporters’ Image. We have witnessed the dismantling of the FNM’s strategic management and marketing team. We have witnessed the attempt by Minnis, Pintard and others to dismantle the party’s legacy. They act as though the period 1990 to 2012 never happened. Then there are the others who say they have gotten their party back.
The FNM led by Minnis and others is going nowhere fast. If they would redirect the energy they expend to further divide the party to wresting the government from the incompetent and corrupt PLP they could succeed in winning the next election.
Time is of the essence though. There is a short window in which the FNM can correct its present self immolating course by bringing FNMs together, embracind its legacy, healing its wounds and reengaging those who have been pushed aside as a result of the “Ingraham, Era Is Over” speech delivered by Minnis in Abaco.
The party’s council, if it’s wise, can make this happen before its too late. The party cannot go into the next election and succeed in its present state.
iamcitizen says...
Your closing sentence "It is time to unite with Minnis" is an oxymoron as Minnis has proven to be a divider not an unifying influence. within the Free National Movement. Ergo, sugar-coated platitudinous responses to criticisms leveled at Minnis, such as the above, rings hollow to the many supporters and the electorate -at-large who disagree with your assertion that he is ready to lead this country at this time given the country's near-caotic state. the fnm is sorely divided and anyone who says differently has his head buried deep beneath the proverbial sand. Under Minnis' and other of his obsequious band of supporters FNMs have been systematically marginalized particularly those who played pivotal roles within the FNM's political machine while others have been marginalized because of their support of the immediate past leader which has resulted in the party's inability to provide the quality of Opposition to the PLP which has been characterized as lack luster at its best which no one who has witnessed the Minnis led FNM's performance over the past three and a half years can deny. What is really sad about this state of affairs is that the FNM can wrest the government from the death grip of the PLP if they were united with its base energized and battle ready. Minnis, himself, is incapable of making this happen. The party itself must lead the way in this uniting effort to heal the wounds inflicted by Minnis and his crew, energize the base and become battle ready to take on the reins of government which the citizens are crying for. Their only hope being the FNM. In my opinion the most effective unifying mechanism the party must employ, and sooner rather than later, is an unifying convention which will reunite, reenergize and cause the party to be reelected to govern. Food for thought.
On Time to unite with Minnis
Posted 15 January 2016, 5:25 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
I have a question for all of you hypocritics who have posted negative comments herein above. Why are all of you using nom de plumes as signatures for your posts? Are you all hiding as well? Are you all cowards?
Hmmmm? I'm certain that just as the former FNM Candidate has a good reason for not disclosing his/her name so do you all.LOL…LOL.
On Former MP blasts FNM council changes
Posted 14 January 2016, 6:04 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
We should not be so surprised as a result of these revelations…after all we live in a most corrupt society where politically connected thieves are protected. Whenever they are caught they are seldom prosecuted, They are simply transferred to another department or ministry.
A recent case in point: When it was discovered, late last year, that some **$50,000.00, in cash, had gone missing from the Supreme Court receipts** a Finance Officer, who happened to be on vacation at the time of the discovery, was arrested by the police, questioned and released. The officer was later transferred to another Government Department. Needless to say the officer is politically connected to a high ranking Cabinet Minister.
This was the second time the officer had been transferred for stealing. Maybe the Auditor General will have a look at the Supreme Court Accounts as well.
On $660,000 missing from Road Traffic
Posted 10 November 2015, 5:17 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
Mr. Pintard and others in the FNM, who are driven more by their personal ambitions than acting in the best interest of the organization, continue their divisive tactics, which will destroy the FNM’s viability as an alternative to the inept PLP in the next general election.
His denial that there is, at present, a serious rift in the party’s parliamentary team in connection with Minnis’ leadership is laughable as is his comments in response to Darron Cash’s posts on Facebook.
The rift in the party is real which in turn necessitated the Tuesday meeting referenced by Pintard in his response to Cash. He should have revealed that
The FNM MPs also met with Minnis and others on Tuesday of the previous week and during the course of which a convention, among other matters were discussed,
Readers will recall Pintard and Minnis’ previous statements that the party would not have a convention before the next election. What was it that changed their minds?
The action taken and contemplated by the FNM MPs are but the first steps toward restoring the FNM to a well-oiled and focused machine having all hands on deck.
It is imperative, therefore, that Minnis and Pintard have a “Come-to-Jesus” moment and come to realize that the FNM has a rich legacy which includes the period 1990 – 2012 and that they were sorely misguided in their attempts to erase that period from its legacy. In addition to the attempted erasure there was also a purge of committed individuals who contributed to the successes of that period. While some have moved on others will reengage after the restoration.
And now a bit of advise for Minnis, Pintard and others: Pay close attention to the MPs and other advisors. They are not alone.
On Minnis ‘wants convention’ ahead of next election
Posted 1 October 2015, 4:57 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
"Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…". what is Allyson going on about. She has not done one single thing, as Attorney General, to improve the judicial system of The Bahamas. She has instead sullied it with her political interference and decisions. Ask Jerome Fitzgerald.
Court calendars are backed up; “Swift Justice” is apparently for the privileged only. What is ironic about this so called “swift Justice” is that it has apparently been adopted by the criminal element in the society to settle scores amongst themselves.
After she has dispensed with the alleged BEC bribery case perhaps she could tell the Bahamian people why a case of stealing by a politically connected Supreme Court Finance officer, that was initially turned over to the police, was covered up and the Finance Officer simply transferred to another Government Department. Maybe, just maybe, the police and her advisors “are in the process of reviewing it”.
We shall wait and see.
On BEC bribe probe ‘nearly complete’
Posted 25 September 2015, 3:15 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
While the observations and recommendations proffered by the FNM’s Deputy Leader, Mr. Peter Turnquest, are sound they do not, however, address the larger problem of corruption and refusal of the current administration to continue and complete the Land Use, Policy And Administration Policy (LUPAP) initiatives taken by the Ingraham Administration which would have addressed among other issues: A National Land Registry System. A National Geographic Information System (NGIS) as well an Integrated Coastal Zone Management system.
The completion of the Land Registration component would have reduced the corruption associated with land transactions and registrations in The Bahamas by 99%, and in addition would have removed the necessity for costly land title searches and opinions by local attorneys thereby turning the Title Search industry on its head which is probably the core reason it was not completed by the Christie Government.
The forced resignation of the former Director of Lands and Surveys, Mr. Tex Tourniquets, should have been accompanied by others, Chief among them being a former Permanent Secretary and a naturalized Under Secretary in the Office of The Prime Minister who facilitated Crown Grants, on several islands, to members of his immediate family.
The Under Secretary was recently retired from his post at the OPM but is retained as a consultant and was recently spotted meeting with the Attorney General at Starbucks, West Bay Street, and was overheard giving the AG information on land in Eleuthera.
On FNM deputy wants Crown Land sovereign wealth fund
Posted 23 September 2015, 6:12 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
This project failed to get off the ground because its success was predicated on the PLP winning the 2007 General Elections. It is alleged that Mr. Penn had partnered with a very powerful PLP Cabinet Minister who was in the process of revamping the Ministry of Housing’s Low-Cost Home Construction’s awarding of contracts model.
The plan was to have contractors bid for the provision of machinery and labor, only, leaving the procurement of all building supplies to the Ministry of Housing which would, in turn, purchase same from/ through Mr. Penn’s Oscarkath Home Depot, exclusively.
The “powerful” Cabinet Minister and another of the partners sit in the current Christie Cabinet.
On Contractor leveraged $221,000 Crown grant into $7m BOB loan
Posted 21 September 2015, 5:46 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
Madam Attorney General is at best disingenuous and her response a puerile obfuscation. I am confident that citizens have tuned her out. Thankfully she will demit office soon.
As for the source close to the matter suggesting, “ Prosecutors must consider the legal issues relating to the case such as whether the statute of limitations applies….” is astounding as this would ordinarily have been determined prior to embarking on an investigation, for obvious reasons.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2015…
On Attorney General to go public ‘soon’ over BEC bribe
Posted 16 September 2015, 11 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
With the greatest of respect Tall the above mentioned comments were not directed to those of your ilk. Those to whom it was directed have received the message, i can assure.
On Pintard: Making Ingraham focus of campaign a mistake
Posted 11 September 2015, 5:16 p.m. Suggest removal
iamcitizen says...
Mr. Pintard’s “team approach” to governance is an euphemism for “Yes, we are aware that we have, in Mr. Minnis, a weak, unappealing, ineffective and uninspiring leader, We will, therefore, circle the wagons around him and hope for the best.”
Hoping for the beat is not good enough for The Bahamas and the Bahamian people who yearn for competent leaders. They are looking for leaders who, firstly, love The Bahamas and who will dedicate themselves to the task of rescuing the nation. A mixture of bright and talented young Bahamians *sans* the oversized egos and who will put the country before all else together with experienced leaders to nurture and guide the inexperienced.
We have over the past three years witnessed the failed attempted make over of the FNM in Mr. Minnis’ and some of his supporters’ Image. We have witnessed the dismantling of the FNM’s strategic management and marketing team. We have witnessed the attempt by Minnis, Pintard and others to dismantle the party’s legacy. They act as though the period 1990 to 2012 never happened. Then there are the others who say they have gotten their party back.
The FNM led by Minnis and others is going nowhere fast. If they would redirect the energy they expend to further divide the party to wresting the government from the incompetent and corrupt PLP they could succeed in winning the next election.
Time is of the essence though. There is a short window in which the FNM can correct its present self immolating course by bringing FNMs together, embracind its legacy, healing its wounds and reengaging those who have been pushed aside as a result of the “Ingraham, Era Is Over” speech delivered by Minnis in Abaco.
The party’s council, if it’s wise, can make this happen before its too late. The party cannot go into the next election and succeed in its present state.
On Pintard: Making Ingraham focus of campaign a mistake
Posted 11 September 2015, 4:45 p.m. Suggest removal