There is a saying in politics ‘to the victor go the spoils’ and it seems to be generally accepted, that a winning party will put its own people into some of the cushy positions. My interpretation of this however is that this is supposed to be reserved for those jobs where by convention the holders of the particular offices should resign on the election of a new government, such as government boards, Ambassadors and other political positions.
During the election campaign and lead up to the May 2002 general election the PLP went to great lengths to fashion themselves as the New PLP. It was a campaign that was professionally conducted. Opposition Leader Perry Christie as he then was, whilst addressing the various rallies, he ensured that the crowds were aware that this was a new PLP, so as not to be confused with the former administration. On the face of it, it certainly appeared as though the party had reformed itself. First and foremost in this rehabilitation effort was the amount of new, young, vibrant faces, which I am sure played a major role in the reason many Bahamians voted PLP, along with the disillusionment with the FNM and its perceived lack of leadership.
Since that time there have been instances of the old PLP returning to power. First of all in appointing the government boards the Prime Minister bought back many of the PLPs from the former administration, much to the dismay of the new young faces. Secondly in the Cabinet the Prime Minister has failed to take decisive action where certain ministers are concerned and lastly there is the growing concern amongst the voting public that the worst element of the old PLP, the victimisation of those who have different opinions has returned. Additionally the practice of securing a government job by getting a letter from your Member of Parliament has apparently returned.
As a people we are supposed to learn from history, and one of the greatest lessons is not to repeat the mistakes of the past. Why then would the PLP let some of the old policies creep back into practice?
The opposition, although it appears to be aimless at the moment, has begun to organise itself. I have been informed that some sections are already entering campaign mode, this can be seen by the opening up of some of the constituency offices, and the prospective candidates conducting walkabout tours.
The opposition will be making full use of the disgruntled nature of the Bahamian electorate, and will be sure to point out any abuse by the government, no matter how small.
The PLP managed to annoy and tick off everybody the last time they held the reigns of power, but at least that was achieved over a twenty-five year period. This time, however, they have managed to do so in a little over one year arid four months. If it is their intention to be elected to a second term, it is time for the New PLP that we were promised to emerge.
Editorial, The Nassau Guardian
