With there being just a week left before the referendum, the Free National Movement (FNM) has settled on a no vote position after its leader had several other positions. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) officially says it has no position. No one believes the PLP when it says this, but it persists with this declaration nonetheless.
Why is the PLP not declaring its official position? Who knows. It could be fear of the church. It could be fear of taking a stand. But the PLP not having a position creates some confusion when prominent members of the party speak publicly.
PLPs such as Franklyn Wilson and Raynard Rigby have advocated for a no vote. Other PLPs such as party Chairman Bradley Roberts are saying vote yes. Roberts had to clarify that by urging Bahamians to vote yes he was speaking personally and the party’s “neutral” position remains.
There is nothing wrong with the PLP saying Bahamians should vote yes if that is what the party thinks is best. What it might be afraid of by doing so is the criticism that the numbers bosses gave campaign donations to the party and now the party is paying back its financiers.
For Prime Minister Perry Christie, there is another issue. His credibility is strained when he says his party has no position – and Bahamians know it does. Therefore, when he makes remarks about the referendum and what may or may not happen if there is a no or a yes vote, people think he is being less than clear and forthcoming.
Bahamian voters know the PLP wants a yes vote. Bahamian voters also know the FNM only wants to see the PLP defeated in the referendum so it has trouble afterwards. Neither party is being sincere and concerned about public policy or The Bahamas regarding declarations on the issue.
Nonetheless, Bahamians know what issues are at stake in this referendum. It is simple. Do you want the lottery business legalized for Bahamians and residents? And, do you want the current numbers men involved in the lottery business in The Bahamas? Bahamians should vote yes or no on these questions based on personal analysis and not get overly concerned with the sometimes confusing, contradictory and self serving remarks made by politicians.
When the vote is over and if the people vote yes, those politicians will have the real task of crafting a local gaming sector. The FNM prepared draft legislation when it was last in office and that legislation should be the basis of discussions as to the new sector, as much work was put into it. The necessary modifications could be made and the people informed as the process proceeds.
The politicians need not speak much anymore. The end of the road is almost here. There will be much work for them to do after the vote if it is a yes or no.
Editorial, The Nassau Guardian
