CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has congratulated the newly elected Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Mr. Phillip Davis, and his Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on their resounding victory in the General Elections of 16 September 2021.
The Secretary-General said she looks forward to welcoming the new Prime Minister as he takes his place within the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.
The full congratulatory message from the Secretary-General reads:
“Prime Minister,
On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I offer my sincere congratulations to you and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) on your resounding victory in the General Elections held in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on 16 September.
I also congratulate you on your election as the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
The overwhelming victory of your Party indicates that the people of The Bahamas have every confidence that your leadership and the policies outlined by the PLP would guide them on a path to progress. I also congratulate the people of The Bahamas for exercising their franchise, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
I look forward to welcoming you, Prime Minister, as you take your place within the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.
You can be assured, Prime Minister, of the support of the CARICOM Secretariat and the Community during your term of office.”
Former Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis lost the September 16th elections to Phillip in a country which was reeling from a surge in COVID-19 cases and slump in the tourism-dependent economy due to the pandemic.
Minnis, the leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) party, had been hoping to become the first prime minister in 24 years to win a second five-year term.
I am seeking clarification concerning the issue of people making statements about prime ministers being elected.
According to my interpretations of the various colonial constitutions left upon us by the british, elections are for representatives, and the representative who happens to be the party leader is anointed prime minister, or the representative of the majority party who is judged to have the most support
among his party representatives is chosen. I do not believe there is any ballot with a slot specifically for electing a prime minister. In other words, the people do not vote for prime minister, the party decides who is or should be prime minister. If I am wrong, please feel free to educate me. Thanks
There are a couple of things to chew on about the results of this election.
Firstly, the ruling party has to deliver on their promises to retain power or they will be booted from office. This clearly shows that the Bahamian electorate is well informed, very enlightened and cannot be taken for granted.
Secondly, the former prime minister, Mr. Hubert Minnis, gracefully accepted defeat as was the case in St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and many other jurisdictions throughout the Caribbean. The sole reason being, the Electoral Systems in these countries are mostly beyond reproach. They are unlike what obtains in Dominica under the despotic reign of a political and intellectual invalid.
Dominicans, are you going to keep the ostrich posture and continue to be spectators while your country disintegrates? Time to take a collect stand. The time for action is NOW. Tomorrow is too late. Be more proactive and less verbose.