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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 Salutations
Good Evening DNA’s!!! First of all I want to thank all of you for coming out tonight. I would like to thank the newly elected officers of the DNA; our reelected Deputy Mr. Christopher Mortimer, as well as the men and women who have been selected to be the party’s standard bearers in the upcoming general election.
Ladies and Gentlemen, On 12th May 2011, The Democratic National Alliance was launched with the intention of offering Bahamians a real alternative in governance. On 7th May, 2012, we made history by capturing almost 10 percent of the vote, and while the Bahamian people made another choice, the DNA has not abandoned its mission to offer true representation to the people of this country.
It has been 5 years since the DNA was established. That’s two hundred and sixty weeks, One thousand eight hundred and twenty five days and forty three thousand eight hundred hours to be exact. During that time The Bahamas watched as the idea that everyone knew to be our only hope unfolded, grew and developed and changed the political landscape of our country forever. When critics counted us out, we worked harder, and we have continued to work to keep the government’s feet to the fire and to hold them accountable to their many election promises, even in the face of criticism. This, I firmly believe, is an indicator of the kind of governance you can expect from the DNA. Governance that is in touch with the needs of its people and a government that listens to the voice of the people and representation that is not only transparent but also reflects the will of the electorate.
When I entered front line politics in 2007, I did so because I wanted to make a real difference in the lives of Bahamians. As the Jr. Minister of Immigration, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I was passionate, I was energetic, and I was determined to get the job done. But I learned very quickly that I could make no real difference without the team of people with whom I worked and that supported me, and while I may have gotten credit for the work accomplished by the Ministry in that time, it was by no means a solo operation.
There is something about being in a position of leadership which makes you very aware of how limited you are as an individual. I understand now, as I did then, that it takes the inclusion and participation of others – their ideas, their support, and yes - even their criticisms – that allows for real and substantive impact to be made in any arena, be it the family, in business, or in politics; and while I may have been chosen to lead this organization, I am but a cog in the wheel that moves the party forward. The DNA has, and will always be bigger than any one man.
Whatever successes the DNA has achieved, has been the direct result of the time and effort put in by our executive team, our candidates, DNA members, and our supporters and for that I say thank you.
The 2012 election campaign taught me many valuable lessons; tough lessons but valuable ones none the less. I’ve learned that when entering public life, you must be brave, you must be compassionate, you must be patient and you must be dedicated. Most of all, you must have thick skin and you must be able to accept and use constructive criticism. I also learned that in order to call myself a true patriot, I had to be willing to work and work HARD! To constantly advocate for the rights of Bahamians, to be the kind of leader that Bahamians can be proud of. I am reminded of those lessons tonight and I will continue to learn from the electorate and adapt to the needs of our ever changing country.
Since its formation, the DNA has grown leaps and bounds. Like any other organization, we have had our share of challenges. Some who began with us, have since left, but scores more have joined our ranks. Tonight, you heard from just a few members of the DNA’s team, and tomorrow evening you can expect to hear more from members of our team. Talented and bright Bahamians from all walks of life. Unionists, Businessmen and women, financial experts, social workers, security experts and attorneys alike.
Ladies and gentlemen, I do not have to tell you the challenges which face our beautiful country. You are all too aware of the rising crime rate, the rising unemployment rate and lack of opportunities which have stifled our development and while many of us may often feel powerless to change the things around us I STILL HAVE HOPE! As you would have heard the Deputy Chairman say at the start of the convention, we are in a particularly unique situation; because despite the issues which threaten our way of life, we, the people of this beautiful grouping of rocks and keys have been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to start over.
Through the Democratic National Alliance we have a collective opportunity to stop the clock and hit the reset button on our country’s governance but we must ACT NOW! If you have ever felt powerless this is your moment to reclaim your authority. To DEMAND once and for all that your voice as a voter is not only heard but RESPECTED!
Over the next several weeks, Bahamians can expect the DNA to become even more visible than we have already been. More candidates will be publicly ratified and as the party and its base continue to grow, YOU, the public, will have the opportunity to speak with your potential representatives face to face. We encourage you to ask the tough questions and listen intently to answers.
I encourage you to register to vote! Ready yourself for whenever the election is called and be ready to use your vote and your voice and when the time comes be guided by the lighthouse as we chart a course to a better and brighter Bahamas!
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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