|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 A few hours ago, the United Kingdom voted by way of Referendum to withdraw from the European Union. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom was in favour of remaining with the European Union. Because of the position he took relative to the Referendum, in light of its results and the conventions of the Westminster System, the Prime Minister had no recourse but to immediately issue his resignation.
Under the Westminster System, if a government brings a Referendum to the people which is not successful (in favor of the government’s position), the Prime Minister must immediately step down.
Ironically, on the 18th January, 2013 and the 7th June, 2016 I reminded the Bahamian electorate that we follow the Westminster system. Some of the conventions we follow as a country which indicate our alignment with the Westminster System are;
We do not have fixed election dates
The Election cycle occurs every five years
The configuration of the Cabinet i.e. The Prime Minister being 'First Among Equals’
The Governor General being the representative of the Queen
On the 18th January 2013 the Bahamas had a Referendum/Opinion Poll on Gaming. Our Prime Minister at the time stated that he would abide by the wishes of the Bahamian people, whatever the outcome of the Referendum/Opinion Poll.
The Bahamian people voted against the Gaming Referendum/Opinion Poll.
Following the Gaming Referendum, Prime Minister Christie
Ignored the call to resign as a result of the loss Referendum.
Ignored the wishes of the Bahamian people
Decided to bring legislation to Parliament to enforce what the Bahamian people voted against.
This single act by PM Christie was described as the “Death of Democracy”.
More recently, on the 7th June 2016 the Bahamas had another Referendum. The Prime Minister attempted to change the Constitution of the Bahamas. A Yes campaign for the change was initiated by the Prime Minister and funded, without the permission of the Bahamian people, by the public purse.
The Referendum to change the Constitution of the Bahamas failed.
Again the Prime Minister was called upon to resign. He did not.
In his words, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas name was not on the ballot.
Our Prime Minister has completed ignored this convention on two occasions and in one instance introduced Legislation contrary to the Bahamian peoples vote on Gaming.
With respect, the Bahamian people deserve leadership that is obedient to the wishes of the people and respectful to our Parliamentary System.
If we are to progress, we must be consistent and transparent in ALL of our national forums. We must adhere to rules and regulations. Culture flows downward. We will continue to cultivate a culture of lawlessness if we do not begin to practice discipline at the top.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
