POLITICS

January 2002 Table of Contents

POLITICS

It had long been established that MP for South Abaco Robert Sweeting would stand down at the next election and that Senator Michael Bethel would contest the seat after serving his political apprenticeship in the Senate. Whether Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham would stand again in Coopers Town after giving up his senior role was open to conjecture.

On 17th November the Prime Minister told those present at the signing of the contract for the new port in Marsh Harbour that both he and Robert Sweeting would again contest the Abaco seats for the Free National Movement. The statement was loudly applauded but it is usual in The Bahamas that when senior politicians speak loudly they get applause, no matter what they actually say.

It appears that Senator Bethel had a change of mind about continuing his political career. As the time was too short to prepare somebody else to contest the South Abaco District, Robert Sweeting agreed to stand again even though he was just as willing to stand down.

Then, very strangely, the official list of FNM candidates was published and there was only one omission, that of the Coopers Town. Had the Prime Minister changed his mind? It was mystifying.

We think the change of heart by Senator Bethel was less mystifying. Many upwardly-mobile Bahamians want to be politicians. Lawyers and politicians (they are often enough the same) represent the pinnacle of success and power in this country. But supposing you have a lovely wife, a responsible and rewarding job, a peaceful home town to live in and the respect of your fellow man, why be a politician?

We have not spoken with Senator Michael Bethel but it seems transparently clear - he wants to remain his own man.

January 2002 Table of Contents