In the wake of Guy Fawkes Day, I am compelled to offer further explanation on
why I am running as an independent candidate in the next general election.
The notion that a corrupt government can only be “overthrown”
through violent revolution is hogwash. Perhaps those who seek to ascend to
positions of power may disagree, for fear that such ascension may take too much
work, strategy, public education, civic engagement and widespread
trustworthiness to actually happen quickly.
I would support those who seek to be elected to office if they
demonstrated all of the following:
•
A heart for national advancement above and
beyond personal gain
•
Confidence but not arrogance
•
Belief in accountability, transparency, the Rule
of Law and separation of powers
•
A track record of career achievement that could
be emulated on a national level, toward economic advancement through building
new industries
•
A track record of community development work
•
Consistent public engagement
•
Concern for Human Rights & Protections
•
A plan for peace through crime prevention,
detection and law enforcement
It is not difficult to oppose government mis-steps and
wrongdoing. It is very difficult to do the work required to implement prospective solutions, without governmental support. I propose to do the latter,
but still invite the government to support, if they so choose.
I have been protesting corruption and failure of
parliamentarians to disclose their assets annually. As the founder of Rise
Bahamas, we have demonstrated for stiffer penalties for convicted sex offenders
and for the full enactment of “Marco’s Law”. Our current petition is calling
for the implementation of a national violence prevention plan. I believe that
the money allocated toward Bahamas “Junkanoo” Carnival should be redirected
toward funding civil society and NGO-led social development programs.
I am sufficiently
convinced that our current government, nor the previous, are serious enough
about tackling the root causes of violent crime through deep-rooted, long term,
extensively funded social development programs. It’s time for a Bahamas that is
independent from the minority rule of Foreign Direct “Investors”,
millionaire/billionaire expats and the political elite. I invite anyone that
possesses the qualities mentioned above to run in the constituency you reside
in, or are willing to relocate to, as an independent candidate.
Terneille Burrows
Independent Elizabeth
Terneille Burrows announces candidacy as M.P. for Elizabeth Constituency
