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Dec
18
Written by:
Godfrey Smith
Friday, December 18, 2009
Said’s Comeback Experiment:
A Reply to Evan X Hyde
“Where is he going with this comeback attempt?” was the rhetorical question asked in a recent editorial by Evan X Hyde, publisher of the Amandala newspaper.
The editorial is a kind of psycho-analysis describing the myths and misperceptions suborning the mind of Musa and bending him toward making a comeback.
It argues that it would not be good sense for Said Musa to pursue a comeback for leadership of the PUP because he’s had his run, brings a lot of “baggage” and would not enjoy the support of that newspaper.
Is it possible that Mr. Musa could retake leadership of the PUP and go on to be prime minister at the age of 70?
Many are repulsed by the mere suggestion of a Musa comeback and argue that he cannot return because people believe that he knowingly presided over the most deceitful, corrupt, scandal-riddled government in the history of Belize.
The two assumptions underpinning that argument is that people could not possibly re-elect a man whose credibility and integrity have been so shattered and that such a man could not himself sanely contemplate a comeback.
That was why PM Barrow seemed incredulous that Musa even dared to address parliament on the issue of economic recession and hardship. That is why Mr. Hyde described Musa’s intervention as “pretentious”.
But what if both assumptions are wrong? It is never a bad thing to re-examine the underlying assumptions that underpin any argument.
There are no “family and friends inside Mr. Musa’s head”. Quite the opposite; they are advising him against making a comeback.
The sixty-five year old, two-time prime minister and six-time representative of the Fort George Division is considering a comeback because politics is his life and he lives by the credo ‘politics is the art of the possible’.
The comeback signs are undeniably in evidence: the book launch, the National Perspective newspaper, the manner of his interventions in parliament, creating mischief for the Leader of the Opposition, maintaining ultimate control of vital PUP assets.
But above all, there are the regular Thursday lunches. It is entirely out of character for Said Musa to institutionalize regular lunches with friendly party politicos unless he is reserving his political options.
Mr. Briceño is showing no sign of improving on the job. He impresses neither the hoi polloi nor the cognoscenti. He confessed once, during the troubled days of civil unrest against the PUP Government, that he was a businessman, not a politician.
For him to have sneaked the Speednet license under the nose of Musa and Fonseca and bootstrapped that company to where it is today is a hugely admirable feat. Briceño clearly has aptitude for business, but not for leading a political party.
He is content to shake off the insults and scorn heaped upon his weak leadership knowing that he can be swept into the prime minister’s office on a wave of discontent with UDP lack of results if he can but hold onto the reins of leadership.
Mark Espat has superior skills but his nakedly opportunistic pattern of undermining the leadership when he senses its vulnerability only to retreat in sulky silence on the opposition benches has worn thin, is confusing to people and has earned him a sizeable amount of enmity within the party. He needs to declare and be methodical in his quest for leadership; there is no shame in that.
Francis Fonseca was too decent and loyal when he should have been focused on filling a war chest. Where there is no undisputed or anointed successor, money is needed to sustain a leadership fight, especially in the PUP and Musa will not locate his resources behind Francis.
Lisa Shoman’s name has been thrown into the leadership conversation. She has no shortage of skills but would have to ramp up trench work fast, find a seat and, most importantly, convert the idea of a political career into a committed decision.
While they figure out where they are going, an increasing number of persons are commenting that despite his “baggage” Musa is the only opposition member with gravitas in parliament, a point certainly not lost on him.
The question of who “deserves” to lead has no place in politics. You eat what you kill; nothing is given to you. If nobody will step up to challenge Briceño’s weak leadership, why shouldn’t Musa if indeed politics is the art of the possible.
His political skin is course, his experience deep and his finances sound. No, he did not place “himself in jeopardy” at last Friday’s house meeting. He has nothing to lose.
Slowly, quietly, patiently he works at his art of the possible waiting for the political mood to sour against the UDP and for frustration to close in on Briceño’s leadership. He knows both things will eventually happen.
He knows politics is inherently a lie because what is promised in a place that can barely sustain itself will never be achieved; so he waits to capitalize on the ineluctable frustration.
Musa has been through the two-phase cycle of opposition and government many times before. He knows that elections in Belize are won not on coherent policies and well-articulated issues but on the raw reactive emotion of the people.
For over fifty years, amazingly, three single issues have defined the UDP’s election campaigns against the PUP: “Guatemala” during Goldson’s tenure, “communism” during Dean Lindo’s tenure and “corruption” and “financial mismanagement” during Esquivel and Barrow’s tenure.
Conversely, the PUP has always managed to convince the people that the UDP don’t quite get it. They keep good books but are piss poor at patronage politics which is what the people want – and miss, right now.
It’s as simple as that. Is it any wonder that in such a primitive political milieu Said Musa can sanely contemplate a comeback? Edward Seaga was leader of the Jamaica Labour Party until he retired in 2005 at age 74. It took me a shamefully long time to understand how that was possible in a militant, aggressive country like Jamaica.
It is not the temerity of Musa to consider a return that should be questioned. It is impotence of those who would aspire to the leadership that should be questioned.
In a conversation not so long ago, I reacted angrily to the bet by a respected unbiased professional that he would live to see Said Musa hoisted in victory once more upon the shoulders of the people.
That is a long shot. But I grudgingly concede the possibility.
Dean Barrow might have indeed tongue-flogged Said Musa to the tune of “Here we go ‘round the mulberry bush” last Friday. But in a game of musical chairs – which is what politics in Belize is – when the music stops, Said could very well end up in his seat.
36 comment(s) so far...
Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
"He knows that elections in Belize are won not on coherent policies and well-articulated issues but on the raw reactive emotion of the people."
-- This is simply disheartening. Take advantage of the ignorance of the electorate, right?
By 20-something Bzn on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
it is a sad day in belize!
we elect politicians to serve the people, in belize it is not so.
By poor belize on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
I blame the people though in some part. We need to demand better for ourselves. And those of us who are educated (and morally sound) need to uplift the others who are ignorant. It's really up to us, right?
By 20-something Bzn on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
I mean dear god! Briceno confessed once "during the troubled days of civil unrest against the PUP Government, that he was a businessman, not a politician." That's the problem, you're not running a business! And Briceno is certainly not the only one who is better suited for corporate Belize. Too many profit-driven folks running the show.
By 20-something Bzn on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
I normally read these weekly commentaries and try to look at it and understand what Godfrey is trying to say digest it and then make my comments if I have any. I assume that Godfrey is still a PUP and therefore should act like one. Trying to even say that Said Musa is making a comeback is ridiculous. The poor people of Belize blame him forf everything that has gone wrong. He comes off as arrogant to most people and would send the pup back to the stone age if were to ever become party leader. Here is my suggestion he should retire. The best he can do is assist young Henry Charles who really feels like he is entitled to lead the PUP because of his uncle and dad. Said shouild take some time to humble that young man and tell him that in politics you go to start from the bottom. In other words run in a division and try to win. Learn what it is to have constituents, learn what it is to represnet people's interest other than your own personal ambitions. Do something for the community leaders are not made they are born.
Let's face it Lisa Shoman is surely not the answer. I think our country has learnt what happens when you have lawyers lead the country. Nothing against lawyers but by profession their job is to always bend the truth and it is a trait that they bring to office. Said Musa used all the fancy language and "lawyering" tricks when he was lieing to the Belizean people. Dean Barrow does the same thing. I think we have given lawyers their fare share of leading time and they have failed. What we need is a businessman, doctor someone that can put the pieces together and make it work. As complex as it may seem at times running a government and leading people is all about piecing things together and making it work as one. The problem is that there are very few people that can actually do it. Said couldnn't (ARROGANCE AND GREED), Dean can't (too many do-do birds around him) Mark Espat (just too power hungey and undermining has a personal agenda and everyone can see it) and like I mentioned before NO MORE LAWYERS. Johnny Briceno like it or not will succeed he has persevered this far with all the obstacles that those within the party have put before him but its good that it has not been easy because he will learn to appreciate being in the prestigious position he is in and will not disrespect the office as those before him have done. Said never understood leading the PUP is a privelege.
By Black Mamba on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Thoroughly enjoyable read. I may not agree with your views, but damn you expertly relay them with an excellent writing style. These flashpoints are even better than the Editorials in the Amandala. 'From the Publisher' in the Amandala has lost all of its edge. You NEED to get this column into a weekly newspaper. You don't reach enough people on the internet. I do my part by forwarding them along when they hit my email, but perhaps The Reporter would print them. I doubt very much Belize Times, Amandala or Guardian would touch them. They are too hot. And that's a good thing.
By Belize First on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
@ Black Mamba: i take your points in general, but it is disingenuous to generalize; the character of an individual is what makes them a viable candidate or a successful leader, not their day job. The skill set required of a politician demands an understanding of the law, which is one reason many lawyers enter politics.
"(T)heir job is to always bend the truth," you said. This also shows a misunderstanding of lawyering, which might be better described as "applying the law to a given situation."
Politics demands natural business acumen, extraordinary people skills, impressive abilities in communication and much more. The legal trade does bolster some of these qualities, none of which is exemplified in the current leader. I agree with you, however, that Musa's best is probably behind him, and also with the writer that there's a slender chance he'll be back.
Btw - i'm no lawyer, but a salesperson; bending the truth is *my* job.
By Porkeater on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
"Politics demands natural business acumen, extraordinary people skills, impressive abilities in communication and much more." -- can I add a heart in here too? And genuine concern for the welfare of its people including those living below the poverty line.
By 20-something bzn on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Good writing!
Good writing can often cloud the substance of what is being discussed. I think you succeeded in accomplishing your end. Musa may well be best suited, and, indeed possess the experience and so on to lead the PUP. But I daresay that Belize does not need washed out politicians even if there are no good alternatives.
I believe what you should be doing, author, is articulating the qualities of a new breed of politicians, not those of the same old type which "bends the truth" or the kind that "knows that elections in Belize are won not on coherent policies and well-articulated issues but on the raw reactive emotion of the people."
As a young politician, Godfrey, I submit that you should be trying to find a way to get people like yourselves into the discussion even if you have "baggage". Your ability to observe all this shows that you can see the vices of the status quo, but also your desire to take advantage of a bad situation.
Work on that, and we won't only take you seriously. We'll give "that kind of politician" support.
By RAGM on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Good one Godfrey, although this sounds more like a kiss and make up attempt after that "With Malice towards None" article. Sometimes, I wonder if you suffer from multiple personality disorder, because I know you really did not mean to be kind to many of the politicians named in this piece. Which one of these articles is really your innermost thoughts, or are these articles meant to simply provoke or is it you cannot shake the hypocrisy of politics?
By Wise one on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
I believe what you should be doing, author, is articulating the qualities of a new breed of politicians, not those of the same old type which "bends the truth" or the kind that "knows that elections in Belize are won not on coherent policies and well-articulated issues but on the raw reactive emotion of the people."
I agree! And for the 20 something bzns out there planning on a political career in Belize, what do we need to know? I think a lot of us (esp. the ones without family ties to current politicans) are really just disgusted with evertyhing that's happened in the past 10 years and have become a "cynical electorate" who are looking for "coherent policies and well-articulated issues." The old breed's way of doing things is not applicable to this cohort.
By 20-something bzn on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
@20 something
I am a 20 something Belizean as well. I have no faith in the current administration. However, I believe if John B. could toughen up a bit and focus more his opposition role, we can see great things from him. John B. lacks the slick political rhetoric, but he is humble and has the capacity to work hard. However, I think he is too easily influenced by advisors and he needs to find his own way and articulate that to the people. Said Musa needs to support John B. rather than try to bad mind him. I think John B. could certainly lead some 20 something Belizeans into a new era of Belizean politics - an era of pragmatism and a vision beyond our borders. We are far behind our Caribbean neighbours in terms of development and one of the main reasons is a misguided nationalism which shuts the door to lots of opportunities. We also need to take the power away from politicians. That means limiting the term of the Prime Minister to two consecutive terms (no more) and stripping our laws of all those ministerial discretions. Only a humble leader would be able to pull that off. Dean B. will never do that.
By Belize First on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
i am in my early 20's with a background in economics and finance and i am entering politics in the next few years!
i believe that we can choose to remain in the failed path we have been traveling for so many years or we can come together like so many generations before us and forge a future for our country.
I am doing my part and spreading the vision with other people. are you guys doing it? how about you godfrey?
you can lead, follow or get out of the way!
By poor belize on
Friday, December 18, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Lisa Shoman....Leader.......LOL. Godfrey, ah weh you a smoke? Mi want some!
By SAID BARROW on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Godfrey, get over it! You are not leader, Mark is not leader, Said is not the leader, Lisa Shoman is not. John Briceno is. Stop being a little spoilt rugrat! Deal wid real issues, I am tired of hearing the old sad story of your Grand Old Party turned rubbish heap! And stop wasting your time reading Amandala..every week it's the same crap..."bash Lord Ashcroft"..."nobody can win any elections without kremandala support"..."1969"..."UBAD"
By SAID BARROW on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
@Porkeater i beg to differ you are what you do. Lawyers and I mean the really good ones are experts are bending the laws to ensure their clients victory and that is fact. My point is that we have too many lawyers involved in politics or that are in key leadership positions. It is important that we have diversification to ensure that we we get a broader point of view from leaders with different backgrounds. We need more doctors teachers, businessmen, economists etc. even salesmen because somebody should be out there trying to sell our products to the rest of the world. That's jsut the way I see it.
By Balck Mamba on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
I think Lisa Shoman would be an excellent leader. She has more cojones than most of you wannabe macho men out there!!! AND she sure as hell doesn't have an irritating squeaky voice. Hey, why is she not the president of PUP's women's group?? She is what they need. Is that old guard/new guard crap affecting that decision? Come one people, start supporting intelligent, hardworking, committed women to help run this country instead of being so damn negative.
By Feminist on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Look ya, unu nuh di blame lawyers fi all we problems. Yes wa good amount da low down dirty bastards but like any other profession da nuh all a dem! What I nuh like bout Belizean is that we love scapegoat. Zenaida da wa lawyer? David Fonseca da wa lawyer? Ralph Fonseca da wa lawyer? Simple Finnegan da wa lawyer? Patrick Faber da wa Lawyer? Esquivel da mi wa school teacher...da nuh he fire all the Public Officer dem fi christmas? Johnny da wa lawyer? Mark n Cordel dem da lawyer? Are Doctors any better? Look at the KHMH debacle, how they formed their own companies to sell goods to the hospital at a profit. The mess Belize is in has nothing to do with a profession and everything to do with character. And for the record I da nuh wa lawyer, I jus seh it like it is!
By SAID BARROW on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Why do we always have to make it into a man v woman issue. Is she electable?..that is the question!
By SAID BARROW on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
A political leader for this era must be a STRONG person with GOOD character---focused, decisive committed to excellence, responsive, inclusive, exemplary (can Walk the Talk), articualte, visionary, enthusiastic, analytical, engaging, sensitive.....Lisa Shoman has these and more....She gots huevos....she can wield a baton if she has to....Amen! Amen! Amen!! Merry Xmas
By Bembe on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
But is she not prepared to step on people to get ahead? We do not need that kind of leader. We need one who pushes people and motivates them
By Feminist too on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Lawd di PUP really eena trouble...(a) squeaky on the one hand, (b) X on the other... OOps I meean X son-in-law (aka former Hezbollah as per Amandala's Editorials) and now Lisa...
By Lois Smith on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
As far as I can recall Lisa calls it like it is! She has never striked me to be a hypocrite. She thinks for herself. She seems like a woman who can fight her own battles and handle her candle. She knows her stuff!!! Sounds like I stepped on Feminist too's shoes.
By Feminist on
Monday, December 21, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
To all the Lisa Lovers out there. Do you recall when Said was facing revolution from within his own party because of the nonsense he and Ralph were doing? Who came to his rescue with a truck load of Ammens medicated powder to fluff on him? Yes, it was Lisa Shoman. She was Ambassador to the OAS and hijacked Eamon Courtenay's job whilst they were on a conference together! If someone would blindly powder the man who is seen as the essence of all things gone bad in politics...what makes you feel that she will be any different from him? No man, she would be PUP politricks as usual, a return to the Old Guard and their lost ways! God forbid it!
By SAID BARROW on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
What the PUP needs is a Barrack Obama. Barrack did not come from a blue blood Democrat family (like the PUP Espats, Musas, Bricenos, Courtenays, Shomans, Price etc), he came from a Kenyan dad and a single mom, who were obscure as far as American Democrat politics goes, and because he was able to inspire, he was able to defeat the likes of a wealthy lawyer, John Edwards, and a well connected Hillary Clinton. He brought a breath of fresh air to the Democrats and lead them to victory on the vision of hope. Its the same thing Bill Clinton did in his day. What Barrack and Bill had/have in common is that they brought hope. PUP needs someone who will inspire, who will bring hope, instead of the usual PUP blue bloods.
By PUP in foreign on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Well said foreigner! I agree.
By SAID BARROW on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Merry Christmas to all and a big thanks to Godfrey Smith for writing these flashpoints as I feel they have become a good forum for political debate on topical issues. Not much place else on the Belize web for that. There are the call in talk shows, but those end up being dominated by callers who share the host's perspective. Not much of a debate there.
By Belize First on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Testing the waters, Godfrey? So, Said is attempting a come back as Prime Minister. Ralph is conducting a reconnasance in Rural Central in contemplation of a return. Which other failed and rejected PUP wants to attempt a come back. Godfrey Maybe? Fool di write but noh fool di listen. And da noh fool wa vote 2013 either. Keep writing Godfrey, and keep wishing!
By Intolerant of Hypocrites on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Intolerant, keep it down about what Ralph is doing in BRC, because you will give Dol a headache.
By Mossad on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Mark Espat, you are "intolerant of hypocrites", you little runt. You are also the author of "With Malice Towards Some" that appears in the UDP's Guardian newspaper. You are a sad, sad case indeed. I guess its physically impossible for you to grow up, eh? Aay ya yai, missa mark.
By Intolerant of Hezbollah on
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Before I get too busy I would like to say to the a3d4
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By SAID BARROW on
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Before I get too busy I would like to say to the author and to all my fellow contributors: Season's Greetings! And in the popular phrase coined by Santa Clause but best describing all politicians alike I say "HO HO HO".....Merry Christmas!
By SAID BARROW on
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
Mr. Musa's political viability troubles me. He has dishonored himself and has done irreparable harm to our country. Really. The Belizean electorate, sad to say, are fools. I would liken Mr. Musa's possible return to power as that of a rape victim seeking child support from her rapist. Disturbing.
By sotto voce on
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
@ sotto voce....calling the Belizean electorate fools are you?...stop hiding your head in the sand...you leave your backside too exposed....hope you are not an elector O Disturbed One...you have so dishonoured yourself....
By Bembe 2 on
Saturday, January 02, 2010
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
If I have dishonoured myself by speaking it "real", then I so be it. Argue the point, Bembe, do not attack the man. It's distracting at best...the fact remains, the electorate would have to be looney to re- elect the former Honorable Prime Minister.
By sotto voce on
Monday, January 04, 2010
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Re: Said's Comeback Experiment: A Reply to Evan X Hyde
People are always asking for a breath of fresh air. But do you want it? I keep hearing that decent people who really are patriotic and have a heart for development cannot survive in the political arena. Honest and people with integrity and who are mavericks do not last long in politics. They are always quickly hushed. Any ideas?
By Wondering on
Monday, February 08, 2010
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