Again, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham attempts to insult the intelligence of Bahamian public, suggesting that it is not custom for heads of state to be notified in advance of official visits from foreign leaders and that it was without adequate notice that President Michel Martelly visited New Providence last week.

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) finds it far-fetched to believe that the Ingraham administration was alerted of the Haiti President’s state visit only days before his arrival. Bahamians are certainly not that naïve. If this is true, this matter is far more disturbing than it may seem, as it suggests that any foreign minister or head of state could enter The Bahamas without our leadership knowing and approving their visit.

DNA leader, Branville McCartney further reiterated that all registered voters in The Bahamas are Bahamian citizens whose interests should reflect that of The Bahamas, and not any other country. No head of state should interfere with the politics of another nation; the Bahamian leadership should never allow another head of state to interfere with Bahamian democracy.

Furthermore, “Mr. Ingraham can not be serious in saying he sees nothing wrong with going into another country and advising people of a Bahamian decent, who now are citizens of another country, on how to vote in that country,” Mr. McCartney said. “Perhaps Mr. Ingraham would like to try that in Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados or even the United States.”

Nevertheless, this does not excuse Prime Minister Ingraham to host a state visit during this heightened political season. Now, due to this grave disrespect to Bahamian democracy, the President’s visit and ill-timed remarks has had adverse affects on these upcoming elections.

“Mr. Ingraham is wrong to downplay these series of events and his selfish disregard for the sovereignty of this country is an insult to all Bahamians—those born of foreign decent or otherwise,” Mr. McCartney said.

Opposition leader, Perry Christie should also be held accountable for hosting the Haitian president at his home after his inappropriate remarks, especially if he purposely withheld them until he was among his supporters and before the press. Did Mr. Christie share his concerns with the President and, if so, what was discussed?

In reference to the Prime Ministers comments to journalists this Saturday in North Andros that the “DNA is an un-established party” Mr. McCartney reminded him, “our validation comes not from a discredited leader trying to avoid inevitable demise by refusing to debate his opponents and prolonging the election day, our validation comes from thousands of voices singing out for a new direction.” In case he forgot, Mr. McCartney added, “the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”