Yeah I Wrote This!

Confessions of a sex fiend

Forgive me Father for I have sinned,
It has been 6 hours since my last confession;
I find myself fallen from grace,
imperfect, thus the need for my sin admission.
Six hours ago, I felt the need to pay tribute to the heavens,
I fell to my knees and experienced the bliss,
And thought surely I was within His presence.
It was rapturous, I saw the light, and I confess I spoke in tongues.
My body gave way, to the splendor, for clearly angels I was amongst.
I heard the choir, I saw the gate, and even envisioned Jacob’s steps,
I saw the end, and knew the beginning,
Amongst the saints, my fate was set.
Father, I lingered there, I refused to move,
For there, I had a place.
There I had joy, there I saw happiness,
it was there I committed my fate.
Clearly I have a skill Father, for the witness cheered with glee,
the accolades were surely loud, and in fact they were plenty.
This must be my calling Father,
A blessing from above,
a sanction I come for you to explain,
for it cannot be a sin to do what I love.

Not every car is for me;
There are some, who like those expensive, luxury cars,
Like the German Benz, the English jaguar,
Or the Italian Lamborghini.
Then there are those who enjoy the heavy duty
Monster trucks, the so called luxury SUV,
Like the Chevy Tahoe, the Ford Expedition,
Or even those blasted General Motors Hummers.
But me, I love me some Japanese.
-No, not those small ass Suzuki Swifts type cars,
like in the movie the ‘Fast and the Furious’.
But one of those big body Hondas;
Them Sabers, those Legends, the legendary Accord.
You see, when I am in my Honda, I know I is man,
I own the road,
I am proud,
I show off,
I cruise and enjoy my ride.
She reminds me of one of those big body Hondas,
She is big, broad, spacious, made to love, made to ride
Able to handle any terrain.
She reminds me of those big body Hondas with the big back trunk,
Big goggle eyed head lights, Leather seats, fully loaded,
sophisticated and stylish.
She reminds me of one of those big body Hondas,
So I know I will enjoy this ride.

She questions me alot, always asking why
when I tell her something interesting,
stimulating or seemingly provocative.
And not that inquisitive type why either;
You know, the whys that seek the answers
to the important things of life,
earth shattering things,
monumental things,
The things that actually matters…
Like why do babies die,
why so people have to suffer from sickness and pestilence,
or why are we seemingly the only ones in this universe?

No, never whys like that.
her whys are more light hearted,
they spring forth in the middle
of serious conversations,
Always taking me aback,
forcing me to think of answer ,
to ponder,
to deliberate,
only to conclude that truthfully
I just don’t know.

Like, she asks, why do I like her dress,
why blue over black,
Or why I compliment her when she shines,
My G-d she even asks why did I say hello
or laugh at her jokes…
Strange.

But at least she asks such with a smile;
You know, one of those teenager girlie type smiles.
The bubbly ones,
the grinny-grinny carefree ones
the sultry ones, that forces me to think of an answer.

But exactly what answer is she looking for,
I know not,
Yet,using my best critical analyses techniques
I answer,
hoping I get the question right,
hoping I get to continue my conversation of knowing her.

She questions me alot, always asking why
when I tell her something interesting,
stimulating or seemingly provocative.
And not that inquisitive type why either;
You know, the whys that seek the answers
to the important things of life,
earth shattering things,
monumental things,
The things that actually matters…
Like why do babies die,
why so people have to suffer from sickness and pestilence,
or why are we seemingly the only ones in this universe?

No, never whys like that.
her whys are more light hearted,
they spring forth in the middle
of serious conversations,
Always taking me aback,
forcing me to think of answer ,
to ponder,
to deliberate,
only to conclude that truthfully
I just don’t know.

Like, she asks, why do I like her dress,
why blue over black,
Or why I compliment her when she shines,
My G-d she even asks why did I say hello
or laugh at her jokes…
Strange.

I think she has drunked me,
Drugged me into submission;
For I cannot move, cannot think, cannot breathe
When I take her in, delve within her spirit,
Or embrace her full body.
-She has dulled my senses,
Impaired my thoughts,
Corrupted my mind, forcing me to forget myself,
To leave myself,
Only To enjoy her pleasures.
-She weaves magic,
Incantations of long forgotten spells;
Root magic, word magic, old magic:
Magic that enslaves men,
Magic that makes men brave
And talk out of their heads,
about what was, what may,
and what could have been.
This Lamoothe, control my thoughts;
She easily controls my emotions,
And manipulates my passions.
She is no ordinary wine;
She has no ordinary taste,
her mixture mellows the spirit
And in senses the mind.
She is sweet and unsuspecting
Unlike the others,
She proves to be a Mellow Reserve:
A special blend, craved by many.
She has power,
And she wields it well,
Bewitching the unsuspected, who only
Wanted to sit idly, breathe out, to take in
A nectar that would subdue the trials of the day.
I think she has drunked me,
drugged me into submission.

She reminds me of saltine crackers;
seasoned buttery snacks,
filled with cholesterol and saturated fat;
She is clearly peppered with carbohydrates
and polyunsaturated things that aren’t good for me.
But, I know she tastes good,
at least so it seems,
beautifully pictured on her box,
layed out on display on this face book shelf.
I wonder how she would taste with my tunafish, with my city market cheese or with my piece of salty I got from the Chinese food store.
I don’t know,
but I am sure, I will need lot of water to digest this one.
Some things, one must just pass by,
and rub against in the foodstore;
craving all these baked wheat products,
steep with cornstarch does only lead to heartburn.
but oh Saltine crackers is my favorite.

The rise and fall of the NDP

One, can not mention a mere, single event that can claim the responsibility for ushering in life to the National Development Party. The same can be said that one, cannot give a simple account as to the reasons for the Party’s failure and demise. For the fall of the NDP, like its rise was not due to a singular event, but it resulted from a process: a process which started within the belly of the two major political parties and ended seemingly again within its bowels.

There are many intricacies that can be mentioned regarding the National Development Party’s political tenure. Some would dare say that its existence was filled with political intrigue, nationalist ideas and feigned idealism. But few know that the NDP had benefactors within both major political parties. Those who were secretly concerned about their parties’ leadership and questioned whether the next generation within their parties had the gumption to lead the Bahamas. Incidentally, seed money was ‘invested’ in order to jump start the NDP’s existence; the goal was to test the waters to see whether, an alternative political party was possible in a modern Bahamas.

In September 2008, BJ Moss, a card carrying member of the FNM and Andre Rollins, a member of the PLP’s youth’s think tank, started the NDP following a series of meetings. The two attracted like minded individuals who were not afraid to challenge the political establishment, demand change within the system that frustrate progress and demand accountability for the actions or lack there of, from members of parliament. The precepts of the party centered around nation building, The party’s mantra was based upon “philosophy and not the cult of personality; and upon political ideology instead of political idolatry.” Subsequently, instead of electing a leader, an Executive Steering Committee was formed to direct the party’s formative development during its embryonic stages to a viable political organization. Andre Rollins became the party’s first Chairman of the steering committee, narrowly defeating Renward Wells who became the party’s Deputy Chairman in October 2009.

Over time, the party grew in popularity, in spite having initial challenges with the media covering its press releases. In fact, it was the Elizabeth by-election in February 2010 that spring boarded the party into the political lime light. The small media coverage coupled with a massive social network presence highlighting the NDP’s constituency candidate primary/debate peeked persons interests; consequently national commentary about the party began. Andre Rollins debated and won over Rashad Amahad to become the NDP’s standard bearer for the Elizabeth by-election.

Though the NDP was not successful at the Elizabeth polls, the public’s interest regarding the party grew. Talks about a united third party, an alternative to the PLP and FNM parties under the NDP banner circulated; and meetings with various third party factions began. The NDP headquarters was flooded with interested young political upstarts, from the PLP and the FNM, all seeking change and empowerment. Former members of the BDM defected to join the party. It was around then that the party’s chairman was summoned by the Prime Minister in supposed ‘secret meetings and negotiations’. Later it was learnt that Rollins was also entertaining meetings with Dame Marguerite Pindling, the first lady of the PLP without the party’s knowledge. After a number of heated exchanges between Rollins and NDP’s executive committee members, Rollins was asked to step down as Chairman of the party’s steering committee, as clearly his loyalty to the party was conflicted.

In February 2011, Rollins severed ties with the National Development Party, and later formally joined the PLP. Rollins defection from the NDP, resulted in a knee jerk reaction from the various third parties groupings, who did not believe a united third party movement was possible without the NDP’s former chairman.

In April 2010, the Executive Steering Committee elected Renward Wells to be the Party’s Chairman, with Rashad Amahad and Dexter Johnson being co-chairmen. Under their leadership the party attempted to revitalize the public’s interest in the NDP and to improve the party’s now tarnish brand. The party again embraced its core philosophies of ‘deepening democracy and empowering the Bahamian people’. By this time, sponsorship from the NDP’s various benefactors dwindled; and the party’s executives were encouraged to close shop and to rejoin the two major political parties. Various media blitzes were done in order to showcase the party’s viability and the party adopted a ground movement concept as its avenue to grow the party. In November 2010, the NDP signed an agreement with the Worker’s Party to form a national alliance. The two parties partnered in bringing attention to the need to modernize the bail act and demanded that stiffer penalties be enacted by the government for habitual criminal offenders. The NDP held a number of street meetings and led the charge with various demonstrations regarding controversial national issues.

Renward Wells was elected leader of the NDP in November 2010, after a national debate and convention; Lindon Nairn was elected deputy leader of the party. The NDP again, seemingly began to build up political steam in spite of its challenges. However, detractors from the major parties maintained that the party will not make it to the general election. In fact, executives in the party were tipped that the FNM and the PLP machinery planned to dismantle the party, for there can be only two political parties come the 2012 general election: the close results of Elizabeth by-election will not happen again, due to a third party presence.

In March 2011, Branville McCartney resigned from the FNM, citing ‘personal convictions.’ Renewed overtures were again advanced to McCartney, that the NDP would make space for him within their ranks. Months later, a series of meetings were held between the parties, and briefly a union of sorts seemed possible. The NDP, attempting to show their sincerity and commitment to a joint venture, turned over its constitution, candidates’ lists and national plan, (which was a work in process) to the McCartney group. However, negotiations stalled, particularly over the process of leadership and direction. Subsequently, a joint venture with the NDP entity was rejected by McCartney and the executives were told to dissolve their party and join as mere regular members under a newly form entity that would be called the Democratic National Alliance.

As NDP and DNA negotiations soured, news reports of the NDP leader, Renward Wells having secret meetings with the Prime Minister circulated. Of course this again resulted in discord within the NDP ranks. Tensions grew within the party as a number of confidential email exchanges were leaked to the media and circulated over the social networks about the parties challenges. A vote of confidence was done which again solidified Wells leadership within the party. However, concerns still lingered that the party had been infiltrated by political moles determined to thwart the party’s growth and development.

In May 2011, the DNA was officially launched as a political party with a strikingly similar platform as the NDP. Potential candidates who had previously committed to the NDP had aligned themselves with the new party. In weeks following, the DNA was able to suck the life out of the third party movement, making it difficult for other alternative parties to survive within the new political climate. The Workers Party subsequently broke ranks with the NDP to join the DNA, dissolving their 35 year old party in the process.
As, the NDP attempted to restructure itself once again in preparation for the general elections, factions within the party brought up the idea of dissolving and infiltrating the various political parties with NDP concepts and ideals. However as fate will have it, Party leader Renward Wells who was negotiating secretly with the PLP hierarchy defected from the party to join the PLP in May 2011, taking along with him several key party members. This move took the party by surprise, especially after Wells lambasted former party chairman, Andre Rollins for his decision to join the PLP. This NDP split followed the BDM’s sudden dismantling of its party a month earlier to join the FNM.

The party clearly challenged, immediately went into a conclave, where Lindon Nairn was elected Leader of the NDP. However the new dynamics of the party proved to be overwhelming, and Nairn seemingly lacked the charisma to galvanize the troops to march forward. Realizing the impossibility of the party being able to contest the 2012 general election, five executive members resigned from the party to join the DNA; three gaining candidate nominations. Nairn remain behind, however, decided to campaign and support the two former NDP defectors who had joined the PLP.

In deed, the detractors were right; the NDP will not make it to the 2012 general elections. The weights of the major parties’ machinery prove to be too massive for the party to withstand. However their short political life has undoubtedly changed the fabric of Bahamian politics. Their boldness to challenge the leaders of the government and the opposition to their faces, demanding a greater involvement of young, talented Bahamians in governance has made the party a hero. Their ground movement of preaching Bahamian ownership and empowerment is now on every politician’s lips. Their willingness to openly give solutions to the country’s woes on immigration, crime and the economy has been incorporated within the three major parties’ platforms. In truth, this band of troublesome young men and women has proven that in spite of their party’s demise, it is in deed possible for an alternative party to thrive and influence Bahamian politics. If nothing else, the NDP’s early and active entry into the political fray forced both the FNM and PLP to reinvent themselves and its various accomplishments on the campaign trail has made way for the DNA to emerge to be a viable alternative party in the Bahamas.

It is a matter of hours before the doors of the new, world-renowned Nassau Straw Market, Down Town, Bay Street opens to the public, once again giving host to one of the Bahamas’ oldest industries.
However, coming to this point was not an easy journey for the straw and wood artisans. There were a number of challenges and issues beyond their control which required these Bahamian men and women to have the patience of Job, before better days lay ahead.
On September 4th 2001, fire gutted the building which housed the vendors, also destroying a number of businesses in the vicinity. All was lost for the vendors; however the government came quickly to their rescue, constructing a temporary tented environment for the vendors to display their wares. But then again, the word ‘temporary’ is a subjective word for some.
The 2001 arsonist, Cordney Gardiner, a peanut vendor, was convicted two years later. His act, of setting ablaze the stall of his former lover, speaks to an increasing alarm regarding “dysfunctional Bahamian, romantic relationships” ending violently.
In recent times, there seem to have been a spat of violent outbursts by men against their former love interests when their relationship turned sour. And Gardiner, apparently no different, was out to show his ex-girlfriend that he was “the man”, and that ending the relationship was not without consequences
Thus, in a fit of rage, Gardiner’s cowardly act changed the lives of several hundred women, temporarily stripping them of their livelihood and dignity. – ‘Folk talk’ said upon Gardiner’s arrest, he shouted to the thick crowd that gathered to watch,
“They came to arrest the I, who set fire ‘pon Babylon over woman…”
Obviously deranged, his state of mind speaks to yet another social issue that plagues our society.
Albeit, ten years later, Gardiner has served his time in jail, and reportedly had spent a short stint in Sandilands’ Rehabilitation Center too; yet the Straw Market still remains pending.
The buildings that were destroyed along with the Straw Market in 2001 have already been refurbished and reopened for business for some time now, and even the Ministry of Tourism which too was housed in the old Straw Market building has already moved into their multimillion dollar new, plush offices.
But what delayed the straw market’s progress?
There will be a lot of pomp and pageantry as the government, along with craft artisans celebrate the opening of vendors’ new home on Bay Street; and rightly so, for it has been a long time coming.
At one point in time, the vendors were told that they weren’t being returned to their traditional spot, but instead were to be moved to Arawak Cay, as plans were in the making to transform that area to a cultural Mecca. Well, we all can see that did not happen.
Then, at another time, the most desirous, commercial vacant property, in the down town district was unthinkably transformed into a mere parking lot and bus depot, as the vendors were told to make preparation to be housed for good in the old Custom’s shed on Prince George Wharf
And let us not forget, at one point in time, the vacant lot was sanctioned to be a green space and park for tourists, which raised much fuss from the Straw Vendors Union.
Yet, the vendors as a whole, continued to sit and wait patiently in the hot, sweat box of a tent; even as the fans stopped working, and as the bathrooms overflowed with excrement into the market, and as the stench of foul, stale air sat betwixt them
Yes, the vendors sat ‘quietly’ waiting, as the tent flooded every time it rained, and as rodents ran cross their feet while serving tourists. They waited because their government had promised to create a state-of-the-art complex for them to be housed in, and they planned to keep their government bonded to their word.
Then there was hurricane Irene, which shredded the already weathered tent; forcing a number of vendors to once again abandon their home, only to seek refuge on the Prince George Wharf: yet another ‘temporary’ housing arrangement.
Six vendors’ tents, became scores of make shift shanty town flea markets, as no authorities seemingly assisted with the vendors transition. Their only comfort was the words, “be patient and grateful, as it aint long nah before the new Straw Market is opened.”
And as remnants of the white vinyl lay flapping in the wind at the old Straw Market tent, an apparent second arsonist made his attack upon these artisans’ “temporary home”; burning them out yet again, forcing them to deal with another dose of complexes.
Truly, the vendors finding themselves a home has been a long time coming and they do deserve to celebrate in dignity without persons rubbing their noses in it, suggesting that they are receiving a favor.

Who are these political assassins, that are out to get Branville McCartney and his political party?

There has been much hullabaloo recently regarding whether the PLP is in cahoots with the FNM party concerning the “ending” of the political career of Bamboo Town Member of Parliament Branville McCartney. Clearly, McCartney believes that the two political parties are out to get him and his fledgling political party, the DNA. He said as much, causing the PM to respond that he has nothing against the Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town; and in fact, if the Boundaries Commission comes back to say cut out the Bamboo Town Constituency, he would not have it, as he wants McCartney there to get what’s coming to him. So there you have it; no animosity, no conspiracy, there is no one out to get Branville McCartney; just good old fashion Bahamian politics at work, where the best candidate wins.

But is it just that? In a humorous exchange in the Honorable House of Assembly, the PM pokes fun at the Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, suggesting that he is not in the same league as the Prime Minister nor the Leader of the Opposition. In fact, the Prime Minister said McCartney is little people and that he is in fact, a part of a “test case” which both the FNM and the PLP are engaged in. But surely, the Bamboo Town Constituency seat race, is much more than just a “test case?” Isn’t McCartney the same Junior Minister that had a Cabinet post, and according to the papers was the FNM’s blue eyed boy, until he embarrassed the party by walking away? Clearly, this seat means much more than what Mr. Ingraham is letting on; this seat is personal. The Bamboo Town Constituency seat will be contested by former leaders of political parties, (who once were interested in being the leader of the Bahamas until both the PLP and the FNM parties convinced them to do otherwise) against the incumbent Member of Parliament and leader of the DNA party, Branville McCartney. The Prime Minister said these men need to fight in their “own league” “down there” to see which of them may be eligible of becoming leader of the country. He went on to say, if the FNM doesn’t win the Bamboo Town seat, then the PLP can have it.

In spite being obviously silent when the Prime Minister made his entertaining commentary about the Bamboo Town Constituency, members of the PLP went on the defensive on radio talk-shows days afterwards, denying that such a “test case” or arrangement with the FNM was ever made. The Chairman of the PLP said, he does not know what the Prime Minister was talking about and that he needs to speak for himself; as the PLP’s Bamboo Town Constituency branch independently selected their PLP candidate to represent them and not the party’s leadership.

Of course this statement flies in the face of social network commentators who oddly knew months in advance of any PLP or FNM official announcements of whom the candidates for the Bamboo Town Constituency will be. Shortly after both PLP candidate Renward Wells and FNM candidate Cassius Stuart said that they were promised nothing for abandoning their political parties, online bloggers rightly and coincidentally predicted that the two gentlemen will be sent to contest the Bamboo Town Constituency. But surely, this must have been a mere coincidence, for no such agreements with party officials were ever made or discussed, right? Nevertheless, the PLP’s comments forces voters to now question who to believe: Hubert Ingraham who means what he says and says what he means or the Honorable Perry Christie.

But, that’s neither here nor there, as we are the discussing the possibility of a political plot to “end” the political career of Branville McCartney. Obviously, McCartney’s fears would have had to have been dismissed due to lack of evidence, until perhaps when the Member of Parliament for South Abaco, Edison Key rise to defend the integrity of both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Key made an apparent first wave of attack, questioning the honesty and character of the Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town. Key admitted that ordinarily he would not have mentioned such an issue, but he felt compelled to, as the reputation of the PM and the Leader of the Opposition was in question. Of course Mr. McCartney took exception to Mr. Key’s comments and refuted such claims, which resulted in the war of words in parliament between the two, at the delight to those seated in the House and members of the public. In the exchanged, Mr. Key, chairman of BAIC admitted to giving a contract of sort to a sitting member of his party, however, the official Opposition ignored his startling comments and allowed McCartney and Key to have their exchange. A political plot out to get Branville McCartney, perhaps not, but when a white Bahamian can stand up in the Honourable House of Assembly with a straight face and call a young, black aspiring politician an “ole UBP” conjuring up an association with an old Bahamian monster, and not one of the sitting members of parliament interjected or peeped a word, clearly something is a foot and this is just the beginning.

1. Nehmiah Francis*
2. Hiram Francis*
3. Kenneth Nathanial Francis
4. Joyanne Marie Francis-Fritz
5. Janae Stephanie Francis
4. Patricia Yvonne Francis
4. Debra Stephanie Francis-Dames
5. Erin Leslie Dames
5. Courtney Hilda Marie Dames
5. George Ethan Dames
5. Amber Lisa Alexis Dames
4. Gerald Stephen Francis
5. Gerald Kenneth Francis
5. Gian Stephanie Francis
4. Kenrah Nicole Phillipa Francis-Newry
5. Kennedy Cecile Megan Newry
3. Carvel Francis
4. Theresa Francis-McPhee
4. Sidney Francis
4. Carol Francis
5. Destiny Francis
4. Gilbert Francis
4. Trevor Francis
4. Esther Francis
5. James Leonard
5. Lisa Leonard
4. Sophia Francis
4. Dianna Francis
4. Terah Francis
4. Tyrone Francis
4. Carvel Francis*
3. Basil Francis
4. Ken-Marie Francis Watkins
5. Phillip Watkins Jr.
4. Wendy Francis
4. Brian Francis
4. Nino Francis
4. Cory Francis
5. Corisha Francis
4. Valatchi Francis
3. Dorethea Francis-Davis
3. Wendall Francis
4. Andrea Francis
5. Jacqueline Francis
5. Janet Francis
5. Jehu Francis
4. Lorraine Francis-Eulin
5. Kenny Eulin
6. Kendia Eulin
5. Taureen Forbes
4. Marsha Francis*
5. Vaugh
4. Anthony Francis
4. Wendal Franklyn Eugene Francis
4. Gina Francis-Evans
5. Leal
5. Kashi
3. Violet Melrose Francis-Pratt*
4. Francyss Pratt
4. Suzzette Pratt
4. Mathew Pratt
3. Roscoe Francis
4. Sonia Francis
5. Simone
5. Jared
4. Sian Francis-Bevans
5. Aliyah Bevans
5. Alyssia Bevans
5. Terak Bevans
4. Steven Francis
Liam Francis
4. Sharese Francis
Danah Francis
3. Marion Francis
2. Albert Francis*
3. Beryl Francis-Culmer
3. Nehmiah Francis
3. Henry Francis
3. Malvena Francis
3. Clarkson Francis
4. Derek Francis
5. Sadie Francis
4. Larry Francis
4. Andre Francis
3. Judith Francis
3. Peggy Francis
4. Carla
5. Carlene
5. Abby
5. Raquel
4. Christine Francis
5. Rico
4. Sandra Francis
5. Casey Francis
6. Benoit
6. BJ
5. Bianca Francis
6. Beyonce
3. Eleanor Francis Wilson*
4. Terry
4. Franz
2. Geraldine Francis
2. Elizabeth Francis-Clarke
3. John Clarke
4. Michael Clarke
4. John Clarke Jr.
3. Wellington Clarke
2. Madge Francis-Ferguson
3. Arabella Ferguson-Cambridge
4. Erica Cambridge
4. Derek Cambridge Jr.
4. Keno Cambridge
3. Eldin Ferguson
4. Erin Ferguson
4. Eldin Ferguson Jr.
4. Eldre Ferguson
2. Marion Francis-Samuels
3. Norma Samuels
4. Cathy Samuels

Family tree key: * = deceased
Those persons with an asterisk (*) next to their names are deceased.
The numbers refer to generations. Nehmiah and Epsabah Francis are generation 1, their offspring are generation 2, their grandchildren are generation 3, and so on.