The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

It concerns me seriously that journalists, who might not know better as I suspect, owing to their surname are not Bahamian, use the word “re-nationalise” in the context of the ongoing proposal arising from a pre-election promise, to the reality of face-to-face discussions between the Government and Cable & Wireless, whereas the intent is for the Government to re-establish that the majority of the equity shares will be held by the Treasurer of The Bahamas instead of the people.

For something to be “re-nationalised” it has to be initially “nationalised” – history recalls that from the infancy of Bahamas Telecom, through to the modern corporate body, at no time was a private telephone company forcibly acquired by any government. I suggest to this journalist who writes on business matters, to cease describing the proposal of the Christie Government to acquire with the agreement of C&W the difference of 2 per cent so that the PLP may fulfil an election promise.

The use of this offensive word “re-nationalise” needs to be excluded from the conversation, as in its own right such a recorded word on the internet sends a serious negative posture, as to the open economic policy of our new government, extremely injurious to foreign and local investment and the required climate for such which we desperately need.

B. FERGUSON

Nassau,

July 25, 2012.

(Would Mr Ferguson be happier if the term attempt to “nationalise” BTC be used?

By whatever name, the intent is to breach a contract signed by a previous government with an investor. It does not matter whether the word “nationalise” or “re-nationalise” is used, they both send “a serious negative posture, as to the open economic policy of our new government, extremely injurious to foreign and local investment and the required climate for such which we desperately need.”

(Mr Christie led his goverment into this “serious negative posture.” It is now time for him to wake up, recognise the injury that is being done to this country, and back off — that is if he wants investment to create jobs for the unemployed. The change of a word by journalists will not dig him out of this self-made hole.— Ed)