Prime Minister Perry Christie speaks at a recent PLP event. The party launched it's new look website on Wednesday night.
By TANEKA THOMPSON
Tribune News Editor
tmthompson@tribunemedia.net
IF elected to office for another term, the Progressive Liberal Party said it plans to “make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits,” continue the implementation of National Health Insurance and stimulate job creation.
The party also pledged to create a Ministry of Communication and Information to foster greater “transparency and accountability,” annual business planning and reporting for each government ministry as well as a training programme for older citizens who want to learn new skills.
The promises are contained in the PLP’s “Action Plan for Moving Forward Together” which the party said would be published on its re-launched website, www.myplp.org.
The announcement was made in a press release from the PLP, saying the new website and action plan would go live on Wednesday night, which it did shortly before midnight last night.
In making its case for re-election, however, the PLP said its plan has several strategic priorities for the next five years: “expanding opportunities, empowering Bahamians, protecting our citizens, caring for our people, preserving what makes the Bahamas special, and strengthening citizen participation in governance.”
In reference to what will likely be one of the most talked about and controversial aspects of the PLP’s plan, the press release noted: “Under the PLP, 11 million acres of land were added as protected marine areas – up from two million. But they know there is still more to do to preserve what makes the Bahamas special, especially with the growing threat of climate change. As part of this, they plan to launch ‘Fully Renewable Bahamas’ to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in carbon use by 2030.
“The PLP also plans to make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits.”
These limits were not detailed in the party’s press release.
The party also said it has a goal to be a “modern, open, accountable and service-oriented government.”
In this vein, the PLP proposes to launch “Service Bahamas,” which is touted as “a one-window delivery of government services to eliminate wait times.”
On the promise of a Ministry of Communication and Information, the PLP said this new entity would be created “to more deeply engage Bahamian citizens in consultation on legislation and decision-making, and introduce annual business planning and reporting for each ministry, in order to allow for greater transparency and accountability.”
The PLP also said it has a number of plans to create more jobs and opportunities.
To achieve these goals, the governing party pledged to implement the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) across the Family Islands; focus on the development of creative industries with the aim of generating $1 billion of new money annually into the economy; and develop the sustainable harvesting of minerals and natural resources, along with their associated value-added industries – these include salt, rock, sand, etc.
“Additionally, the PLP plans to support more Bahamians seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, from start-up to production, operations, marketing and distribution, by creating a network of business incubators and business development agencies on each island. “Support will include financing and mentoring.”
Education, crime and health
The PLP said it has made significant investments in education since 2012, but added that there is still more work ahead to empower Bahamians at all levels.
“After doubling the nation’s investment in scholarships over the last five years, the PLP proposes to expand that investment across our islands, with a particular focus on public school recipients,” the party noted. “The party also plans to introduce universal pre-school education so that all children of pre-school age can participate in a quality pre-school programme. For older citizens who want to learn new skills, the PLP will create ‘Second Start’ – a training and skills programme for adults.
“To protect citizens and our borders, the PLP outlines several initiatives to address the root of the problem. Having already taken major steps to secure the country’s borders with the $232 million investment in Sandy Bottom Project, the PLP will continue to make every effort to cut off the supply of guns, drugs and persons illegally entering the country.
“Having begun to contain the problem, a range of crime-fighting initiatives will continue to be implemented. Additionally, the PLP recognises the need to expand the Rehabilitation of Offenders programme to ensure that ex-criminals can make a smooth return to society and make a meaningful contribution.”
Crime was a hot-button issue ahead of the 2012 general election. With homicides at record rates, the PLP while in opposition claimed it had the solutions for curbing violent crime while the Ingraham administration did not. However, more than 600 homicides have been recorded since May 2012 when the PLP took office, according to The Tribune’s records.
NHI, for which enrolment is expected to begin later this month, was a key plank in the PLP’s 2012 Charter for Governance.
Last night, the party pledged to continue NHI’s implementation if it wins the next election.
“When it comes to caring for the people, the PLP lays out the next steps for rolling out plans for National Health Insurance, including development of health facilities and upgrades to equipment across the Family Islands so all Bahamians have access to quality health care services. The PLP is determined to move forward with NHI, to continue to help build a healthier future for Bahamians.”
Observers have been anticipating the PLP’s election platform for weeks, since much of the party’s campaigning thus far has been explaining what was done in office this term while denigrating the Free National Movement (FNM) as opposed to plans for the future. The FNM released its Manifesto 2017 online in early February while third party the Democratic National Alliance unveiled its Vision 2017 earlier this week.
The general election is May 10.
Comments
Tarzan 7 years ago
Simply too hilarious to be taken seriously. Free electricity? Does that mean citizens will get cash distributions for all the times there is no power service?
Space 7 years ago
Watch them use this as an excuse to not have to fix power outages "but you aint paying for it anyway so..."
sealice 7 years ago
But inner city tax breaks are a joke?? Who's the fricking comedian here?? Naughty better watch out looks like Perry gone try take he job when he get bounce nex month!!!
Sickened 7 years ago
PLP message to their D Average followers... "All the electricity that you don't use will be free." They may actually win on this alone. JOKES!!!
thomas 7 years ago
Ground Broken On Special Needs Facility The ground breaking for new multi service centre for adults with developmental disabilities. The ground breaking for new multi service centre for adults with developmental disabilities. As of Friday, May 29, 2015.
Clamshell 7 years ago
Easy to break ground, harder to actually build. Watch the weeds grow back over the lot.
thomas 7 years ago
And just think...he pledged to do this for children "like Adam"
Porcupine 7 years ago
"Action Plan for Moving Forward Together"? WTF! Why is it an action plan? Why does it take an election to move forward? Hasn't the PLP been in power for the last 5 years? The better question would be, Why isn't this plan already in place? What has the government been doing, other than strangling the working people of The Bahamas? Yes, this whole immature, adolescent political process is a joke. The butt of the joke are the people.
John 7 years ago
The sun was so bright last night, it was too difficult for anyone to sleep. just to add to the list of unbelievable statements above. And this shows the desperation of this man, Perry Christie and his rubber bands to stay in power. Have the PLP done anything in five years either to make electricity more affordable or the supply more reliable or more available? If the PM was really serious about the promise of free electricity or even reducing the price of it, why has he bought in a company that opposes Bahamians solarizing their homes or businesses? Over 6,000 Bahamian homes are without power and many have been in that state since the FNM was in power five years ago. FIVE YEARS!. Has the number increased or decreased in the past five years? INCREASED! “Additionally, the PLP plans to support more Bahamians seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, from start-up to production, operations, marketing and distribution, by creating a network of business incubators and business development agencies on each island. “Support will include financing and mentoring.”
How many businesses have closed or went under in the past five years of PLP rule? What efforts, aye, aye, what single effort was made by this government to save or rescue any single one of them or what one single effort was offered to stimulate existing businesses or encourage them to expand... Good ideas, but most likely empty, desperate, election promises.
Space 7 years ago
Serious question... Are they drunk? Like... all the time?
DDK 7 years ago
Drunk with power more like. That and VAT money. Sick that they are using tax money to attempt to win an election, promises of tenure to civil servants, threats to civil servants, promotion of masses of police..........
realfreethinker 7 years ago
WOW just WOW SMH I am just lost for words.
thomas 7 years ago
If there was still a soul, that would be next.
ohdrap4 7 years ago
well last election they gave me free mortgage, and after mathew i fixed the house for free.
now the electricity is free, i gte debit card from socia. service and free healthcare
EIGHT PIECE OF SIX AND FOUR!!!
i AIN'T GONNA WORK NO MORE.
UserOne 7 years ago
Free for them. Remember Leslie Miller never paid electricity.
Socrates 7 years ago
no surprises here.. like i said in a previous post, all kind of pie-in-the-sky promises.. next world peace?
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years ago
BEC under the management of BPL is already bankrupt for all intents and purposes thanks to Christie and his PLP cronies like Sir Snake. Therefore promising free electricity to the poor (who have been made and kept poor by the PLP) in a desperate non-sensical effort to buy votes can only mean one thing - Wealthier Bahamians and their businesses will have to pay even higher outrageous electricity bills at a time when they too are already overburdened by costs of one kind or another because of Christie's many failed social and economic policies and the rampant waste, fraud and instances of outright theft associated with him and his cabinet ministers!
TalRussell 7 years ago
Comrades! With soaring electricity bills and regular disruptions to service in Bahamaland, whether you're poor, middle class or business owner - you will continue to be overwhelmed by electricity costs. Regardless of the political party running in the 2017 General Election - they will be promising to "find new ways" to lower and reduce the burden on your light bills - but expect to be disappointed as long as the politicians are allowed to meddle-in and set culture how electricity is generated and distributed.
Is Baha Mar, now paying their electricity bills in full and on time? Are all government ministries and crown corporations - including BAMSI - up to date on their electricity bills? What about all the millions that were owing by hotels that we were told had written millions dollars post-dated cheques or monies owing to BEC - were those cheques deposited and cashed?
OMG 7 years ago
I think he has finally had a visible mental breakdown, and what is even more unbelievable is that some gullible voters will believe his nonsensical statements. Amazing that today just before the election a new basketball court is being opened in Wems Bight, after almost 5 years in office ??. This country is so deep in debt that any re-elected government will struggle to do anything positive bar pay down the debt. If free electricity is the latest election gimmick then we all need to leave before the Bahamas goes the way of Venezuela. Bar living with one light bulb and a 12" black and white TV I am at a loss of how I lower my exorbitant electricity bill and this iMarch.
ThisIsOurs 7 years ago
lol, it'll be free to those who use candles
ThisIsOurs 7 years ago
The sad part is, someone will believe it, just like the popular sentiment in 2012, "I voting pLP cuz date guh pay my off mortgage"
Clamshell 7 years ago
Oh my gawd ... just when you think you've heard it all. Next: PLP will drop by, cook your dinner and take out your trash. We'll change yo' baby's diaper and fix dat flat tire on yo' car.
He has just sent a signal across the nation, "No need to pay your electric bill anymore." As if anybody in the upper echelons of the PLP actually pays their electric bill to begin with.
ThisIsOurs 7 years ago
They carrying out garbage for us? Anyone know where I could pick up my tshirt?
realfreethinker 7 years ago
The only garbage that needs disposing of is the plp
TalRussell 7 years ago
Comrades! It's amazing how quickly you can do away free stuff promises once you become money sense enough to pay your light bills, and pay them on time - provided there is a robust job creation economy rebounds 2017 - 2022.
It's difficult to sustain our tourism industry, if we cannot begin to correct that today's hotel electricity costs alone - being in excess $100 per hotel room rented out to each and every hotel guest.
TheMadHatter 7 years ago
Sorry friends...cant type....too busy laughing. Wow.
John 7 years ago
But in reality free electricity is not just a dream. Several cities in the US and around the world have reconfigured their power plants and have become so efficient that they offer customers free electricity during off peak hours. And the cost of electricity has been reduced so much it is in many places less than 1/4 of what we pay here in the Bahamas. But with a debt ridden, antiquated equipment laden, poorly run company, free electricity from BEC in the immediate future is a pipe dream (unless you in the click with Leslie Miller dem).
TalRussell 7 years ago
Comrade John, a number power companies have introduced to both residential and business customers "Time-Of-Use" pricing - not free power. We need to install "pay as you use meters" - you can never be behind on your light bill.
John 7 years ago
Tal Russel. do not ever call me a liar!!! ""DALLAS — In Texas, wind farms are generating so much energy that some utilities are giving power away."
Emac 7 years ago
I guess desperation is setting in. The PLP already sees the writing on the wall that they're not gonna be reelected. This is a last minute attempt to try to grab votes from the ignorant masses who ain't in to the PLP this go roun'
MassExodus 7 years ago
SOOO Let me get this straight. The PLP is saying the will provide "free electricity" to those people that operate in minimal parameters.
So the bottom line is every other higher tier than the bottom will have to have a price increase, because someone will have to foot the bill to all the freeloaders.
How in a Capitalistic society is this even remotely a proposition by a potential government?
Word on the street is for years they were passing on bills to places such as Lyford Cay and Old Fort. Now this will be a reality and maybe for even more of the middle class!!!!
Perry Christie is an ASSHOLE for saying this one statement alone...
Space 7 years ago
Free unicorns and rainbows for everyone!
Sickened 7 years ago
Can I get two of each? Pretty please?
Space 7 years ago
Only if you promise to keep your monthly unicorn and rainbow use to below specified limits.
OMG 7 years ago
STARK RAVING MAD--- I WANT WHAT HE IS SMOKING.
DDK 7 years ago
FUBAR! Please say the people won't believe any of this pure, unadulterated B.S.!
realfreethinker 7 years ago
I beg of you all please tell me this is not real. He is definitely stark raving mad. He just stepped into a pile of bullshit with this one. DESPERATION has really settled in. FUCK you Perry and your criminal government
John 7 years ago
Free passes to heaven?
C2B 7 years ago
A Candle Tax is clearly the answer. Those disloyal candle users can not be allowed to exit the grid and the tax will raise enough money, since the power keeps going out, to fix the problem.
avidreader 7 years ago
Promises, promises! What happened to all those promises made during the 2012 campaign? Perhaps we shouldn't ask these embarrassing questions. If the FNM are returned to power in May they will have to come to grips with some very serious realities in a very short time. With resource rich South Africa's sovereign debt issues relegated to "junk" status less than two weeks ago the PLP must be prepared to destroy this country completely if they think that they can cling to power while the rest of us suffer in the wilderness. Just look at what has happened in once rich Venezuela where a former bus driver, now President, has reduced his people to crossing the border into Colombia to seek out basic food and other supplies. And that is a country rich in oil and iron ore reserves, among other natural resources. What will happen to us with another spendthrift government in control of the suffering Public Treasury?
jackbnimble 7 years ago
OMG they're making MORE promises?! How about fulfilling the last ones. Oh, sorry I forgot they were too busy fulfilling their promises to Nygard, the numbers boys and the Chinese. Joe public who employs them was never on the list.
Man, can you spell desperate!. The PLP is convinced we are fools!!
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years ago
This promise by Christie of free electricity favouring the less discerning poor and Bradley Roberts' promise of interest rate caps on loans to similarly less discerning government workers are prima facie evidence of the significant election fraud currently being perpetrated by the PLP on many fronts. In the run up to the general election, Christie and the PLP leadership are outrightly "buying" with taxpayers dollars as many votes as they possibly can under the guise and pretense of their willingness to introduce highly controversial and discriminatory (and likely unconstitutional and certainly unaffordable) social welfare programs.
Emac 7 years ago
http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Dats where da Wat money gone! by Emac
moncurcool 7 years ago
How do the people in Grand Bahama benefit from the free electricity?
SP 7 years ago
……………… "We Believe In Bahamians" & Bahamians First" …………………..
Seriously deeper bullshit this time:
“Expanding opportunities, empowering Bahamians, protecting our citizens, caring for our people, preserving what makes the Bahamas special, and strengthening citizen participation in governance.”
???????….. OK then!!
Emac 7 years ago
http://thetribune.media.clients.ellin...">Come on folks, get ya PLP bottle water now!!! by Emac
ohdrap4 7 years ago
the purest water from MARATHON SPRINGS....
sheeprunner12 7 years ago
The mysterious PowerSecure/BPL scheme MUST be fully investigated by the next FNM government after May 10 ....... How did the PLP Cabinet end up with PowerSecure??????? .......... Where is the million-dollar BPL business plan????????? .......... How will BPL raise the $600 million to rebuild the failing generation plant???????? ............. What is the future plan for home-based renewable energy??????? ......... How will the BPL fossil fuel engines be phased out?????? ......... When will Bahamians get a real explanation for the term "fuel surcharge"??????? ............ Who gets exempted from paying electricity bills in our country?????????? ........... Brave has run BEC/BPL into the ground
John 7 years ago
BPL was forced on the Bahamian people by its friendly neighbor to the North (West). America says "control a people's energy supply and their food, and you control the people." So now America has control over our food supply and our energy. So why you think they ain't making no big fuss over The Chinese taking over Bah Bar and the Northern Waterfront of New providence, and Freeport, Grand Bahama? They already gat their hands around our groins (the 's' is for emphasis) and know it's only so far we can go as a country, before they tighten da grip and make us bend over.
concernedcitizen 7 years ago
Where do you come up w this nonsense . The PLP took bids to privatize BEC ,companies put up 25,000 non refundable to bid .We had companies willing to invest 500 million to build own and operate new power plants and gives us 28 cents a kilowatt power .This would have cut out F Wilson supplying cancer causing bunker C fuel .The PLP contracted Powersecure to manage it ,basically get paid to take the blame .We still own the piece of crap lock stock and barrel and make all the decisions ,..your nonsense is about as stupid as your claim that the CIA put something in the weed black people smoke that makes them savage killers ..We are an independent soviergn nation that have made every irresponsible decision that has us exactly where we are ..7BILLION in debt ,,75% illegitimacy rate and a murder rate like a war zone ..
ashley14 7 years ago
YIKES! I hope you don't dislike all Americans, there are a few good ones. Now the politicians I wouldn't give you a penny for any of them. We need to find out how Jamaica got Walmart to build the largest store they have between Montego Bay and Ochio Rios. Having a Walmart in New Providence would be a good attribute to the Island. They sell everything all in one store, at lower prices. And they provide a lot of employment opportunities. Just thinking out loud.
ohdrap4 7 years ago
next time, think in silence, jamaica has more than ten times the population of the bahamas.
one walmart will destroy the whole economy.
sheeprunner12 7 years ago
Just think how much money Bahamians spend in Florida's Wal-Marts right now ............. If it were here, then we won't have a reason to go to Miama
ashley14 7 years ago
Yikes!
jusscool 7 years ago
The PLP is trying everything in the book to return to power. Because they know if they don't ,all of their deep dark secrets would be revealed!
PastorTroy 7 years ago
NOTHING IN THIS GLOBALIST CAPITALIST WORLD IS FREE!!!!!! HEY BAHAMIANS! NOTHING IN THIS GLOBALIST CAPITALIST WORLD IS FREE!!!!!! HEY, YOU! NOTHING IN THIS GLOBALIST CAPITALIST WORLD IS FREE!!!!!! MY PEOPLE, DON'T BE FOOLED! NOTHING IN THIS GLOBALIST CAPITALIST WORLD IS FREE!!!!!! THIS IS CLASSIC BAIT AND SWITCH TACTICS! NOTHING IN THIS GLOBALIST CAPITALIST WORLD IS FREE!!!!!! IF THE HONORABLE PRIME MINISTER WANTS TO 'GIVE' SOMETHIN' FOR 'FREE' THEN 'GIVE' THE BAHAMAS A GREATER FUTURE! FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION, NEW YORK'S DOING IT, What did they say about teaching a man/woman how to fish versus just giving them 'free' fish when YOU think they're hunger and it benefits YOU the most? #SoundLikeDesperation
Alex_Charles 7 years ago
I've learned to NEVER underestimate the Bahamian people. I predict that the PLP is going to win, this is just icing on the cake.
If it's one thing Bahamians have taught me, it's that logic and sound reasoning are not remotely relevant or wanted.
TalRussell 7 years ago
Comrade Alex_Charles, good luck - cause it depends a whole lot on what we define as - is native to logic and sound reasoning?
Like, what is the logic to my "female" potcake Lucy - who lifts her leg every time she takes a pee? My brother thinks she thinks - she's transgender?
truetruebahamian 7 years ago
Next the Plunder Loot and Pillage party will charge for death certificates before death - claiming that you have have one paid up before we can die.
sheeprunner12 7 years ago
BOL ....... Plunder, Loot, & Pillage = PLP ........... BOL ........ PLP All the Way!!!!!! ......... All the Way out of Parliament on May 10th
ohdrap4 7 years ago
do not worry, john rolle is watching out for us.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/news...
SP 7 years ago
................................Plunder, Loot & Pillage All The Way ..................................
LMAO.........Just couldn't resist....Lol
sheeprunner12 7 years ago
That's the PLP ........ and they are very proud of their record!!!!!!
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