The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

ONE MONTH ago, the FNM, in my view, was on dangerous political grounds insofar as re-elect ability may have been concerned.

This is not to suggest in any way partisan or otherwise support of that party, but merely an assessment on the ground.

The botched road works improvement project has alienated a tremendous amount of support for the FNM and scores of businesses have suffered economic losses.

Hundreds of employees have been laid off or are now working reduced work weeks.

For many months, I have been advocating that the Ingraham Administration should and must offer reasonable compensation to those impacted business owners and their employees.

The PM scoffed at that suggestion and his government even, successfully, appealed a decision of the Supreme Court in the favour of a group of business owners.

The PM may be many things to many people, but he is not a political "fool" nor is he as insensitive as he sometimes comes across to the average citizen.

Yes, he's a bit gruff and a bit arrogant, but not a fool or insensitive. I welcome the recent overtures by the PM and his administration to financially compensate, within reason, those impacted businesses. This is a move in the "right" direction, even though we did not have to get to this aggravating position.

The ongoing road works must now, clearly, be revisited and qualified Bahamian road builders must be called in to complete those major corridors which are causing mayhem in New Providence.

Call in Bill Simmons. Call in Mike Stubbs. Call in Basil Neymour and, if you must, call in Bahamas Hot Mix but Jose Cataloni is, I submit, in above its head.

If the FNM were to complete the major corridors within the next four weeks, re-election could become a possibility.

The government also must before Parliament is dissolved pass and gazette the Disability Bill which has been languishing in parliament for far too long.

Now is the time, to use an FNM slogan, to do the right thing and to do it now. I don't care if the parliament does not pass another bill but this one must be dealt with now at the FNM's peril or otherwise.

Why are we treating our bona fide citizens with disabilities in this debilitating and inhumane fashion? Are they less than the average Bahamian? Are they second class citizens in their own country?

There is ample time to ensure the passage of this long outstanding Bill.

I call upon the PM to move post haste and get this Bill into law.

Long overdue payments and increments to civil servants must be paid now.

If the erstwhile administration could have found money to advance to civil servants to purchase shares in the Arawak Port Development project, surely it can dig up a few more minions to take care of these outstanding issues.

Teachers and nurses are also languishing while waiting on their things.

Come on, PM, you know what needs to be done to bring a level of respect and comfort to these hard working and dedicated persons.

It is patently unfair to appear to be playing hardball and invoking political tactics when they are not called for. Treat people like people and they will extend the same treatment, usually, to you.

I would also invite the PM and his administration to announce the immediate plans to construct a brand new mini-sized hospital complex on the Gladstone Road corridor to service the fast growing population centres in western New Providence.

The driving distance, for many who live in those areas, is too far and takes too long, especially where there may be an, emergency.

Where will we get the money to construct such an edifice? Simple, sell shares and bonds to ordinary citizens and institutional investors. Make up the short fall by inviting the Chinese to donate the rest either via cash or construction material and equipment. We need to start to think outside of the box and become more creative as we seek to continue to develop our nation.

We need additional trade and vocational institutions in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Our eco-tourism plant is almost under the radar.

The current Minister of Tourism is reputed to be a good technocrat but, clearly, he is not an innovator.

He is a lifelong acquaintance but his usefulness and effectiveness are questionable in his current portfolio.

If the FNM were to bring in stakeholders in that industry as consultants I am more than persuaded that the national debt could be wiped off the books within a year or two. People like Prescott Smith of Andros; Terry Bain of The Exumas and Terry Miller of New Providence are all experts in eco-tourism yet the political directorate are not utilising their vast knowledge and skills. Why?

There are a number of other areas in which the FNM can shine over the next few weeks, but the PM and his leadership cadre must stop the blame game and cease and desist from the mudslinging.

Leave that to others. They are in charge and they should act as if they are.

The above is not to suggest, in any way, shape or form that I am endorsing or even supporting the FNM, as I am a-political.

Nor is this to me meant to convey the impression that the iconic Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will not, again, seize the reins of power. It is a blueprint for the possible bounce back of the FNM.

It will not be a cake walk and I submit that the PLP is cranked up; well oiled and ready now to give the FNM a run for its money. To God then, in all of these things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

April 9, 2012.