The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

THE Democratic National Alliance has criticised the government for not providing a solid course of action for the implementation of their "extensive array of promises" detailed in the Speech from the Throne.

In a statement released by party chairman Mark Humes, the third party said the PLP's plan leaves "less tolerant" Bahamians with more questions than answers.

"After one term as the government and one term in opposition to the sitting government, the Christie administration is expected to have been able to formulate a plan that is, succinctly, reflective of the people's voice. The speech attempted to do this today," the statement read.

"After listening to the Speech from the Throne, the party would like to credit the Christie administration for putting forward such an extensive and well-crafted national and social agenda that, if fulfilled, promises to begin creating the model country that ours is destined to be.

"However, at the same time, with the speech giving no clear plan of action for the implementation of this extensive array of promises, the agenda set out by the government in the speech leaves less tolerant Bahamians with more questions than answers as to when and how the new government intends to make it all happen.

"Lacking in details as to a working time-frame for when the proposed initiatives would be either implemented, established, reviewed, put in place, or completed, the government's Speech from the Throne is an indication that the Bahamian people are, more than likely, in for another five years of the same old Christie administration of the past - plenty talk and little action."

During their last term in office - during "better economic conditions" - the PLP failed to build new schools and complete "many" of its capital projects, the DNA said.

Instead, the PLP got "embroiled in a house and mortgage scandal" which potentially had an impact on today's "home foreclosure fiasco" and saw record crime numbers in their final years as a government - even with Urban Renewal "actively running," the DNA claimed.

"Therefore, with that kind of track record in government, the DNA feels that this administration should not be put off by critical cynicism of its proposal," the statement continued.

"The DNA and Bahamians alike expected the speech to be a voice and reflection of this administration's experience and maturity, but it fails to live up to that expectation because it did not demonstrate the foresight in planning that should be reflective of mature and experienced leadership, particularly because it gives little suggestion or clarity as to when anything will be done, established, reviewed, and put in place - and who will pay for it and how."