FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis.
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
OPPOSITION Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he is “not surprised” at Baha Mar’s CEO Sarkis Izmirlian’s disappointment that the government has made promises it has not kept, because it is “the Christie way”.
Speaking to The Tribune, Dr Minnis said if Prime Minister Perry Christie can make promises to the Bahamian people and not deliver, it is not a “stretch” to think he can do the same thing to investors.
Dr Minnis’ comments came after Mr Izmirlian criticised the government for its “unfulfilled promises” and suggested the Christie administration seek “outside help” on crime prevention and education for the country to succeed.
However, in his comments to a Chamber of Commerce conclave at Baha Mar’s Melia resort, Mr Izmirlian expressed disappointment at “12 years of unfulfilled promises”, suggesting discontent with the previous Ingraham administration of which Dr Minnis was a part.
“The PLP went in with promises, they promised the Bahamian people everything and delivered nothing, so I am not surprised they promised investors and did not deliver,” Dr Minnis said.
“This is bad for The Bahamas and not a good message to send to potential investors. When people are investing millions or billions you should try your best to adhere to promises and commitments you made. When you sit down and negotiate, you negotiate in good faith and investors believe what you say. People are now seeing that you cannot trust this government but the good thing is, it isn’t long now and they will be gone soon.”
On Wednesday, Mr Izmirilian said: “All of us must be concerned about the unfulfilled promise of improvement in the reliable supply of power and the reduced costs of power, we all should be concerned about the gap in necessary education and training programmes that would allow workers to be better prepared for jobs, and we all should be concerned that growth incentive commitments are not viewed as reliable.”
Reduced electricity costs and a pledge to double the investment in education and training were among the pre-election campaign promises of the Progressive Liberal Party. The government has also promised to reform the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, as the utility provider struggles to provide steady power supply to New Providence.
However, this process has dragged on considerably with no final announcement from the prime minister despite an initial pledge to have contracts signed by the end of 2013.
Comments
birdiestrachan 9 years ago
Poor Minnis he does not even know that his FNM Government is included in this report also.
GrassRoot 9 years ago
yep. and instead of giving to both parties, these investors should give to none of the parties any money, not until they delivered.
Publius 9 years ago
This guy is jumping up to comment on everything now without engaging his brain first in many instances. Apparently getting too excited about seeing himself in the papers and on TV alot more in recent weeks.
John 9 years ago
Someone has Alzheimer's
FNM_Retards 9 years ago
The FNM Retard is losing it. Election is in 2017, dummy.
ThisIsOurs 9 years ago
OMG there's some really dry coverage of Junkanoo carnival on Cable 11.. OMG...the reporter just asked the tourist "how are you enjoying the very first Junkanoo carnival?" The tourist gives his answer then she goes to his friend and asks "is this your first Junkanoo carnival?". You can't make this up... Sigh, I had some hopes, but it's 9PM and the crowd is very sparse...hopefully it picks up. Leon Williams was interviewed he was talking about ICT!! Then to generate some excitement I guess(?), he says the Prime Minister is here, Bradley Roberts is here, Obie Wilchombe is here...say what??!!?, what kind of party is this?
Usher in Machel!
ThisIsOurs 9 years ago
OMG 4 pot bellied men on stage trying to excite the crowd, what is this?? Make that 5 pot bellied men :| average age - 90. This is a complete farce
John 9 years ago
Please take Mr. Minnis to a nursing home for some rest and relaxation. He seems to be cracking even under the pressure of being leader of the official opposition. Don't let him allow Perry to become a "shoe in" pm come 2017.
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