The Tribune

YOUR SAY

By Dr Hubert Minnis, Leader of the Free National Movement

MY ongoing work as opposition leader here in New Providence and travels throughout the country, make it urgently clear that the majority of Bahamians and residents of the Bahamas are disappointed and fed up with this failing Christie-led government.

In keeping with my party’s strong focus on young people and education, our personal chats and interactions with college students and a significant number of high school seniors in New Providence and around The Bahamas in recent days, reveal the awesome talents, vision, ambitions and abilities our future leaders bear, but there is grave concern regarding the present state of our nation and the direction in which we are headed.

Baha Mar

While Prime Minister (Perry) Christie floats around the globe at the expense of hurting Bahamians, problems and issues at home continue to mount. Missteps by the government now have thousands of people out of work at Baha Mar and contractors desperate to collect outstanding payments. Mr Christie is acting like a man in dreamland continuously stating that there is growing interest in the Baha Mar project, but we have yet to see or hear of any further progress. Mr Christie’s assertion differs from the facts being echoed by former Baha Mar board members.

Added to the enormous loss of jobs at Baha Mar, unemployment numbers are climbing. The thousands of jobs promised by Mr Christie and his Progressive Liberal Party during the 2012 election campaign now prove just another empty promise.

VAT

The government is boasting about the millions of dollars collected by way of VAT, but yet our national debt is reportedly steadily increasing. The people of The Bahamas, on whose broken backs these millions have been collected, await a detailed and transparent report on the use of the monies collected.

Environment

During Mr Christie and his government’s excessive globetrotting, we are finding that some of what is being purported on the international stage, particularly as it relates to our environment, does not match the government’s actions. While not surprised by this government’s seemingly shameless ability to paint a false picture, the credibility and reputation of The Bahamas must always be protected.

Hurricane

Also of national importance, among the mounting problems and issues being faced under this failing Christie-led government, are concerns about the timely and fair distribution of supplies and associated relief support.

I again commend the many businesses, organisations and individuals who have and continue to help the people and the islands affected by Hurricane Joaquin.

It is the intent of the leadership team of the FNM to set up meetings with NEMA representatives and the other relevant agencies in the coming days. We will also continue to communicate with those affected and make ongoing follow up trips to examine the circumstances first hand. Reports of the level of help in some areas being guided by politics are disturbing.

It is my hope that our findings prove these reports false. The relief and recovery of human lives should have absolutely nothing to do with their political persuasion.

Solutions

As leader of the Official Opposition, I hold the sacred obligation to continue to expose the government’s ongoing missteps, insist that Mr Christie breaks his silence on pressing issues and simultaneously outline the FNM’s solution and result-oriented position. The people of The Bahamas can rest assured that a Minnis-led FNM government will structure stronger foreign investment policies to avoid any repeat of this Baha Mar disaster and we call on Prime Minister Christie to stop selling false dreams and promises about the resort’s completion and opening.

As a result of stronger and more creative and attractive foreign investment policies and our focus on real Bahamian entrepreneurship and ownership, more jobs will be created in The Bahamas.

The burdensome VAT load placed on average Bahamians by this uncaring government will be eased when my FNM government takes office. We will remove the existing tax on a number of items. I note that Prime Minister Christie recently spoke at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit and his environment minister heads to Paris, France, this coming week to attend the United Nations Framework on Climate Change Convention.

We demand speeches that coincide with their actions and will monitor same on behalf of the Bahamian people. A Minnis-led FNM government will not compromise the beauty and natural wealth of The Bahamas. At all times, we will practice what we preach with regards to environmental matters and otherwise.

Things are falling apart on Mr Christie’s watch. While I do not support government leaders attacking civil servants in the public domain, it is important that the government and the leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other agencies resolve what is an obvious disconnect at a time when murders are at an all-time high and the scourge of crime has Bahamians living in fear. Mr Christie cannot remain asleep in the wake of this troubling revelation and ongoing media spat.

A Minnis-led government will promote an effective police force, utilising the best and brightest void of politics.

Change

I have directed my leadership team and shadow ministers to continue to explore and arrive at solutions as we expose the shame, pain and suffering this government is placing on the people of the Bahamas. We will keep the government’s feet to the fire and proactively position the FNM to become the next government of the Bahamas. We are set to bring change for this and future generations of Bahamians to enjoy a better quality of life.