Dr Hubert Minnis
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement will be more “visible, active and vigilant” in 2015 – especially when it comes to the scourge of the crime in the country, party Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said last night.
During his nationally televised New Year’s address, Dr Minnis outlined new initiatives the FNM plans to introduce if they win the next election, including Over-the-Hill tax free zones and free college tuition for Family Island residents.
He also pledged to work closely with stakeholders, the government and members of the clergy to “finally get a hold on crime.”
“The leadership of the FNM will mobilise its members to work with various stakeholders throughout the Bahamas, but especially in New Providence,” he said.
“We must have an open and honest review of our current crime fighting strategies. We must expand those measures that work and adjust or scrap those that do not. We need effective programmes that produce meaningful results and not just catchy slogans. We, in the FNM, pledge to work with all stakeholders to review, support and introduce new crime fighting initiatives,” he said.
“Our team has a plan which includes prevention strategies, medium and long-term strategic programmes. However, we recognise that urgent action is required now to reduce the fear that has gripped far too many in our beloved country and to dramatically reduce the bloodshed in our once peaceful streets and homes. To this end, we pledge to support plans that will bring immediate improvement.”
Dr Minnis also pledged to invest more in the inner city, the Family Islands and in education.
“The FNM in our next term in government will introduce tax free zones for the revitalisation of Over-the-Hill, the inner city and depressed areas...Focused attention will also be given to implementing best practices and developing top performing schools throughout our nation. Family Island students who qualify for COB should be provided with full scholarships, including room and board, along with a monthly stipend,” he said.
“This year, the FNM will begin to reveal its Family Island Development Plan which includes providing domestic tourism incentives and providing proper infrastructure such as roads, docks and clinics, wherein some must be improved, some built, while all must be maintained. The plan also includes provision for some of the taxes collected in our islands to be allocated to those islands for their growth and development. Particular attention will be paid to domestic incentives for Bahamians who invest in the Family Islands.”
Dr Minnis also said his party will not only properly enforce immigration laws but also target the Bahamian owners who permit their land to be used as shanty towns and target Bahamian and expat employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
Ending his address, Dr Minnis said the public can count on the FNM to “work tirelessly for you and with you, to ensure that the Bahamas is advanced, protected and safe.”
“In conclusion, 2014 was the year of broken promises and missed opportunities. In 2015, the Bahamas will face serious challenges and we need more than broken promises. The Bahamas needs a Freedom of Information Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act and a real Mortgage Relief Programme.
“The public demands our government functions with integrity and at a high standard.”
Comments
TheMadHatter 9 years, 3 months ago
Mr. Minnis - we don't have a scourge of crime - we have a scourge of baby making. Get on it.
TheMadHatter
TalRussell 9 years, 3 months ago
Comrade Minnis needs start small stuff. Maybe the red shirts detectives could investigate the humour in today's newspaper's headlines: "Man found dead in Well. Police 'think' man drowned." Really, they think?
John 9 years, 3 months ago
Who said, "When I become prime minister, I ger prosecute ya back sides straight ta jail?" That was the problem then and that is the problem now. Not enuff prosections for criminals. Too many people are doing crime and getting away with it, again and again. AND unless you willing to "prosecute their back sides straight to jail", then aint much you could do about crime. If you is a coward when it comes to bringing criminals to justice then all you doing is shooting the breeze. You can be as visible as the sun, as active as the energizer bunny and as vigilant as King Arthur and his knights: "He hardly touched the sword....Now use it to make justice and right prevail in all the land!"
birdiestrachan 9 years, 3 months ago
Dr. Minnis all of what you will do cost money. Tell the Bahamian people where the money will come from. You voted no to the web shops, No to Vat. The Bahamas has a huge deficit . Yet you talk about what you will do with out any mention as to where the money will come from.. the Bahamas was down graded twice under the FNM Government. Now as you know crime was very high between 2007 and 2012 You r party did not have the answers then. And you want the Bahamian people to believe you have it now. Talk is cheap very cheap. and what you have said is just that cheap talk.
TalRussell 9 years, 3 months ago
Try unknott one them heavy duty chains and people poking fun ya ass, you'll be begging Judge revoke ya bail. Comrades you may get bail but not only will you be made drag around a ball and chain but all you men's be made wear skin-tight pink spandex suit. Only in Bahamaland you seem be free go anywhere wearing ya court-mandated bracelet? .How in hell can you go island hopping or visit family in USA, all while wearing "monitored" bracelet? My advice Judges is to make it so damn obvious they is on bail. Comrades think about it - a bail system that really works. No more worries about having recharge batteries or costs monitor they whereabouts.
by TalRussell
TruthHurts 9 years, 3 months ago
"THE Free National Movement will be more “visible, active and vigilant” in 2015"
How pray tell will they accomplish this if they couldn't manage the time they were in office? The only way to fight crime currently is to have police presence on the streets. (PAY THE PEOPLE A DECENT WAGE WHO PROTECTS THE CITIZENS OF THE BAHAMAS!!!!) For the PREVENTION or PROACTIVE APPROACH would be to concentrate more on EDUCATION of the youths, programs and facilities! (PAY THE PEOPLE A DECENT WAGE WHO EDUCATE THE CITIZENS OF THE BAHAMAS!!!!!) Real strategies and project planning towards urban renewal. (PROVIDE BETTER JOB OPPORTUNITIES/BUSINESS OWNERSHIP THAN JUST CONTRACTS ON LOW WAGE PAYING HOTELS!!!) Lastly, and most importantly..BRAINSTORMING! TRY IT SOMETIME, IT ACTUALLY WORKS!
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