Minnis pledges govt of fiscal responsibility

As of Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Dr Hubert Minnis

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday pledged to create a “new Bahamas” if elected prime minister in 2017 by being “fiscally responsible, intolerant of corruption, and transparent” in the execution of his duties.

He again stressed that if elected, the FNM would enact freedom of information legislation.

In an op-ed article released yesterday, Dr Minnis said the operations of the government have been shrouded in secrecy for too long.

Dr Minnis said an administration led by him will embrace the freedom of access to information “outside the purview of national security interests”.

“A nation cannot claim to embrace or deepen democracy when its government intentionally withholds or stalls the dissemination of information on matters of national significance and with national ramifications,” he added.

“With the stakes high and Bahamians ready for change, failure is no option and compromise is a tool of mediocrity. As we press with the greatest urgency and excitement toward the mark of a new Bahamas, it is incumbent upon us, your leaders, to make progress and not excuses.”

He added: “For far too long, a culture of secrecy in government has existed where longstanding traditions of transparency and openness should have been the operating norm. In 2017, a Free National Movement government will ensure that it complies with both the spirit and intent of the enabling freedom of information legislation.”

He added that the building of an “honest, open” society requires strong leaders who are “willing to do what is right even if it is unpopular”.

“The Free National Movement will present such leaders who embody these qualities to the Bahamian people as candidates in the next general election,” Dr Minnis said.

“With your endorsement and support, they will stand with me to form the next government of the Bahamas. We will conduct your affairs with the highest standards of ethics and integrity. Moreover, we will ensure that you experience governance that positively impacts your lives and your livelihood.”

“Unfortunately, this new Bahamas is not a place where the aforementioned development and progress miraculously happens overnight. It requires dedication and hard work in order to create an equal opportunity society and a new and better Bahamas.

“So, we must unite around our common values and the common good of all. As this New Year unfolds, we continue to be plagued with an economy in decline, a bloody holiday season, and the additional tax burden associated with the upcoming implementation of NHI. I give you my solemn promise that upon coming to office, a new Free National Movement government will adopt a corporate approach to the governance of our Commonwealth. We will be fiscally responsible, intolerant of corruption, transparent in the execution of our duties, and report regularly to the Bahamian people on the affairs of government.”

• See the full article on page 7.

ohdrap4 8 years, 3 months ago

i said it before, but it is worth repeating:

do all fairy tales start with 'once upon a time?'

NO. MANY START WITH ' WHEN I AM ELECTED'

Economist 8 years, 3 months ago

So table a Bill for fiscal responsibility so we can see what you would do. Be proactive.

Put the pressure on the government, otherwise your comments are just more blah, blah, blah.

Sickened 8 years, 3 months ago

exactly! Stop this nonsense of "When I get elected". You are friggin elected and sitting in the house. NOW PUT A BILL FORWARD! Let those D averages across from you shoot it down if they want, but show us something!!!

Publius 8 years, 3 months ago

100% correct @sickened - he is already elected. The nation cannot elect him to be Prime Minister, constituents can only elect him in his constituency to be an MP - and that's all he needs to be to bring proposed legislation to the Parliament. He obviously does not know or understand his role in this present capacity - otherwise he would have had Bills drafted and presented long ago regarding what he claims the country needs.

TruePeople 8 years, 3 months ago

They think we stupid sickened..........

Publius 8 years, 3 months ago

blah blah blah...

Ha! didn't realize @Economist said the same thing. Great minds... So now this man thinks he ought to be an Opposition of press releases and op-eds not even written or conceptualized by him. The bar in this country just keeps going lower and lower, and I didnt think it had any more room to descend.

MonkeeDoo 8 years, 3 months ago

And the Choir sang AMEN !

marrcus 8 years, 3 months ago

As long as the DNA continues to siphon off votes, PLP will forever reign. Get used to it.