The Tribune

THIS time last year in the run-up to the General Election in May the Progressive Liberal Party government was being roundly criticised for its corruption, scandals, dishonesty and basic ineptitude in managing the country. The people wanted change and the result was an overwhelming election victory for the Free National Movement under the leadership of Dr Hubert Minnis. The new Prime Minister promised reform, transparency and accountability in a more open style of governance that would be more efficient and effective in meeting the needs of the nation – “It’s the people’s time” was the new slogan with a pledge to listen and learn.

In the wake of widespread dissatisfaction with the Christie government, there was a collective public sigh of relief and genuine expectation of a new beginning. Sadly, however, the optimism of a year ago has dissipated as the new FNM government has faltered along the way.

Next month’s anniversary of its electoral victory will be an opportunity for a detailed assessment of the FNM’s performance during the ensuing months. But today we look at a few reasons for the sense of disappointment and disillusion that has crept in after a promising start as it now seems to be drifting from one ‘misstep’ to another while failing to live up to its declared undertakings. The result is more and more people are already wondering - what has really changed from the previous administration?

There have been various cases of poor judgment and bad decision-making together with a lack of co-ordination within the government, and this has called in to question the effectiveness of the FNM’s leadership. Most recently, the Oban Energy project to build an oil refinery in Grand Bahama, which is causing endless controversy, is perhaps the most striking example since the Prime Minister himself has been directly responsible for it.

There is general agreement that the negotiations in respect of this project have been poorly handled. Dr Minnis has admitted to so-called missteps and has conceded there should have been more extensive due diligence as well as wider environmental consultation. With serious doubts now being voiced about the need for a refinery, its operational viability and economic benefit, as well as about the backgrounds of the individuals involved in Oban, it beggars belief that the Government should give away Crown Land and proceed blithely in secretive fashion to a “Heads of Agreement” without adequate consultation – all the more so because it has done this without first conducting an environmental impact assessment. Given our country’s dependence on tourists and other visitors attracted by our unique environment, this is sheer folly. From what we have heard, the best outcome would be to scrap this dubious project and look urgently at other ways of boosting the fortunes of Grand Bahama.

Another major concern is the state of the economy. The private sector is describing as slightly premature the International Monetary Fund’s latest assessment that it has “turned the corner”. But, while there is growing optimism about the domestic economy, our blacklisting by the European Union for being a non-compliant tax jurisdiction is a serious setback. As a country dependent, in a globalised economy, on earning foreign exchange for our daily needs mainly from tourism, financial services and foreign direct investment - and as we prepare for membership of the World Trade Organisation - we cannot afford to allow ourselves to be frozen out of the international financial world.

As a result, however reluctantly, we have to go along with the demands from larger nations which seek to prevent multinational companies from using corporate structures overseas for tax avoidance. We are simply too small on our own to challenge the EU and the OECD head-on and we need anyway to recognise finally that it is in our long-term interest to move away from being regarded by the rest of the world as a tax haven.

The Government’s commitment to reform and liberalise the economy, including tackling tax reform, is welcome and we hope that it will adhere to its undertaking to listen to the views of the private sector about how this should be achieved.

Perhaps a consultative document similar to the government White and Green Paper system in Britain would be the way forward.

Other issues causing irritation or discontent include the lack of action about Freedom of Information legislation, delay in appointing a new Chief Justice, and, in recent weeks, the clumsy handling of the removal of the Chairman of the Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation when the Prime Minister’s authority was challenged in an unbecoming manner.

We believe, in order to restore the public’s faith in the FNM’s capacity to govern, Dr Minnis must be more open and consult more readily – both within his own government and publicly – before embarking on major reforms and projects or new laws.

He should be seen as a leader who keeps above the fray of everyday problems so that he can concentrate on overall strategy and broad policy issues while at the same time ensuring the component parts of his government are functioning properly. But, above all, if the FNM government is to succeed in the longer term, it needs to deliver on its mandate and election promise to put the people first.

A week, it’s said, is a long time in politics. Dr Minnis