The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Several exciting things have been announced in the Bahamian tourism industry and more are in the pipe line, so to speak. For generations we have relied on the now fabled banking and tourism economic model to literally drive the economy. Wherever the spirit of the late Sir Stafford L Sands might be, may God bless the same. This man, back in the day, was a mover and shaker in the allegedly defunct United Bahamian Party (UBP). In fact, he strode the Bahamian stage like the colossus that he would have been.

The so-called Stafford L. Sands model served the country well and even though today portions of it might be passé it is to be kept in mind that these two pillars remain the backbone of our economic success to this very day. The time has come, however, when we must revitalize and refurbish both industries. We innovate our we ‘die’ on the vine.

It is traditionally a bad move for political commentators to opine on the successes of opposing parties which they might not be known to publicly support. I do not know why this is but there are too many otherwise right thinking Bahamians who fear to do so because of perceived or even real political persecution or repercussions. I fear none of those things as the Lord Jesus Christ is my God and Protector, point blank.

The Minnis administration has gotten off to a very slow start. It is just beginning to get up off its collective knees and now starting to take baby steps in governance. There have been innumerable self inflicted political wounds. Thank God, for the sake of the unwashed masses, that only one of two of them have been, so far, near fatal.

The unexpected and draconian increase in VAT caught the business community and the average Bahamian by total surprise, especially when one considers the stance taken against VAT itself long before the May, 2017 general elections.Within months of coming to office the FNM increased VAT by almost 50% without batting an eye much less feeling any weight. We were, to put it mildly, bamboozled and dished out a large dosage of shaving cream, with no hot sauce. Some protested but it was a mere seven day wonder.

The appointments of party hacks (FNMs) to sensitive positions and others where they serve no real purpose other than to collect a generous monthly stipend will come back to haunt this administration. The abrupt displacement of several formerly high ranking police and other officers, while perhaps necessary from a managerial and fiscal position, was badly and unprofessionally handled. The message sent by Minister Marvin Dames comes across as very personal and haughty. The collective morale on the Royal Bahamas Police Force must be next to zero save where senior officers who stand to directly benefit from the exodus of the former officers.

People’s skills and mass communication are not fortes of this government. Major cabinet officers wear their arrogance on their shoulders and are quick to politically assault and dismiss their critics, including me. I, however, call a spade a spade. The Minister of Tourism & Aviation and his team are doing a yeoman’s job in the re-branding of our touristic industry. Relative to our economic and banking industries, the proverbial jury is still out. Minister Peter Turnquest, God bless him too, is competent but, obviously, all of the dots are not being dotted and half of the t’s are not being crossed. The one of the brighter lights in the Ministry of Finance is my good friend the brilliant Financial Secretary, Mr. Marlon Johnson.

While Dames, et al, was orchastrating the retirement, by whatever name, of the former senior police officers, crime continues to trend upwards, even if it has gone down, allegedly, via statistics which are prone to manipulation, in certain pockets such as reported rapes and housebreaking, to send knowledgeable senior officers home at this juncture will be counter productive in my view. Individuals like Clayton Fernander and Ken Strachan should be given extended terms for another year or so to ensure that their expected replacements are up to scratch.

Tourism and aviation continues to radically expand under the watch of Minister D’Aguilar. There is no need to speculate on my total and absolute support for this member of the cabinet. When the PLP was in power, I did the same with my current leader, the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis when he served as Minister of Works.It is what it is.

For the first time in almost ten years we are now witnessing the actual and real roll out of meaningful changes and refurbishment to the tourism industry. Global Port Holdings and its Bahamian partners are poised to bring about the massive transformation of Prince George Wharf; major portions of downtown in conjunction with the Ed Field’s led Down Town Committee, will also benefit from this. The Ghost Town says of Bay Street are fast coming to an end. The start up of developments, which were begun under the PLP, are coming on stream.

The projects announced by Carnival (Grand Bahama) and Eleuthera are God send for the industry and the nation at large. I could care less which administration rolls them out. They will benefit the entire country. In politics, the credit, rightly or wrongly, goes to the administration in power. It is as simple as that. If Dionisio is able to successfully navigate the sprouting and completion of these projects it will be his eternal legacy for generations to come.

And so, with the banner year in tourism arrivals and stop-over visitors, The Bahamas is rapidly rebranding our number one industry in a positive way. I am more than persuaded that Minnis and his crew, despite the massive political flaws and overt mistakes, may be on to something positive. Mind you, I am not suggesting that it will be re-elected but its chances of doing so are improving. It is my sincere belief, however, that the New Deal PLP will not roll over and play dead. Brave has his job cut out for him but, there is no doubt in my mind, at least, that he is the only visible and declared leader, at this time, for my party. To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, JR.

Nassau

March 24, 2019