The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

My basic philosophy in public life has always been to give roses and kudos to individuals while they are alive to appreciate them. I make no exceptions. The storm that hovered over The Bahamas for several years, for whatever reasons, appear to be over. The elimination and relaxation of possibly heavy handed curfews and lock downs. The economy, save for certain historical enclaves within our Family Islands, is back up and running on almost full throttle.

Individuals, in my view, now understand the basic concept: ‘That he who does not work will not eat’ are seeking to become financial wards of the state. Of course, there are exceptions: the elderly; the disabled; mentally challenged. The Ministry of Social Services & Urban Renewal is doing an excellent job at alleviating poverty pockets and the odd cases. By and large, however, the average Bahamian never liked bread lines and food stamps. Thanks to the return of the economy we should see a drastic reduction in such cases. The Storm is over.

Inflation is the biggest elephant in the room, so to speak. Prices on consumer goods and services are going up and will get higher in my view. I note that BPL was contemplating a rise in electrical costs that had not been approved by the Minister of Works & Utilities or the cabinet. This idea was shot down quickly. In these challenging times I would invite the Most Hon. Prime Minister to advise the relevant ministers to hold the line at BPL and The Bahamas Water & Sewerage Corporation. Electricity and water are essential in the ongoing fight with the lingering effects of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers with arrears should be given, again, but for the final time, a grace and mercy period of three months to pay off arrears and to remain current going forward or work out a realistic payment plan with the particular corporation. It would demonstrate that this PM and his enlightened administration has compassion; a heart and a soul. The storm is over but there are still some strong breezes and inadequate income.

The Bahamas is now recognised on the world stage and has become a small, but key player globally. Out foreign and diplomatic services have been beefed up. I am particularly pleased with the stellar appointments of the Hon Leslia Miller-Brice (PLP-Sea Breeze) as Ambassador to Guyana & CARICOM ; His Excellency Wendal Jones to the USA and Malaysia and, of course, His Excellency Elliston Rahming to Cuba. Yes, the storm is over but there is much more work to be done.

The lid must be held on inflation and we need to ramp up The Price Control Commission must be beefed up and given real teeth…no more dentures, to eliminate or reduce price gorging. One of my vehicles is a mid-size Japanese type car. In December, 2021 to replace a tyre that could be done for B$60.00 In January, 2022 I went to my regular supplier and was told that the same tyre had increased to B$104! Thank God, I know of another supplier and when I went there I was able to purchase two brand new tyres for B$130.00 inclusive of Vat.

In some food stores an item that one could have gotten for B$2.69 – a simple TV dinner now goes for B$3.69...The supply chain challenges is also going to be a challenge for the Davis Administration. Off brand products are all over the place. I have not been able to purchase Oscar Myers Beef Bologna or the Hard Salami in recent times and no store manager seems to know when they will become available. Yes, the storm is over but still windy. The Davis administration, will, in my opinion, bring hope and help to the unwashed masses. The storm is over.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

March 9, 2022.