The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A private sector representative yesterday warned it would be “a tragedy” if political developments impacted the content, direction and implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP).

Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, while briefly addressing the opening of a national conclave on the National Development Plan (NDP) at SuperClubs Breezes, said: “The movements that are happening in politics ought not affect this plan.

“It ought not to throw off course those who have been working to bring this plan to where it is now. It would be a tremendous tragedy if, come summer of next year, that we are going to see some shifting and movement in the plan.”

Mr Sumner added: “That is why the political directorate has to buy into this across the political spectrum. If they buy-in now and are able to make their contributions now, when the plan is implemented it is something they would have been privy to prior to any government taking office and advancing their agenda.

“This plan - and the pillars of  this plan - ought to form the agenda of any political organisation going forward because they will be required to abide by this plan.”

The National Development Plan: Vision 2040 is intended to provide a roadmap for future development in the Bahamas, along with a comprehensive policy framework which will guide Government decision-making and investment. A comprehensive 491-page draft of the NDP was released over the weekend.