Message to Residents of Southern Shores
On December 10, 2011 in In The News, My Views On...
Dear Residents of Southern Shores,
As the Progressive Liberal Party’s prospective candidate for the Southern Shores Constituency, I look forward to meeting you and listening to your views and concerns. More importantly, I am ready to serve you and do something about your concerns.
Good representation begins with developing relationships. In this regard, I believe it is necessary for me to develop strong personal relationships with you to enable me to advance you and your family’s hopes and aspirations in Parliament. That process begins now!
I will be canvassing the constituency and “knocking” on your doors. I trust that all of you whom are eligble to vote have registered. I also trust that you will support me and vote in my favour to enable me to be YOUR VOICE in Parliament.
If you would like to visit my Constituency Headquarters at Carmichael Road and Whitaker Avenue, please feel free to do so or call at 341-1382.
Be Blessed and see you soon.
Regards,
Kenred M. A. Dorsett
Progress Now
On October 04, 2009 in My Views On...
Progress Now! is a campaign for change, revitalization and transformation of our Party. Having served as a Branch Officer, Branch NGC member, National Party Vice-Chairman and now National Party Deputy Chairman I know what has worked and what does not work for the PLP. My vision for progress in the PLP is practical, results oriented and inclusive. The ethos of Progress Now is teamwork. We need all PLPs to recommit themselves to our Party and work together with a single purpose of restoring the PLP as the Government. Let’s make Progress…Now!
The Vision
Timely and Aggressive Messaging
• The Party must work closely with the Parliamentary team and spokespersons.
• We will conduct regular Press Briefings at the Party’s headquarters in Nassau and Grand Bahama.
• We will showcase the talent and many faces of the PLP by allowing authorized persons to conduct press briefings with the approval of the Chairman or Leader.
• The Party’s newspaper will be re-introduced and published quarterly.
• The Party’s website will be updated to enable supporters throughout the country and the world to stay in touch with the Party.
• We will develop and furnish a comprehensive media lab at Sir Lynden Pindling Centre to ensure shorter response times and greater control of our message and its distribution.
Membership Relations
• We must increase Branch membership. • The Party must embark on a modern and aggressive national campaign to increase general membership. This campaign will also involve television, direct e-mail marketing and print advertising.
• Our Party must also focus on membership relations. We must record the stories of our heroes, heroines and stalwart councilors. We must remain in contact with them and their families particularly, when as a result of illness or physical frailty they are unable to attend meetings.
• We must develop an internal business directory to ensure that the National headquarters is aware of the business services provided by PLPs. We must encourage PLPs to support each other.
Revitalizing Our Branches
• Branches must be an integral part of information gathering relating to electioneering, local issues, and message dissemination.
• Through regional Branch alliances, we will sponsor public town meetings to inform the general public about issues that affect them.
Campaign Education & Training
• To win the next General Election we require an army of trained party supporters and operatives throughout The Bahamas.
• Educational seminars for Party Officers, campaign workers, branch executives, candidates and interested party supporters will be conducted on effective campaigning and issues. This will be coordinated by the National Progressive Institute and the Political Committee.
Recruitment & Candidate Selection
• The Party must implement a programme to enable us to identify and develop potential and future constituency leaders, party officers and candidates for general elections.
• The Candidates committee must function at all times.
• The Party must implement succession planning in all areas of its operations.
Financing & Sustainable Funding
• A sustainable fundraising plan must be aggressively pursued by our Party to support our operations. Events must be designed to achieve political, social and financial objectives.
• The fundraising approach requires consensus among all of our leaders, including those in Grand Bahama and the other Family Islands.
• The Party’s resources must be managed prudently, particularly during General Elections.
• The Party must implement a new protocol for binding the party contractually to avoid the party being burdened with unnecessary debt.
• We must ensure that the party’s staff is paid and a volunteer worker programme implemented to allow students, retirees and supporters to assist the National Headquarters in its efforts.
Empowerment of Youth
• The Progressive Young Liberals is the youth arm of our party. I trust that the leaders of the PYL will favourably consider becoming a branch of the party again and launching an exciting and comprehensive plan to attract new, young Bahamains to the PLP and reinvigorate its current membership.
• Our party cannot win the next general election without the support of the youth. We must be inclusive and prioritize their agenda. The party must be (i) accessible to young people (ii) prepared to listen to them; and (iii) prepared to support and send capable young PLPs to the House of Assembly to represent the aspirations and concerns of their generation.
• We must provide training for the development of our young politicians and constituency leaders.
Empowering Women
• Throughout the history of our party, women have played significant roles in our successes. We have been blessed by the support of some of the greatest women in politics and national development from 1953 to the present date.
• The Women’s Branches throughout The Bahamas together with The National Headquarters must celebrate our legacy, encourage the support and participation of today’s generation of women and be strong advocates for women’s issues.
• We must continue to support women in politics at every level and ensure that the PLP re-commits itself to advance the rights of women.
Recognizing and Empowering Dedicated Party Supporters
Stalwart Councilors
• Oftentimes, PLPs throughout the Bahamas complain that the Party has failed to recognize the contribution many of our supporters have made to the organization. In this regard, we must allow PLP supporters who have attained the age of 50 years, who have also provided ten consecutive years of dedicated service to the Party to apply for the award of Stalwart Councilor.
• I recommend that the National Convention and/or National General Council approve a minimum of 50 persons from each constituency to be awarded membership as a Stalwart Councilor over the next 12 to 24 months.
• Deserving Party supporters should be given the highest honour while they are alive and not posthumously.
Leadership Advisory Association:
• The Party must also recognize that there are thousands of hard working supporters who have provided years of continuous service to the Party but have not attained 50 years of age. They are not eligible to become Stalwart Councilors but should be recognized and honoured for their service.
• I propose the creation of a body called “The Leadership Advisory Association”. This group will be comprised of persons under 50 years old, who have contributed a minimum of 5 years of continuous service to the Party.
• This group will not be entitled to an automatic vote at a National General Convention, but members should be given the opportunity to be recognized as Observer Delegates.
• This group will meet monthly at the National Headquarters with the Party’s leadership to discuss the affairs of the Party.
• This group will become a feeder programme for the Stalwart Council/National General Council.
• Each member will receive a Certificate and pin signifying their membership.
• Each member will be required to pay annual dues similar to Branch dues.
• The creation of this body will reconnect the Party with our hard working supporters and re-energize the Party’s base.
Family Island Development
In recent times, our party has verbally committed itself to the involvement of branches in the Family Islands but has not met the expectations of our members. The perception of being “Nassau centric” is stifling the activity of the PLP in Grand Bahama and the other Family Islands and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.
The Party’s leadership must:
• visit Grand Bahama and the other Family Islands on a regular basis to listen to and be aware of the concerns of our supporters and residents. • reconnect with our supporters and branches and not reserve visits for funerals and branch elections. • commit to naming and modernizing our buildings in Cat Island and Grand Bahama. • begin a volunteer worker programme to staff our Family Island offices and headquarters. • revitalize the Grand Bahama Council and ensure that it is effecitve and empowered as it was prior to the 2002 General Election. • provide training sessions in Grand Bahama and the other Family Islands. • assist with the establishment of branches of the Progressive Young Liberals and Women’s Branches throughout the Family Islands. • encourage and include Family Island Branches, Island/Regional Constituency Councils and Island Stalwart Councils of the party in the General Election campaign strategy.
This plan of action is not exhaustive and is a blue print of the Progress required to prepare our Party for the next General Election.
Please feel free to contact me at 394.1823 or 424.8936 to provide your comments.
I trust you will support my platform and candidacy.
Best regards,
Mr. Kenred M. A. Dorsett National Deputy Chairman and Candidate for Chairmanship of the PLP**
Senator Blasts Minister Over Planned Port Move
On July 21, 2009 in In The News
Progressive Liberal Party Senator Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday the ability and competence of Minister of the Environment Dr. Earl Deveaux to serve in that position must be called into question, due to what Fitzgerald claimed has been a lack of public disclosure on the planned $80 million relocation of the downtown container port to Arawak Cay.
“If he is the minister of the environment what is his function?” Fitzgerald asked at a press conference at the proposed relocation site at Arawak Cay. “To protect the Bahamian environment on behalf of the Bahamian people, not to promote the interests of certain special groups that are in this country.
“How can you have a development like this that is so environmentally sensitive and there has mentally sensitive and there has been not one word from the minister of the environment with regard to the environmental impact, and with regard to releasing that report so that Bahamians and interested parties can discuss it?”
Deveaux did not respond to questions about the senator’s comments up to press time yesterday, but he had said previously that Fitzgerald, who has been railing against the port move for months, has acted in a “divisive” manner.
Deveaux told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and the Ministry of Tourism will host a joint town meeting at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel on August 6 to address issues related to the Arawak Cay port and the downtown revitalization project, as well as their related environmental issues, “including likely impacts and mitigation measures.”
The Nassau Harbour dredging project and the New Providence Road Improvement Project will also be discussed, according to the minister.
“At that meeting we will share with the public all information at our disposal, including the background to the various projects and provide an updated status report. We will also answer questions,” said Deveaux, adding that all the relevant Cabinet ministers will be in attendance.
In addition to critiquing Deveaux’s performance as environment minister yesterday, Fitzgerald also took issue with Blue Engineering Ltd., an environmental research firm that compiled the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed port relocation.
He questioned whether in fact this company existed.
It should be noted however, that when The Guardian attempted to contact Blue Engineering Ltd. at its address in the New Providence telephone directory yesterday, those efforts were successful. However, a receptionist said that no one who could speak to the EIA was available.
As far as the accessibility of the EIA, Deveaux also addressed that yesterday.
“As is the case with all environmental impact assessments, the EIA for the extension for Arawak Cay, produced by Blue Engineering, is available to the public in the Ministry of the Environment or the Ministry of Public Works,” Deveaux said.
Despite Deveaux’s assertions, Fitzgerald accused him and the government of refusing to turn over information regarding the port move, despite numerous requests.
“I have placed a resolution on the table [of the Senate] with regard to the development of Arawak Cay to give the government an opportunity to give full and frank disclosure… in order that the Bahamian people will know all the facts,” Fitzgerald said. “We have given the government an opportunity to come clean and they continue to operate under a veil of secrecy with regard to this matter. And it’s almost impossible to get someone to come forward, and when the information does come forward, many times it is incorrect and it is contradictory.”
Fitzgerald, who heads the Committee to Protect and Preserve The Bahamas for Future Generations, had planned to hold a town meeting around the same time as the government.
It was unclear yesterday if Fitzgerald was aware of the government’s intention to hold its town meeting.
An all-out media blitz designed to prevent the port relocation, that was launched by the committee nearly two weeks ago, is expected to continue until the end of the month.
CONSIDER THIS….ARAWAK CAY, SAUNDERS BEACH AND DEMOCRACY
On July 21, 2009 in In The News
We have a problem on Saunders Beach and Arawak Cay that is emblematic of what is wrong with our nation, which, if left unquestioned and unchecked, might lead to bigger problems.
Since the autocratic rule of the oligarchic Bay Street Boys ended, Bahamians have talked about how we want to live in a democracy where no one is marginalized and ignored when it comes to decisions that affect our lives and that of our children. But is it really a democracy – a government of, by and for the people — or one that simply dictates what is to happen TO the people without any reference to the wishes of those very people who put the politicians in positions of power?
Once again, we are seeing an issue that has more questions than answers and an issue that has people, prominent and otherwise, wanting to know just what is happening. But the answers are not forthcoming, not to legislators who are asking those questions in our Parliament or to people asking them on the street and in the media. Why is this Government afraid of answering those questions? Is something being hidden?
It all began rather quietly. If you weren’t paying attention, probably no one noticed when an FNM candidate for the constituency where the then PLP Government was planning to build a major container port was asked in a radio interview during a political rally about how this new development would impact the economy of his area. He was non-committal to the point of saying that this development was simply not in the cards for his constituency, a strange response given all the planning, studies and public discourse regarding the new container port at Clifton. What did he know then, back in April 2007 that would make him believe this project would never see the light of day?
As we all know, when the FNM won in 2007, the Clifton container port project was one that the Government claimed that they knew nothing about, that there were no firm plans to move the container port to Clifton and that they were awaiting results of yet another study – interesting since their candidate had commented on its existence a month before they were elected.
Shortly after coming to office, a meeting was convened by Deputy Prime Minister Brent Symonette in his office to discuss the downtown revitalization. In that meeting, it was specifically mentioned that, because all those in attendance believed that moving the container port from Bay Street was key to the revival of downtown, it would only take a relatively short time to convert Arawak Cay into a “temporary” container port as an “interim solution” to getting the shipping companies off Bay. Despite that meeting almost exactly two years ago, the silence about the plans for Arawak Cay has been deafening. In fact, the very idea of choosing Arawak Cay actually flies in the face of some very good science. Coastal Systems International Environmental Assessment, a study that was conducted to evaluate seven sites on New Providence for a container port, Clifton Point, the area of BEC’s Clifton Pier Power Station, South Ocean, Adelaide, Coral Harbour, Arawak Cay and the existing port facilities downtown, ranked Arawak Cay as number 6, with only Clifton Point at number 7 being less desirable. In fact, that study ranked leaving the facility on Bay Street as number 5, more desirable than moving it to Arawak Cay.
So what is going on? Why is Arawak Cay being prepared to become the container port for the island of New Providence despite studies that recommend against it? This a question no one wants to answer.
Simultaneously, the Nassau harbour is being dredged, using the excavated fill to enlarge Arawak Cay to the west. This is being done – and paid for by the people of The Bahamas – supposedly to accommodate Carnival Cruise Lines new class of mega-cruise ships that were scheduled to come on stream in December of 2009. A simple check of Carnival’s website indicates that the construction of this ship has been put on hold, ostensibly because of the economy. However, that fact has not stopped the harbour dredging, which is proceeding for no apparent reason, with money spent that could be used to assist many Bahamians during this economic disaster that is sweeping the world. Why are we still going ahead? That question also remains unanswered.
Then there is Saunders Beach, one of the most important beaches to the psyche of the average Bahamian who enjoys escaping there to relax and enjoy the beautiful Bahamian sea. How is this new, man-made island going to affect this beach and the way it accumulates sand that comes in on the tides? If you want to see what I mean, simply plug your sink, turn on the water and watch how it flows into the sink. Then put a big pot into the sink and watch how it changes the flow of the water. That proposed 72 acres of man-made island right in the middle of the bay off Saunders Beach acts just like that pot, changing how the water flows. Now, the question we need to have answered is how that water flow change will actually impact the beach, its accumulation of sand and the freshness of its water. Will it create an area where tidal flow is impeded and stagnant water sits just offshore? More silence, as the new extension to Arawak Cay grows by the day.
For those who were at the town meeting in Lyford Cay in 1999 when the proposed Clifton Cay development was announced, this sounds all too familiar. The Government has announced that there will be a town meeting on August 6th at the British Colonial Hotel to address the matter of Saunders Beach and Arawak Cay, but will it be the same as the one over ten years ago? Are they going to TELL us what is going to happen instead of consulting with us and soliciting our views before going ahead? Just one look at Arawak Cay today and the equipment in the harbour will tell us that our opinions mean nothing; that the Government is going ahead with their plans, with or without our endorsement and that the town meeting is merely a PR exercise, hoping to quiet the restless natives.
We had hoped that this FNM Government had learned from the Clifton debacle and that it took the environment seriously. We had hoped for more government in the sunshine. We had also hoped that their giving a million dollars to The Bahamas National Trust was a sign of their new outlook on preserving our surroundings. However, it now appears that that money was only to buy the silence of that august body that should now be crying out from the rooftops and demanding answers about Arawak Cay and Saunders Beach for the people instead of maintaining their dignified silence for their own agendas.
We had hoped that the naming of a Minister of the Environment, only the second one and the first time by an FNM Government, was a harbinger of a new day in Governmental stewardship of our land and sea riches. We should have known that by naming this Minister, we were in trouble. Few may remember but it was the Hon. Earl Deveaux who, while serving as Ambassador for the Environment in the previous Ingraham administration, entrusted with the care and protection of the precious natural environment and its historic treasures, in 2000 gave an interview to the New York Times on Clifton, stating ”What country is concerned about preserving artifacts when it is scraping by for a living or for food?”. And now he is the man in charge of protecting our environment, something just as important as the artifacts that tell our history. How can we expect him to appreciate the value of a stretch of sand when jobs are at stake at a new container port? We should have known things were not going to change.
In 2009, we are a new kind of Bahamian. We are not the same as before. We do not simply accept that we have elected our leaders and that we should sit back quietly and let them lead us wherever they want us to go. We are a country of well-read, exposed people, men and women who are expecting this nation to be a democracy of transparency, not a dictatorship where questions go unanswered and motives and agendas remain unexplained. We want answers, today to the questions that rage around the container port relocation and impending destruction of one of our few remaining public beaches, tomorrow to other pressing questions. We will not be ignored, patronized and disregarded. We are Bahamians in a democratic nation. We are the government and, as such, we will not go away quietly, content to be silent when we see something that threatens our future and that of our children. We were heard at Clifton and we will be heard now.
By Philip C. Galanis
Laing May Cause Crawfish Industry Problems with EPA Mess-up
On April 11, 2009 in My Views On...
In the recent back and forth between the State Minister of Finance, Zhivargo Laing and PLP spokesman for foreign trade, Fred Mitchell, there seems to be a bit of wrangling over who did what in preparation for the services offer for the Bahamas as it relates to the EPA. One thing is certain, the PLP is not the government and whatever happens next is the responsibility of the government. In his statement on the matter, Fred Mitchell describes Mr. Laing’s response to him as being “confused.” Let’s hope the confusion ends quickly with the best interest of the Bahamian people winning out. This is no time for politicking. KMAD.****
The statements by Minister of State Zhivargo Laing on the Economic Partnership Agreement in his press conference of 7th April were neither full nor frank. In his anger at being caught out for not concluding this agreement, he seeks again to confuse.
These are the facts that we know and which the PLP asserts:
The PLP left in place a completed goods offer and a drafts services offer when it lost office in May 2007.
The FNM as part of their stop, review and cancel programme did not consider the EPA a priority.
The PLP forced them to take up the matter when it was pointed out to the FNM in October 2007 that if the FNM did not sign the EPA, we stood to lose as a country access of our crawfish to the European market. This would have affected some 20,000 fishermen in The Bahamas.
If the FNM does not get an agreement from both the European Union and its Cariforum partners to extend the deadline for the services offer beyond the 15th April, 2009 the whole agreement will fall away and the crawfish of The Bahamas will be denied access to Europe putting at risk 20,000 jobs.
We now understand that the minister is no longer going to travel to Brussels. He is sending a technical team only. Does this show sufficient seriousness given what is at stake?
The PLP calls on the government to act expeditiously to ensure that the crawfish industry is protected by concluding the full agreement.
Crime Prevention Tips
On April 11, 2009 in My Views On...
With crime being what it is in the Bahamas, it never hurts to have a few things on the top of your mind when securing your most prized possession, your home. I thought I would share these tips I came across. Hopefully, you won’t have to rely on them in the event something happens but its better to have them and not need them than the other way around. These tips are courtesy of the RBPF. KMAD.****
Basic Home Security Tips:
1.Business/ Neighborhood watch programs really work,
that’s why they are so popular! Contact your local police, and they will gladly send an officer to help you host a neighborhood watch meeting!
- Obviously, lock all of your doors and windows, even if you are just going to be out for a few minutes. All of your doors should have a deadbolt, reinforced strike plate, and minimum three inch screws. Consider upgrading the frames of your doors, as well as the doors themselves. Many people invest in a reinforced wood or steel door, but leave the original frame intact. If the door is kicked in, the door and lock stays intact, but the frame is easily compromised.
Common Sense Security Advice:
- Secure your sliding glass doors
with a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track itself.
Don’t store tools in your garage. Many burglars will ironically use your tools to break into your house! Be sure to lock the door from the garage leading into your house.
Timers are an efficient and low cost method of creating the illusion you are at home. Besides indoor lights and outdoor lights, use them on T.V.’s and radios to deter potential intruders.
Don’t allow trees and shrubs to grow to a point where they conceal a burglar while he is trying to break into your house!
Use outdoor lights with timers, or motion activated sensors. Light is a burglar’s worst enemy.
Going on vacation? Try to have one of your neighbours to collect your mail or newspapers for you, to create the illusion you are at home. Never leave any details on your ansering machine message about where you are going, and how long you’ll be there! Surprisingly, many people fail to follow even these basic security tips, leaving them vulnerable. Follow these tips, and if you still have security problems, it might be time to invest in an alarm system. Print this article and paste it to your fridge so you will always remember this important security advice!
A New Approach to the Housing and Economic Crunch
On April 06, 2009 in My Views On...
It is fair to say that one of the biggest worries for people right now is unemployment. We need vision, Progressive leadership and change to get The Bahamas working again. To assist in this exercise and get Bahamians working, we need to build more homes and they must be built in a way that (i) maximizes the limited land available, particularly in New Providence; (ii) protects the environment and reduces energy costs; and (iii) provides the infrastructure to support local communities and families.
That’s why I encourage the Government to use new incentives to encourage new homes and communities to be built. I encourage the Government to build these new homes and communities by retaining the services of small to medium-sized Bahamian contractors, rather than selling lots for construction.
One of the indicators of a strong Bahamian economy is the amount of construction. As a part of the Government’s stimulus package it must seek to jump start local home construction and ensure that those Bahamians who still qualify for mortgages through the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation are placed in homes immediately. As a matter of fact, the urgency of the matter may even require the Government to consider acquiring portfolios of suitably priced and constructed foreclosed properties from local Bahamian owned banks to be renovated by an army of Bahamian contractors and sold to Bahamians on the long list of persons qualified to purchase a home from the Ministry of Housing. This would help the local banks, increase employment in the construction sector, create economic opportunities for Bahamian contractors and increase the level of Bahamian homeownership.
It is also time for the Bahamas Government to accept the fact that the amount of available land in New Providence is decreasing and it must consider expanding its inventory beyond single-storey construction and embrace multiple storey units and townhome style construction to maximize land use. Indeed, when I drive around New Providence and see the amount of derelict and incomplete apartment buildings, I am surprised that the Government has not yet considered acquiring these properties to renovate them and provide prospective Bahamian homeowners with more housing options. This could also expand the amount of units the Government can provide in a modern “rent-to-own” programme, not to mention rid the Bahamian landscape of these eyesores.
The Government must also favourably consider extending the preferential reduced interest rate the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation gives to Defence Force and Police Officers to Immigration Officers, Prison Officers, Customs Officers and other members of the Civil Service. In addition, nurses and teachers in the public and private sectors should be given this benefit. The process of determining who get the reduced interest rate must be fair and equitable. The reduced interest on Government mortgages afforded to single parents must be given to “all single parents”, regardless of gender, without the interference of the Credit Committee of the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation. The benefit should be given to all eligible persons. The Government must also protect Bahamian families, by providing benefits for married couples. While I understand that there is a need to help single parents realize the dream of homeownership by reducing their costs, the Government should not penalize married couples with children.
The Government’s focus on selling serviced lots as opposed to building homes has resulted in a shortage of family homes and significantly reduced the amount of housing starts. Increasing construction of homes by the Ministry of Housing should be an integral part of the Government’s plan to stimulate the economy, create jobs and boost entrepreneurship.
It’s time to MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Roberts Blasts FNM Failure
On April 06, 2009 in My Views On...
In a frank delivery, former PLP Minister of Works, the Hon. Bradley Roberts declared the widespread failures of the FNM Government “unforgivable.” Mr. Roberts was addressing a meeting of the Progressive Young Liberals, the youth arm of the PLP. I have included his remarks here for your benefit.
KMAD
Chairman G Viraj Perpall, Officers and Members of the Progressive Young Liberal, Ladies and Gentlemen, firstly I wish to thank the Young Liberals for inviting me to speak on the topic of the plans the PLP Government had for these hard times facing the Bahamas and the plans the Progressive Liberal Party will still implement if elected to office in 2012 for the good of the Bahamian people and why the FNM is NOT the party of the people and how they have made it worse for hard working Bahamians and Youth since May 2, 2007.
It is with deep personal regret that I acknowledge that it was the Bahamian electorate which took back the leadership ball from Perry Christie and the PLP in May 2007 whilst the Bahamian economy was on fire and gave it to Hubert Ingraham and the FNM. Rather than run with the leadership ball Hubert Ingraham and the FNM sat on the ball and destroyed the strong momentum of the Bahamian economy which has contributed significantly to the hard time Bahamians are now facing.
Foreign investors with major projects on stream and in the pipeline waited for many months to get an audience with King Hubert and the many, many, months of long drawn out attempts of re-negotiations of legally executed agreements. The straw that broke the camel’s back was Hubert’s disgraceful public handling of the Bah Mar project resulting in a key player backing away, and many of the other investors also backing away in disgust. I invite the press to ask Brent Symonette of the response the Government received when they attempted to re-negotiate the agreement with the I-Group on the development in Mayaguana.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my clear understanding that under our Bahamian Constitution, Governments is continues, which does not allow an incoming Government to repudiate agreements lawfully entered into by a former Government. Only banana republic’s strong arm and repudiate agreements of a former Government. It took many years and hard works to attract major investors to the Bahamas but it took a self-centered and know- it- all, heartless Leader several months to destroy. Another substantial investment was Ginn in West Grand Bahama. The groundless criticism leveled against the development came from Kenneth “Palm Sunday Cadillac” Russell.
I wonder if Hubert and his shameless collogues sleeps at night knowing their actions resulted in the hard times many of our brothers and sisters and their families are undergoing from one end of the Bahamas to the other end. Instead of wiping tears from the eyes of those crying out for help this uncaring and heartless government by its terrible policies causing our people to suffer and the tears are following whilst they carry on like a bunch of hyenas in the House of Assembly lorded over by Hitler Alvin Smith who has conveniently forgotten his many ugly attacks on Speaker Ingraham.
Chairman Perpall, Ladies and Gentlemen, Tourism has been for many years and remains the No 1 Industry of the Bahamas. Tourism continues to provide the majority of jobs in our Bahama land. For many years the Bahamas has led the English speaking region in Tourism. When Hubert Ingraham and the FNM returned to office in 2007 they met a very strong economy, in Tourism, in the Financial Services, in Fisheries and Construction. When Hubert Ingraham and his FNM band came to office in May 2007 they found an economy that was very strong with a growth rate of 4.5%. For those of you including the press who may have short memories I invite you read Hubert Ingraham’s 2007-2008 Budget Communication.
I invite you to cast your minds back and recall what Hubert Ingraham did on returning to power with our no 1 industry? To my shock and surprise Hubert Ingraham in his wisdom or lack thereof appointed the MP for Lucaya, Neko Grant as Minister of Tourism who turned out in the short time he held the portfolio to be the worst Minister of Tourism in the history of the Bahamas beating out the previous holder Mr. Hip to Hop Brent “Mr. Hand in the Cookie Jar” Symonette. Neko Grant sat on his rear end and allowed Hubert to cut back on critical promotional and advertising expenditures, leaving the Bahamas exposed in the highly competitive Tourism Market. Some say Hubert placed Neko in dingy without a paddle.
Since the FNM return to power Tourism has gone down the tube and it started before the recession. As a contrast, whist the important stop over tourist arrivals in the Bahamas has gone south. In 2008, Jamaica Stop over arrivals showed an increase of 4.5%. From January 1st to March 15, 2009 Jamaica has welcomed 464,589 stop over visitors compared to 453,533 for the same period last year. The first 15 days of March realized a 12.2% increase over the similar period last year. Jamaica accredited its growth in tourism to the aggressive advertising campaign backed by the stimulus package which was awarded the sector at the beginning of the winter season. It is interesting to note that some 70% of Jamaica’s tourist comes from the USA, Canada being no 2 with Europe & the UK bringing up the rear.
Any right thinking Bahamian during these recessionary times would and should ask the question, if Jamaica which is further away from the USA and Canada can achieve growth in stop over arrivals, why is the Bahamas not able to do the same? Former Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchombe warned Neko Grant and the FNM Government that they were on the wrong course. I put it to you Young Liberals that it was Hubert Ingraham’s FNM Government which failed to provide the required funding for advertising and promotions which have cause the major decline in stop over visitors to the Bahamas. The Bible declares that where there is no vision the people perishes.
Our people are mourning and groaning they lives have been turned upside down, many struggling from day to day to survive. This is the same Hubert Ingraham who made all kinds of promises to induce persons to vote for him and the FNM but what did the people receive in return? It should now be abundantly clear to all that Hubert had no plan, nor vision. He has taken our people back to Egypt. If he has any honour left in him he should do the honourable thing resign and get permanently lost. I said prior to 2007 Elections that Hubert Ingraham was tired and washed up and the dismal failure of the FNM Government and the hurt and pain he and his gang has visited upon the Bahamian people is there for all to see and feel.
The loss of thousands of Hotel Jobs at Atlantis, at British Colonial, at Cable Beach, at Hotels in Grand Bahama and elsewhere in the Bahamas are directly as a result of the failure of Hubert Ingraham’s FNM Government. The numbers of persons who have lost their homes due to job losses in the tourism sector are also directly as a result of the failure of Hubert Ingraham’s FNM Government. The Massive increase in the misery index is also as a direct result of the failure of the FNM Government. Construction s jobs went down the tube. Thanks to Hubert Ingraham. In less than two years unemployment has skyrocketed under Hubert Ingraham and the FNM. It is often said that the Devil finds work for idle hands; it therefore does not come as a surprise that illegal Drugs has increased which raises some additional serious challenges for the Bahamas.
Unemployment and the decline in Tourism have impacted the Government Revenue which led to borrowings to meet the Government current operational expenditures, which is a serious sign that the finances of the Country is in serious grave danger. Considerable pressure was placed and continues on FNM MP’s for jobs. Since coming to office in May 2007 the FNM have fired hundreds of persons perceived to be PLP supporters and have replaced them with FNM supporters plus many hundreds more; not only in the central Government but in the Government Corporations. One of the Boldest Rip Off of the Public Treasury in recent times under the disguise of a cleanup of New Providence and certain areas in Grand Bahama is going on now. FNM Generals are cleaning up for themselves, big time; it’s what FNM’s call a matter of Trust. Private properties owned by persons who could afford to pay for their own clean up is been cleansed at public expense. The program was so badly organize that it has run out of monies. The public could see with their own eyes persons walking up the down streets with little or nothing to do. The rains will come soon and the weeds will follow and the Rip Off will resume.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am satisfied that Hubert Ingraham and FNM Gang by their selfish stupid actions chased away major foreign investors and has allowed our vital no 1 Industry to badly suffer by failing to take advantage of the Bahamas close vicinity to the US mainland and is now turning thousands of proud hard working Bahamians into recipients of funds from the National Insurance Board. Never did I heard a word of regret or apology to the Bahamian People from Hubert Ingraham and his sorry bunch for the Government failure in allowing the major decline in tourism, instead Hubert and his Cabinet one by one have without shame threw the blame on the recession. Our Bahamian brothers and sisters in the main are a proud people with a long history of working for their keep. Hubert Ingraham and his FNM Government policies are turning more of our people into becoming wards of the state. This is unforgivable.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am obliged to ask who will take the blame for the Bahamas Government failure to implement International Tax Standards which has resulted in the Bahamas being placed on a Gray list by OECD. Will Hubert “Mr. Alpha & Omega” Ingraham or Zhivargo “Mr. Mona Vie” Laing step forward? Members of the Press the paper trail is there, May I respectfully invite you to tell it like it is. I recall when Perry Christie’s Government came to office in May 2002 we found the OECD blacklisting of the Bahamas in place. Alfred Sears as Attorney General was mandated to get the FNM induced stain removed from our Financial Services Sector and the rest is now history. It was the same courageous Alfred Sears who warned the Government of the impending action. Will more jobs be lost in this sector and who will be held accountable? If I was a betting man, would not wager a dollar, that same would not be Mr. Alpha & Omega or Mr. Mona Vie.
I have been asked to comment on what the PLP would do for the Bahamian people if elected in 2012. My answer in the time allotted can be found by looking back at the PLP’s record.
Ladies and Gentlemen, you will no doubt recall that when Perry Christie’s PLP Government was elected in May 2002 we found an economy that was in the doldrums with an almost negative GNP growth rate. Unemployment was high, crime was rampant and corruption and the FNM Government were synonymous.
The Christie led PLP rolled up its sleeves and went to work rebuilding the economy inclusive of granting incentives for first time homeowners, real property tax incentives etc, etc and the same time without a single increase in taxes. Five Years of No New Taxes. Unparallel and Unmatched in our recent History. Many sizable local and foreign investments were made not only in New Providence. Jobs came to many of the family islands and New Providence which languished under Hubert Ingraham and the FNM. Eleuthera came alive. Mayaguana was awoken from its Rip Van Wrinkle deep sleep. The Berry Islands Cay came alive. Abaco was the first to receive a shot in the arm with Peter DeSavry Five Star Hotel and Golf Course. Bimini also arose from its slumber. Exuma and its Cays proudly led and inspired the Southern Islands chain. Rum Cay came alive. San Salvador which was left in tatters was re-energized. West Grand Bahama after many, many years of pleas for help was finally answered with the Ginn Project.
The Bah Mar Project which was massive in scope was intended to transform Tourism in the Cable Beach Area and to take our vital and critical number one Industry to a new Level coupled with the Rose Island Ritz Carlton Hotel.
BAHAMAS ELECTRICTY CORPORATION
Perry Christie’s PLP Government in May 2002 found The Bahamas Electricity Corporation in a Bad state. Black outs were a common events. Consultants hired by BEC board disclosed that Power Generators were allowed to run without proper maintenance. Engines were allowed to run until there was a break down. New Generators were not performing to specifications. BEC Blue Hill Gas Turbines were Gas Guzzlers and were purchased used. The Board of Directors headed by Alfred Jarrett was given a mandate by Perry Christie to reduce and eliminate blackouts and restore BEC as a progressive power company. We achieve many of the objectives and more.
BEC’s has some serious problem which Phenton and the FNM has tried to blame The PLP for. Alfred Jarrett has debunked that disgraceful lie. Regretfully, Phenton Neymour has turned out be all talk and no action. It seems that every time he opens his mouth he puts his foot in it. Would someone please tell me one thing he promised that he delivered on? With the major shortfall in Government revenues there is a very compelling demand to eliminate unnecessary expenses, a good start will be to get rid of unproductive Ministers, and Phenton Neymour heads the list. I am told it was Phenton Neymour and The Chairman Frederick Gottlieb who issued the instructions last year that all customers’ arrears must be paid in full, failing power to some 7000 homes in New Providence were disconnected. It was heartless and cruel act. As I speak thousands BEC are without electricity. How can the little darlings children read and study without electricity? This is serious example of the fall out when a Government by its own abject failure allows its no 1 Industry Tourism to go to hell. Consider for a moment Hubert Ingraham, Brent Symonette and Tommy Turnquest spending a night without electricity? Are they so far removed from the grass root people that they are incapable of sharing their pain?
WATER & SEWERAGE CORPORATION
For those of you who can recall New Providence Portable water shortage was a daily occurrence leading up to 2002. The quality of the water was questionable. We found many Family Islands Communities without portable water. Perry Christie and I lamented the incidences we saw of persons with brown colored teeth which is associated with drinking poor quality water. I am very proud of our successes in the area of potable water in New Providence and a number of family islands. We found that it was cheaper to purchase Reverse Osmosis Water compared to barging water from North Andros. The Plans was to have build additional RO plants and or expand the existing plans and discontinue ASAP the expensive program of barging from Andros. A plan was also left behind to address further reductions in Non Revenue Water. The newspapers are replete with embarrassing news that the Water & Sewerage Corporation is unable to pay its supplier of RO water giving the Bahamas a bad name which the International rating agencies will no doubt take into account. Phenton Neymour gave the public the impression that his expertise was in the area of water and sewerage; it is the case he has yet to advance anything of substance to enhance the well being of that Corporation.
BAHAMAS TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY
Bahamas Telecommunication Company was in an uproar over Privatization and the massive downsizing by Hubert Ingraham and the FNM. There were numerous complaints from BTC employees. We found that there was a moratorium on new Cell Phone as the then TDMA Cell System was at or beyond its capacity. Just weeks before the May 2002 General Elections we found that the FNM had hired some 200 mainly entry level staff many of whom I am advised did not have the entry level qualifications. A Restructuring of BTC was undertaken following the recommendations of Consultations from the Telecommunication sector.
Massive reductions in rates for long distance and domestic calls were introduced. The old TDMA cell service was replaced with the state of the art GSM with a capacity to provide cell service without ever having to have a moratorium again. Significant investments were made to upgrade many of the services of BTC include an underwater fiber optic cable net work connecting the Islands of the Bahamas. The FNM Government terminated Leon William on a phony excuse that he could now get alone with the new Executive Chairman who I am advised his now micro managing BTC. Here is a man sources tell me could not made decisions as Chairman of the Grand Bahamas Port Authority where he lasted as long a Paddy was in the Army. BTC am advised is muddling along with the weak and disjointed leadership currently desperate trying to find revenue but have not created any new revenue streams as relatively no new products and services have been launched and there is no marketing focus. Where is the Audited Financial Statements for this Company? Which Mr. Mona Vie is taking forever to privatize.
THE BRIDGE AUTHORITY
The Bridge Authority was losing monies, lack of proper management and leadership. There were no audited statements for four years notwithstanding that the Authority was under the Chairman of a former Governor of the Central Bank now full time Executive Chairman of BTC. Former Minister of Works Earl “Mr. Know-it-all” Deveaux made much to do about the report he found in place disclosing the need to carry our repairs to both Bridges to Paradise Island and he gave Parliament an under taking that repairs would be execute post haste in the public interest. Was the works under taken and by whom? If not, why not? Is the Public at risk? Is Neko “Out-of-his dept” Grant asleep at the wheel?
GENERAL
I am very sadden that Hubert Ingraham turned its back and abandoned EU donor funding for several important Family Islands Projects that were so badly need by the residences. The good people of Ragged Island long standing plea to have it dock dredged & replaced, repaving of its runway and its roads. Larry Cartwright has lost his voice and no longer champions the causes of his constituents. The good people of Fresh Creek pleas and cries to have their Hurricane destroyed dock have been dashed by this heartless and good for nothing FNM Government and also the Tourist Center. Vincent Peet and Picewell Forbes you must become even stronger in demanding a fair share on behalf of Lynden Pindling and Clarence Bain Andros. The contract for the badly needed Seawalls for Lowe Sound Andros was executed and mobilization made and building materials delivered to site on Lowe Sound before the 2007 general elections. The project was placed on hold just like many other legitimate projects and was just recently given the go ahead approval to resume with any public explanation. The badly needed tourist project for Inagua is also dead in the water. It’s unthinkable that a Government would turn it back on donor funding for badly needed family Island Projects.
I find it incredible that Hubert Ingraham who says that the Government would save rental expense with the building of new Government Buildings, yet he allows a beautiful Government west of the Ministry of Works to sit idle for almost two years. Something serious has to be wrong with Hubert’s head. His deeds does not march his actions. And the virtual compliant press seems powerless to take on the Government. It should be clear to all that Eileen Dupuch Caron pen would run out of ink if she was to consider taking Hubert on any issue. Her Dad must be rolling in his grave. Oh what a love affair probably dating back to the CI 1622 days?
I wish to join in with former Senator and former Governor of the Central Bank James Smith for a reduction in the prime lending rate which do much to stimulate the economy. This is a no brainer as every country in the world has done the same. For God’s sake our people are crying out for real relief.
THE T.G.GLOVER PRIMARY SCHOOL CONTROVERSY
I would be remiss if I did not comment of the T G Glover Primary School issue. We the PLP came to office in 2008 Alfred Sears discovered that children and teachers were occupying a school building that was condemned by Structural Engineers as been unsafe. Immediate action was ordered by Alfred Sears to discontinue holding classes at the school. During the summer break additional classrooms were built at the Albury Sayles Primary School on Nassau Street to accommodate the majority of the students. It was then determined that a new State of the Art Primary School would be built on the old site. The contract was signed on 17 July 2006 and construction was well under way when we lost office in May 2007. This project was also placed on hold when several Cabinet Minister Insane claim of the school been built on a toxic waste dump site, which turned out to be a simple case of monkey tamarind. The four to five month delay has increased the cost of construction and the occupancy of the school by the students and the teachers. It therefore does in no way surprise me that the Inghram Government would take the decision that it appears moving towards to deny the working class people of Greater Chippingham, Boyd Road, Boyd Subdivision, Farrington Road, the Quarry Mission Road and The Bain & Grants Town areas – in short Ft. Charlotte and the Bain & Grants Town Constituencies residents- of the use of a state of the art primary school which has been promised to them for many years. This is also a big slap in the face of the teachers of the former T.G. Glover School who have waited for some three years to move into new and modern facilities.
Now that the school is nearing completion and the beauty and sensible planning which characterize the structure is now evident to all, it has, perhaps, aroused a sense of jealousy that here is an edifice conceived and largely executed by the former PLP Government which makes a classic statement and which will serve to uplift and elevate our people to another level. Young Liberals what a classless bunch, if such is the underlying thinking.
But history is repeating itself. For those who have been around a while there is a sense of “déjà vu” in the impending action. Not too many would recall that on coming into office in August 1992, the new Prime Minister toured the new hotel training facilities (BHTC) and the UWI Management Programme to the south of the COB compound. The construction of these new buildings had been funded by the World Bank. The complex had been conceived by successive PLP Ministers of Education (Livingstone Coakley, Darrell Rolle, and Paul Adderley) and finally executed by Dr Bernard Nottage. The buildings, were designed by Bruce LaFleur and built by Cavalier, stood out as something of class and permanence, and still do and put to shame the College’s own, which was short of teaching space, would become the major users of the new buildings. This decision effectively killed the BHTC’s very distinctive programmes (A Diploma and a Certificate programme and other short term courses) and today, the College very proudly has planted its flag on a building which was not intended for their use and tourism training has been consigned to “Kerzner U”.
Now, the same thing appears to be happening to the new T.G. Glover Primary School. One can only surmise that deep down in the insecurity of the Prime Minister’s mind the thought must have struck that the new buildings must be too good for primary school children. The senior establishment in the Ministry of Education has been persuaded to go along with the ruse that the school is not suitable for primary school children, even though with the exception of the departure of Minister Sears, the P.S. and the Director, they were of one joyous accord when the project was conceptualized, designed and when construction began. One is prompted to ask what has brought about the sudden change of heart. The answer lies deep in the twisted logic of the government of our nation.
But this is not surprising; the FNM has never shown themselves astute at being ground breakers. Rather what has always distinguished them is that they have been “tinkerers”. Tinker here and tinker there but do not commit nor begin anything that would move our people and the nation ahead by another notch. The new straw market, the harbour in the southwest, and the list goes on and on. From the point of view of psychoanalysis they appear to be deathly afraid to accept anything conceived or executed by the PLP – the new Straw Market, the new harbour in Southwest New Providence, the Bay St. Re-development, and the list goes on and on. This is not only of recent times but go back some way in political history. One would conclude that they have adopted this position because to accept otherwise would put to the lie the argument that the PLP government is a “wutless” Government. To paraphrase the Bible, the PLP must decrease so that the FNM might increase. It is also an insidious attempt to recast history.
But beyond all this is the sadder story of the welfare of the children of Chippingham, Boyd Road, Quarry Mission Rd and surrounding areas. These young pupils, their teachers and their parents were looking forward to continuing their education in a new and pristine environment which they and every other Bahamian student so very much deserve and which inexplicably has been snatched away from them. Like Cinderella at the ball we can only hope that this tale has a fairy tale ending.
As I have said before, Perry Christie’s PLP Government in May 2007 left a robust economy. When the USA recession came it would have found massive construction underway as is the case in Trinidad. Our no1 Industry Tourism would have been better managed so as to maintain the Bahamas leadership status in the region and advantage would have been taken off the Bahamas proximity to the USA. Jobs losses in the Hotel sector would have been at a minimum. The record is crystal clear the FNM found a robust economy in 2007, their squandered what they found resulting in loss of jobs for hardworking Bahamians young and not so young. The hopes and aspirations of energetic young people were shattered. Hubert Ingraham and his Gang have taken our people backwards in less than two years and is now blaming it on the recession.
I wish to conclude with some words of a Catholic Hymn which can best describe the times we are in thanks to Hubert Ingraham and his gang. Look around you, Can you see Times are troubled, People grieve See the violence, Feel the hardness All my people, Weep with me. Lord have mercy…Christ have mercy. Thank you for inviting me.
Joseph Pratt-A Hero is gone…
On March 26, 2009 in My Views On...
Dear Friends and supporters,
Last night one of our devoted supporters and friend died. Today, we mourn the death of Joseph “Joe” Pratt, husband of our Deputy Leader, Cynthia Pratt.
Joe was passionate about his party and country. He was extremely supportive of his wife and encouraging to young aspiring politicians.
We will miss his smile, words of encouragement and his “cool” demeanour.
Our heartfelt condolences pour out to our dear and treasured Deputy Leader. You and your family will remain in our prayers.
May the soul of our fallen brother, Joe Pratt, rest in peace.
Kenred M. A. Dorsett National Deputy Chairman
FNM Letting Politics Hurt Bahamas in Tax Fight
On March 18, 2009 in My Views On...
*Politically, Rick Lowe and I seldom agree. However, we do share a common goal of seeing everything done for the best interest of The Bahamas and that includes the idea that the best person for the job at hand should get it, irrespective of race, gender or political affiliation. Recently on his blog, Rick shared details of what he believes is proof of the FNM allowing politics to get in the way of doing what is best for this country.
The Bahamas is one of the nations on the radar of the United States and President Obama in their fight to limit the use of off shore financial centres as the Bahamas for tax evasion. James Smith, former Minister of Finance and a former Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas as well as Alfred Sears have suggested to the government that a high level delegation of tax professionals in a number of disciplines be deployed to the US capitol for the sole purpose of representing the interest of the Bahamian people in this fight. One of the persons qualified to fight on our behalf is my good friend, Ryan Pinder. Pinder is a US trained and certified Tax Attorney and is one of the premier voices on matters concerning US Tax Law. He is also a PLP. In the article below written by Rick Lowe, he makes the case correctly, that Ryan’s politics should not matter if we are to put the best team together to fight for all of the Bahamas. *****
Politics in The Bahamas hurting our chances to protect ourselves from US
President Obama’s attack on Tax Havens? ##
by Rick Lowe
As we know already, everybody is not going to win under Mr. Obama’s reign, especially countries like The Bahamas that are offshore financial centres. Unless he changes his mind of course.
That aside, rumour, from a couple acquaintances in government and the financial services sector, has it that The Bahamas government has declined the services of a young Bahamian attorney, trained in US tax law, to represent the country on a UN committee that just might help The Bahamas in its effort to persuade the new US administration to leave us alone.
The lawyer in question is Mr. Ryan Pinder, the son of former Pindling Cabinet Minister and attorney, Mr. Marvin Pinder. So, if you put two and two together you will surmise his services were declined because of his political bent.
As US tax law is a very specialised field, and the government has an opportunity to use the services of someone who seems to care for his country as much as the rest of us, their response is immature when considering the additional damage that could be done to our economy by the current US proposals.
Unless the government is aware of some substantive reason, like lack of qualifications etc, one hopes they would reconsider their decision in this matter.
One wonders how many other qualified Bahamians have been sacrificed at the political alter to the detriment of what is best for The Bahamas?
Sometimes politics need to be set aside in the national interest.
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