Bahamian Politics
DNA: The Voice of the People will not be Silenced -
Jun 19, 2018 - 5:39:56 PM
The Voice of the People will not be Silenced
Government is tone deaf
The people’s voice will not be silenced...
According to media reports, the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Golden
Isles, Bain and Grants Town and Pineridge have been terminated from
their government posts for voting against the legislation that increases
the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5% to 12%. This historical day
will be remembered as a day when men of courage were persecuted and paid
a price for standing up for their constituents...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition leader responds to the Prime Minister's Budget Presentation -
Jun 18, 2018 - 5:45:53 PM
Statement by the Leader of the Opposition in response to the Prime Minister’s Contribution June 18, 2018:
The
Prime minister’s attempt today in the House to justify the
unconscionable and massive increase in taxes on the backs of ordinary
Bahamians, fell abysmally flat. It was most unimpressive and lacked a
basic grasp of his own budgetary initiatives and what underlying
economic principles informed such programs. It represented a complete
about face from his campaign promises recalling that taxing is the lazy
way out...
Bahamian Politics
Davis: Proposed VAT Increase oppresses poor and provides for rich -
Jun 18, 2018 - 4:16:46 PM
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis says he cannot support the
presentation of the 2018/2019 budget as its various increases in areas
like VAT only oppresses the poor and provides for the rich.
He
noted that the increases in VAT being proposed is ‘symtomatic' to the
disease of mismanagement, but not the root cause. The root cause, he
explained, is more frightening as it is simply the inability of those
who have responsibility for the Bahamian people's fiscal well-being, to
manage it in a responsible manner...
Bahamian Politics
2018 /2019 Budget Contribution by The Hon. Philip Brave Davis MP -
Jun 14, 2018 - 6:20:13 PM
2018/2019 Budget Contribution The Leader Of The Opposition Hon. Philip
“brave” Davis House Of Assembly Parliament Square, Nassau Thursday, 14th
June 2018:
INTRODUCTION
Thank you Mr. Speaker for recognizing me
I
rise on behalf of the resilient people of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San
Salvador. In doing so, I am reminded of my grandfather’s words. You
see, in the days of my youth, there would be three structures on the
property – one where we slept...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: 2018/2019 Budget - A Landmark Budget of Hardship -
Jun 6, 2018 - 4:40:22 PM
-Budget is evidence of lack of economic growth plan
-Consultation is a little too late
-Need to trim fat first before raising taxes
-Economy too fragile for proposed revenue measures
-Government must go back to drawing board
In
the lead up to the May 10, 2017 general election, the Free National
Movement (FNM) convinced many that voting for them will usher in the
people’s time. While it was clear that the FNM had no plans for the
governance of the Bahamian economy, the people voted for what was
perceived as the lesser of two evils. In the absence of a plan, the
current administration while in opposition took positions for political
expediency without regard for their ability to deliver if they were
successful at the general election...
Bahamian Politics
PLP Chairman: Turnquest mischaracterizing Michael Halkitis and James Smith on 15% VAT remarks -
Jun 6, 2018 - 1:20:22 PM
The
Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest speaking in the House of Assembly
this morning has misused quotes from both Michael Halikitis and James
Smith, former Ministers of State for Finance about a supposed proposed
15 per cent Value Added Tax during the PLP's time in office.
It
is clear when you look at the statements by both men that the Minister
quoted, these were statements made at a time when the taxes were not
settled law...
Bahamian Politics
Brave Davis remarks at monthly press conference -
Jun 5, 2018 - 9:57:04 PM
Statement By The Leader Of The Opposition Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis at Monthly Press Conference: The 2018/2019 Budget Tuesday, 5th June 2018:
Good morning media and supporters and thank you all for coming.
I
begin by again acknowledging the Labour Day tragedy. This has been a
bloody holiday weekend indeed, with four dead at our annual Labour Day
Parade, and over twenty injured. Additionally, two men were shot in
Yellow Elder and another in Fox Hill. Another woman was abducted and
raped in the Carmichael Road area and there were serious traffic and
boating accidents, leaving one dead and one man missing at sea. And
sadly, just this morning a young boy was shot to death. Our thoughts
and prayers are with the families of the victims of crime and the
deceased...
Bahamian Politics
Office of the Leader of the Opposition on the real impact of the 2018/2019 budget -
Jun 4, 2018 - 6:34:28 PM
As we prepare for the second reading of the Budget this week, it is
clear that last week’s budget exercise was a disaster. It was filled
with inconsistencies, rash decision making, unsubstantiated claims and
questionable projections. The budget was evidence of incompetence and
failure of the Ministry of Finance. It is nothing more than poor
management – especially when you take a closer look at the numbers and
the unjustifiable amounts borrowed over the past fiscal year...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Leader Davis on the VAT increase to 12% -
Jun 1, 2018 - 10:47:54 PM
I wish to respond to press comments attributed to Prime Minister Minnis
in defence of his decision to raise the VAT rate from 7.5% to 12%.
The
Prime Minister blamed the threat of devaluation of the Bahamian dollar,
a monetary and credit policy issue, for raising taxes to defray the
government’s day to day operational expenses, a purely fiscal policy
issue. Monetary policies are in the purview of the independent
regulatory agency, the Central Bank of The Bahamas
He said the
following: "I do not believe we can tax or borrow our way out of debt.
They call me a hypocrite for increasing Vat to 12%. If we did not we
would be devalued within a year...”
Bahamian Politics
PLP on the fiscal state of the nation ahead of the 2018/2019 Budget Presentation -
May 27, 2018 - 5:53:12 PM
Budget 2018/2019 represents opportunities and challenges for the
Government. It represents a real opportunity to present a growth agenda
which this Administration is sorely lacking. In its first year, the
Administration seem more fixated on making alarmist statements on the
issues of fiscal management and accountability, which damaged the
reputation of the country rather than improving the lives of Bahamians.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT FISCAL STATE?
As
a result, in the first year in office many of the gains made by the
previous administration have evaporated. For example, there has been
anemic revenue growth notwithstanding the opening of Baha Mar...
Bahamian Politics
The Office of The Chair of The PLP on congratulations to the New Government of Barbados -
May 26, 2018 - 9:50:04 AM
From The Office of The Chair of The Progressive Liberal Party on Congratulations to the New Government of Barbados:
The
PLP has extended congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Barbados
Mia Mottley on her historic 30 to 0 victory in yesterday's general
election. Chairman of the PLP Senator Fred Mitchell who is in Barbados
personally extended congratulations on behalf of the PLP and our Leader
Philip Davis...
Bahamian Politics
DNA - EU Grey List: Welcomed but not out of woods -
May 25, 2018 - 4:49:56 PM
We must look beyond December 2018...
The news that The Bahamas has been removed from the European Union’s
(EU) list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions is welcomed. According to
a press release issued earlier today, The Bahamas has been moved from
Annex 1 (blacklist) to Annex II (grey list) by the EU.
While this is a notable development, we are not out of the woods yet and
there is much work to be done to ensure that The Bahamas is totally
removed from any adverse listing published by the EU. This is bearing in
mind that countries on the grey list can be moved back to the blacklist
if they fail to honor their commitments...
Bahamian Politics
Davis to FNM: No Lie Lasts Forever! -
May 15, 2018 - 4:00:12 PM
With so many broken promises being thrown at the Bahamian people after
one year in office, Opposition Leader Philip "Brave" Davis served notice
to the FNM Government on Wednesday that "No Lie Lasts Forever".
Scores of PLPs at the Sir Lynden Pindling Centre listened as the Party
Leader revealed what he described as the "many lies" the FNM government
has been telling the public, man of which have had a devastating effect
on the lives of Bahamians going forward. Davis reminded them of the
Prime Minister's claim in London of the $500 million dollars he said was
lost in The Bahamas due to corruption...
Bahamian Politics
PLP Chairman Statement on Bradley Roberts Chairman Emeritus Designate -
May 13, 2018 - 9:07:27 AM
From The Office of The National Chairman Of the Progressive Liberal Party
on The Status Of Bradley B. Roberts Chairman Emeritus Designate:
I
spoke this morning with Bradley Roberts our former Chairman. He is
recovering from surgery which took place successfully on 28 April. He
indicates that he is on the mend and asks for our prayers and support.
He is in his usual fine spirits...
Bahamian Politics
Remarks by Opposition Leader Davis at Special Call Meeting -
May 9, 2018 - 7:22:00 PM
Address by Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, Q.C., M.P. Leader of the Official
Opposition, Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party on the Occasion of
Special Called PLP New Providence Meeting Wednesday, 9th May 2018, 7:00
p.m. Sir Lynden Pindling House Farrington Road:
Theme:“No LIE LASTS FOREVER”
Good Evening, thanks for coming and it’s a pleasure to be amongst energized PLPs as we make the SS PLP battle ready...
Bahamian Politics
DNA issues report card on FNM administration first year in governance -
May 9, 2018 - 6:35:57 PM
The FNM was ushered into office based on the negative sentiments towards
the PLP. The overwhelming majority of 35-4 has weakened the voice of
the official opposition
The same tactics of emotionalism, grandiose promises and manipulation were employed during the 2017 elections.
Many
have argued that the standard had been lowered so much by the PLP that
the FNM didn’t have to do much to impress the electorate...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Leader Davis says its time for the PM to appoint New Chief Justice -
May 4, 2018 - 9:00:51 AM
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis advised on Monday that the time
has come for Prime Minister Hubert Minnis to appoint a new Chief Justice
(CJ), bearing in mind that having one in place ensures the process of
‘balanced' governance.
Addressing the media during the party's
monthly press conference at PLP headquarters on the Prime Minister’s
reluctance to appoint a new CJ, Davis said no one is forcing the FNM
leader to have the post filled as it is his duty to do so...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Leader attacks Minister of Finance on political interference and manipulation -
May 3, 2018 - 8:00:46 AM
PLP Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis criticized what he views as the ‘last
minute’ action of Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest to pay $400
million in bills last year, noting that it was really a move of
political interference and manipulation.
In fact, Davis stated, a
proper accounting and cash management system was left in place by the
PLP in 2017 and that no quick action was necessary by the Ministry of
Finance or the Public Treasury to have the bills paid last minute like
the FNM did in June of last year. This, Davis advised, eventually
confluenced a report by the Central Bank...
Bahamian Politics
Bradley Roberts observations of The FNM Government one year later -
Apr 29, 2018 - 3:14:38 PM
Some observations of The FNM Government one year later Commentary by
Bradley B. Roberts Former Cabinet Minister and MP 29 April 2018:
As
the first anniversary of the FNM government approaches it is customary
to rate the government’s performance and assess the country’s policy
direction. To date, a clearly defined vision for The Bahamas eludes this
government as uncertainty, scandal, hypocrisy and one untruth after the
other continue to dog and define the Minnis administration...
