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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Mar 30, 2017 - 12:18:41 PM


DNA: A Blow to Transparency in Governance
By Branville McCartney, Leader, Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
Apr 30, 2015 - 3:22:52 PM

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On the evening of April 29, 2015, this corrupt PLP administration dealt yet another crippling blow to the fight for accountability and transparency in governance.

Even after its outright failure to protect the citizens of Marathon from the obvious health hazards resulting from that Rubis gas leak, and its insensitive response to the cries of the affected residents, this administration led by Prime Minister Perry Christie has added insult to injury by quashing calls for a parliamentary investigation into the facts and circumstance surrounding the spill. Only two members of the PLP voted in favor of the investigation – put forth by one of its own - proving once and for all that this government is only interested in protecting the rights and interests of its friends, family members and political allies.

Even more noteworthy was the PM’s absence from the Wednesday night’s vote. As with the vote on Value Added Tax (VAT) the nation’s leader seems to be working diligently at distancing himself from this latest firestorm. As a seasoned politician who has shown a preoccupation with his own legacy, perhaps he does not want to be associated with the blatant and callous disregard for the lives of this country’s citizens.

The government’s refusal to allow for such an investigation raises a number of questions, chief of which is: WHAT DOES THIS GOVERNMENT HAVE TO HIDE? What is the Christie administration afraid will be unearthed as part of those findings and is it also related to the decision by the Attorney General to suppress the release of the environmental report for an entire year?

This administration’s position further raises questions about their commitment to environmental stewardship and protection. Concerns about the Rubis fuel leak merely add to the already long list of health and environmental issues currently being ignored by the PLP. While the government works to keep the facts about this spill from being dug up, Bahamians are still awaiting a report on the impact of the many dump fires on the health of residents in that area as well. And what of the many oil spills at the Clifton site which have wrought havoc on the area’s delicate eco- systems. NO ANSWERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN!

This is yet another indicator of why Freedom of Information is so desperately needed in this country and why government officials must be made accountable to the electorate. Rather than accepting responsibility, the Ministers at the heart of the issue have been flippant and dismissive. Rather than candidly and honestly address the well placed concerns of area residents, this government has closed ranks around its members effectively locking Bahamians out of any chance at securing justice for themselves and their family members.

For the sake of the national interest, The Democratic National Alliance calls on this government to fast track the implementation of this vital piece of legislation and do more than pay lip service to the idea for open accountable and transparent governance.

Wednesday’s Parliamentary NO VOTE was a vote against Democracy; a vote against the good people of this great country. Come 2017, Bahamians must remember the many missteps of this Christie government; follow their lead and VOTE NO to another 5 years of PLP Governance.

Branville McCartney
DNA Leader

 


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