Accountability and Transparency have become political watchwords of the local political arena.
Successive administrations have promised governance that would be accountable to the public where abuses of power, unnecessary government interference, and outright cronyism would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, this government, as well as those before it, has paid only lip service to the idea and has instead ignored real opportunities to prove themselves worthy of the trust placed in them by the On the campaign trail, this Christie led PLP Administration made countless promises to the Bahamian electorate; promises which included a greater level of accountability and transparency, and governance that was truly representative of the will of Bahamians. However once taking office, promises of Crime Reduction through plans such as Operation Safe Bahamas, Marco’s Law and Urban Renewal 2.0 became nothing more than hollow, empty words.
Improved job creation and economic empowerment that the PLP assured the public was only possible under their watch, has yet to be realized, and thousands of Bahamians who was promised mortgage relief continue to lose their homes. Reckless spending, coupled with indiscriminate tax increases, continued missteps on issues such as illegal immigration and this administration’s blatant disregard for law and the Rule of Law are just some of the obvious failings of this Christie government and offer irrefutable proof that the PLP is all talk and no action.
Recently, the government failings on the local political front grabbed the attention of our greatest international ally and partner, the United States. In a report on the country’s economic and investment climate released by the US State Department, US Diplomats not only took note of the government’s failure to fulfill the many election campaign promises it made, but further unveiled real concerns about potential political interference, corruption and an overall lack of transparency in the governance of the country’s affairs.
The Democratic National Alliance asserts that through the PLP’s poor governance, this administration has endangered the international reputation of the Bahamas as a viable business jurisdiction. The country’s current economic model depends heavily on foreign direct investment inflows from the US and Europe however, the observations of the US government call into question the government’s ability to deal ethically and honestly with international businesses.
Even in the face of such stern criticism though, the PLP was presented with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the reputation of the country and certify that they, in no way shape or form encouraged governmental interference or corruption at any level.
A government worth its salt would have demanded that the United States government provide specifics regarding the alleged instances of interference and taken concrete steps to remove the person or persons responsible. A Prime Minister worth his salt would have used the opportunity, not to bemoan what, by all appearances, seemed to be an accurate assessment of the government’s performance thus far, but rather prove himself as an assertive leader. Instead, what we got was a Prime Minister who, as in times before, claimed to be ‘puzzled’ and offended by the tone of the report. Mr. Christie has again shown to be dazed and confused at a time when the country is in need of strong leadership ability.
The government response to the US State Department Report only solidifies the DNA’s position, that this government is not serious about moving the country forward. They are not progressive at all! Rather than protecting our developing democracy, we have seen the PLP attack such fundamental principles by encouraging gross nepotism, cronyism and rank victimization.
The time has long come in the country’s development for the government to finally give serious consideration to the calls for Freedom of Information as well as a Code of Conduct for public officials. The immediate implementation of such legislation will usher in greater levels of responsibility among those in public office. No longer should public officials be allowed to skirt the law, while the average Bahamian is over taxed and overburdened by a system that is failing the country.
What the Bahamas needs now, more than ever, is a government that understands that true democracy can only flourish if public officials are held accountable. Accountability and Transparency must become more than political watchwords thrown around when convenient but rather a way of life and a key component of good governance.
Branville McCartney
