Elkanah Pinder, Leslie Lightbourne, and Nevar Smith

Over the years, the government has had multiple opportunities to address the challenges facing the nation’s second city. Take for example the recent discussion on the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and the recommendations from the government appointed task force which eventually resulted in the extension of expiring property tax exemptions. The PM, in his usual fashion touted the outcome of those negotiations but the reality is that the results simply did not go far enough. Under a DNA government,such advantageous concessions would not be reserved for wealthy foreign land owners alone. The Democratic National Alliance has long advocated for domestic investors, and local businesses to have access to the same level of concessions and government consideration as any foreign investor or landholder. In that vein, the government’s taskforce completely missed an opportunity to level the playing field once and for all. Their failure to consider extending such concessions to the average every day Bahamian as well, is further proof that this Christie led administration is fully disconnected from the needs of Grand Bahamians.

This disconnect has been an overarching theme of the PLP’s term in office. Like here on Grand Bahama Island, Bahamian businesses have come under attack from the failing fiscal and economic policies put forward by this Christie government. Where other jurisdictions have recognized the importance of embracing entrepreneurship, small and medium sized businesses in this country continue to be stifled by miles of red tape which is in turn compounded by a culture of corruption and cronyism. Where other jurisdictions have seemingly mastered the ease of doing business by introducing new technologies to the processes of governance, the Bahamas has been left behind.

In a 21 st century Bahamas there is no reason why our nation’s second city can be developed into a hub for technology in the region. Under a DNA government, large Tech-Companies would be invited to partner with the government with the intent of creating a designated Tech-Park particularly for data-storage companies, tech and software development companies and also Satellite and Cellular firms in need of additional launch-space and capacity. Backed by the necessary legislation, a DNA government proposes the appointment of a team tasked with soliciting companies that would provide the necessary projections on how we can compete with other Tech-Park’s around the world, like Silicon Valley,California, in a sensitive and profitable way.

Sadly, the failure of this and previous governments to fully embrace the Bahamian entrepreneur and the untapped potential of technology is a major factor in our apparent inability to reverse the trend of high unemployment. If we are to survive, then Bahamians must become OWNERS rather than just workers.But encouraging entrepreneurship is just one aspect of a transformative plan which the DNA hopes to enact for GBI once becoming the government. The second phase involves lowering the cost of energy,which is not only a challenge for struggling Bahamian families but also for small and medium sized enterprises which are the real economic engine of any country. For too long now we’ve allowed successive governments to pay only lip service to the idea of renewable energy. The Democratic National Alliance has created a plan which among other things could reduce the cost of energy exponentially through waste to energy production thereby reducing overhead costs for small businesses and making this essential service affordable for everyone. To see those detailed plans, we encourage you to visit the party’s website where we also lay out other plans for renewable and sustainable energy resources as well.

Equally disappointing has been the failure of successive governments to capitalize on the island’s infrastructure to position it as a hub for export. Grand Bahama Island has had a long history of success in the business of oil storage and transport, the DNA proposes we build upon that history, learn from the challenges and restart the initiative for local and international investors wishing to participate.

For all intents and purposes, the people of Grand Bahama have been used as pawns in the political war fought between the PLP and FNM. In the last general election Grand Bahamians trusted this government when they claimed to believe in Bahamians; trusted that their interests and the interests of their children would be protected. But what have you received in return for that trust? NOTHING. Now, with under a year until the next general election both parties have begun taking an interest in Grand Bahama again. After months of neglecting government buildings on this island, neglecting civil servants on this island, the government is once again taking interest. After months of dragging its feet on important matters regarding the extension of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and keeping Grand Bahamians in the dark about the future of the island’s hotel and its employees, you can be sure that both parties will once again turn its attention to Grand Bahama.

Ladies and Gentlemen while the FNM and the PLP have been busy playing politics with your lives, the DNA has been paying attention. We have listened to the concerns which matter most to you and have been working tirelessly to craft the plans necessary to secure your future and the futures of your children as well. In doing so we have enlisted a group of passionate, hardworking and forward thinking Bahamians to assist us in making those plans a reality. Men and women from your communities. These persons are your neighbors, your friends, and mentors. They know first-hand the challenges which you face and are committed to improving the quality of life for all Grand Bahamians.

Representing the DNA in the Marco City Constituency will be Nevar Smith. While a newcomer to the national political stage, Nevar has made a name for himself here on Grand Bahama as an activist, youth leader and mentor and local government representative. At the age of 29 he is the party’s youngest candidate thus far and truly represents the ideals of the DNA as a vehicle through which young men and women – the future of our country – can have their ideas not just heard, but taken seriously and implemented. We are happy that he has agreed to be the party’s standard bearer for Marco City.Our Second Grand Bahama Candidate is a veteran unionist who has fought to protect the rights of line staff employees at the Grand Bahama Power Company, a father and a nationalist at heart Leslie Lightbourne is undoubtedly the kind of man that the people of Pineridge should be proud to have represent their interests in the halls of Parliament.

And finally but certainly not least is a man who is no stranger to the political arena, though this is his first time choosing to put himself forward as a Candidate. Elkanah Pinder, is the definition of son of the soil and has a long history of community building here on Grand Bahama dating back to even his high school years. As an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Pinder is all too familiar with the challenges which continue to face small and medium sized business across this island and throughout the country and now his wealth of knowledge as an insurance industry professional has primed him for the role of leadership and service. He has been a force to be reckoned with thus far and the DNA is happy to have Elkanah Pinder on board as the party’s standard bearer for the East Grand Bahama Constituency.

These three men are a welcome addition to the DNA’s growing roster of talented Bahamians who will help propel our great country to greater heights. Now is the time to make the decisions that will change the course of history. NOW is a powerful moment and we must take advantage of that moment!GRAND BAHAMA ARE YOU READY?! HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIGHT!? ARE YOU READY TO GO GREEN IN2017?

Branville McCartney, DNA Leader