In August of 2013, PM Perry Christie made grand pronouncements on his government’s intent to completely revamp the country’s energy sector. In a statement, Mr. Christie pledged his government’s commitment to creating efficiencies which would facilitate significant reductions in the cost of energy, increased energy security, environmental responsibility, reliability, and increased competitiveness within the sector. The government further announced its intent to create two new entities; the first of which would be wholly owned by BEC and a second designed to operate under confines of a power purchase agreement with the government. Both entities, according to the PM, would be operated by financially and operationally credible parties or consortiums governed by a series of management agreements.
Now, 7 months later, despite commencing negotiations with a number of potential companies, the government seems no closer to achieving those goals than they were at the time of the announcement. What’s more, the public has been left virtually in the dark about key aspects of the proposed reforms.
While Mr. Christie’s initial statement hinted at an air of transparency, the government has since reverted to the practice of executing clandestine deals without the consultation or approval of the voting public. Bahamians have instead been forced to speculate about the future of yet another of the country’s assets. Outside of sporadic and disjointed statements from the Deputy Prime Minister promising a final decision on the talks, we have been told nothing.
The Democratic Nation Alliance (DNA) can’t help but wonder what, if anything, the government does not want the public to know about its plans for the electricity provider? What exactly is being sold and to whom? Are the companies involved reputable leaders in the sector? And what about ownership opportunities for Bahamians? According to recent media reports there are no Bahamian companies presently being considered. What role, if any, will Bahamians play in the further development of the corporation through ownership? And can we be confident that whatever decision is made will be in the best interest of the country rather than benefiting PLP insiders and cohorts?
The public may recall the uproar made by the PLP over the sale of BTC. The party at the time demanded the public be made aware of the government’s intentions. While in opposition, Mr. Christie pledged his party’s commitment to open and honest governance. Has he since forgotten those promises or is the party now revealing its true colors? In April 2011 Mr. Christie as leader of the Opposition PLP issued a public statement on the sale of BTC in which he said quote: “There are too many unanswered questions about this deal. This is a bad deal.” He then continued in that very statement and went on to demand that the Bahamian public be allowed to have quote: “a full and public view of the entirety of this transaction.” Should the same rules not apply to the sale of BEC?
“Without a doubt, Mr. Christie’s comments then, betray the hypocrisy under which his government now operates. Indeed, both the current and former administrations continue to prove themselves to be two sides of the same coin,” said DNA Leader Branville McCartney.
The government’s reluctance to release details of the deal is further proof that the country is in dire need of a Freedom of Information Act. In a modern day Bahamas, citizens and residents must be allowed the opportunity to hold its government’s feet to the proverbial fire. All in sundry must be committed to honest and fair dealings which benefit the majority and not a small minority.
Today, the DNA repeats its call for greater levels of accountability and transparency from the government. There are too many unanswered questions regarding the sale of BEC. The Bahamian people are entitled to the details of the ongoing negotiations sooner rather than later.
