Years ago, Charles Dickens penned the words of the now timeless novel A Tale of Two Cities; a story of the economic and political unrest facing France and America; unrest which eventually led to revolutions which altered the historical and cultural landscapes of those two countries. In a modern day Bahamas, we too are faced with economic and political challenges which require action to improve our current situation.
For the past 40 years, the voting public has penned its own version of the Charles Dickens classic with both the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) at the center of story. Every five years both parties claim to have new and innovative ways to address the myriad of problems facing the country and every five years the electorate is left disappointed, disillusioned and in search of real political leadership. Why? It is because despite their efforts to appear different both major political parties are merely two sides of the same coin.
The public need only examine the evidence before them. For years the leadership of both parties, while in power have used their influence to advance their personal agendas and repay election season debts to friends, family members and political cronies. How many instances of victimization have been reported under both administrations? How many major government contracts have been awarded to party generals and prominent supporters without first going to tender? The examples may in fact be too many to number; however, in a still developing nation, even one such case, is one case too many.
Consider too, the PLP’s handling of the country’s fiscal concerns. While promising economic revitalization, the PLP has continued in the same vein as the former FNM government, borrowing and spending in a reckless manner to the continued detriment of true national development. Now, as the country stands on the precipice of Value Added Tax (VAT) implementation, it is important to note that the tax model was first examined by the Ingraham administration. Despite strong public opposition to the idea from the local business community however, this administration remains adamant about pressing forward with those plans. Is that a coincidence? The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) says NO!
Perhaps the most glaring example of this reality in recent years though, was the sale of BTC under the former FNM administration and the equally dangerous plan to sell yet another of the country’s assets – BEC – to a foreign entity.
While in power, the FNM orchestrated the sale of a company which, by their own accounts was extremely profitable to satisfy a need for what they promised would be long term financial gain. While appearing on the surface to be transparent, the Ingraham cabinet executed their clandestine agreement with Cable and Wireless which has resulted only in substandard service for the Bahamian people. Only now, years later are the actual details of that deal now being made public.
Similarly, this administration, despite their vehement opposition to the sale of BTC, seems to be undertaking a similar course of action with BEC. According to recent media reports on the matter, the government has concluded negotiations with up to 5 companies – none of which are owned by Bahamians – but has continued to dodge requests for more details. Can we trust that whatever deal struck with the potential front runners in this sale will serve the public interest? Should Bahamians be forced to wait years before the true details of this are revealed? The DNA says NO!
We as a people cannot continue to flip this two headed coin hoping for results other than the ones we have already received. We must instead take the leap of faith required to inspire a change that will benefit generations of Bahamians to come. It is time to write a new chapter in the history of this great nation. It is time to turn our eyes to the lighthouse and the DNA for real transparency, accountability and good governance.
Andrew WilsonDNA Chairman
