A forensic report of pharmaceutical and medical
supplies which found its way into the hands of the local media this week have
renewed concerns about the blatant mismanagement of the country’s resources.
The report which appeared as a lead story in the local dailies, revealed the “loss”
of some ten million dollars from the Public Hospital’s Authority in addition to
countless instances of alleged abuse and ineffective management controls which in
effect led to the fleecing of the Bahamas Government.
The details revealed within the report suggest a
level of dishonesty, collusion, and inattention which has unfortunately become
synonymous with many government ministries and departments over the past many
years. In the face of such blatant fraud, one would think that the government
would have immediately enlisted the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other
relevant authorities to bring those responsible to justice. Unfortunately in
the days following the release of this damning information, government
officials from both of the previous administrations have failed to give an
account to the Bahamian people.
We have yet to hear from either of the past Ministers
of Health, BOTH of whom now serve in the House of Assembly or the CURRENT
Minister of health on the issue, this despite attempts by the local media to
get comment.
The issue was finally raised in Parliament on
Tuesday evening, and again, instead of taking responsibility for the gross
misappropriation of public resources, many Bahamians watched in disgust as
their elected officials passed the buck and played the blame game; neither side
willing to take responsibility or provide a way forward to address the matter.
Mahatma Gandhi once said: “It is wrong and immoral
to seek escape from the consequences of one’s acts”.
By those standards, Parliamentarians on both sides
of the political divide have not only acted immorally on this issue but have
YET AGAIN underscored the need for transparent and accountable governance in
this country.
Ironically the argument between
the country’s legislators erupted as government officials prepared to discuss
the borrowing of more than 16 million dollars to fund the College of the
Bahamas’ (COB) move to university status. As we lament the loss of millions
from the government coffers, this administration is preparing to add to the
national debt by borrowing EVEN MORE MONEY.
The Democratic National Alliance
agrees that the funding of the country’s premier educational institution is
extremely important. We cannot help but note however, that this decision comes
just months after this Christie led administration CUT COB’s budget by a
whopping 3.5 MILLION DOLLARS!
Clearly, the fiscal behavior of
this administration leaves MUCH to be desired. Reckless and Wasteful spending
by both previous administrations has left this country in a precarious
financial situation. Now, in less than 100 days the government will implement
VAT in an effort to earn more revenue. While the new tax will undoubtedly be a
greater burden on already struggling families, what is STILL UNCERTAIN is the
government’s ability to properly manage any additional revenue they collect. This
PLP administration has already proven its inability to rein in spending and has
FAILED miserably at enacting the necessary fiscal controls mandated by good
governance.
NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY should be
allowed to “LOSE” more than TEN MILLION in tax payer money. SOMEONE MUST BE
HELD ACCOUNTABLE. Starting with those in LEADERSHIP! We must be told WHO KNEW
WHAT! WHEN THEY KNEW IT! AND WHAT ACTION OR LACK OF ACTION RESULTED FROM THAT
KNOWLEDGE. The government must PROVE its commitment to the people of this
country and ensure that this matter is NOT allowed to fade from public
consciousness without resolution. It is the only way to restore faith in our
system of governance and our leadership. OUR PEOPLE DESERVE THAT MUCH!
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
