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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
John Steinbeck once said: “Power does not corrupt. Fear corrupts... perhaps the fear of a loss of power”.
As members of the country’s legislative arm to continue to cling to power accumulated over long political careers, Bahamians have watched the country’s regional and international reputation suffer as our nation’s leaders hit new and unimaginable lows intended only to line the pockets of their friends, families and political cronies.
Since taking office in 2012 members of this Christie led administration, have revealed themselves to be morally bankrupt. Even worse though, is the Prime Minister’s seeming unwillingness and or inability to keep his cabinet in line. As it was during his first term in office, the Prime Minister continues to allow his cabinet to operate in an out of control and ill-disciplined manner, which has led to serious implications for our still developing nation.
Recently, questions emerged about the integrity of the government’s bidding and procurement process and the government of the Bahamas was challenged to address inefficiencies in the process, both perceived and existent. In response, the government has failed to acknowledge the deeply rooted seeds corruption, instead calling for proof of these assertions. It should be noted, that at no point did any government official out rightly deny or refute serious allegations of corruption. Despite the media firestorm that was created from these assertions, it would appear that the government has learned nothing and has again found itself flailing in an attempt to deflect from yet another scandal.
The signing of a letter of intent by the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works has become the most recent string of code within the PLP’s matrix of corruption. As has been widely reported, the Parliamentary Secretary appeared to have acted above his pay-grade and violated Parliamentary procedure in signing the 650 Million Dollar agreement with Stellar Waste to Energy; a move which, in more developed countries, would have resulted in a thorough and transparent investigation, followed by his immediate termination.
The multi-million dollar agreement represents a half billion dollar cost escalation when compared to similarly proposed projects. This raises several serious questions; chief of which are, one: where was the additional $500 million destined to go? And two: What would be the impact of a “disappeared” $500 million dollars on the economy of The Bahamas?
History has taught us that the cost of government corruption is high, and more often than not, taxpayers are left to bear the financial burden of that corruption.
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) believes we can lower, the costs associated with government corruption simply by providing clean, honest governance. The key to such a strategy will involve the restructuring of government entities to make them more effective, efficient, and transparent. This approach, we believe, is at the core of improving the quality of life and governance in the country.
This approach yields further dividends in the country’s efforts at tax reform as well. No government should be allowed to take your money because they are able to. Rather, a responsible government which requires you to pay more in taxes MUST DEMONSTRATE that the costs of the necessary services you receive have in fact gone up, or they are providing you with more necessary services.
Unfortunately however, the country under the leadership of this PLP administration will continue to suffer the costs and consequences of an administration paralyzed by the fear of losing their power. It should be clear to all Bahamians that in order for the country to progress, we must first be released from the choke hold of corruption which has stymied real growth and development.
The time has come for a government administration to act in the best interest of Bahamians. A DNA government will do just that.
Ethric Bowe
DNA Deputy Chairman
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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