The past two years of PLP governance have proven to be a series of missteps, miscalculations,lies and half-truths. On the promise of real economic change, transparency and a belief in Bahamians, this administration was elected by the people with a mandate to address the myriad of problems facing the country.
This Christie led administration however, has shown recklessness with the public’s finances and a disregard for the will of the people. Rather than governing in a transparent and accountable manner, Mr. Christie and his band of merry men have chosen instead to line the pockets of friends, family members and loved ones, taking the levels of political cronyism in this country to new and disturbing depths. The issuance of countless government contracts without the benefit of due process, the personal intervention of the PM in the tax affairs of Ishmael Lightbourne and the recent revelations of public officials not paying their bills, are just a few of countless examples of this government’s abuse of political influence and power. Such behavior is a direct affront to the wishes of the voting public.
Most recently the country has, through the media been made aware of the failure of countless Members of Parliament on both sides of the political divide to follow the law as it relates to public disclosure and even the payment of their personal bills; all while demanding that struggling Bahamians meet their financial obligations. This government has failed to provide the kind of economic empowerment that would allow Bahamians the economic freedom to live comfortably and experience ownership in their own country.
The PM and his Parliamentary cohorts have shown outright contempt for the country’s laws on public disclosures, proving yet again that they lack the integrity required for public office. The Democratic National Alliance demands that members of the government and opposition reveal to the public the state of their real property taxes, NIB payments, electricity payments and their public disclosures in compliance with the law OR RESIGN IMMEDIATELY! The behavior of this
government, their failure to govern in a transparent, and accountable way, and their obviouslack of respect for the law, endangers the country’s democracy, and jeopardizes the country’s international reputation as a jurisdiction.
Rather than protect the rights of Bahamians, this administration has decided to opted increase the tax burden on the backs of already struggling Bahamians. The failure of this and previous administrations to adequately collect outstanding taxes has resulted in the need for major tax reforms, a process which so far the PLP has paid only lip service. It is absolutely UNFAIR and IMMORAL of this administration to expect compliance from the public without themselves setting an example worth following.
This government has proven itself unworthy of the trust placed in it by the electorate. The Democratic National Alliance repeats its call for a return to true transparency and good governance for the sake of generations yet unborn.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
