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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nassau, Bahamas - The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) held a press conference on 3rd August at the DNA Headquarters to announce the dates of their upcoming convention. The following are remarks by DNA leader, Branville McCartney, and following that are remarks by DNA chairman, Andrew Wilson:
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for coming.
I come to you today as a concerned Bahamian about the state of democracy in this country.
What we have had to endure for the last four and a half years has left me, and I’m sure the vast majority of Bahamians concerned about the trajectory of this country.
Last week, the Free National Movement attempted to hold a National Convention under the theme of Unity.
What many witnessed for the first time, is what I had discovered seven years ago - the FNM that was built on the ideals of democracy, transparency, and accountability is dead.
It has been replaced by the same incompetence and corruption that has come to define the Progressive Liberal Party.
I take no pleasure in making these statements. To come to this point is a very painful reality for many Bahamians.
But both of these parties are mere shadows of their former selves.
The DNA truly believes that the people of this country are its most precious resource, above all natural or material resources.
This is not the PLP that led us to majority rule. This is not the PLP that led us into Independence and gave us National Insurance. Likewise this is not the FNM that opened up the airwaves, or provided critical infrastructure on our Family Islands.
The vision that existed in those parties is long gone.
But now, what we must decide as a people, is where do we go from here.
For those who believe in democracy, who want a better future for our country, a future that provides real opportunities for Bahamians, we invite you to join with us in the Democratic National Alliance.
Democracy by its very nature must be participatory. To truly affect any real change, our voices must be heard.
As a country the issues that we are facing are far too serious for us to continue to accept the status quo.
Bahamians deserve better than a “Dancer in Chief”, or a man who can’t dance at all.
For those of you who tuned in to the FNM’s convention but were highly disappointed by the lack of ideas or solutions being offered, we again invite you to take a serious look at the Democratic National Alliance.
On September 29-30, we will show the Bahamas what a real democratic convention looks like, where all positions will be open, and where all ideas are welcome. We invite you to tune in, and to hear real solutions to our problems.
The times are too serious for the cheap theatrics.
To be real leaders, we have to listen to the people and be able to lead by example.
Bahamians both young and old are demanding more.
We owe it to them, and to the future of this country, to take on the serious issues facing this country, head on.
We extend this offer to you, the progressives, freedom fighters, millennials, young, old, rich, or poor - join us, as we move this country forward, where real opportunities will exist for all Bahamians.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
 Remarks by DNA chairman, Andrew Wilson, "THE POWER OF NOW":
Over the past many years, and under the watch of successive PLP and FNM administrations, Bahamians have watched the dream of our forefathers, of a free and sovereign Bahamas slip away. With our country’s overall growth and development stifled, the misery index has skyrocketed. Many Bahamians, young and old alike feel powerless. Many have become disillusioned and disconnected from that Bahamian dream. The dream of a Bahamas where citizens of this country are afforded the kinds of opportunities that add value to their lives. The dream of a Bahamas where the systems designed to govern, protect and empower actually work, not for a select few, but for all Bahamians.
For far too long the wishes of the Bahamian people have become secondary to the varied agendas of those elected to public office. After riding into office on a wave of promises, our Nation’s leaders have failed to deliver. Upon taking office, far too many of them have forgotten that a key element of their role in governance is SERVICE. Service to the hardworking men and women who elected them. Service to the future generations of Bahamians who deserve a country that will protect and provide for them.
It is with the dreams of our forefathers in mind that the Democratic National Alliance will head to its first national convention to be held at the Breezes Resort on Cable Beach on September 29th and 30th 2016 under the theme: “The Power of Now”.
The theme in short is about recognizing the urgency of the moment. Like the brave men and women who came before us, we are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. While the challenges we face today may be great, we have an opportunity to chart a new course, but we have not ONE MOMENT TO LOSE, WE MUST ACT NOW! This theme is a reminder that we cannot, and must not fold under the collective pressures we face, it is a reminder that despite what your politicians have told you in the past, it is YOU – the Bahamian people – that holds the power. You, the single mother, the college graduate, the retiree, YOU HAVE THE POWER to change the course of a nation; but first, you must recognize the power of this moment and be prepared to ACT ON IT! This theme is a call to action, a reminder for ALL Bahamians interested in SAVING our country, that there is power in this moment, we simply have to seize it!
So during that time the party will fully outline its platform on key issues such as Education, Unemployment, Crime, The Economy, Health Care, Immigration and Good Governance. We invite all Bahamians to join us as we chart the course to a better and brighter Bahamas, together.
Andrew Wilson
DNA Chairman
© Copyright 2016 by thebahamasweekly.com
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