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Last Updated: May 21, 2017 - 5:02:15 PM |
 The Leaders, Executive Council, Officers, and Members of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) extend congratulations once again to the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis and the Free National Movement (FNM) on winning the 2017 General Elections. The DNA looks forward to working with the current administration to restore our nation to the economic and social prosperity that we are accustomed to as Bahamians in this great Commonwealth.
In this regard, the DNA welcomes the Minnis administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption, wastage, inefficiency, and partiality in our governance structure and request the said administration to commit to the timeline on the following 10 points, some of which are outlined in both the DNA and FNM’s platform for good governance. We request the Minnis administration to:
1. Bring into force the Freedom of Information Act within the first 60 days of office. The DNA also invites the current Minnis administration to consult our organisation with respect to the DNA’s Right to Information Bill as a source and guidance for amendments to the said Act.
2. Draft, consult and table a Fiscal Responsibility Bill in Parliament within the first 120 days of office.
3. Draft, consult and table a Whistle blower’s Bill in Parliament within the first 120 days of office.
4. Prepare and issue a white paper on National Procurement within the first 90 days of office to be consulted with by relevant stakeholders for effective implementation by fiscal year 2018/19.
5. Within the first 90 days of office, prepare and release a white paper on the establishment of the office of the Ombudsman, wherein the said entity will serve as a watchdog of the government on behalf of the Bahamian people.
6. Within the first 120 days of office, strengthen and enforce the Public Disclosure Act and create and enforce a Code of Conduct Act for Public Officials.
7. Prepare and issue a white paper within the first 90 days of office to limit the term of the PM to two terms, limit the powers of the Prime Minister, create a recall system for non-performing Members of Parliament and to set fixed dates for national and local elections.
8. Within the first 120 days of office, prepare and release a white paper on electoral reform inclusive of matters relating to electoral finance reforms, automation of the electoral process and voting participation by the Bahamian diaspora.
9. Within the first 120 days of office, prepare and release a white paper on the introduction of Local Government to New Providence inclusive of the strengthening and empowerment of the current system of Local Government in the Family Islands.
10. Within the first 90 days of office, prepare and release a white paper on Public Sector Reform. The DNA is also prepared to sit in consultation with the current administration and its agents to discuss the particulars of our white paper released regarding the same.
While the DNA recognizes the constraints that the government may be under in the Attorney General’s Office and Ministry of Finance among others to accommodate the DNA’s 10-point request, the DNA proposes request for proposals be sent out for Public Private Partnerships to expedite the same as well as to embrace the vast professional expertise within the Bahamian public. The fundamental question is not whether we can afford to bring about these much needed reforms, but whether we can afford not to implement these long overdue initiatives at this critical juncture in our nation’s history.
As concerned citizens in our Commonwealth committed to advancing a stable democracy that is both transparent and accountable, we in the DNA look forward to a positive collaboration with this current administration in government to the benefit of the Bahamian people and those who have chosen to make The Bahamas their home.
Democratic National Alliance
Opposition Party
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
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