thebahamasweekly.com - Dr. Minnis: PLP’s New Political Ploy with FOIA

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamian Politics
Dr. Minnis: PLP’s New Political Ploy with FOIA
By The Free National Movement
Dec 15, 2016 - 7:16:11 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Dr. Minnis, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), issued the following statement:

“My colleagues and I in the Free National Movement are pleased that the Prime Minister and his PLP Government have finally introduced a Freedom of Information Act. This comes after repeated calls for years, by the Free National Movement. They want to pretend they are for transparency and accountability, but their political motives on this issue are the only thing that is transparent to the Bahamian people. The continued lack of transparency from Prime Minister Christie on the secret Baha Mar deal he struck with his Chinese allies’ shows this FOIA legislation is only a political ploy to help try and save their political futures.”

“The PLP Government has been promising to enact FOIA legislation for the past four and a half years, but just like every other promise this Government has made, it has been empty rhetoric. The PLP truly does not want a FOIA enacted because it would mean that all of the sweetheart deals that they have made would be unveiled. It is clear that the Prime Minister and the PLP have shown a complete disregard for the Bahamian people and their wishes.”

“The embattled Prime Minister knows that his back is up against the wall and he will do anything to try and save his job, including trying to appear that he is for accountability and transparency. The Bahamian people see right through this act and will continue to reject his failed leadership.”

“The Free National Movement stands for accountability and transparency, we stand on the side of the people who remain concerned and troubled by the lack of transparency and details of the PLP’s secret dealings with the Chinese. Deals shrouded in secrecy, and further sealed by the courts on behalf of this Government. The FNM passed FOIA legislation five years ago but the PLP refused to enact it. Transparency and true accountability with a strong FOIA program would move the country towards this goal and we will fight every day to have it in place for the Bahamian people.”