Bahamian Politics
FNM MP Hubert Chipman on 'Unreasonable delays in passport process'
Jul 14, 2015 - 5:32:54 PM




Nassau, Bahamas (Statement) -  I read with dismay the recent release by Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Passport Office issued on July 10, 2015. It unfortunately "advised that those who need to have passports within 48 hours of the application after the 1st of July can with the payment of a fee of 200 dollars plus VAT obtain the passport on an emergency basis".

Additionally, this update by officials comes on the heels of the Minister of Foreign Affairs advising House at the time of the budget debate that the wait for passports is twelve weeks from the date of the application.

I have two concerns:

1. On which lawful authority can a $200 fee be levied on the citizens of The Bahamas? The laws and the accompanying rules clearly state the cost for obtaining passports by categories and makes no mention of room for extra cost. Is this another new tax under the smoke and mirrors of a fee "on emergency basis"? Was this apparent new tax even lawful?

2. Why are Bahamians being taxed for the inefficiencies of poor direction and mismanagement from the political leaders? Is the Minister taking serious and timely steps to address the backlog? Why is more staff and equipment just being brought in to "deal with the challenges" instead of proper preplanning on systemic peak periods in requests?

The current administration appears asleep at the management wheel again at the expense of the Bahamian public. Under the former FNM Administration which were faced with the same equipment, the passport process was maintained at two weeks based on proper preplanning and management. There is a need for ingenuity and strategic management directives instead of poor execution and visionless leadership.

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