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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


Pintard: Family Islands Need This Government's Help Now
Aug 21, 2015 - 12:05:14 PM

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Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a statement by Senator Michael Pintard:

As usual Fred Mitchell descends to his safe place of personal attacks without addressing the core issue which in this case is the failure of this PLP led government to work with Family Island residents and assist them in improving their communities as promised in the run up to the last general election.

Many Family Islands face significant challenges that require intervention from the Central government. The cries of thousands of Family Island residents have gone unheeded by this administration despite promises to address basic requests for the government to open completed clinics; upgrade dilapidated airports; ensure consistent airlift; and repair roads, docks and seawalls. Mr. Mitchell seems to believe that Bahamian voters and members of Parliament should beg the Cabinet of the Bahamas to address these needs.

No Member of Parliament, whether government or Opposition, should be made to feel that they have to sit small, avoid challenging decision makers or suck up to the Cabinet Ministers in order to attract support for their constituents. Only in Mitchell and his leader’s world this is acceptable. Many would recall the Prime Minister’s comments to some members of the disable community when he said that they should petition him to help them.

Why do the citizens need to continually tell a leader, a Minister who is aware of their plight and the fact that they need help and need it yesterday. Minister Mitchell should concentrate on the needs of the people of Long Island after all they are more than qualified to decide on their representation in the House of Assembly. The PLP does not control that. However, the Government has full control of the public purse and should ensure that long island gets the attention it requires and deserves given its historical contribution to the national economy.

No cheap gender card was being played. Instead I was pointing out his gender bias. I could have concentrated on Mitchell’s many personal, mean spirited public and clandestine (attack website) attacks of persons who disagree with his views or position.

My points are simple-Firstly, if it is ok for a male politician to be assertive, aggressive in raising the concerns of his constituents without being called warlike or bellicose, then it is ok for the Honourable Loretta Butler Turner to do the same! Mitchell’s attitude speaks to an expectation that lady politicians should be demure while the “boys” are permitted to run wild or like the PLP Chairman fume at the corners of his mouth.

Secondly, while I a resident in Fox Hill Mr. Mitchell was chastised for very derogatory remarks made about at least two of his female opponents, the worst of which was directed against former Senator Jacinta Higgs. Statements that one does not expect from a public servant or a man who values and respect Bahamian women.

It may actually turn out to be the case that the disparaging things Minister Mitchell said about opponents or threats levied against them is indicative of a deeper issue. He may simply be a bully who gets extremely angry, defensive and abusive when challenged or called out. A bully with the force of government behind him is potentially dangerous.

An FNM government would ensure that more of the taxes collected in Family Islands remain on these Islands so that a strengthened local government can address the myriad of needs that exist. We would move with haste to guide land reform so that more residents in Family Islands and those who wish to return to Family Islands can receive fee simple title to land at concessionary rates to build homes and establish new businesses. Furthermore, we intend to resolve the decades of confusion surrounding generation properties and the absence of a proper land registration system. Upon coming to government we will ensure that College bound Family Island students enrolling in Bahamian Institutions will benefit from scholarships and stipends to assist them in obtaining their degree and ultimately put them in a position to transform their communities.



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