Bahamian Politics
"PLP Policy on Employment: A Series of Lies and Misrepresentations" - Jul 17, 2014 - 10:10:47 AM

The Christie administration’s “policy” on job creation and employment in this country has left much to be desired. In fact, it has been a series of misrepresentations and even outright lies. Despite the release of figures from the Department of Statistics which show that unemployment, particularly among young people is at the highest it has ever been, members of this incompetent government insist that they have created the ten thousand jobs promised on the campaign trail.

Over the past several weeks, we have heard various government Ministers including Labor Minister Shane Gibson boast about the 43 thousand jobs which were allegedly created by this administration. Weeks later, the Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis declared to the media that his ministry alone created 10 thousand jobs for Bahamians. The Department of Statistics numbers show just over 3,000 NET JOBS added...

Bahamian Politics
Roberts: Minnis should thank the PLP Government‏ - Jul 16, 2014 - 3:10:07 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Enclosed is a statement by Bradley B. Roberts National Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party:

The problem with the media comments attributed to Dr. Minnis is that it was he and the FNM who were kicked out of office in May 2012 before the FNM “destroyed the country” because their “record of poor judgment in governance” that placed The Bahamas on a path to “disaster.” Further, Dr. Minnis needs to be more concerned about immediate problems and turmoil within his party and the threat of his leadership, let alone an early general election.

Minnis may have a short memory and is banking on the Bahamian people having a short memory, but I must remind him that his government’s mismanagement of the Bahamian economy exacerbated the recession locally and the suffering of thousands of Bahamian families where NO net jobs were created and unemployment doubled...

Bahamian Politics
DNA: Two years For Freedom of Information is too Late! - Jul 15, 2014 - 10:29:01 AM

While the country grapples with countless social ills, and the throes of a stagnant economy, we as a people are further forced to contend with an incompetent government who has proven time and time again that they do not have the growth and development of the country at the heart of their legislative agenda.

The Democratic National Alliance along with countless other organizations has led the call for a Freedom of Information Act as part of efforts to pull the country from the shadows of corruption and malfeasance. Unfortunately, secrecy and mystery continue to shroud the government’s dealings even as the people cry for greater accountability from its elected officials. Unfortunately, the government has chosen to stonewall its people by denying them access to key details on plans for forward development, even as our greatest ally, the United States of America, publicly questions the country’s...

Bahamian Politics
DNA: Is this where we should be after 41 years of independence? - Jul 8, 2014 - 5:37:08 PM

Are you satisfied with our country after forty one (41) years of Independence and 47 years of PLP and FNM Governance?

As we look at our Bahama land forty one (41) years after independence I would ask our Bahamian citizens to really take a look at where we are as a country and ask yourself if you are satisfied with the status quo.

Consider this: Crime in this country is at an all time high. Successive governments have failed to fulfill their fundamental duty and that is the protection of its citizens. We are daily under attack by the criminal element. Illegal immigration continues to flourish in our country with the continued growth of shantytowns. Unemployment is perhaps the highest it has ever been with no light at the end of the tunnel; the promised 10,000 jobs being just a political promise. Bahamians continue to lose their homes on a large scale as the highly promoted mortgage relief plan never materialized...

Bahamian Politics
DNA: Accountability and Transparency: More than Political Watchwords! - Jul 8, 2014 - 10:17:42 AM

Accountability and Transparency have become political watchwords of the local political arena.

Successive administrations have promised governance that would be accountable to the public where abuses of power, unnecessary government interference, and outright cronyism would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, this government, as well as those before it, has paid only lip service to the idea and has instead ignored real opportunities to prove themselves worthy of the trust placed in them by the On the campaign trail, this Christie led PLP Administration made countless promises to the Bahamian electorate; promises which included a greater level of accountability and transparency, and governance that was truly representative of the will of Bahamians...

Bahamian Politics
DNA: The PLP has Failed to Protect the Rights of Women - Jul 4, 2014 - 7:58:36 AM

History has shown that Bahamian women continue to make up a significant block of this country’ voting electorate; however this Christie led administration – whose victory at the polls was due in large part to the high voter turnout among women – has proven itself unworthy of that vote of confidence.

This PLP government simply does not care about the rights of women. Over the course of his term in office thus far, Mr. Christie has paid only lip service to the idea of female empowerment and equality while allowing those under his direction to further trample on the freedoms of Bahamian women across this great country; women who continue to contribute in meaningful ways to the development of our communities, and our democracy...

Columns : Letters to The Editor
"Until She Gives Birth The Bahamas Will Continue to Travail" - Jul 2, 2014 - 12:29:54 PM

Until the Politicians give birth to the promises of the declaration of Independence and the promises as outlined in the Constitution of the Bahamas, she will continue to travail and see a time of trouble. Politicians and many other Civic leaders have forgotten the promises made to our sons and daughters and the drive for freedom in the C harter of Independence. I address this issue because it keeps coming before me and as I declared 2013 the year of the woman, I will boldly say:

UNTIL THE BAHAMAS SEES AND ELECTS A FEMALE PRIME MINISTER WITH THE NURTURING QUALITY TO BIRTH THE THINGS NECESSARY THERE WILL CONTINUE TO BE PLUNDER AND CHAOS OF ALL NATURAL RESOURCES. IT WILL TAKE SUCH A WOMAN WITH VISION, DESTINY AND PURPOSE TO CHARTER THE COURSE AND STEER OUR BAHAMA LAND TO ITS DESTINY AND PURPOSE.

Bahamian Politics
DNA: The Prime Minister and his Band of Merry Men Must Resign - Jun 23, 2014 - 2:38:18 PM

The past two years of PLP governance have proven to be a series of missteps, miscalculations,lies and half-truths. On the promise of real economic change, transparency and a belief in Bahamians, this administration was elected by the people with a mandate to address the myriad of problems facing the country.

This Christie led administration however, has shown recklessness with the public’s finances and a disregard for the will of the people. Rather than governing in a transparent and accountable manner, Mr. Christie and his band of merry men have chosen instead to line the pockets of friends, family members and loved ones, taking the levels of political cronyism in this country to new and disturbing depths. The issuance of countless government contracts without the benefit of due process, the personal intervention of the PM...

Bahamian Politics
This Week in Bahamian Politics - Feb 22, 2013 - 11:48:36 PM

Check here for the past week in Bahamian Politics!

The Bahamas Weekly provides a category just for the political voices of The Bahamas, whether it be the Free National Movement, the Progressive Liberal Party, the Bahamas Democratic Movement, the National Development Party, or a place for anyone to write about their political opinion in The Bahamas.

Read the latest viewpoints or banter right here on The Bahamas Weekly...

Bahamian Politics
Commentary: The chill of government financial irresponsibility - Jan 1, 2012 - 3:15:21 PM

As financial analysts the world over await the outcome of the "negotiations" in the United States to see if they can avoid the so called fiscal cliff - the day automatic tax hikes and spending cuts will kick in - many people believe it will push their economy back into a recession. To unsettle things even more, the fiscal problems have not abated in Europe and right here at home there are unsettling concerns among the business sector and taxpayers.

With The Bahamas debt to GDP ratio approaching 60% (including unfunded liabilities), and rumours of government cash flow troubles, they remain remarkably quiet on plans to help revive the struggling Bahamian economy and avoid...

...

Bahamian Politics
Fred Mitchell responds to Brent Symonette - Jul 9, 2014 - 2:57:46 PM

Nassau, The Bahamas - The following is a statement by Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs:

I once told Brent Symonette the former Deputy Prime Minister to climb back under the rock from which he came.  I renew that call today.  He has accused me in this morning's Tribune of "grandstanding" because I am standing up for The Bahamas.  Here we go again with this nastiness. 

There is a difference between the policy of the FNM and the PLP when it comes to the defence of The Bahamas and our foreign policy.  The FNM and its spokesmen only see the case of the other country, not the case for The Bahamas.  The FNM 's foreign policy supports silence, stupidity, and obsequiousness and apologetic behavior.

Bahamian Politics
Bradley Roberts at PLP Mini Convention in Eleuthera - Jun 23, 2014 - 4:38:53 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Enclosed is a welcome address by Bradley Roberts at PLP Mini Convention:

Mr. Party Leader, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance;

Mr. Deputy Leader, the Hon. Philip Brave Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development;

Area representative for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Damian Gomez...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Bahamas 2014 -15 Fiscal Budget Passed in The House - Jun 20, 2014 - 12:03:23 PM

The Budget for the 2014/2015 fiscal year ending on the 30th June 2015 was passed in the House of Assembly with 24 Members of Parliament from the governing side voting yes, 6 nays from the opposition side and 7 absentees on the evening of the 19th June 2014.

The leader of the opposition, Dr. Hubert Minnis, notified the Honourable House during his budget contribution that the FNM Caucus would vote “no” on the budget on the basis that the budget violated the applicable provisions of the constitution as regards detailed itemization salary allocations. Notwithstanding this position, opposition members voted in support of the taxes associated with the budget.

Bahamian Politics
"FNM & PLP: Two Sides of the Same Coin" - Jun 20, 2014 - 10:28:23 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - The revelation that Dame Marguerite Pindling owes the government over $300,000 in real property taxes only proves that the Christie administration is not serious about tax reform, Free National Movement (FNM) Chairman Darron Cash suggested yesterday.

Fourteen (14) years of which Mr. Cash speaks represents exactly seven (7) years under the PLP and seven (7) years under the FNM proving that there is no difference between the PLP & FNM; they are indeed two sides of the same coin.

Columns : Letters to The Editor
Free Nationalist: "Dr. Minnis The Right Person to Lead & Become The Next PM" - Jun 12, 2014 - 2:15:04 PM

May 8th 2012, one day after the defeat of the Free National Movement at the polls and the resignation of former Prime Minister Ingraham as leader of the party. There were many hurt feelings and great disappointment that evident throughout the country for FNMs. The FNM was in deep debt and bloodied in hotly contested elections that party was soundly defeated.
 
However, there was no time rest and cry, the party needed to forged forward to begin the task of rebuilding. On May 26th, at a mini-convention the FNM elected as its new deputy Loretta Butler-Turner and its leader Dr. Hubert A. Minnis...

Bahamian Politics
Bradley B. Roberts: Butler-Turner's tirade proves FNM is anti-Bahamian - Jun 12, 2014 - 1:47:38 PM

Nassau, Bahamas -  Enclosed is a statement by Bradley B. Roberts National Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party:

Having sat around the cabinet table and approved the privatization of BTC, giving the new owners Cable and Wireless the sole right to select its CEO without government consultation, Loretta Butler-Turner condemned and harshly criticized the appointment of Bahamian Leon Williams as the newest CEO of BTC.

The question FNM leader Dr. Minnis must answer and clarify to the public is whether or not the uncharitable and mean-spirited comments of the FNM’s deputy leader represent the official policy position of his party or is he in lock step with his deputy? Further, what is the FNM’s current position on Bahamianization and the general empowerment of Bahamians? Butler-Turner’s tirade appears out of step with the expressed ideas, plans and the role of Bahamians in this new Bahamas Dr. Minnis keeps talking about...

Bahamian Politics
Bradley Roberts: Pintard retread proves FNM bench shallow - Jun 10, 2014 - 12:26:33 PM

Nassau, Bahamas -  Enclosed is a statement by Bradley B. Roberts National Chairman, Progressive Liberal Party:

During his second year anniversary press conference, Prime Minister Christie characterized the FNM as a “scrap gang.” The appointment of Michael Pintard to the Senate reaffirms this FNM characterization as Pintard is a two-time loser and a political retread.

The public knows well that Pintard was strongly defeated when he ran against Prime Minister the Hon. Perry G. Christie in Farm Road and Centerville in the 2007 general elections and later defeated by Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis in Cat Island, Rum Cay & San Salvador in 2012. His initial tenure as Senator apparently to build his national profile and political brand was a dismal failure so one is left to question the wisdom and rationale for this reappointment...

Columns : Letters to The Editor
"Is the FNM Deputy Leader qualified to go further?" - Jun 9, 2014 - 8:05:29 AM

The editorial in the Nassau Guardian of Thursday June 6th 2014 entitled “The FNM Deputy should go further” made highly provocative statements about the Prime Minister and leaves no question or doubt in the public’s mind that the Nassau Guardian is unapologetically aligned with Mrs. Loretta Butler Turner, the MP for Long Island and by extension, the Free National Movement.

Further and as of late, there appears to be no insulation between the rabid and extreme anti government rhetoric and the fairness and balance of “hard” news that the Nassau Guardian has taken pride in consistently delivering since 1844. An educated and well informed public is one of the pillars of our democracy and the fourth Estate is tasked with executing this solemn responsibility without fear or favour. But to use a newspaper of record...

Bahamian Politics
Michael Pintard's remarks upon accepting 2nd appointment to Bahamas Senate - Jun 5, 2014 - 9:31:57 PM

Appreciation is extended to our leader the Hon. Dr Hubert Minnis for the confidence he has placed in me and to the Parliamentary team along with key members of the FNM family for endorsing me.It is my intention to be diligent, meticulous and fearless in the discharge of my duties on behalf of Bahamians. It will be an honour to assist our leadership team in sharing our Party’s vision, policies, prospective legislation and the plan of action we will employ once returned to government.

Ordinarily my comments would have focused on my intention to commit to a bipartisan approach on matters that require it, however, this government has proven to be extremely tribalistic and no such posture by me would be received in good faith or cause them to be more inclusive of Bahamians from different political persuasions...

Bahamian Politics
Branville McCartney: "Without Labour, Nothing Prospers" - Jun 4, 2014 - 11:44:18 AM

In a pre-majority rule Bahamas, the labour movement, founded and propelled by a courageous group of Bahamians led the way in securing racial, financial, and economic equality for countless future generations.

Unfortunately, over the last several decades, the movement has found itself under attack and those freedoms for which those brave Bahamians fought, eroded.

The rights of the worker have been devalued and infringed upon for the sake of big business and unfortunately, the political directive in this country has, in 40 years, done little to preserve the integrity of the mandate given to us by our founding fathers.