Bahamian Politics
Press Conference statement by Opposition Leader on recent public issues -
Aug 19, 2018 - 4:16:07 PM
Today I have called you here to challenge you and the public to demand
answers from The Bahamas government, the Prime Minister and the Attorney
General in particular about the conduct of his Government and the
agents of the state.
It has been more than 48 hours since the affidavit I saw filed in the
Shane Gibson matter made allegations of serious misconduct on the part
of the prosecution. There has been no reply from the Government.
At the very least this demands a word from the Government that they have
not been involved in prosecutorial misconduct...
Bahamian Politics
DNA - Moody’s: Government must address fiscal policy credibility -
Aug 18, 2018 - 7:06:02 PM
The recent credit opinion released on The Bahamas by Moody’s only
highlighted the points that have been repeatedly raised by the Bahamian
people. In maintaining our sovereign rating at Baa3 with a negative
outlook, the rating agency focused on the fundamentals and prospects of
the Bahamian economy under the current administration.
There were
hardly any new revelations in Moody’s report that calls for the
commendation of the Government. On a positive note, the rating agency
acknowledged The Bahamas’ strong institutional framework, the policy
credibility of the Central Bank and macroeconomic stability...
Bahamian Politics
DNA - Government Urged: Disclose strategy for Grand Lucayan -
Aug 1, 2018 - 1:37:15 PM
As shown in the recently released labour force survey for May 2018, the
unemployment rate in Grand Bahama remains high and the same as that
recorded in May 2017. While the Department of Statistics has pegged the
rate at 12.4 percent, the struggles and despair of residents of Grand
Bahama cannot be captured in mere figures.
There is a general
consensus that our second capital city is in urgent need of economic
boost and revitalization. Hence, the Government’s efforts to attract
viable investments and projects to Grand Bahama are welcomed...
Bahamian Politics
DNA - Labour Statistics: Evidence of Lack of Economic Growth Plan -
Jul 29, 2018 - 2:29:43 PM
One year after the current administration assumed office, the economy remains challenged.
According
to the preliminary results of the Labour Force Survey for May 2018
recently released by the Department of Statistics, there has been
deterioration in macroeconomic indicators since this administration was
elected.
While this is not surprising for a Government that
lacks an economic growth plan, it is detrimental to Bahamians who
continue to be disenfranchised and face significant hardship...
Bahamian Politics
Address by The Hon. Philip Brave Davis to delegates at one day PLP Constitutional Convention -
Jul 28, 2018 - 10:33:47 PM
Opening Address by The Hon. Phillip “Brave” Davis at the Constitutional
Convention of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) On Saturday, 28th July
At The Holy Trinity Activity Centre, Nassau, Bahamas
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Deputy Leader...
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is appropriate that we should begin with
a minute of silence in memory of our beloved supporter and spiritual
adviser, Bishop Rodney Roberts of Five Porches Ministries.
Additionally,
since we last met in Convention, there are eminent stalwarts and
revered supporters of our party who have passed on to eternal rest,
including the late Basil Sands...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Leader Contribution on Economic Empowerment Zone Bill 2018 -
Jul 26, 2018 - 10:00:46 AM
Philip “Brave” Davis, Q.C., M.P. Leader of the Official Opposition
Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party Thursday, July 26th, 2018
Economic Empowerment Zone Bill 2018
Mr. Speaker
Today marks two days since we lost a great son our country, my friend and ardent supporter Bishop Rodney “Coffee” Roberts.
Bishop Roberts is one, who came from a mighty long way to reach the higher heights of accomplishment in this society...
Bahamian Politics
Brave Davis: Bahamians being taxed ‘Half to Death' -
Jul 15, 2018 - 7:26:30 PM
Nassau - Disappointed in the FNM Government's move to enforce a 12%
VAT hike on Bahamian citizens, Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis
strongly cautioned them at a PLP rally to stop taxing the people ‘half
to death' as a way of balancing their budget.
Davis explained
that the VAT increase is really about the government's belief that they
can put this tax burden on Bahamians because it would place them in a
better financial position for the next three years. Unfortunately, he
said this will not work in favour of the people as while they seek to
balance the budget, it will only be a certain
Bahamian Politics
PYL: "Sir Roland Is no national hero" -
Jul 15, 2018 - 7:00:52 PM
The Progressive Young Liberals have followed with great unease
the announcement of Sir Roland Symonette as a National Hero and the
governing party's attempts at re-writing history
We wish to
state that two generations after Sir Roland Symonette unceremoniously
left the political scene, a generation of young Bahamians trying to
advance in this country are quite aware of the dark corners of our
history surrounding the economic, social and psychological suppression
of blacks, mulattoes, and the poor in The Bahamas. Young Bahamians are
astutely aware of the pain, humiliation and hardships
Bahamian Politics
PLP Leader accuses National Security Minister of Hypocrisy -
Jul 11, 2018 - 11:01:01 AM
Nassau - Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis is sounding the
alarm on what he describes as an act of ‘hypocrisy' by National Security
Minister Marvin Dames, whom he claims is doing the same thing he once
criticized others of.
Davis, who was addressing scores of PLP
supporters at a recent rally held at party headquarters, said not only
did Minister Dames oppose the process of promotions practiced by the
Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) when he first took office, but he
turned right around and endorsed the promotion of a close friend,
similar to the very manner conducted on the Force that he was determined
to change.
Bahamian Politics
Davis: The Government Made a Bad Decision on IAAF Relays -
Jul 9, 2018 - 12:37:11 PM
I am distressed that step by step the FNM government is gradually but
deliberately seeking to destroy this country's reputation as a country
whose word is its bond. The latest example of these actions is the
inexplicable, bad decision to cancel the IAAF relays in The Bahamas. We
in the PLP have warned the FNM before to understand that government is
continuous...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Dismisses Government Reasons For VAT Hike -
Jun 26, 2018 - 6:45:35 AM
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis dismissed the FNM Government's
reasons for VAT hike during the recent budget presentation, saying it
will still place a severe burden on the public and stunt the nation's
economic growth.
Davis criticized the new budget calling it
unconscionable and unbearable. He said it represents 60% increases in
VAT, an unprecedented increase in Immigration fees and other unwarranted
tax hikes like: 5% tax on deposits and withdrawals of gaming customers,
increase in police record fees, increase in fingerprinting fees for
casino employees...
Bahamian Politics
Davis says ‘Dismantled' REU will decrease revenue growth -
Jun 24, 2018 - 6:30:43 PM
Stating that the 2018/2019 Budget is void of any real economic growth,
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis is certain this is due in part to
how the government has ‘dismantled' the Revenue Enhancement Unit (REU)
causing revenue collection in the country to suffer.
According to
Davis, the REU was established within the Ministry of Finance and was
responsible for collecting additional revenue in the sum of $25 million
to $30 million per month. Their work, he said, was even commended by
international credit rating agencies...
Bahamian Politics
Davis: Worst Budget Ever Brought To Parliament -
Jun 20, 2018 - 1:45:49 PM
In little over a year, the country has descended into the “worst of
times” says Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis, citing the 2018/2019
Budget, as proposed by the FNM Administration, as the worst budget ever
brought to Parliament in a post-independence era.
Davis said the
present government cannot point to a single Foreign Direct Investment
of any note to the economy. Additionally, the hurricane restoration
programme is no where to be seen as all of their ‘sweet promises’ ...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: The Voice of the People will not be Silenced -
Jun 19, 2018 - 5:39:56 PM
The Voice of the People will not be Silenced
Government is tone deaf
The people’s voice will not be silenced...
According to media reports, the Members of Parliament (MPs) for Golden
Isles, Bain and Grants Town and Pineridge have been terminated from
their government posts for voting against the legislation that increases
the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 7.5% to 12%. This historical day
will be remembered as a day when men of courage were persecuted and paid
a price for standing up for their constituents...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition leader responds to the Prime Minister's Budget Presentation -
Jun 18, 2018 - 5:45:53 PM
Statement by the Leader of the Opposition in response to the Prime Minister’s Contribution June 18, 2018:
The
Prime minister’s attempt today in the House to justify the
unconscionable and massive increase in taxes on the backs of ordinary
Bahamians, fell abysmally flat. It was most unimpressive and lacked a
basic grasp of his own budgetary initiatives and what underlying
economic principles informed such programs. It represented a complete
about face from his campaign promises recalling that taxing is the lazy
way out...
Bahamian Politics
Davis: Proposed VAT Increase oppresses poor and provides for rich -
Jun 18, 2018 - 4:16:46 PM
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis says he cannot support the
presentation of the 2018/2019 budget as its various increases in areas
like VAT only oppresses the poor and provides for the rich.
He
noted that the increases in VAT being proposed is ‘symtomatic' to the
disease of mismanagement, but not the root cause. The root cause, he
explained, is more frightening as it is simply the inability of those
who have responsibility for the Bahamian people's fiscal well-being, to
manage it in a responsible manner...
Bahamian Politics
2018 /2019 Budget Contribution by The Hon. Philip Brave Davis MP -
Jun 14, 2018 - 6:20:13 PM
2018/2019 Budget Contribution The Leader Of The Opposition Hon. Philip
“brave” Davis House Of Assembly Parliament Square, Nassau Thursday, 14th
June 2018:
INTRODUCTION
Thank you Mr. Speaker for recognizing me
I
rise on behalf of the resilient people of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San
Salvador. In doing so, I am reminded of my grandfather’s words. You
see, in the days of my youth, there would be three structures on the
property – one where we slept...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: 2018/2019 Budget - A Landmark Budget of Hardship -
Jun 6, 2018 - 4:40:22 PM
-Budget is evidence of lack of economic growth plan
-Consultation is a little too late
-Need to trim fat first before raising taxes
-Economy too fragile for proposed revenue measures
-Government must go back to drawing board
In
the lead up to the May 10, 2017 general election, the Free National
Movement (FNM) convinced many that voting for them will usher in the
people’s time. While it was clear that the FNM had no plans for the
governance of the Bahamian economy, the people voted for what was
perceived as the lesser of two evils. In the absence of a plan, the
current administration while in opposition took positions for political
expediency without regard for their ability to deliver if they were
successful at the general election...
Bahamian Politics
PLP Chairman: Turnquest mischaracterizing Michael Halkitis and James Smith on 15% VAT remarks -
Jun 6, 2018 - 1:20:22 PM
The
Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest speaking in the House of Assembly
this morning has misused quotes from both Michael Halikitis and James
Smith, former Ministers of State for Finance about a supposed proposed
15 per cent Value Added Tax during the PLP's time in office.
It
is clear when you look at the statements by both men that the Minister
quoted, these were statements made at a time when the taxes were not
settled law...
Bahamian Politics
Brave Davis remarks at monthly press conference -
Jun 5, 2018 - 9:57:04 PM
Statement By The Leader Of The Opposition Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis at Monthly Press Conference: The 2018/2019 Budget Tuesday, 5th June 2018:
Good morning media and supporters and thank you all for coming.
I
begin by again acknowledging the Labour Day tragedy. This has been a
bloody holiday weekend indeed, with four dead at our annual Labour Day
Parade, and over twenty injured. Additionally, two men were shot in
Yellow Elder and another in Fox Hill. Another woman was abducted and
raped in the Carmichael Road area and there were serious traffic and
boating accidents, leaving one dead and one man missing at sea. And
sadly, just this morning a young boy was shot to death. Our thoughts
and prayers are with the families of the victims of crime and the
deceased...
