Bahamian Politics
Hubert Chipman Mid-Year Budget Debate Contribution - Feb 26, 2015 - 11:53:23 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - The following is the Contribution to the 2015 Mid-year Budget Debate by Hon. Hubert Chipman, MP, St. Anne’s on February, 23rd in the House Of Assembly:

I would like to start my contribution from article in the Tribune Business Section dated February 17, 2015 entitled ‘DOWNWARD TREK’ URGED FOR GOV’T EXPENDITURE. Mr. Speaker, and I quote from that article “THE Tax Coalition’s chairman yesterday described the increase in the Government’s recurrent spending for the 2014-2015 Budget year first half as “cause for concern”, reiterating that real cuts were necessary to achieve the desired fiscal turnaround...

Bahamian Politics
Lanisha T. Rolle Receives Instruments of Appointment as FNM Senator - Feb 24, 2015 - 5:12:14 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - In a brief ceremony held at Government House on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Mrs. Lanisha T. Rolle received from Her Excellency, Dame Marguerite Pindling, GCMG, the Instruments of Appointment making her the newest FNM Senator in the Upper Chamber, replacing former FNM Senator Heather Hunt who resigned on January 22, 2015.

In her response Senator the Hon. Lanisha Rolle attributed her success to the Almighty God. She noted that the appointment positions her to serve all Bahamians with a tri-fold purpose. First to deliver a message of hope to the youth of our nation, second to serve with humility, resilience, and integrity on behalf of the people of The Bahamas, and third to walk worthy of the vocation wherein she has been...

Bahamian Politics
McCartney: Crime in The New Providence: A Critical Situation - Feb 24, 2015 - 1:33:22 PM

Critical. That was the word most recently used by US State Department Officials to categorize the state of violent crime in New Providence. In recent years, crime and the fear of crime have continued to grab headlines. Violent crime has, on an almost daily basis, spilled into our streets, claiming the lives of hundreds of men and women. For what seems to be the umpteenth time, our greatest ally to the north, has taken note of the increasingly dangerous situation developing in our local communities and are again warning visitors to our shores about the precarious situation.

Despite its many commitments to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, residents and visitors, this Christie led administration has failed to adequately address the issues of crime and criminality within our borders. While in opposition this Christie government claimed to have the answers. In the run up to the 2012 general election, the PLP campaigned heavily on the issue of crime...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Andre Rollins' Mid-Year Budget Contribution‏ - Feb 23, 2015 - 1:54:00 PM

Nassau, Bahamas -  The following is a Mid-Year Budget Contribution by S. Andre Rollins, M.P.:

I begin by refuting a comment that was made in this House on Monday, where it was said that we were not pressured by the IMF to introduce VAT. This is just not an accurate statement, Mr. Speaker.

Of course we were pressured by the IMF to introduce VAT because it was clear to the IMF, just as it should have been clear to the Bahamian public, that our government had just grown too big and too expensive to operate and our economy was not performing well enough to pay for it. There is absolutely no question about it, we were approaching the economic danger zone...

Bahamian Politics
McCartney: BTC Liberalization in the Lurch - Feb 23, 2015 - 9:54:33 AM

For many years, BTC while under the government’s 51% majority control was a profitable entity which contributed millions to the local economy while providing thousands of secure jobs for Bahamians. In 2012, amid intense public outcry however, the government of the Bahamas then led by Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham sold the telecoms provider to Cable and Wireless Communications. A sale, which by all accounts, was meant to improve the quality of customer service and bring down the cost of telecommunications services around the country. Instead though, BTC under the management of Cable and Wireless Communications has offered what can only be described as lackluster service with a network that has been persistently plagued by interruptions and outright blackouts all while setting the stage for mass layoffs and staff redundancies...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Minister Kenred Dorsett Mid Year Budget Communication 2014-2015 - Feb 21, 2015 - 12:35:20 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Hon. Kenred Dorsett, M.P. Minister of The Environment and Housing Mid Year Budget Communication 2014-2015 February 18th, 2015:

I rise once again on behalf of the people of Southern Shores in support of the Mid Year Budget Review Statement and this PLP administrations efforts to transform our beloved Bahamas to the benefit of us all. As always I am grateful to the people of my constituency for the opportunity I have to serve this country and for their continued support...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Minister Keith Bell on the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Feb 21, 2015 - 12:29:18 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Speaking Notes by Senator The Honourable Keith R. Bell Minister of State for National Security On:- National Tripartite Council Bill 2014; The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2014 Before The Honourable Senate Wednesday, 18th February 2015

Madam President, Honourable Senators, Good morning.

Today, I rise to lend my support to National Tripartite Council andThe Electricity (Amendment) Bills, 2014. Before I begin my communication however Madam President, I beg your indulgence as well as that of Honourable members for me to speak briefly on an issue of national importance, that is our health.

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Minister Damian Gomez Mid-Year Budget Presentation 2014/2015 - Feb 21, 2015 - 12:14:52 PM


Nassau, Bahamas - Remarks by The Honorable Damian Gomez Member Of Parliament For Central and South Eleuthera Mid-Year Budget Presentation 2014/2015 18th February 2015; House Of Assembly Nassau, Bahamas:

INTRODUCTION

Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to present on behalf of the good people of south and central Eleuthera. Mr. Speaker as we approach the budget year we approach noting with certainty that our economy is moving in the right direction. We have seen that the roll out of vat was not all doom and gloom as the members opposite would have you believe...

Bahamian Politics
McCartney: NIA = No Information Available - Feb 21, 2015 - 12:14:34 PM

The development and furtherance of our democracy will mean greater levels of accountability, transparency and responsibility in governance. So far, successive administrations have only paid lip service to this idea, promising more access to key information while doing their endeavor best to keep the electorate in the dark.

While Bahamians have been left to wonder about key national issues, this government and government’s abroad have been prying into the daily lives of our citizens. While it has faded from public consciousness, the allegation is NSA phone tapping in the Bahamas was, and is, a clear breach of privacy at the highest levels. Following that revelation last year, government officials promised to get answers on behalf of the country. And more importantly, whether this administration or the previous one gave permission to US Officials to invade the...

Bahamian Politics
Hon. Peter Turnquest Mid-Year Budget Statement - Feb 17, 2015 - 7:53:11 PM

The following is the Mid-Year Budget Contribution Statement by Hon. K Peter Turnquest, MP, East Grand Bahama:

Unlike the Prime Minister who spoke last week in his Mid-Year Budget Presentation, I stand before you today very concern, as do many Bahamians about our nation’s economic future! After all the promises made and with all that has happen in this country since May 2012, Mr. Speaker this government have been more LUCKY than GOOD. To quote the Minister of Finance, “The sunlight is broken through the clouds. Bright days lie before us now. We are standing tall...

Bahamian Politics
FNM Appoints Lanisha Rolle as New Senator - Feb 12, 2015 - 9:23:14 PM

In the exercise of the powers vested in the Leader of the Opposition by Article 39 (3) and (5) of the Constitution, the Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis is pleased to announce that he has advised H.E. the Governor General, Dame Marguerite Pindling, to appoint Mrs. Lanisha T. Rolle, an Attorney at Law, to the vacant seat in the Senate occasioned by the resignation of Senator the Honourable Heather Hunt.

Mrs. Lanisha Rolle is an accomplished young Attorney, and Ordained Minister of Religion. Rising from very humble circumstances “Over the Hill”, she became a Police Officer, attaining the rank of W/Corporal in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Mrs. Rolle also attained the academic distinction of having two Bachelor’s degrees...

Bahamian Politics
Pintard: FNM Scores Significant Victory For Young Bahamian Doctors - Feb 12, 2015 - 3:04:24 AM

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

Following an intense debate in The House of Assembly yesterday, Free National Movement Leader Dr. Hubert A. Minnis persuaded the Christie Administration to provide employment opportunities for 17 young Bahamian medical students who will be seeking jobs upon completion of their medical examinations this year...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Bahamas Minister of Immigration's Communication to House of Aseembly - Feb 11, 2015 - 1:41:41 PM

Communication By Fred Mitchell MP Minister for Immigration House of Assembly Nassau 9th February 2015:

The press in The Bahamas have published two articles, one by Fred Smith Q C and the other by the Nassau Institute. Both statements published information which should not go unanswered lest the public accept the information therein as true and correct. They purport to describe the law and policies in The Bahamas as it relates to immigration. They go on to make assertions based on their statements of law which are incorrect.

Bahamian Politics
DNA: Hypocrisy Personified - Feb 4, 2015 - 1:24:34 PM

During a recent visit to the CELAC conference in Costa Rica, PM Perry Christie in his role as head of CARICOM spoke ad nauseam about the need for transparency in governance, and the introduction of greater anti-corruption mechanisms as part of a strategy to move the region forward.

As an organization, the Democratic National Alliance has long agitated for increased accountability in governance and have been advocates for the introduction of a viable Freedom of Information Act. The time has certainly come for governments to be held more accountable for the decisions made on behalf of the people of this country...

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...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
DPM Davis Contribution to Debate on The Midyear Budget - Feb 25, 2015 - 2:56:06 PM

Nassau, Bahamas -  Enclosed is  DPM Hon. Philip Brave Davis contribution to Midyear Debate:

I am grateful for the opportunity to again celebrate the constituents of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador by speaking on their behalf. The call of representation is made so much easier by the impetus of their many kind words and deeds, their willingness to assist where necessary, their patience in addressing needs, and their continued support.

While I celebrate my constituents, I lament the passing of two Cat Islanders. The first is Mrs. Ella Larrimore Thurston (Monkey Man’s mother) of Dumfries, who died on February 11th at the age of 88 years...

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
Hon. Fred Mitchell's Mid-year Budget Communication - Feb 17, 2015 - 11:23:21 AM

I wish on behalf of the people of Fox Hill to welcome the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance’s statement to the House today on the country’s finances at the mid-year.  I congratulate him and the people at the Ministry of Finance who superintend this difficult process.

The people of Fox Hill have been the beneficiary of this careful superintendence, a balance between prudent spending and reasonable savings.

As we speak, 90,000 dollars have been committed by the Government to the construction of a monument in Freedom Park...

Bahamian Politics
Roberts: Patterson misguided on Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival - Jan 27, 2015 - 9:07:19 PM

Many were shocked at the media comments attributed to the President of the Bahamas Christian Council on the eve of the inaugural Bahamas Junkanoo. With all due respect, we are obliged to ask whether President Dr. Ranford Patterson has ever attended the Boxing Day and New Years Day Junkanoo parades that have been held for well over one century in our fair Bahamas?

Is President Patterson suggesting that other similar cultural festivals celebrated in many countries in this region and around the world for literally centuries are the cause for the instances of rape, incest and sexual immorality occurring in those countries?

News : Bahamas Information Services Updates
PM Christie: Maintaining public confidence in our banking system - Jan 23, 2015 - 2:52:11 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - The following are the Prime Minister’s Remarks in the House Of Assembly on Wednesday January 21st, 2015.

The one thing we should all be united on at all times is the need for a stable banking system. What this means is that we should never do or say anything that undermines public confidence in the stability of our banking system. It means that we need to avoid doing things publicly, or saying things publicly, that may jeopardize the stability of a particular bank or undermine public confidence in it...

Bahamian Politics
Hon. Hubert Minnis on Resignation of Senator Heather Hunt - Jan 22, 2015 - 9:29:40 PM

Pursuant to the policy which I announced in May, 2012, of periodically reviewing the membership of the Senate, thus allowing as many persons to serve as Senators as could do so; and therefore, to make changes in the composition of the Free National Movement’s members in that Chamber from time to time, I held a discussion with Senator the Honourable Heather Hunt this morning.

Senator Hunt agreed to tender her resignation as a Senator.

I wish to thank Senator Hunt for the outstanding and important role that she played in the Senate, during the past two and a half years plus, and generally as an emerging young leader in our country.