At lunch the other day there was a fervent debate over the recent ruling by Chief Justice Indra Charles, wherein she found that certain members of parliament were in violation of the constitutional rights of members of Save The Bays (STB) when these persons tabled private emails and financial information of this group in the House of Assembly, exposing not to the parliament but to the public.

The persons that I was talking to is of the opinion that a dangerous precedent has been set by allowing the judiciary to ‘meddle’ in the affairs of parliament; as there is supposed to be a clear separation of powers between them, there point may be valid if not for the question of, who stands up for the ordinary citizen when a member of parliament seeks to, knowingly or unknowing,  violate the constitutional right of a citizen of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas by invoking Parliamentary privilege?

“Speaker slams STB ruling – Major says Judges Findings ‘astonishing” – The Nassau Guardian.

Excerpt from this article; “Speaker of the House of Assembly Dr. Kendal Major yesterday berated  recent ruling of Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles as an ‘apparent violation’ of the principle of the separation of powers’, saying he is unaware of any other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth where the court attempts to curtail the actions of Parliament.’

Charles ruled Tuesday morning that the Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald breached the constitutional right to privacy of members of the environmental group Save The Bays (STB), when he disclosed their private emails and financial details in Parliament.

The judge ordered Fitzgerald to pay $150,000 in damages.”

Now I am pretty hard pressed as to what is it that the Speaker is ‘astonished’ about?  As a fact of law Fitzgerald violated the constitutional right to privacy of members of STB’ when he revealed their private information in Parliament but then there is this little matter of the ‘shield’ of “Parliamentary Privilege” that minister Fitzgerald and Foreign Affairs minister, Fred Mitchell, now wish to hide behind and the legal question that Justice Charles was faced with and felt compelled to answer was, does parliamentary privilege usurp the constitutional right to privacy; does the need of a few outweigh the needs of the many?  She ruled in favor of the many; which seems right and logical to me but there is this ‘fear’ of the erosion of democracy.

“Mitchell said the decision is a ‘serious blow’ to the parliament and its work and it must not be allowed to stand.

He said it is incumbent that the matter be prosecuted through the Privy Council.

‘No one in their wildest imaginations would have thought that a judge of the Supreme Court would grant an order to restrain MP’s from speaking in Parliament to defend the nation’, Mitchell said.”

No, Minister Mitchell, ‘no one in their wildest imaginations would have thought’ that ‘honorable’ members of parliament would seek to violate a citizens constitutional right to privacy by revealing such private and personal information to Parliament and the public at large without their permission or explaining as to how this information was legally obtained and without just cause beside the suggestion of defending the nation against those that would seek to destabilize an already unstable government, claims that have yet to be substantiated; this indeed is unthinkable and borders on the criminal.

A few major questions arising from this quagmire that many have charges has set a ‘dangerous precedent’ is what about the present precedent being set that now seeks to make it ‘aright’ for a Member of Parliament to take any information, gathered from ‘anywhere’ and feel free and justified in ‘exposing’ it in Parliament with the mere suggestion of ‘in the interest of national security’? And who prevents this from happening when it is clear that a Member of Parliament has ‘crossed the line’?  Well the only person at this time is the Speaker of the House, who has failed horrendously in this instances but yet has the nerve to find the judge’s ruling ‘astonishing’; this young man cannot be serious and should be replaced immediately if he is, as this issue is much too big to be labeled as a ‘teachable moment’.

Then from the following statement from Kendal Major, Speaker of the House, it seems clear that he does not realize that he has allowed members to use privilege to abuse public trust and has therefore learned nothing.

“I have said and will continue to say that once the rules of the House are observed by members of Parliament and once the members do not use their privilege to abuse public trust, I will, as long as I am Speaker of this House, continue to defend their right to speak openly and freely in this House.”

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

Yesterday Member of Parliament for Marathon and the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the ‘Hon. Jerome Fitzgerald, made a statement endorsing the current Prime Minister and leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie as Prime Minister and attempted to make a case as to why he [Perry Christie] should remain as leader of that political organization, needless to say a lot of persons were left stunned by his statement and reasoning but there seems to a simple explanation to it all; some within the Progressive Liberal Party have come to see Mr. Perry Christie as being the ‘brightest blub’ in that organization and I think to myself; what a sad state of affairs.

“Fitzgerald: Why I support Christie to stay on” – The Nassau Guardian (August 2^nd 2016)

Excerpt from this article; “Marathon MP Jerome Fitzgerald said yesterday he is one of the ‘new generation leaders’ who approached Prime Minister Perry Christie and asked him to stay as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) because ‘we need certainty going into the general election and the country requires continued political stability.’

‘While the PLP enjoys the good fortune of having a deep bench with a cadre of leaders who are able to successfully carry on the baton, I was confident having spoken to many of the new generation leaders that we did not want the distraction of a leadership battle or a split in the party at a time such as this, particularly witnessing what was happening within the ranks of the Official Opposition,’ said Fitzgerald in a letter to the editor.”

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology really worries me with this endorsement and I am left to wonder if he is fit not only for the position as Education minister but also as a member of Parliament, as he continues to act in a reckless manner that goes against the best interest of the Bahamian people and to an extent the laws of the Bahamas. 

Minister Fitzgerald do you endorse Perry Christie to remain as leader of the PLP because you feel he is the right man for the job or merely because you feel the party ‘[needs] certainty going into the next general election’ and please do not intimate in any way that the PLP with Perry Christie as leader has offered and will continue to offer ‘continued political stability’, this suggestion within itself says that you have placed party above country and do not feel that you yourself are not intelligent enough to successfully lead the PLP party to victory, but then again you just may be right in your assessment of yourself.

We must all bear in mind that this is the very same man that plans to appeal Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles’ judgment against him, that he breached the constitutional right to privacy of members of Save the bays (STB) when he disclosed their private e-mails and financial details on the grounds that he did nothing wrong and wants to know how the court came to the conclusion that the information that he disclosed was obtained illegally.  Well Minister Fitzgerald, did any of the complaints at STB’s willing give you any off their private information and if not then exactly how did you come about this information?  As I said, just lacking in intelligence, so yes he just may be right and this just may be the reason that he as one of ‘new generation leaders’ would endorse Perry Christie remaining as leader of a party that has “a deep bench with a cadre of leaders who are able to successfully carry on the baton.”

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

After forty years of being the Member of Parliament for the Centerville and Farm Road constituency, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister, now claims that it is time to rejuvenate the inner cities.  What were the objectives of Urban Renewal 1.0, 2.0 and any other version and is the Prime Minister conceding failure of this initiative as he now presents ‘new’ plans to the people of a mere months before the next general election?  These ‘new’ initiatives seeming to echo some of the principles put forth by the leader of the Opposition, Free National Movement Dr. Hubert Minnis, as a way to improve the lives and living conditions of the residents of these areas when he becomes the next Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

“Plan to overhaul inner city areas” – The Tribune, Friday July 29^th 2016

Excerpt from this article; “The city of Nassau and the historic Charles Towns communities could undergo major overhauls in the coming years if the government decides to move forward with plans presented by the Economic Development Planning Unit on Thursday.

The ‘Sustainable Nassau initiative’, hailed by Prime Minister Perry Christie as a saving grace for several Over-the-Hill communities, was officially unveiled yesterday by officials at a ceremony at the Nassau Art Gallery on West Street.

The project aims to provide a roadmap for developments in inner-city communities over the next several decades, ensuring the first time in the history of New Providence, systematic town-planning effort.

Mr. Christie said the renaissance of Nassau has been overdue. He said that in many ways the heart of the nation in recent times has become the face of poverty and decay.

‘The city that we are building must be one that is alive, with exciting cultural activates, opportunities for wealth creation for our young people, and hubs for creativity and innovation so the country will retain local talent needed to grow our economy,” said Christie.

He put forth that through this initiative, The Bahamas would attract the international resources it needs to thrive.”

Barring the fact that this ‘new’ initiative sounds very familiar, as it seems to put forth some of the components put forth by the leader of the Opposition, Free National Movement Dr. Hubert Minnis grafted into those of the late Edmund Moxey; the language being used by the Prime Minister is very disturbing to say the very least, especially given his track record in delivering on major initiatives.

“The city of Nassau and the historic Charles Towns communities COULD undergo major overhauls in the coming years IF the government decides to move forward with plans presented by the Economic Development Planning Unit on Thursday.”, it all sounds very speculative; like a promise of what could happen if the people vote the Progressive Liberal Party back into power but we all know how successful  they have been in fulfilling their promises, as we await for many of their campaign promises from 2012 to yet be fulfilled.

Now the Progressive Liberal Party has re-launched its ‘Stronger Bahamas” initiative, making it more obvious that is no more than a false façade hiding an empty store that is occupied only by failed and unfulfilled promises that they as a government have been unable to deliver.

Given the dire needs of the inner city communities, is it best to leave their faith up to a government that keeps promising but has yet to deliver? 

END

I have noticed that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) will fight back even when there is no reason to fight back or there should be no reason to mount a defense, simply because of the fact that you should be able to stand on the record of your achievements and allow that record to stand for itself.  This then brings me to make the point that this defense in nothing more than deflection from the dismal performance of this Progressive Liberal Party government to date and its failed record.

“PLP Chairman hits back at FNM Convention speakers” – Press release by Mr. Bradley Roberts, National Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party

Excerpt from this release; “Amidst the high drama at the Free National Movement’s national convention, Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts released a series of missives tacking claims made by Thursday’s speakers.

Defending his party’s governance, Mr. Roberts charged that Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner’s speech was mediocre at best and surmised that East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest was ‘chasing his own shadow.’

‘It is clear that Butler-Turner’s blind ambition to become prime minister eclipses her ability and capability to get things done.

‘Her record of undermining leadership, sowing seeds of discord and a lackluster record as a cabinet executive are all transparent testaments to mediocrity and are sure to hold her accountable in the court of public opinion.’

‘Mr. Robert continued : ‘Her attacks on the PLP are laughable as the PLP can show workable and working strategic plains to address the myriads of complex challenges facing the Bahamas, Loretta Butler-Turner’s FNM cannot do the same.  She can deflect…she is good at political bluster, stealing PLP policies and vitriol, but she has not articulated viable plans.’

Mr. Roberts went on to assert that the Long Island MP was ineffective in her Cabinet post as Minister of Social Development under the Ingraham administration.

Regarding Mr. Turnquest, Mr. Roberts advised that the East Grand Bahama MP and the FNM must not re-write history because of their failure to ‘generate messaging to capture the attention of the Bahamian people’.

Mr. Roberts said: ‘They should instead apologies to the Bahamian people for the dismal state they left the country in, not just in 2012, but also in 2002.”

Indeed the Free National Movement’s convention had its moments of high drama, but it was expected especially since every position was open and being contested but at the end of it all the convention was a success and now the people of the party will get to putting aside their differences and unite to rid the country of an incompetent and inept government that uses a chairman that is out of touch with the realities of the country; the PLP’s chairman’s views are nothing more than a direct reflection of his party, that seeks to move the country forward operating on outdated software.

The chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party uses most of this statement to attack Ms. Butler-Turner, I assume that he has reached the conclusion that she is the ‘weakest link’ (operating on outdated software as usual), but what he does not realize that she is  not a weak link and that she is still a member of the Free National Movement and as such I will, as will MANY others, defend her fervently – I caution Mr. Roberts, as he advances to attack Ms. Butler-Turner, to STAND DOWN!, as it seems to be the PLP’s way to begin ‘wars’ which they have NO exit strategy for.

As the National Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party calls on the Free National Movement to apologize for the ‘dismal they left the country in’, I ask; no DEMAND, that he and his government fall to their knees and beg forgiveness for bringing the country to the edge of the cliff on which it is now precariously perched, over the past four years after promising to have all the answers to indeed lift the country up but it is clear that they had no plans; as unemployment is at an all time high since May 2012, the crime rate is out of control, the misery index is at an all time high and you have failed the people that you claimed to have believed in; the heavy lifting was already done all this government had to do was carry out the plans left in place by  the last administration but it decided to discard these ‘blueprints’ to the future and bring about its own ‘bridge to the future’, this ‘bridge’ now sits in decay much like Baha Mar; a constant reminder of the many failures of this PLP government.  But have no fear Mr. National PLP Chair, Ms Butler-Turner, along with the Leader of the Free National Movement, Dr, Hubert Minnis and Deputy Leader; Mr. Peter Turnquest, will take delivery of that which you are unable to deliver; the sun as long set on this PLP administration.

The Progressive Liberal Party is I desperate need of a national convention, as it should seek to discontinue its undemocratic ways as it violates its very own constitution; you cannot seek to continue to govern a country when you seems to discourage democracy within your very own political organization.  How long will you call yourself democratic as you continue to suppress the voices and votes of the voting delegates and anyone that that honestly and fervently believes there is no need for a national convention within the Progressive Liberal Party because the PLP ‘s leader, Perry Christie is the ‘best man for the job’ is indeed themselves delusional.

I will leave you with the words of Fredrick McAlpine as he addressed the Free National Movement Convention 2016; “Our country’s future is at stake, the Bahamas CANNOT take another five years of the PLP.

FNM”s, FNM’S!

Mo matter the outcome of the leadership election, we must all unite behind whomever emerges as leader, for the benefit of the Bahamian people and whoever emerges as leader MUST create an atmosphere that enables us to unite behind them

 END

“Gray: Christie is holding the PLP together” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article: “Minister of Agriculture V. Alfred Gray yesterday said he supports Prime Minister Perry Christie staying on as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) as Christie is holding the PLP together ‘because everyone respects his leadership.’

‘It does not mean that everyone agrees with everything he say or does’, Gray says.

Gray also said the prime minister is the ’best man for the job, ‘and there is no one in the PLP who could challenge Christie at ‘any convention and win.’

When asked about Christies’ statement that the PLP would be unstable if he stepped down, Gray said, “That is speculative to say the least.’

‘But, I do know that the Prime Minister has the support of the majority, if not all, of the [PLP] MP’s today.”

The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie is now 71.

Alfred Gray calls the Prime Minister’s remarks that suggest that without him the PLP would fall apart “speculative”, while at the same time endorsing these remakes further making the statement that “…..there is no one in the PLP who could challenge Christie at ‘any convention and win’, does this mean that Perry Christie is the only person within the Progressive Liberal Party at this time that is capable of successfully leading the organization? Surely, Minister Gray is not suggesting this for one moment.

Maybe Minister Gray is correct when he says “……there is no one in the PLP who could challenge Christie at ‘any convention and win” but how progressive is it to even put this notion forward and is Mr. Gray suggesting that he, himself, is not capable?

So the bottom line is that “the prime minister [Perry Christie] is the ’best man for the job, and “that the Prime Minister has the support of the majority, if not all, of the [PLP] MP’s today.” 

Well we know that he does not have the full support of all PLP members, as Dr. Kendal Major, member of parliament for Garden Hills has come out and questioned this statement and he has been labeled “delusional” by former PLP MP Philip Galanis, so surely there are others within the PLP that not only disagree with the PLP’s leader’s assertion  of being the stabilizing factor in that party but also simply no longer see him as the ‘best man for  the job’, the question now becomes what would make Minister Gray come out and make such a bold statement, even as he belittles himself?

Sometimes it all comes down to paying back a ‘favor’

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

As the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham encourages FNM’s to unite as his good friend the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie continues to face heavy criticism for suggesting that the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) would fall apart without him as leader and for further suggesting that he will not step down, as promised, because enough young members of the party has asked him to stay on as leader.  Each and every day more and more persons within the PLP have come out to refute these remakes but as he does this we now have a bid to bring back Hubert Ingraham as leader of the Free national Movement; this brings a serious indictment on the country as the question is now asked are these two men the only men capable of running the country?

“Bid to return Ingraham” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article; “Several prominent FNM’s plan to enter the name of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham to run in the leadership race at the party’s convention this week.

Over the weekend, they were reportedly busy organizing paraphernalia in support of an Ingraham return.

There is reportedly a team that has organized financing in the event that Ingraham allows his name to go on the ballot.”

So former Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham, who was quoted as saying just last week that he is happy in retirement and is asking for the FNM party to unite has allowed for his name to be placed on paraphernalia that would suggest that he is indeed attempting a return but I guess he would argue that is has been said that “…in the event that that Ingraham allows his name to go on the ballot”, suggesting that it is not a done deal; interesting.

The return of former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham leads me to ask what happens in a three way race for leadership of the party, will Hubert Minnis acquesece in the same way that Tommy Turnquest did in 2005, how does this affect Loretta Butler-Turner’s chances in her bid to be leader of the Free National Movement and the first female Prime Minister or what role does she play in an Ingraham return.  Also, what becomes of Hubert Ingraham’s legacy if he steps out onto the convention floor and is beaten?

It would appear that as Christie feels that he brings ‘stability’ to the Progressive Liberal Party, someone has filled Mr. Ingraham’s head with the notion that he is the one and only ‘saviour’ of the Free National Movement, this in my opinion, is utter nonsense.

END

“Butler-Turner suggests Hubert Minnis’ re-election would make party weaker.” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article;”Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner said yesterday if she is unsuccessful in her leadership bid at the party’s upcoming convention, the Free National Movement (FNM) would find it difficult to beat the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

‘I dare say that if we are not successful, the FNM will have an even harder challenge to take on the PLP ‘machinery,’ she said.

The PLP gas yet to turn on their engines and already we are left wanting.’

Butler-Turner, who appeared as a guest on the Guardian Radio show ‘The Revolution’ with host Juan McCartney, was answering a question regarding her plans should she fail at her second bid for leadership of the party.

Butler-Turner suggested that if she loses, she might be denied a nomination.

‘So I then will have to determine for myself where do I go from here’, she said.”

When you read these comments, you can only likened  them to the recent comments made by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Perry Christie, leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), wherein he gives his reason for not stepping down as leader of that party as being that it would fall into a state of disarray like what he claims is happening within the Free National Movement at this time. 

 With a comment like this and comparing the possible outcome of what may happen, Perry Christie not only attempts to deliver a political upper cut to the Free National Movement but also paint a picture of ‘doom and gloom’ for all that would even consider challenging him for the leadership of the party but also to those that would even think about asking for this resignation/retirement.  Of course we have now come to see that there a  few ‘brave’ souls within the PLP that totally disagree with him, with one even going so far as to call him delusional, so what would make Ms. Butler-Turner make such a pronouncement?

To tell the truth I feel only Ms. Butler-Turner can answer this question but with all respect due unto her by myself; it is a statement of pure arrogance. 

As Ms. Butler-Turner goes about putting on her Town Halls, claiming to bring a message of unity, she is also delivering a message of division when she suggests that ‘if she loses he might be denied a nomination’, certainly this has never been suggested by anyone within the party and such statement do nothing to bring about the possibility of unity.

END

Yesterday Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie suggested that without him as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the party would fall into disarray, likening it’s possible state to the current state of the Opposition Free National Movement (FNM), his opinion, and it would seem that the Prime Minister’s opinion has to be taken with a ‘grain f salt’ as his Deputy has now come out questioning his statement.

“Davis: PLP will not fall apart – Deputy PM insists party will survive if Christie steps down” – The Tribune

Excerpt from this article; “Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis yesterday rejected the idea that the Progressive Liberal Party would become unstable like the Free National Movement if Perry Christie chooses to step down as leader.

Mr. Davis’ statement comes after Mr. Christie, during an appearance on the ‘Ed Fields Live’ show on KISS FM Monday evening, said the instability affecting the Opposition might happen in the PLP if he stepped down, Mr. Christie gave this as one of the reasons he has decided to remain leader with no indication of a possible retirement.

When asked if the PLP would become instable without Mr. Christie. Mr. Davis said:’Depends what is meant by instability.  The Official Opposition is in a shamble.

The PLP always finds a way to right its way at any given time despite whatever happens.’

Asked why Mr. Christie would make such a claim, he declined to speculate, saying ‘You should ask him.  I don’t know why he would think that.  That is for him to answer.”

Indeed, this is a question for the leader of the Progressive Liberal Party to answer, actually a few questions rise because of this statement; why does Perry Christie feel that he is the only one within that party that can successfully lead it?  What would lead him to such a conclusion is there something going on behind the scenes that the rest of us are not privy to?  Is the Prime Minister deluded and if he is, is he fit to further lead the country?

If we all remember the Prime Minister had made a promise that he would not serve out a full term but now as we draw closer to the country’s general elections, he has convinced himself and attempts to convince others that he is the only person capable of leading that party and the country and he has been told this by the younger people in the party but barring whether or not it is true ‘because enough young members of the government have urged him to do so’, that is stay as leader; another serious question has been raised and this is the line of successor ship within the PLP as it seems to be a problem with both major political parties; at any given time is a viable successor being ‘groomed’ if ‘heaven forbid’ the current leader becomes too old to be effective as leader and therefore is unable to carry out his duties?

“Given that FNM Leader Dr. Hubert Minnis has faced rocky leadership tenure because a significant faction in his party views him as incompetent. Mr. Christie statement also raises the questions about whether he has confidence in the leadership abilities of members of his party.”

So as the leader of the Progressive Liberal Party spoke about being the ‘bridge to the future’ he intimates that ‘the future’ within the PLP do not want to use the ‘bridge’ but rather watch him on the other side while it all rapidly falls into decay.  The younger persons within this person should be incensed by this suggestion.

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is within their nature.

END

The country is now crying out for younger leaders; persons with new and progressive ideas and a different perspective and approach to solving ‘old problems’; the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie and leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) suggests that his party does not feel that need for younger brighter minds to take the country in a new direction because they want him to lead them into the next general election and beyond.  The main question now is what happened to the ‘bridge to the future’?

“Christie vows to stay as PM’ – Young members of government want me to lead.” – The Tribune

Excerpt from this article; “Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday that he seeks to continue leading the Progressive Liberal Party, including into the next general election, because young members of his government has urged him to do so.

He also suggested that instability would arise in the party if he were no longer leader, similar to what is occurring in the Official Opposition.”

It is indeed a very sad state of affairs if indeed the younger members of the Progressive Liberal Party have encouraged the present prime minister to remain as leader of the PLP and as prime minister, especially in light of his performance to date; it is clear that he has been a dismal failure; completely void of any new and progressive ideas to move the country forward and we as a nation have paid for his inadequacies and will continue to pay for them as long as he remains as prime minister and the Progressive Liberal Party will continue to pay as long as he is the leader of that party.

Yes, the PLP will continue to pay; because as long as he as he is the leader of that party, to keep the peace, others such as Alfred Sears that show promise and seem to be better thinkers with better and more progressive ideas will always be at his mercy and by extension the country will remain at his mercy, because at this point Prime Minister Perry Christie ‘retards’ the progress of the PLP by remaining in active politics, we all pay but Mr. Christie is of a totally different belief, as he believes that him stepping down as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party would lead to ‘instability’ in that party.

“And the question for us moving forward, one great advantage that the PLP offers to the country is a very stable government, one with the capacity to guarantee continuity in governance and one that has been meaningfully employed in major reforms in this country, the latest one of which is the University of the Bahamas.”

Indeed, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party can speak to a ‘very stable governance’ if you look at it ‘crossed-eyes’ but he can never call it competent or transparent and it is also very sad that the Prime Minister and Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party believes that without him at the helm, the PLP party and by extension the Commonwealth of the Bahamas would fall into a state of disarray; what must some of the young persons in that party think and feel about their futures after such an arrogant statement.

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is within their nature.

END

“How arrogant and disconnected from reality do you have to be to tell Bahamians “We Deliver” when suffering is all around, when one in three young men are out of work, when nearly 500 have lost their lives to murder?

They borrowed $1.7 BILLION dollars Bahamians.  They sold BTC to foreign control for another $200 million.

That means they’ve spent nearly $2 billion.

Two BILLION dollars.”

Excerpt from remarks by Perry Gladstone Christie, Leader of the Progressive Liberal Party at a mass rally in Golden Gates, 2012.”

How do you sell something and add to your debt? But then I digress.

This is now Prime Minister, then in opposition on the campaign trail, shortly thereafter, [June 07 2012] Minister of State for Finance is quoted as saying “…………the Ingraham administration spent money like ‘inebriated mariners’ or ‘drunken sailors’ with no plan or provision as how the spending spree would be paid for.”

It is oddly amusing, indeed, to reflect on these statements especially in light of what is going on today.
“National debt near $6.8bn following Govt. spending rise.” – The Tribune Business section.

Excerpt from this article; “A 17.3 per cent increase in total government spending drove a $125 million jump in the national debt to almost $6.8 billion to end March 2016, the Central Bank revealed.

The regulator, in its economic review of the 2016 first quarter, said the continued rise in the national debt came despite Value-Added Tax (VAT) collections ‘more than doubling’ year-over-year’ to 4157.1 million.’ But I thought that they said….

“In its management of the economy, the PLP will direct all resources of the state in pursuit of these clear goals.

• Reaching and rescuing those in poverty
• Reversing the effects of mortgage foreclosure.
• Help those overwhelmed by consumer debt
• Reducing the cost of electricity
• Expanding the role of Bahamians as investors
• Effective promotion
• Removing impediments to business
• Reinventing the Bahamas Development Bank
• Investment incentive for Bahamians “

Excerpt from “PLP – A Charter for Governance”

Yet with all of these promises the national debt still continues to climb but as we now know these were only promises, never to be fulfilled, never to be heard of again but then it is the PLP that we have come to know just a little too well.

But to their credit the PLP did have a backup plan to rescue  those in poverty and it was called “VAT”, this was supposed to lower government borrowing and help bring the cost of living down but yet here we are facing yet another credit downgrade with NO explanation as to what went wrong.

Perry Christie called the Ingraham ‘arrogant and disconnected from reality” for telling the country “We Deliver” but what do you call it when a government promises “Believe in Bahamians” but yet does very little to ease the day to day living condition of the average proletarian while adding taxes?

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is within their nature.

END