Is Grand Bahama being ignored by PM?
thenassauguardian editorial
They say looks can be deceiving, and from all indications it appears that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has very little to say about Grand Bahama.
That was made clear during the Prime Minister’s national press conference, which was held in Nassau on Sunday. The intent was to first brief the press on his recent trip to China and what came out of the visit, in terms of how it could benefit The Bahamas.
The press conference was also to answer any questions the media may have concerning issues related to The Bahamas. With that in mind members of the media who do not live in Nassau were invited to call in and ask questions about their respective islands.
It was interesting to listen to the prime minister talk on and on about Baha Mar, about road works in Nassau, about the straw market, even about his plan to run for office again in the next general election. The prime minister spoke in length about activities and development plans in Exuma.
However, when questions about Grand Bahama came up, the prime minister was very short and concise in his answers. In reply to questions about Hutchison Whampoa, Royal Oasis, and the proposed new cruise port, the prime minister had very little information to offer.
He said that he had to have a meeting with all of the people concerned in all of those areas, and then get back to the press with answers.
While one can respect the fact that the prime minister was willing to admit he didn’t know and had to seek out the information, it proved the point that when it comes to Grand Bahama, the prime minister either knew very little about what is going on, or chose not to say publicly what he knows of what is taking place in Grand Bahama.
With six representatives, three of whom are Cabinet ministers from Grand Bahama, the prime minister should have more insight into what is really taking place in Grand Bahama.
Besides that, the people of Grand Bahama deserve more than just a one-sentence answer to issues that they face and are concerned about.
Perhaps the prime minister is so well acquainted with Grand Bahamians’ laid-back and lackadaisical attitude, that he may feel it not necessary to go into any details.
But the truth is, Grand Bahamians would like to know when things are going to turnaround in their economy; they would like to know what will be done with the Royal Oasis Hotel that has been sitting there for years; they would like to know when and how many more visitors can be enticed to come to Grand Bahama; they would like to know what’s going on with Ginn and they would certainly like to know the status of the proposed sale of the Port Authority.
Yes, Grand Bahamians would like some answers to questions that have been plaguing them for years.
Instead, during a national press conference, which was a prime opportunity for Grand Bahamians to get some answers, the prime minister chose to be vague and short in his replies about questions concerning Grand Bahama.
Whether he knew it or not, the prime minister’s responses sent a strong message to the people of Grand Bahama.
11/16/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
