The Bahamas Trade and Industry Minister, Leslie Miller appeals to the Bahamian driving public to do whatever they can to reduce their fuel consumption as the price of gasoline explodes

Minister Leslie Miller suggested that motorists in The Bahamas car pool; use smaller, more economical vehicles; use public transportation; and cut out the unnecessary driving - in the wake of increasing fuel prices

Gas Prices Skyrocket

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

20th September 2005

Trade and Industry Minister Leslie Miller on Monday announced a new round of gas price increases, indicating that one company has received approval to raise the cost on a gallon of gasoline to $4.77.

It would be a 76-cent per gallon increase for Shell Bahamas.

"Today, I am returning to appeal to the Bahamian driving public to do whatever they can to reduce their fuel consumption," Minister Miller said.

He suggested that motorists car pool; use smaller, more economical vehicles; use public transportation; and cut out the unnecessary driving.

"When I made these calls before many persons did not recognize the severity of this situation," he said.

The $4.77 price is the highest the cost per gallon of gasoline has ever been in New Providence, according to the Minister.

"This will push gas to well over $5 in the Family Islands," he announced.

Effective today, the price for a gallon of gasoline in New Providence will be $4.77 at Shell; $4.03 at Texaco; and $4.02 at Esso.  The price for a gallon of diesel at Shell will be $3.62; at Texaco it rises to $3.64; and at Esso it increases to $3.26.

"These increases are truly amazing, since prices in The Bahamas are going up by more than 75 cents while prices in Florida reduced by about six cents on the weekend," the Minister said.

"It was also interesting to see that in France Total SA (The French Oil Company) recently pledged to pass reductions in prices to consumers within a few days, and to wait longer to pass on increases in order to protect the consumers from spikes.

"It was also interesting to note that the French Minister was unable to get any firm commitment from the foreign oil companies who were present at the meeting to assist with the prices or to invest more in refineries to help to rectify this situation."

On Monday, the Associated Press reported that crude-oil futures surged more than $4 – the biggest one-day price jump ever – amid worries that Tropical Storm Rita strengthening off The Bahamas could hit U.S. oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico later this week, striking another blow at an industry struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina.

The swells in crude, heating oil and gasoline futures came as OPEC ministers met to discuss how to relieve price pressures in the oil market and expressed concern that Rita would bear down on the hurricane-ravaged U.S. Gulf Coast, the AP said.

In The Bahamas, there has been a steady rise in fuel costs this year, which has also translated into a steady increase in the fuel surcharges of electricity bills.

The latest round of bad news comes as Minister Miller continues to push the PetroCaribe initiative.

Through the deal, Venezuela has agreed to provide fuel and fuel-related products cheaply to the region.

Minister Miller has said that it would mean huge savings on electricity bills and at the gas pumps.

He recently told The Bahama Journal, "We’re looking at an average savings of no less than $6 per barrel which equates to approximately in our estimation anywhere from 25 cents to 30 cents on a gallon of fuel.

"That’s the initial cost.  Bear in mind that the oil companies here use their brokerage companies, in Barbados and Jamaica and elsewhere, to purchase fuel from PDVSA, which is where we’re going to get our fuel.

"By eliminating the middlemen, we save another 25 cents to 35 cents on a gallon of fuel.  In addition to that, PetroCaribe is now in a position by having ships to lift the fuel for you.  In other words, PetroCaribe would send one of its ships to The Bahamas full of fuel emanating from any of the terminals owned by PDVSA, which is the national oil company of Venezuela, thereby saving an additional 5 cents to 10 cents on a gallon of fuel."

A Special Advisory Panel Determined that College of The Bahamas President, Dr. Rodney Smith's Action Indeed Amounted to Plagiarism

The Special Advisory Panel's Report Recommends the Termination of Dr. Rodney Smith as President of The College of The Bahamas COB

Panel Denounces Smith

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

2 September 2005

Three days after former College of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney Smith lashed out at COB’s Council for asking for his resignation, the Council released portions of a report written by a special panel that had been appointed to look into his plagiarism blunder.

In the report, the panel recommends termination saying it did not see how Dr. Smith would have cause to complain or feel aggrieved.

Four of the five panel members recommended termination while Professor Rex Nettleford, vice chancellor emeritus of the University of the West Indies, wrote a dissenting view.

Dr. Smith has insisted that his use of portions of a speech given by New York University President Dr. John Sexton without providing attribution does not amount to plagiarism because Dr. Sexton later said that his work is the property of the academic community.

However, the panel determined that Dr. Smith’s action indeed amounted to plagiarism.

"While we are aware of some emerging thoughts on plagiarism which appear to be less demanding, a comparison of the Sexton text and the Smith text, using any widely accepted authoritative definition of plagiarism, leads easily to the conclusion that his omissions amounted to plagiarism," said the report, written by retired Justice Joseph Strachan on behalf of a majority.

"Nothing that was said to us by President Smith erases that.  On the contrary, a part of what he said discloses ambivalence at best and being disingenuous at worst.  We note his studious refusal to use the word ‘plagiarism’, choosing instead, ‘intellectual property rights’.

The panel’s report also said, "There are two occasions on which President Smith omitted to acknowledge his indebtedness to President Sexton, at the Honours Convocation and at the Commencement; and hence, since each omission has the specific gravity, a conclusion that the requirements for cause are met follows irresistibly."

It also notes that the law provides that the Council may remove the president from office on the ground of misconduct, inefficiency or other good cause.

"Of this subsection, it is enough to say that we consider the omissions to fall within that provision," the panel wrote.

The panel also recommended various options for handling the situation moving forward, saying that should Dr. Smith fail to resign within a specified period to be chosen by the Council, the Council would have no option but to terminate him.

The Council was also advised to take the steps necessary for the "timely discharge of its contractual obligations to him."

Dr. Smith resigned in early August and revealed this week that the Council had asked him to, based on the panel’s recommendations.

On Tuesday, Mr. Wilson confirmed that Dr. Smith had been paid the nearly $300,000 agreed to as a part of his buyout arrangement with the Council.

In a press statement on Thursday, the Council said it took the decision to accept the recommendations of the advisory panel and agreed to implement them through a committee of Council consisting of Chairman Franklyn Wilson, Dr. Earl Cash and Simon Wilson.

The Council noted, "The matter of Dr. Smith’s settlement was faithful to all the recommendations of the panel, accepted as satisfactory to him as signaled by his signing of the settlement and fully acquitted by the College of The Bahamas."

The Council also expressed its "deep displeasure" at those elements of Dr. Smith’s recent statement, which seem to be impugning the integrity of Mr. Wilson, the Council chairman; other members of the Council and the Council in general.

"Equally distasteful are those aspects of the statement that needlessly and unfairly belittle the contributions of his former colleagues," the Council’s statement said.

It was referring to such statements in Dr. Smith’s release such as, "Throughout a highly successful ten months of my tenure, I found myself doing the work of several persons, persons that carried the titles and job descriptions, but had no other work experience other than at the College of The Bahamas."

The Council said that more could be said about the veracity and or completeness of various details addressed by Dr. Smith.

However, the Council said it chose to be reticent out of compassion for the immediate past president of the college (Dr. Leon Higgs).

The Council also said that it had no desire to engage in an "unseemly exchange of accusations" with Dr. Smith.

It chose instead to focus on the recommendations contained in the panel’s report, which only last week Mr. Wilson had maintained he was not going to make public.

In addition to Justice Strachan and Professor Nettleford, panel members included Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez; Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Paulette Bethel; and President-elect of John Carroll University of Cleveland, Ohio and former Vice Provost of the University of San Francisco, Father Robert Niehoff.

Dr. Rodney Smith Alleges that The Council of The College of The Bahamas Forced Him to Resign as President of COB

Mr. Franklyn Wilson, Chairman of the Council of the College of The Bahamas Refuses to Confirm Whether the Council had Asked Dr. Rodney Smith to Resign 

COB Council Shocked

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

31 August 2005

Chairman of the Council of the College of The Bahamas Franklyn Wilson yesterday said the actions of former C.O.B. President Dr. Rodney Smith a day earlier were “shocking” and unbecoming of someone who has led such an important institution.

But Mr. Wilson declined to speak directly to the content of Dr. Smith’s statement in which he alleges that the Council forced him to resign even though it had already been proven that his use of material in a speech without proper attribution was not a violation of intellectual property rights.

Dr. Smith also showed up at the College on Monday to tell his side of the story.  But Mr. Wilson said what he did was out of line.

"I regard it as inappropriate, unfortunate, shocking, sad, whatever one wants to call it, that Dr. Smith saw fit to go about this matter in the way he did without the courtesy of letting the acting president of the institution, the secretary to the council, the chairman, or somebody know what was happening," he said.

"I just do not think that this is appropriate conduct for someone who has been the president of the College of The Bahamas."

Dr. Smith indicated in his statement that the Council did not show him support during the firestorm that surrounded the speech he gave at the college’s Honours Convocation in May.

He also intimated that Mr. Wilson went back on his word after implying that he was going to give him a copy of a report that had been completed by a special panel appointed to look into the matter and make recommendations for the way forward.

Mr. Wilson responded to this saying, "If it was his intention to accuse me of having lied I deny that and the truth is at all times I was very candid with him.  He did not say I lied to him, but this thing that I implied [that I would give it to him], I’d prefer if he were more precise in his choice of words [since] he’s such a scholar."

He said when he looks at the substance of what Dr. Smith had to say beyond his claims about the advisory panel’s reports, the only thing he could add is, "Dr. Rodney Smith has my prayers because when you read that very carefully I think, to me, there is evidence of the value of prayer."

Mr. Wilson refused to confirm whether the Council had asked Dr. Smith to resign.  He said the Council will first address this whole matter before it makes a formal statement in response to Dr. Smith.

"There is a whole lot of things [in that statement and] since he has chosen to go on the record, Council has an obligation to correct the record and we will do that," he said.  "I don’t wish to characterize [his statement] in any particularly way.  All I would wish to say is that it is not a balanced record of the circumstances."

The Council Chairman said he doubted the statement would negatively impact the college community.

He again assured Bahamians that the College of The Bahamas is not void of leadership.

"There are a lot of good things happening and it’s unfortunate that these personality things keep overshadowing that.  I also draw to the public’s attention the fact that Dr. Smith in his letter to the college community upon his resignation pointed to the fact that the College of The Bahamas has a plan," Mr. Wilson said.

"We are not without a plan; we are not adrift.  I strongly believe that if you take plan and passion which we definitely have, those two things would put you a long way on the road to progress."

In his statement, Dr. Smith informed that the Council had agreed to pay him $296,000 to buy out his contract.

Mr. Wilson confirmed that Dr. Smith has been paid all of the money already.

Dr. Smith said that he had given all of the facts on the whole matter involving his resignation.

"Others might refute what I say, but I know beyond any doubt that this is precisely what happened," he said.

The former college president also questioned whether he landed in a "political quagmire" and became just another victim.

Asked whether the Council regretted hiring Dr. Smith in the first place, Mr. Wilson said it did not because he was the right man for the job when he was chosen.

Mr. Wilson was also asked what Dr. Smith’s legacy has been as college president.

"It was different 24 hours ago than it is today," he said yesterday morning.  "The actions of [Monday] have coloured it, but the fact is that yes, he came and brought some energy.  He brought some enthusiasm.  He reflected the fact that he had the experience and that showed in terms of the way in which we were able to get some projects moving.

"In the long run, I believe he showed others another way that the job can be done and I think that whoever succeeds him would likely learn from that."

Bahamian Voters Call for Answers and Updates on Issues of National Importance in The Bahamas

Even Supporters of The Ruling Progressive Liberal Party - PLP are Also Conceding that The PLP Government of Prime Minister, Perry Christie has to Do More to Improve its PR

Bahamas: Voters Want Answers 

 

 

By Candia Dames

Nassau, The Bahamas

25 August 2005

 

Many Bahamians are anxious to hear from Prime Minister Perry Christie on a number of issues of concern, including the much discussed Petrocaribe oil deal, the liquefied natural gas proposals, the decision to remove Sir Stafford Sands from the $10 bill, and the government’s progress in establishing a national health insurance scheme.

But his illness, which struck back in May, coupled with the traditionally slow summer period means that the Prime Minister has been off the front pages for weeks.

In January 2004, Mr. Christie started what he promised would be a quarterly ‘meet the press’ event where reporters could pose questions to him on a variety of issues.  But it was an initiative that was short lived.  In fact, nearly six quarters have passed without the event taking place again.

Mr. Christie also has made no national addresses for the year.

The Prime Minister had promised after returning to work nearly two months after his slight stroke that he would hold a press conference soon to address a number of issues of national importance that arose during his illness.  But that too has not happened as yet.

There are other issues that some people want an update on.  For instance, after much talk about the redevelopment of Bay Street, the transformation has still not started, leaving some merchants asking why.

Speaking about the planned downtown overhaul at his party’s last convention in November 2003, the Prime Minister said, "We have to change and we have to do so without delay."

But that was nearly two years ago.

At that same convention, he also announced that work on the Heads of Agreement for the $2.5 billion Ginn investment project for West Grand Bahama was being finalized.

"I have assured the Ginn group that my government is committed to bringing the project on line as speedily as possible," Prime Minister Christie said at the time.  "We have therefore agreed to complete a Heads of Agreement as quickly as possible so that this project can be underway early in the New Year."

But the New Year of 2004 came and left, but there has still not been any Ginn deal sealed.

The need for better public relations on such matters is something some Bahamians pointed to on Wednesday.

PLP’s are also conceding that the government has to do more to improve its PR.

 

Only recently PLP Chairman Raynard Rigby said that it’s a shortcoming the government needs to address.

For Bahamians waiting to hear from the Prime Minister, the concerns are varied.

"I would like to see [the Prime Minister] report on the Petrocaribe oil deal because I am not getting sufficient information from [Minister of Trade and Industry] Leslie Miller," said Jacob Rolle, a teacher at Central Andros High School who was on Bay Street on Wednesday.

"Another point is I am very apprehensive about the dealing with the president of Venezuela and his connection with Cuba.  I don’t think the U.S. would like us to be involved with those two dictators so we have to be very careful how we move ahead with friendly relations with those two countries."

Ricardo Mackey, who also teaches at the Central Andros High School, said rising oil prices continue to be a major concern and he too would like to hear what the Prime Minister has to say about Venezuela’s plan to sell fuel to the region at significantly lower costs.

"Right now there’s a concern about gas prices in Nassau…something needs to be done about that because gas only goes up in the Family Islands, it never goes down whereas gas fluctuates in New Providence," Mr. Mackey said.

He added that civil servants also want to hear specifics from the Prime Minister on planned salary increases given that the cost of living continues to increase.

"I think we need to find out what’s going on," he said.

If he could hear from the Prime Minister, Mr. Mackey said he would also like him to report on the status of the national health insurance scheme, something that was a part of the PLP’s platform when it was elected to office in 2002.

"I think it would be good if we have this kind of medical plan," the Andros schoolteacher added.

Darnell Finlayson, a straw vendor, has something closer to home on her mind.  She said that she would like the Prime Minister to speak directly to straw vendors about when a new straw market will be built on Bay Street.

The old market was destroyed by fire in September 2001, nearly four years ago.

"We need our straw market back because [the makeshift one] is in a bad condition," Ms. Finlayson said as the rain poured around her.

"The floors are flooding.  The tourists can’t walk inside.  They’re getting all wet.  It needs to be in a better position for the tourists.

Four years is enough time to build our market and I don’t know why we don’t have our market back, but Prime Minister, we really need a market back for our guests."

Across the street, Anthony Gibson, a manager at Diamonds International, said he too would like to hear from the Prime Minister as it relates to a timetable for a new straw market.

"I know there have been many promises made to the [vendors].  I have been in [the market] and I have seen the conditions these people have worked under.  Right now, this is the rainy season, only God one knows how they make it in there," Mr. Gibson said.

Mr. Gibson also raised the issue of Petrocaribe.

"What I really think we need to look at right now is this gas situation," he said.  "What I think is that we need to go full force ahead and get this thing on the run."

Allan Whyley, a retired Bahamian, also has Petrocaribe on his mind.  He said that it’s one issue he too would like to hear the Prime Minister speak about.

"The Petrocaribe accord has been so politicized.  To comment on it intelligently, you have to know more about it and we don’t have that," Mr. Whyley said.

He also noted that the Prime Minister earlier in the year announced that the government would have approved one of the liquefied natural gas projects before the end of January.  But that never happened.

Mr. Whyley said Bahamians want to know from the government what it intends to do about the proposals on the table.  He hopes that the Christie Administration rejects them.

"I really don’t want the government to approve LNG," he said. "I think [Mr. Christie] needs to make a statement about LNG.  These are issues that need to be addressed, but there are more immediate things happening with the small man that need to address. The government needs to say exactly what is reserved for Bahamians in this economy because I see foreigners coming in here and doing everything."

Lionel Carey, who said he was one of the chairmen of the former Vanguard party, said he like many Bahamians would like to hear an update on LNG.

"In the U.S. if they don’t want that in their own country, I think that’s a lesson for us.  We have tourism and we have to be sensitive about anything that could affect it in a negative way," said Mr. Carey, who now works in the Ministry of Housing.

Mr. Whyley, meanwhile, said that the immigration issue is also one that many people are concerned about.

"That’s something that really needs to be addressed seriously," he noted.  "What is happening?  Don’t the people deserve to be brought up to date?"

But not everyone thinks the Prime Minister is being too quiet on issues of national importance.

Mark Symonette, a law student, said various Ministers have been doing a good job at reporting on what has been going on in their individual portfolios.

"There are a number of issues that are outstanding," Mr. Symonette said.  "But I feel that the Prime Minister is doing an excellent job given the economic and social climate that we are in.  I think we must remember that the Ministers of the government are appointed to handle their portfolios and I think they are doing an excellent job also.

"They are reporting on their particular portfolios so I don’t see a need for the Prime Minister to get involved in every issue."

While a guest on the Love 97 Programme "Jones and Company" nearly two weeks ago, former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Clement Maynard said that the government appeared to be falling down in reporting to the public on what it is doing.

It’s something he indicated needed to be addressed.

The Bahamas National Debt Increases

Fiscal experts have warned repeatedly that government debt exceeding 40 percent would signal danger as The Bahamas government may be forced into a mode of borrowing that could be fiscally unhealthy 

Bahamas: $2.54 Billion In National Debt

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

24 August 2005

The National Debt rose from $2.54 billion to $2.63 billion in the second quarter of 2005, the Central Bank of The Bahamas says in its newly released statistical digest.

In the second quarter of 2004, the National Debt stood at $2.39 billion, but has continued to see a steady rise, according to the figures.

The report reveals that the government’s contingent liabilities continued to grow, jumping from $438.4 million in the first quarter of 2005 to $454.13 million in the second quarter of the year.

The National Debt takes into consideration the government guaranteed borrowings of public corporations and other public entities.

These contingent liabilities include the $24 million in bonds issued by the Clifton Heritage Authority; $40.7 million in loans taken up by the Education Loan Authority; and $111.7 million in Bahamas Mortgage Corporation loans.

At the end of this fiscal year, government debt as a percentage of GDP is projected to be 37.5 or $2.330 billion.

Fiscal experts have warned repeatedly that government debt exceeding 40 percent would signal danger as the government may be forced into a mode of borrowing that could be fiscally unhealthy.

In the notes attached to the 2004/2005-budget communication, the government explains that growth in the debt is justified if it supports increases in the productive capacity within the economy, and if the servicing burden from principal repayment and interest costs does not unduly constrain the economy’s access to foreign exchange for other beneficial purposes.

It’s a point Minister of State for Finance James Smith – who is presently in the U.S. convalescing after what was termed a successful surgery – has made repeatedly.

He has also noted that the economy is projected to grow by 3.5 percent this year and the foreign component of the National Debt is "extremely low."

In an earlier interview, Minister Smith explained that, "If the $2 billion were held by a foreign bank, at anytime [that bank] could demand payment and you’re virtually bankrupt.  You can’t even go and negotiate with them for whatever reason.  So that means your risk is much higher."

The government has also noted that international observers closely monitor the total foreign currency debt of the government and public corporations, as on the repayment side it represents a required use of foreign exchange earnings.

The International Monetary Fund recommended in its June 2005 report on The Bahamas "a further strengthening of the 2005/2006 fiscal stance relative to the budget proposal and closer monitoring of budgetary developments to help ensure that the more stringent objective [of government debt-to-GDP ratio of 30 percent] is achieved."

In the upcoming fiscal year, the government intends to spend $1.214 billion, an increase of $39 million, or three percent over the 2004/2005 budget.

The government projects it will collect $1.145 billion, an increase of $93 million, or nine percent in revenues.

College of The Bahamas COB President, Dr. Rodney Smith Hospitalized Amid A Plagiarism Controversy at The Institution Concerning Him

College of The Bahamas COB Officials were Quiet on the Circumstances Surrounding the Hospitalization of the President, Dr. Rodney Smith

COB President Hospitalized

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

22nd July 2005

The Council of The College of The Bahamas has decided against releasing the recommendations of a special panel appointed to review the plagiarism controversy involving COB President Dr. Rodney Smith because the president has been hospitalized, Council Chairman Franklyn Wilson said yesterday.

But College officials were quiet on the circumstances surrounding the hospitalization of the president, who turned 53 one week ago.

COB Vice President Dr. Pandora Johnson told The Bahama Journal late in the afternoon that any statement from the College would have to come through the public relation’s office, but no official there was available.

Mr. Wilson, however, informed that Dr. Smith is now in hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.

"He spent the last several days at hospital here in Nassau," he said.  "He has now been transferred to a hospital in north Florida.  Of course we’re praying for his speedy recovery.  The good news is as far as we can tell - it’s not life threatening, but anytime one’s in the hospital that’s a matter for concern."

Asked how Dr. Smith’s hospitalization would impact the release of the report by the special panel appointed by the Council, Mr. Wilson said, "It means that all matters relevant to those things are suspended.  Our total thoughts and prayers are with the president at a personal level and we have no other aspect of this under consideration at this moment."

He confirmed that the Council received the panel’s report over the weekend and stressed that it would be inappropriate to even give a hint of what the committee has recommended.

Amid calls for Dr. Smith to resign as president, Mr. Wilson announced on June 20 that a special panel had been appointed to help chart the way forward.

The panel members included Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez; Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Paulette Bethel; Vice Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Rex Nettleford; President-elect of John Carroll University of Cleveland, Ohio and former Vice Provost of the University of San Francisco, Father Robert Niehoff; and Retired Justice Joseph Strachan.

Last month, Dr. Smith said at a press conference that he made a mistake when he failed to provide attribution for a portion of his Honours Convocation speech that were the words of his friend, New York University President John Sexton.

But what followed were strong calls for him to step down, although some of the faculty and staff members of the College soon called a rally to voice their support for Dr. Smith.

One faculty member reiterated yesterday that Dr. Smith has done great things for the College since he was appointed a year ago.

The main campus in Oakes Field continues to undergo a marked physical transformation.  Dr. Smith has said that the aim is to transform COB into the University of The Bahamas by 2007.

But if detractors have their way, he would no longer be a part of the kind of change he has already helped to shape.

In announcing the panel last month, Mr. Wilson had said, "It would be irresponsible to take any action without due examination and reflection.

"However, the issue of plagiarism is a serious one.  Intellectual property is one of the most important products of an educational institution and the foundation of its evolution and growth.  Breaching the associated protocols brings into question all that the institution has contributed to this society, all that it stands for and all it must represent and contribute in the future.

"One thing has been clear almost from the beginning: Dr. Smith has already acknowledged to the College community and the wider public that he has breached the protocols of intellectual property."

The Council Chairman said yesterday that he has informed the College community of the latest development as it relates to Dr. Smith.

The Bahamas Minister of Trade and Industry, Leslie Miller says His Focus is On The Establishment of a National Energy Corporation (NEC)

The National Energy Corporation, NEC is essential to The Bahamas government’s plan to ensure that cheaper fuel reaches consumers through the PetroCaribe initiative

Miller: Nat’l Energy Corp. By September

By Candia Dames

candiadames@hotmail.com

Nassau, The Bahamas

21st July 2005

Minister of Trade and Industry Leslie Miller yesterday again dismissed claims that he did not have the full support of Cabinet in signing the regional PetroCaribe oil agreement and indicated that he was focused on seeing to it that a National Energy Corporation (NEC) is up and running by September.

The NEC is essential to the government’s plan to ensure that cheaper fuel reaches consumers through the PetroCaribe initiative, he reiterated.

The Minister said that before the NEC can get off the ground, the government must first receive a report from the fuel usage committee it established several months ago.  The committee is co-chaired by Vincent Coleby, a long-time petroleum industry executive, and Independent Member of Parliament for St. Margaret Pierre Dupuch.

Minister Miller said he plans to meet today with the committee, which is looking into all aspects of PetroCaribe and fuel usage in the country.

Mr. Dupuch hinted in an interview with The Bahama Journal yesterday that the committee intends to fully back the PetroCaribe initiative, clearing the way for the NEC to be established.

"This would mean for The Bahamas extremely low oil prices," he said. "It would translate into lower electricity costs and it could translate into lower costs for the people on the road driving cars."

Minister Miller said, "I would expect that the National Energy Corporation would be incorporated as early as September to enable BEC to be the first recipient of getting cheaper fuel from Venezuela through PDVSA (that country’s national energy company) and Curacao, which is the same entity that provides the same importers in The Bahamas with 85 percent of their fuel as we speak."

He claimed again that BEC would immediately realize an annual savings of $10 million to $15 million.

The Minister said despite fears, the new arrangement should not force the three major oil companies in The Bahamas – Shell, Esso, and Texaco – to face any dramatic changes.

"What will happen because we are lifting the fuel ourselves, we would then on-sell the fuel to Shell, Esso and Texaco," he explained.  "[We’ll] give everyone a reasonable margin upon which to work in and the Bahamian people will see the benefits."

According to Minister Miller, the National Energy Corporation would not be an elaborate set-up and could easily be managed by about four people from his Ministry.

"It’s just the movement of paper," he said.  "This will not be a regular government corporation.  It could in fact be just a National Energy Agency."

Asked how Venezuela will benefit from the agreement, Minister Miller said Venezuela is not going out on a limb in this deal.

"It is simply trying to assist the countries in this region by lowering the cost of fuel to their citizens.  It’s no different from what other countries have done and continue to do."

He was also asked to respond to ongoing speculation that he signed the PetroCaribe agreement without the full backing of the Cabinet.

Minister Miller suggested that this was all part of a conspiracy to keep poor Bahamians from progressing.

"Generally, the people who are against this project are basically the same people who have been against any progressive action that was taken by any relevant government since the PLP came to power in 1967 to work on behalf of the majority of the Bahamian people, especially the small man," he said.

"They’ve been against majority rule; they’ve been against independence - and they will be against anything that benefits the majority of Bahamians and I pay no attention to them whatsoever."

In signing the PetroCaribe agreement, The Bahamas and other signatories acknowledged that, "Within the context of an unfair economic order inherited from colonialism, and imposed by the wealthy developed - and rich countries, the current global energy-related trends marked by the enormous waste of consumer societies, by the reduced availability of production capacities and by speculation leading to the rise in hydrocarbon prices, have all continuously exerted a negative impact on both the economic performance of, and the social conditions in the countries of the Caribbean."

The agreement also states that the countries of the Caribbean need to possess reliable sources of energy and must be assured that prices will not represent an obstacle to their development.

It says that PetroCaribe is a body aimed at facilitating the development of energy policies and plans for the integration of the nations of the Caribbean through the sovereign use of natural energy resources to directly benefit their peoples.

Following the signing of the agreement, some local executives of the three major oil companies in The Bahamas said that they would like to see more consultation on the whole plan as they did not have specifics on how PetroCaribe will actually work.

Minister Miller said that consultation would swing into high gear after he receives the report of the fuel usage committee.