Tribune242 Editorial:
DURING THE Elizabeth by-election campaign over the past few weeks, the PLP has tried to make the voters of that constituency believe that Dr Duane Sands -- the FNM's candidate for the vacant seat -- is not interested in the poor because he was against National Health Insurance.
Nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact we do not know of any doctor who publicly admitted to being against insurance for general health care. (The National Health Insurance Act 2006 was tabled in parliament by the Christie government on November 15, 2006).
However, there were many doctors, some of them quite vocal, who expressed the belief that the scheme as then proposed would not solve the Bahamas' healthcare problems. On the contrary it would never be able to deliver the standard of care promised by the PLP government's Blue Ribbon Commission.
In various statements, one before the Rotary Club of Nassau on March 16, 2006, Dr Sands made it clear that he believed every Bahamian was entitled to health care as of right.
"The goal of the Blue Ribbon Commission and the National Health Insurance plan are admirable and universally held," Dr Sands told Rotary. However, "they will not be achieved with this plan as currently outlined and will likely cause far more damage than ever anticipated."
Dr Robin Roberts, chairman of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform -- the brother of PLP chairman Bradley Roberts -- was of the same opinion.
In Dr Roberts' view the plan advanced by the PLP's Blue Ribbon Commission raised many unanswered questions. "We believe it to be our responsibility and the responsibility of all right-minded thinking Bahamians to raise those questions and to engage in true and meaningful consultation with Government in seeking answers," he said.
In expressing his concern, Dr Sands gave the analogy of a flight to London. "In the economy class," he said, "sit the majority of travellers. Space is limited but comfortable and the food is palatable. Up from there is business class, with larger seats, more space and sumptuous fare ... exceeded only by the plush and posh environment of first class. Same plane, same pilot no difference in destination or safety. One size does not fit all. Everyone cannot afford Atlantis or Ocean Club -- but they certainly should continue to exist."
It was because of his concern for those in economy class -- the poor of this country-- that he disagreed with the national health plan as then designed. He saw the plan as a "frightenly retrogressive step that will lead to less accountability, longer waiting times and reduced quality (of health care)." It was a plan that offered first class seats that could not be delivered to the poor.
"For the sake of all Bahamians," said Dr Robin Roberts, "let's take the time to get it right!"
But an election was around the corner. It was more important for the PLP to win that election rather than to get it right.
Tribune files are filled with public statements by Dr Sands, saying 'yes we need public health,' but let's get it right or the people's lot will be worse than what they now have.
And so how Dr Bernard Nottage -- who as Minister of Health on rejoining the PLP was given the task of taking the PLP's health plan to the people -- could say with a straight face that his "impression" was that Dr Sands did not support National Health Insurance, is beyond comprehension. No wonder the general public do not trust most politicians.
Dr Sands said it many times over that he supported national health insurance, but not the plan devised as an election-gimmick by the PLP government. He believed the Bahamian people -- especially the poor -- deserved better.
Now we invite Dr Nottage to recall one of the consultative meetings that Dr Marcus Bethel -- at the time the PLP government's Minister of Health -- held with a group of physicians at the School of Nursing. The meeting was to discuss government's national health insurance plan.
According to our records, Dr Nottage, who then headed his own party, the CDR -- he had not yet returned to the fold of his old party the PLP -- sat quietly throughout the discussion -- that is until towards the end. It was then that it is claimed he dropped his verbal "bomb." We understand that the gist of his angry remarks was that the Blue Ribbon Commission hadn't a clue what it was doing. It was basing its conclusions on faulty information, and as such the plan was not sustainable.
We certainly got the impression at the time that Dr Sands and Dr Nottage were singing from the same hymn sheet. But, one must remember that when Dr Nottage was singing his song, he headed his own political party in Opposition to the PLP. However, in the interim he rejoined his old government, became its Minister of Health and took the PLP's health scheme to the public. Today, he is in Elizabeth trying to get his party's candidate elected, and in the bargain misrepresenting the position of the opposition candidate -- Dr Duane Sands.
Really the PLP are just too much. This misrepresentation alone should make voters think twice before casting their ballots for the PLP candidate on Tuesday. Not that there's anything wrong with the candidate -- it's the party that's the problem.
February 12, 2010
tribune242
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.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham apologizes for non-disclosure of his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act
By Juan Mccartney ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ juan@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night apologized to the nation for failing to disclose his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"This morning The Nassau Guardian's editorial called for me to apologize to the Bahamian people for my omission," Ingraham said at a rally last night. "I do so now. I offer no excuse. I blame no one for my not having done so. I'm sorry and I will correct this situation forthwith."
Ingraham's apology came as a result of his admission in a Guardian article published two days ago, in which he candidly admitted that he had failed to follow the disclosure.
"I said that I would do so as quickly as possible," said the prime minister. "I said that knowing that one of these disclosure statements has already been prepared for me and I have only to do a final check and sign and submit it. I regret that I have permitted my schedule to distract me from completing this obligation."
The Guardian has published several articles pointing out that outside of the electoral process, public disclosure has become a thing of the past.
Last week, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants President Reece Chipman had called for greater public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials, and also suggested that certified accountants verify the veracity of disclosure statements.
Ingraham claimed his apology was issued in order to demonstrate the difference between the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The PM further claimed that the PLP took "neither responsibility nor blame for anything."
During last night's rally, the prime minister also alleged that the PLP has been consistently distorting reality and playing the 'blame game'.
"When under a competent and trustful FNM government, our economy was booming and we had the lowest rate of unemployment ever and the highest household incomes ever - they claimed it was because the U.S. economy was doing well," he said. "When we began experiencing a downturn in our economy two years ago, they claimed it had nothing to do with the recession and high unemployment in the U.S. economy; they claimed it was my fault."
Ingraham also said that in the past few weeks - much like the past two years - the PLP has told the people of Elizabeth that the country's economic woes were all his fault.
"They say we have a high level of unemployment, people's lights have been turned off, many mortgage payments are behind, times are hard for many and many people are hurting. And they say government revenue is down and borrowing is up," he said. "This is true; true for The Bahamas, true for America; true for Europe and true for the Caribbean. But according to them this is my fault and the FNM's fault. We caused the global economic tsunami that has affected all countries in our part of the world. Next thing they'll be blaming me for the weather. But, you notice that now as the world economy is showing signs of improving, I'm not getting the blame for the improvement."
The prime minister said that unlike the PLP, he deals in "facts and reality, not fiction and delusion."
"They claim we're fixing your roads because of the by-election," he said. "You know that road paving began long before we knew there was gonna be a by-election. In fact we are paving and repairing and upgrading roads all over New Providence, including in the following constituencies represented in Parliament by members of the opposition: Bain and Grants Town, Farm Road and Centreville, Fort Charlotte, Fox Hill, Golden Gates, St. Thomas More and St Cecilia. Ain't no by-elections being held in any of them, eh?"
Ingraham claimed the FNM always works in the interest of all people.
"That's why roads are being paved all over Bahamaland," he said.
Mocking the PLP's slogan for its candidate Ryan Pinder, Ingraham said, "This ain't no time for 'Trying Ryan'."
"This is no time for a rookie," he said. "These are hard times. These are difficult times. These are tough times. This is the time for a tested hand, a proven hand, a familiar hand, a trusted hand. This is the time for [FNM candidate] Dr. Duane Sands."
Ingraham said Sands - a heart surgeon - is needed in the House of Assembly.
"We need you to send Duane Sands to the House so he can help your FNM team to create jobs and business opportunities," he said. "We need Duane Sands to help us to pursue the strategies needed to combat crime here in Elizabeth and across the country. We need Duane Sands to help us create an affordable national health insurance program. Duane Sands will not only be a fine representative for Elizabeth, he will also be a key figure on an FNM team that is delivering for you."
The Elizabeth by-election takes place on Tuesday.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham last night apologized to the nation for failing to disclose his finances in accordance with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"This morning The Nassau Guardian's editorial called for me to apologize to the Bahamian people for my omission," Ingraham said at a rally last night. "I do so now. I offer no excuse. I blame no one for my not having done so. I'm sorry and I will correct this situation forthwith."
Ingraham's apology came as a result of his admission in a Guardian article published two days ago, in which he candidly admitted that he had failed to follow the disclosure.
"I said that I would do so as quickly as possible," said the prime minister. "I said that knowing that one of these disclosure statements has already been prepared for me and I have only to do a final check and sign and submit it. I regret that I have permitted my schedule to distract me from completing this obligation."
The Guardian has published several articles pointing out that outside of the electoral process, public disclosure has become a thing of the past.
Last week, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants President Reece Chipman had called for greater public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials, and also suggested that certified accountants verify the veracity of disclosure statements.
Ingraham claimed his apology was issued in order to demonstrate the difference between the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).
The PM further claimed that the PLP took "neither responsibility nor blame for anything."
During last night's rally, the prime minister also alleged that the PLP has been consistently distorting reality and playing the 'blame game'.
"When under a competent and trustful FNM government, our economy was booming and we had the lowest rate of unemployment ever and the highest household incomes ever - they claimed it was because the U.S. economy was doing well," he said. "When we began experiencing a downturn in our economy two years ago, they claimed it had nothing to do with the recession and high unemployment in the U.S. economy; they claimed it was my fault."
Ingraham also said that in the past few weeks - much like the past two years - the PLP has told the people of Elizabeth that the country's economic woes were all his fault.
"They say we have a high level of unemployment, people's lights have been turned off, many mortgage payments are behind, times are hard for many and many people are hurting. And they say government revenue is down and borrowing is up," he said. "This is true; true for The Bahamas, true for America; true for Europe and true for the Caribbean. But according to them this is my fault and the FNM's fault. We caused the global economic tsunami that has affected all countries in our part of the world. Next thing they'll be blaming me for the weather. But, you notice that now as the world economy is showing signs of improving, I'm not getting the blame for the improvement."
The prime minister said that unlike the PLP, he deals in "facts and reality, not fiction and delusion."
"They claim we're fixing your roads because of the by-election," he said. "You know that road paving began long before we knew there was gonna be a by-election. In fact we are paving and repairing and upgrading roads all over New Providence, including in the following constituencies represented in Parliament by members of the opposition: Bain and Grants Town, Farm Road and Centreville, Fort Charlotte, Fox Hill, Golden Gates, St. Thomas More and St Cecilia. Ain't no by-elections being held in any of them, eh?"
Ingraham claimed the FNM always works in the interest of all people.
"That's why roads are being paved all over Bahamaland," he said.
Mocking the PLP's slogan for its candidate Ryan Pinder, Ingraham said, "This ain't no time for 'Trying Ryan'."
"This is no time for a rookie," he said. "These are hard times. These are difficult times. These are tough times. This is the time for a tested hand, a proven hand, a familiar hand, a trusted hand. This is the time for [FNM candidate] Dr. Duane Sands."
Ingraham said Sands - a heart surgeon - is needed in the House of Assembly.
"We need you to send Duane Sands to the House so he can help your FNM team to create jobs and business opportunities," he said. "We need Duane Sands to help us to pursue the strategies needed to combat crime here in Elizabeth and across the country. We need Duane Sands to help us create an affordable national health insurance program. Duane Sands will not only be a fine representative for Elizabeth, he will also be a key figure on an FNM team that is delivering for you."
The Elizabeth by-election takes place on Tuesday.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Friday, February 12, 2010
Ryan Pinder Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Elizabeth by-election candidate renounces his United States citizenship
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Progressive Liberal Party by-election candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder yesterday announced that he surrendered his United States citizenship. The decision comes after weeks of criticism in the political arena. However, yesterday he denied that his decision had anything to do with politics.
Pinder, who is the son of former politician Marvin Pinder, had dual citizenship in The Bahamas and the United States - his mother is an American.
"It happened a while back," he told The Nassau Guardian, referring to his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
"It's not a political decision for me. I'm a man that discusses the issues. The issues are important to the constituents of Elizabeth and it's a shame that this insignificant issue has caused a state of confusion."
"I love the country that I'm a part of. I love The Bahamas. I'm a Bahamian and that's where I stand," he stated.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham recently took an indirect swipe at Pinder.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian," Ingraham said speaking about the Free National Movement's candidate in the by-election.
"He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not dual, single," Ingraham said.
While some political observers believe that Pinder was pressured in making the decision, Pinder said that the choice to give up his U.S. citizen was his alone.
Asked whether the PLP asked him to renounce his citizenship, he said, "no, absolutely not."
Pinder, who has worked in the United States for several years as a tax attorney and returned to The Bahamas about three years ago, said he has no regrets about his decision.
"I work in Nassau, The Bahamas. This is my permanent place of work and permanent place of living. So I work in Nassau and this has no bearing on that."
In July 2008, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., the U.S. company that employed Pinder, named him to head the firm's new office in New Providence.
According to its website, Becker and Poliakoff is a diversified commercial law firm whose core areas of practice include real estate, condominium and homeowners association law, construction, international business and trade, government law and lobbying, civil and commercial litigation, and corporate securities and tax law. The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
In addition to Sands and Pinder, other candidates in the election are Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur and National Development Party chairman Dr. Andre Rollins.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Progressive Liberal Party by-election candidate for Elizabeth Ryan Pinder yesterday announced that he surrendered his United States citizenship. The decision comes after weeks of criticism in the political arena. However, yesterday he denied that his decision had anything to do with politics.
Pinder, who is the son of former politician Marvin Pinder, had dual citizenship in The Bahamas and the United States - his mother is an American.
"It happened a while back," he told The Nassau Guardian, referring to his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship.
"It's not a political decision for me. I'm a man that discusses the issues. The issues are important to the constituents of Elizabeth and it's a shame that this insignificant issue has caused a state of confusion."
"I love the country that I'm a part of. I love The Bahamas. I'm a Bahamian and that's where I stand," he stated.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham recently took an indirect swipe at Pinder.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian," Ingraham said speaking about the Free National Movement's candidate in the by-election.
"He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not dual, single," Ingraham said.
While some political observers believe that Pinder was pressured in making the decision, Pinder said that the choice to give up his U.S. citizen was his alone.
Asked whether the PLP asked him to renounce his citizenship, he said, "no, absolutely not."
Pinder, who has worked in the United States for several years as a tax attorney and returned to The Bahamas about three years ago, said he has no regrets about his decision.
"I work in Nassau, The Bahamas. This is my permanent place of work and permanent place of living. So I work in Nassau and this has no bearing on that."
In July 2008, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., the U.S. company that employed Pinder, named him to head the firm's new office in New Providence.
According to its website, Becker and Poliakoff is a diversified commercial law firm whose core areas of practice include real estate, condominium and homeowners association law, construction, international business and trade, government law and lobbying, civil and commercial litigation, and corporate securities and tax law. The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former Progressive Liberal Party MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
In addition to Sands and Pinder, other candidates in the election are Bahamas Democratic Movement leader Cassius Stuart, Workers Party leader Rodney Moncur and National Development Party chairman Dr. Andre Rollins.
February 12, 2010
thenassauguardian
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie alleges unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth by-election
By CANDIA DAMES ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie last night alleged that there were unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth ahead of Tuesday's by-election.
"The people of Elizabeth are witnessing and experiencing offers of temporary jobs, paving of roads and even track roads, installation of street lights, fancy promises about taking care of them, all to get them to vote against Ryan Pinder and the PLP," Christie alleged at a rally in the constituency last night.
"There is no doubt that the people of Elizabeth deserve everything that they can get and we support their receiving such entitlements. But the question must be asked, why wait until now?"
Christie said he found it interesting that after all this time in office, the FNM government "is only now just showing its face in Elizabeth."
"Santa Claus is coming to town in February," he said. "Imagine that."
In the weeks since attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned his Parliamentary seat, the national spotlight has been focused on Elizabeth, with constituents' needs being highlighted by the five candidates in the race.
Matching the articulation of those needs have been a slew of promises on how they will be addressed.
Christie urged residents last night not to be fooled by the election.
"The only party in this race that really cares about you is the same party that has always cared about struggling Bahamians - the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
Christie also encouraged Elizabeth constituents to show the Free National Movement just how smart they are.
"Let them know that you don't want to go just a little way with a few handouts," he said. "Tell them that you want to go all the way to freedom and dignity with the PLP. Tell them that this is politics at its most cynical level and that you reject it thoroughly."
Christie said Elizabeth voters have every right to ask the FNM government and the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands where they have been over the past two years.
He again expressed confidence in the outcome of the approaching election.
"I feel confident that at the end of the five days that remain, a new day for the people of Elizabeth will come to life; a new day will dawn; a new day that will bring in a new era of caring and compassionate representation; a new era of imaginative and innovative representation...," Christie said.
But the PLP leader told supporters, "We are almost there, but we're not there yet. Let's not lose sight of that fact. We've come a long way over the last couple of weeks but we still have some ways to go. There is still ground to be covered. There are still five days left and these last five days will be the hardest ground of all to cover."
He also said Pinder would play an important role in the next government.
"If you're looking for a stand-up political fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with his opponents and to debate them in public on the issues, then Ryan is your man," said Christie in a clear swipe at Sands for not participating in Jones Communications' candidates debate on Tuesday night.
Heaping more praise on Pinder, the PLP leader called the candidate "someone with bright, new, clearly-thought-out ideas for fixing the social and economic problems" that Elizabeth constituents face.
He also characterized Pinder as someone who feels deeply about the plight of disaffected youth, the unemployed and residents fearful of escalating crime.
Pinder told supporters last night that he is not the kind of candidate will would be reachable only when he needs votes.
"So Elizabeth, on this short march to victory, on which I hope you will partner with me, you can be sure of a PLP candidate who has your welfare and your future as priority, and who will offer sensible and realistic solutions to everyday problems," he said.
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
Progressive Liberal Party leader Perry Christie last night alleged that there were unfair electoral practices in Elizabeth ahead of Tuesday's by-election.
"The people of Elizabeth are witnessing and experiencing offers of temporary jobs, paving of roads and even track roads, installation of street lights, fancy promises about taking care of them, all to get them to vote against Ryan Pinder and the PLP," Christie alleged at a rally in the constituency last night.
"There is no doubt that the people of Elizabeth deserve everything that they can get and we support their receiving such entitlements. But the question must be asked, why wait until now?"
Christie said he found it interesting that after all this time in office, the FNM government "is only now just showing its face in Elizabeth."
"Santa Claus is coming to town in February," he said. "Imagine that."
In the weeks since attorney Malcolm Adderley resigned his Parliamentary seat, the national spotlight has been focused on Elizabeth, with constituents' needs being highlighted by the five candidates in the race.
Matching the articulation of those needs have been a slew of promises on how they will be addressed.
Christie urged residents last night not to be fooled by the election.
"The only party in this race that really cares about you is the same party that has always cared about struggling Bahamians - the Progressive Liberal Party," he said.
Christie also encouraged Elizabeth constituents to show the Free National Movement just how smart they are.
"Let them know that you don't want to go just a little way with a few handouts," he said. "Tell them that you want to go all the way to freedom and dignity with the PLP. Tell them that this is politics at its most cynical level and that you reject it thoroughly."
Christie said Elizabeth voters have every right to ask the FNM government and the FNM's candidate Dr. Duane Sands where they have been over the past two years.
He again expressed confidence in the outcome of the approaching election.
"I feel confident that at the end of the five days that remain, a new day for the people of Elizabeth will come to life; a new day will dawn; a new day that will bring in a new era of caring and compassionate representation; a new era of imaginative and innovative representation...," Christie said.
But the PLP leader told supporters, "We are almost there, but we're not there yet. Let's not lose sight of that fact. We've come a long way over the last couple of weeks but we still have some ways to go. There is still ground to be covered. There are still five days left and these last five days will be the hardest ground of all to cover."
He also said Pinder would play an important role in the next government.
"If you're looking for a stand-up political fighter who is not afraid to go toe-to-toe with his opponents and to debate them in public on the issues, then Ryan is your man," said Christie in a clear swipe at Sands for not participating in Jones Communications' candidates debate on Tuesday night.
Heaping more praise on Pinder, the PLP leader called the candidate "someone with bright, new, clearly-thought-out ideas for fixing the social and economic problems" that Elizabeth constituents face.
He also characterized Pinder as someone who feels deeply about the plight of disaffected youth, the unemployed and residents fearful of escalating crime.
Pinder told supporters last night that he is not the kind of candidate will would be reachable only when he needs votes.
"So Elizabeth, on this short march to victory, on which I hope you will partner with me, you can be sure of a PLP candidate who has your welfare and your future as priority, and who will offer sensible and realistic solutions to everyday problems," he said.
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
Dr. Duane Sands: I support National Health Insurance (NHI)
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
In 2006 when the debate over National Health Insurance (NHI) was raging, Dr. Duane Sands emerged as a key opposition voice to the plan as presented by the Christie administration.
Today, as the Free National Movement's candidate in the approaching by-election, Sands is making headlines for other reasons, but his opponents are quick to remind voters that four years ago he fought the battle against the highly touted program.
"My impression was he did not support National Health Insurance," said Dr. Bernard Nottage, who was minister of health in 2006 and is now the Progressive Liberal Party's coordinator for its Elizabeth by-election campaign.
"Indeed, my impression was he did not support universal health insurance. Dr. Sands is an influential physician who has worked in our system in both the private and public [sectors] for many years. And he knows the weaknesses and the faults of the system. He knows that there are people in this country who when they fall ill are denied care because they do not have the money to pay."
Sands on the other hand suggested that because he has worked in the system for such a long time, he has a good idea of what is realistic and what is not. And what the PLP was proposing in 2006, he said, was just not realistic.
"It's interesting that much of what is being said about me now is that I opposed National Health Insurance (NHI)," Sands said yesterday. "There's nothing further from the truth. I did not oppose National Health Insurance. I didn't then and I don't oppose it now.
"What I did oppose was something that was poorly conceived and likely to be poorly executed, and I thought that we were trying to sell the Bahamian public a bill of goods for political mileage. I say that without fear of contradiction. At the time, when I was a technical person in the Ministry [of Health], I said this cannot work, this will not accomplish what it is setting out to do."
In 2006, Sands was part of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform.
Back then he said, "I have absolutely no problem with a National Health Insurance Plan.
"I think it should happen now. I think we need to make dramatic changes in the way health care is delivered. We need to improve access for our Bahamian people, but I've gone on record, and I go on record today, as saying this plan as currently touted will not do what it's intended to do, and more importantly, I believe that we're not terribly far off from the proponents of the current [proposed] National Health Insurance Plan.
"I believe that there's enough talent in this country that if we sit down together and hash out the differences we can all develop a National Health Insurance Plan which we can be proud of, which would be sustainable and which would achieve the noble goals set out by the Blue Ribbon Commission [on National Health Insurance]. We're not terribly far off."
When the National Health Insurance Bill came to Parliament in 2006, Free National Movement members supported it, although they repeatedly pointed to what they called flaws in the Christie government's NHI plan.
In his contribution to the debate on December 6, 2002, then leader of the opposition Hubert Ingraham pointed out that the bill would not have created NHI.
"If, according to them (the PLP) people are dying because there is no National Health Insurance, then people will continue to die because this bill is most certainly not delivering National Health Insurance," Ingraham said.
The bill was passed, but had a short shelf life as it came mere months before the Christie administration's one term in government ended. Under the Ingraham administration, talk of NHI has taken on new form.
The government has said its national drug prescription plan is the first step to NHI and that there will be other steps in its planned phased approach, although no timelines have been given.
But Nottage is doubtful that any meaningful National Health Insurance Scheme will ever develop under the current administration.
"If poor people can't afford it now, how are they going to be able afford it in the future unless there is a national system which we were trying to implement, a system by the way which requires every person who is employed to make a contribution toward health care in the country, pooling the resources so that everybody pays and when one of us becomes ill [we] would not have to worry about having the cash to pay," he said yesterday.
The former health minister said some members of the medical profession are ambivalent about National Health Insurance.
"They want people to have good health care but they don't want to make the sacrifices that are required for them to have good care," he said. "And some of those sacrifices include having to forgo many of the benefits that health professionals have, and so I think it is that ambivalence that has created this opposition."
Sands said in 2006 that he is prepared to work with anyone to come up with a plan that will be sustainable and realistic.
Yesterday he said, "Let's not offer people something that it isn't. National Health Insurance, universal health care, health care reform are emotionally charged buzz words because health care is so critical in a personal way and in a national way. You've got to be very careful that you don't take people's emotions and run with them in a way that you hold out something that is not real. That's lying to people.
"What you need to be able to do is say 'here's where we are, here's where we'd like to go and we think this is where we can get to'. You've got to be honest. I think people understand and appreciate honesty."
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
In 2006 when the debate over National Health Insurance (NHI) was raging, Dr. Duane Sands emerged as a key opposition voice to the plan as presented by the Christie administration.
Today, as the Free National Movement's candidate in the approaching by-election, Sands is making headlines for other reasons, but his opponents are quick to remind voters that four years ago he fought the battle against the highly touted program.
"My impression was he did not support National Health Insurance," said Dr. Bernard Nottage, who was minister of health in 2006 and is now the Progressive Liberal Party's coordinator for its Elizabeth by-election campaign.
"Indeed, my impression was he did not support universal health insurance. Dr. Sands is an influential physician who has worked in our system in both the private and public [sectors] for many years. And he knows the weaknesses and the faults of the system. He knows that there are people in this country who when they fall ill are denied care because they do not have the money to pay."
Sands on the other hand suggested that because he has worked in the system for such a long time, he has a good idea of what is realistic and what is not. And what the PLP was proposing in 2006, he said, was just not realistic.
"It's interesting that much of what is being said about me now is that I opposed National Health Insurance (NHI)," Sands said yesterday. "There's nothing further from the truth. I did not oppose National Health Insurance. I didn't then and I don't oppose it now.
"What I did oppose was something that was poorly conceived and likely to be poorly executed, and I thought that we were trying to sell the Bahamian public a bill of goods for political mileage. I say that without fear of contradiction. At the time, when I was a technical person in the Ministry [of Health], I said this cannot work, this will not accomplish what it is setting out to do."
In 2006, Sands was part of the National Coalition for Health Care Reform.
Back then he said, "I have absolutely no problem with a National Health Insurance Plan.
"I think it should happen now. I think we need to make dramatic changes in the way health care is delivered. We need to improve access for our Bahamian people, but I've gone on record, and I go on record today, as saying this plan as currently touted will not do what it's intended to do, and more importantly, I believe that we're not terribly far off from the proponents of the current [proposed] National Health Insurance Plan.
"I believe that there's enough talent in this country that if we sit down together and hash out the differences we can all develop a National Health Insurance Plan which we can be proud of, which would be sustainable and which would achieve the noble goals set out by the Blue Ribbon Commission [on National Health Insurance]. We're not terribly far off."
When the National Health Insurance Bill came to Parliament in 2006, Free National Movement members supported it, although they repeatedly pointed to what they called flaws in the Christie government's NHI plan.
In his contribution to the debate on December 6, 2002, then leader of the opposition Hubert Ingraham pointed out that the bill would not have created NHI.
"If, according to them (the PLP) people are dying because there is no National Health Insurance, then people will continue to die because this bill is most certainly not delivering National Health Insurance," Ingraham said.
The bill was passed, but had a short shelf life as it came mere months before the Christie administration's one term in government ended. Under the Ingraham administration, talk of NHI has taken on new form.
The government has said its national drug prescription plan is the first step to NHI and that there will be other steps in its planned phased approach, although no timelines have been given.
But Nottage is doubtful that any meaningful National Health Insurance Scheme will ever develop under the current administration.
"If poor people can't afford it now, how are they going to be able afford it in the future unless there is a national system which we were trying to implement, a system by the way which requires every person who is employed to make a contribution toward health care in the country, pooling the resources so that everybody pays and when one of us becomes ill [we] would not have to worry about having the cash to pay," he said yesterday.
The former health minister said some members of the medical profession are ambivalent about National Health Insurance.
"They want people to have good health care but they don't want to make the sacrifices that are required for them to have good care," he said. "And some of those sacrifices include having to forgo many of the benefits that health professionals have, and so I think it is that ambivalence that has created this opposition."
Sands said in 2006 that he is prepared to work with anyone to come up with a plan that will be sustainable and realistic.
Yesterday he said, "Let's not offer people something that it isn't. National Health Insurance, universal health care, health care reform are emotionally charged buzz words because health care is so critical in a personal way and in a national way. You've got to be very careful that you don't take people's emotions and run with them in a way that you hold out something that is not real. That's lying to people.
"What you need to be able to do is say 'here's where we are, here's where we'd like to go and we think this is where we can get to'. You've got to be honest. I think people understand and appreciate honesty."
February 11, 2010
thenassauguardian
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham admits non-disclosure
By JUAN MCCARTNEY ~ Guardian Senior Reporter - juan@nasguard.com:
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday admitted that like many other members of Parliament, he has not been complying with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"The last one I did was the day before the election in 2007," said the prime minister in a candid interview with The Nassau Guardian in his office at the Churchill Building yesterday.
Ingraham was responding to questions raised after a Guardian investigation uncovered that published public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials has basically become a thing of the past.
"I saw your story and we will give some attention to that," Ingraham said when asked if he was aware of the issue. In fact, Ingraham admitted that, "the Public Disclosures Act is not being adhered to by members of Parliament."
The last disclosures published were done on November 3, 2004. However, that information was only current up to the end of 2000.
On Tuesday, the prime minister said that he has all of his financial statements up to end of last year in order and has only to turn them in.
"I brought all of mine up to date," Ingraham said. "I've prepared all the others for 2007 and 2008. I haven't filed them yet, but I'll file '07, '08 and '09 between now and the end of March and early April."
With an entrance tucked in a corner behind the Office of Government Publications and next to the Royal Bahamas Police Force Drug Enforcement Unit's Marine Division on East Bay Street, it's easy to see how somebody could have difficulty locating the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) if no one explained exactly where it is located.
The secreted location of the PDC might be one reason public officials have trouble turning in their disclosures.
For years, various parliamentarians have claimed that the disclosure laws are more to allow the public a glimpse into their private lives.
However, the law - drafted in 1976 - was created specifically to ensure that elected and publicly appointed officials do not enrich themselves off of the public purse.
As far as how the Ingraham administration will address its own elected and publicly appointed officials' delinquencies, Ingraham said that he was in no position to tell other public officials to disclose their financial information in light of his own transgressions.
"The first thing I must do is bring myself up to date before I have the moral authority to ask others to do so," Ingraham said. "I've done so up to 2007 and I haven't done so since. I don't seek to find any excuse for not having done so. I just haven't done it. But I'll do it."
The penalty for not disclosing the information or providing incorrect information is a $10,000 fine and/or two years in prison.
To be fair, even though the information is ultimately forwarded to Cabinet, the process for public disclosure is that all information is to be submitted to the PDC, then audited by its appointed board, according to sources within the PDC.
Why two administrations have passed and a third has almost reached the halfway mark with no new information having been published since 2004 is a question that has yet to be answered.
When contacted last week, the head of the PDC, Oswald Isaacs, said he wasn't prepared to sit for an interview because he had only recently been appointed to the post.
Isaacs referred The Guardian to the secretary of the commission, who did not return messages left for him.
What was gathered from multiple sources is that the hold up usually occurs in Cabinet. Getting anyone connected to Cabinet to confirm that proved fruitless. Cabinet meetings are considered top secret.
It is also understood that if even one person required to make public disclosure fails to do so, the entire process is held up.
Also, the verification process was said to take quite some time.
But how a government that produces a yearly budget for dozens of government departments outlining thousands of line items in minute detail, cannot compile the financial data of fewer than 100 people on a yearly basis is a question that might never be answered.
February 10, 2010
thenassauguardian
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday admitted that like many other members of Parliament, he has not been complying with the Public Disclosures Act for the past several years.
"The last one I did was the day before the election in 2007," said the prime minister in a candid interview with The Nassau Guardian in his office at the Churchill Building yesterday.
Ingraham was responding to questions raised after a Guardian investigation uncovered that published public disclosure among elected and publicly appointed officials has basically become a thing of the past.
"I saw your story and we will give some attention to that," Ingraham said when asked if he was aware of the issue. In fact, Ingraham admitted that, "the Public Disclosures Act is not being adhered to by members of Parliament."
The last disclosures published were done on November 3, 2004. However, that information was only current up to the end of 2000.
On Tuesday, the prime minister said that he has all of his financial statements up to end of last year in order and has only to turn them in.
"I brought all of mine up to date," Ingraham said. "I've prepared all the others for 2007 and 2008. I haven't filed them yet, but I'll file '07, '08 and '09 between now and the end of March and early April."
With an entrance tucked in a corner behind the Office of Government Publications and next to the Royal Bahamas Police Force Drug Enforcement Unit's Marine Division on East Bay Street, it's easy to see how somebody could have difficulty locating the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) if no one explained exactly where it is located.
The secreted location of the PDC might be one reason public officials have trouble turning in their disclosures.
For years, various parliamentarians have claimed that the disclosure laws are more to allow the public a glimpse into their private lives.
However, the law - drafted in 1976 - was created specifically to ensure that elected and publicly appointed officials do not enrich themselves off of the public purse.
As far as how the Ingraham administration will address its own elected and publicly appointed officials' delinquencies, Ingraham said that he was in no position to tell other public officials to disclose their financial information in light of his own transgressions.
"The first thing I must do is bring myself up to date before I have the moral authority to ask others to do so," Ingraham said. "I've done so up to 2007 and I haven't done so since. I don't seek to find any excuse for not having done so. I just haven't done it. But I'll do it."
The penalty for not disclosing the information or providing incorrect information is a $10,000 fine and/or two years in prison.
To be fair, even though the information is ultimately forwarded to Cabinet, the process for public disclosure is that all information is to be submitted to the PDC, then audited by its appointed board, according to sources within the PDC.
Why two administrations have passed and a third has almost reached the halfway mark with no new information having been published since 2004 is a question that has yet to be answered.
When contacted last week, the head of the PDC, Oswald Isaacs, said he wasn't prepared to sit for an interview because he had only recently been appointed to the post.
Isaacs referred The Guardian to the secretary of the commission, who did not return messages left for him.
What was gathered from multiple sources is that the hold up usually occurs in Cabinet. Getting anyone connected to Cabinet to confirm that proved fruitless. Cabinet meetings are considered top secret.
It is also understood that if even one person required to make public disclosure fails to do so, the entire process is held up.
Also, the verification process was said to take quite some time.
But how a government that produces a yearly budget for dozens of government departments outlining thousands of line items in minute detail, cannot compile the financial data of fewer than 100 people on a yearly basis is a question that might never be answered.
February 10, 2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham predicts FNM Elizabeth by-election win
By Krystel Rolle ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com:
Charging that the Progressive Liberal Party is a "neglectful bunch" that does not have the wherewithal to help the people of Elizabeth, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday predicted that the Free National Movement would win the by-election.
"[PLP leader] Perry Christie is screaming and hollering now," Ingraham said last night during the opening of the FNM's Trinidad Street headquarters.
"You think he's scared? Well he better be scared because on the 16th, we (the FNM) will put it on him. Papa will cut his behind on the 16th. Papa is going to get a brand new man. Papa [is] never scared," said Ingraham, referring to himself as Papa.
The FNM leader said the PLP has been neglecting the Elizabeth constituency since the area was known as Malcolm Street in the 1990s.
"It does not make sense from your point of view to go with them. They didn't deliver for you before," Ingraham said speaking to supporters.
He challenged voters to ask themselves several questions before they decide who they want to vote for.
"What can they (the PLP) do for you now? What did they do for you when they had power? If they didn't do anything for you when they had power, what can they do for you without power? If you vote for the PLP on election day, ask yourself, what is in this for me?" continued Ingraham.
The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former PLP MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
"I've come tonight to ask you to give us (the FNM) the remaining two and a half years," Ingraham told supporters. "We are in the pick-up business and we'd like that two and a half years."
Turning his attention to the ongoing controversy regarding fraudulent voters, Ingraham said the party has put plans in place to ensure that people who are not entitled to vote, do not get away with it.
Ingraham announced that the register of the list of voters in the Elizabeth constituency would be published in The Nassau Guardian on Wednesday.
"We are publishing it for the purpose of making sure that the public of The Bahamas can know whose names appear there, and where they say they live. Citizens will be able to tell us and tell others, 'I know he don't live there'. So Wednesday, get The Guardian and you'll see the registered voters," he said.
He reiterated his appeal to people seeking to vote illegally against attempting to do so.
"Everybody who is on the registry is able to vote on election day. People who don't live in the constituency should not vote. People who weren't living here for three months, they should not vote either. But if they chose to vote, they can vote."
"Now the law says you should not thief, you should not kill, but people still do that. So when they do that and they are caught, there are consequences. So people who don't live in Elizabeth, we know they don't live here, we will challenge them on election day, or the PLP will challenge their vote or the parliamentary people will challenge the vote."
Ingraham said if people who are not entitled to vote still chose to do so they will face the repercussions.
"And if they bus you in from Englerston, from Bain and Grants Town, from Chippingham, don't bother with that because they (the people responsible for busing you in) [are not] going up there with you," he said referring to prison.
"There is no point of being a fool in this business. That's a very personal thing. No one [can] serve that for you. You have to serve that for yourself," he continued, referring to a prison sentence.
Meantime, FNM candidate Dr. Duane Sands announced last night that he has resigned from the board of the Central Bank and as president of the Medical Council.
He said his full attention has been turned to addressing the needs of the people of Elizabeth.
He said after spending the last seven years in the "wilderness" it's about time the people of Elizabeth get real representation.
If he is chosen to represent the constituency, Sands has committed to extending the hours of operation at the constituency's local clinic and library.
He said the library, which closes at 5 p.m., will remain open for some additional hours to allow school children longer periods to complete their work. He added that the library would be staffed by College of The Bahamas students, or teachers who will be charged with assisting the school children.
Additionally, he said the clinic would remain open so that single mothers could take their children for check-ups after working hours.
"I will respond to your needs," he promised.
"I will not let you down."
Ingraham appealed to voters to choose Sands.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian. He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not duel, single," Ingraham said, throwing a jab at the PLP, whose candidate Ryan Pinder has duel citizenship for The Bahamas and the United States.
February 09, 2010
thenassauguardian
Charging that the Progressive Liberal Party is a "neglectful bunch" that does not have the wherewithal to help the people of Elizabeth, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday predicted that the Free National Movement would win the by-election.
"[PLP leader] Perry Christie is screaming and hollering now," Ingraham said last night during the opening of the FNM's Trinidad Street headquarters.
"You think he's scared? Well he better be scared because on the 16th, we (the FNM) will put it on him. Papa will cut his behind on the 16th. Papa is going to get a brand new man. Papa [is] never scared," said Ingraham, referring to himself as Papa.
The FNM leader said the PLP has been neglecting the Elizabeth constituency since the area was known as Malcolm Street in the 1990s.
"It does not make sense from your point of view to go with them. They didn't deliver for you before," Ingraham said speaking to supporters.
He challenged voters to ask themselves several questions before they decide who they want to vote for.
"What can they (the PLP) do for you now? What did they do for you when they had power? If they didn't do anything for you when they had power, what can they do for you without power? If you vote for the PLP on election day, ask yourself, what is in this for me?" continued Ingraham.
The Elizabeth seat became available last month when former PLP MP Malcolm Adderley resigned from the House of Assembly. He also resigned from the party.
His resignation came at the halfway mark of the Ingraham administration's third, non-consecutive term in office.
"I've come tonight to ask you to give us (the FNM) the remaining two and a half years," Ingraham told supporters. "We are in the pick-up business and we'd like that two and a half years."
Turning his attention to the ongoing controversy regarding fraudulent voters, Ingraham said the party has put plans in place to ensure that people who are not entitled to vote, do not get away with it.
Ingraham announced that the register of the list of voters in the Elizabeth constituency would be published in The Nassau Guardian on Wednesday.
"We are publishing it for the purpose of making sure that the public of The Bahamas can know whose names appear there, and where they say they live. Citizens will be able to tell us and tell others, 'I know he don't live there'. So Wednesday, get The Guardian and you'll see the registered voters," he said.
He reiterated his appeal to people seeking to vote illegally against attempting to do so.
"Everybody who is on the registry is able to vote on election day. People who don't live in the constituency should not vote. People who weren't living here for three months, they should not vote either. But if they chose to vote, they can vote."
"Now the law says you should not thief, you should not kill, but people still do that. So when they do that and they are caught, there are consequences. So people who don't live in Elizabeth, we know they don't live here, we will challenge them on election day, or the PLP will challenge their vote or the parliamentary people will challenge the vote."
Ingraham said if people who are not entitled to vote still chose to do so they will face the repercussions.
"And if they bus you in from Englerston, from Bain and Grants Town, from Chippingham, don't bother with that because they (the people responsible for busing you in) [are not] going up there with you," he said referring to prison.
"There is no point of being a fool in this business. That's a very personal thing. No one [can] serve that for you. You have to serve that for yourself," he continued, referring to a prison sentence.
Meantime, FNM candidate Dr. Duane Sands announced last night that he has resigned from the board of the Central Bank and as president of the Medical Council.
He said his full attention has been turned to addressing the needs of the people of Elizabeth.
He said after spending the last seven years in the "wilderness" it's about time the people of Elizabeth get real representation.
If he is chosen to represent the constituency, Sands has committed to extending the hours of operation at the constituency's local clinic and library.
He said the library, which closes at 5 p.m., will remain open for some additional hours to allow school children longer periods to complete their work. He added that the library would be staffed by College of The Bahamas students, or teachers who will be charged with assisting the school children.
Additionally, he said the clinic would remain open so that single mothers could take their children for check-ups after working hours.
"I will respond to your needs," he promised.
"I will not let you down."
Ingraham appealed to voters to choose Sands.
"In Duane Sands you have a patriotic Bahamian. He is a full-blooded Bahamian, loyal to The Bahamas, he is only a Bahamian - not duel, single," Ingraham said, throwing a jab at the PLP, whose candidate Ryan Pinder has duel citizenship for The Bahamas and the United States.
February 09, 2010
thenassauguardian
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