Unions must separate politics from protest
thenassauguardian editorial
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) must be the newest trade union in the country. Numerous PLP members of Parliament and senior party officers attended the mass union rally at the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers (BCPOU) Hall on Wednesday night.
Having the PLP present at the rally does not help the unions’ cause. The unions argue that they want BTC sold to Bahamians. The PLP wanted to sell 49 percent of BTC to a nebulous network of foreigners before it lost the government in 2007.
The PLP was at the rally because the unions are causing trouble for the government. A PLP that spent much of its time in opposition factionalized is now seeking to capitalize on the missteps of the Free National Movement (FNM). The PLP was not there to support workers.
The unions are advocating for a policy we support. Bahamian assets should be sold to Bahamians. They are also attempting to preserve jobs at the company.
Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) wants to terminate 30 percent of the employees at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC). The unions oppose this move.
We think the public service is overstaffed and inefficient. However, the unions have a right to fight for the members they represent.
In doing so, the unions must ensure they do not allow politicians to latch on to their cause for political gain. When voters look at pictures in newspapers and see the opposition at the rally, the protest could appear politically motivated rather than being based on a dispute between government and labor.
The opposition is hoping the BTC dispute becomes as nasty as it did at the end of the FNM’s second term in office, when angry union members confronted Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham in front of the Cabinet Office.
Current PLP Golden Gates MP Shane Gibson was the BCPOU president at the time. He became a PLP candidate shortly after his union embarrassed the government.
We hope the current leaders of the BTC unions are not on the offensive against the government because they are auditioning for political office. The presence of the PLP at the rally could give that impression.
If the unions are operating independent of the PLP, they should make it known that the opposition is not a part of their camp.
The PLP has no message on the BTC issue that is different from the FNM. The unions should not allow the opposition to appear to be their champion when they share the same policies as the FNM.
12/10/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) secret attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election
The PLP and their Blue Water 'secrets'
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP seems to be a party always anxious to distance itself from its own unimpressive past --unless, of course, it has deliberately cultivated a memory that takes a convenient leave of absence when a situation gets too hot to handle.
Whichever way one looks at it, PLP leaders are being disingenuous to suggest that government is failing to disclose information on its negotiations with Cable & Wireless for the 51 per cent purchase of BTC for $210 million.
They have forgotten their own secrecy in their attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election when they were defeated at the polls.
At the time --2006-2007 -- much was written and speculated about this secrecy. It was only after the FNM came to power that the public eventually knew what had gone on behind those closed doors.
Today Bahamians know more at this early stage in the negotiations about what is proposed with Cable & Wireless than anyone ever knew from the PLP about their negotiations with Blue Water.
The Tribune reported in January, 2007, after all other bidders were locked out so that the PLP government could continue to woo Blue Water, that "the secrecy and lack of transparency ... has caused some frustrations, not only among other potential leaders such as C&W, but members of the Bahamian financial community and some BTC staff."
It was suggested that the Christie government was unlikely to conclude BTC's privatisation before the 2007 election, which was closing in on it. The reason given was concern for the considerable number of votes tied up in BTC's estimated 1,200 workers and their relatives. "A privatisation, especially one that resulted in redundancies, could be unpopular at election time," The Tribune was told. And so today, although the party probably won't admit it, even they recognised that to succeed, redundancies were necessary. It was probably another reason for the secrecy.
And, as we said, in this column yesterday, no matter who takes over BTC -- even an astute Bahamian business group -- staff has to be trimmed for the sake of good business.
BTC has been on the auction block for the past 11 years. In 2007 The Tribune reported that the best offer that was received in 2003 was when BahamasTel consortium, backed by Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, bid $130 million for a 49 per cent stake. At the time it valued the company at just over $260 million.
However, by 2007, it was clear that BTC had dropped even further in value, faced with competition from IndiGo Networks' fixed line, Voice over IP and Cable Bahamas on Internet. Once it loses its cellular monopoly, it will be difficult to even give it away.
BTC has stood like a colossus astride this country, stifling its economic growth.
James Smith, in those years minister of state for finance, could only tell us week after week that the government-appointed committee had completed its work for privatisation and had submitted its recommendations to Cabinet. This was the highest that the veil, which concealed their "secret," was ever lifted. From then on there was silence.
Mr Smith said that "a world class, efficient telecommunications sector" was required for both the tourism and the financial services industry.
And in a tone of resigned desperation, he admitted that "all the time spent looking at other (privatisation) players has basically allowed this existing dinosaur to entrench itself."
And it is into this "entrenched dinosaur" that the government is trying to breath new life to give it a chance to be of benefit to the country.
So much time and energy is being taken up with the wishes of the unions and the politicians that little thought is being given to the Bahamian people, who for years have had to pay high prices for inferior service.
The "dinosaur" has suffocated this country for much too long, Bahamians now need some breathing space to grow and prosper. They deserve better service, lower prices and more choices and a telecommunications company that will not only do them proud but will be a profitable investment.
A unionist has suggested that Bahamian consumers should be included in the debate as to whether Cable and Wireless should be the lead partner in a new BTC that will give them better service, and lower prices.
It is a good idea. The unionists might not like what they hear.
December 10, 2010
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP seems to be a party always anxious to distance itself from its own unimpressive past --unless, of course, it has deliberately cultivated a memory that takes a convenient leave of absence when a situation gets too hot to handle.
Whichever way one looks at it, PLP leaders are being disingenuous to suggest that government is failing to disclose information on its negotiations with Cable & Wireless for the 51 per cent purchase of BTC for $210 million.
They have forgotten their own secrecy in their attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election when they were defeated at the polls.
At the time --2006-2007 -- much was written and speculated about this secrecy. It was only after the FNM came to power that the public eventually knew what had gone on behind those closed doors.
Today Bahamians know more at this early stage in the negotiations about what is proposed with Cable & Wireless than anyone ever knew from the PLP about their negotiations with Blue Water.
The Tribune reported in January, 2007, after all other bidders were locked out so that the PLP government could continue to woo Blue Water, that "the secrecy and lack of transparency ... has caused some frustrations, not only among other potential leaders such as C&W, but members of the Bahamian financial community and some BTC staff."
It was suggested that the Christie government was unlikely to conclude BTC's privatisation before the 2007 election, which was closing in on it. The reason given was concern for the considerable number of votes tied up in BTC's estimated 1,200 workers and their relatives. "A privatisation, especially one that resulted in redundancies, could be unpopular at election time," The Tribune was told. And so today, although the party probably won't admit it, even they recognised that to succeed, redundancies were necessary. It was probably another reason for the secrecy.
And, as we said, in this column yesterday, no matter who takes over BTC -- even an astute Bahamian business group -- staff has to be trimmed for the sake of good business.
BTC has been on the auction block for the past 11 years. In 2007 The Tribune reported that the best offer that was received in 2003 was when BahamasTel consortium, backed by Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, bid $130 million for a 49 per cent stake. At the time it valued the company at just over $260 million.
However, by 2007, it was clear that BTC had dropped even further in value, faced with competition from IndiGo Networks' fixed line, Voice over IP and Cable Bahamas on Internet. Once it loses its cellular monopoly, it will be difficult to even give it away.
BTC has stood like a colossus astride this country, stifling its economic growth.
James Smith, in those years minister of state for finance, could only tell us week after week that the government-appointed committee had completed its work for privatisation and had submitted its recommendations to Cabinet. This was the highest that the veil, which concealed their "secret," was ever lifted. From then on there was silence.
Mr Smith said that "a world class, efficient telecommunications sector" was required for both the tourism and the financial services industry.
And in a tone of resigned desperation, he admitted that "all the time spent looking at other (privatisation) players has basically allowed this existing dinosaur to entrench itself."
And it is into this "entrenched dinosaur" that the government is trying to breath new life to give it a chance to be of benefit to the country.
So much time and energy is being taken up with the wishes of the unions and the politicians that little thought is being given to the Bahamian people, who for years have had to pay high prices for inferior service.
The "dinosaur" has suffocated this country for much too long, Bahamians now need some breathing space to grow and prosper. They deserve better service, lower prices and more choices and a telecommunications company that will not only do them proud but will be a profitable investment.
A unionist has suggested that Bahamian consumers should be included in the debate as to whether Cable and Wireless should be the lead partner in a new BTC that will give them better service, and lower prices.
It is a good idea. The unionists might not like what they hear.
December 10, 2010
tribune242 editorial
Friday, December 10, 2010
BTC employees' battle with the government over 51 percent stake in Bahamas Telecommunications Company to Cable & Wireless
Are BTC employees in a losing battle with the government
thenassauguardian editorial
Employees of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) went on the offensive on Tuesday, as a sign of their disagreement with government’s move to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cable & Wireless in relation to the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC. The protest action on Tuesday, in which BTC employees paraded around the company’s head office on JFK Drive, brought flashbacks of what happened when ZNS workers tried to fight government’s downsizing of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
Also familiar is BCPOU President Bernard Evans, who was unsuccessful in his fight for ZNS employees against the government. It seems strange that after losing that battle not so long ago, union members are still confident that Evans can get them the kind of results they seek.
Evans is the same and his fight is against the same foe to which he lost, the Government of The Bahamas. We saw how the ZNS fiasco turned out. Will this BTC fight be any different?
It should be noted though, that a significant difference in this fight is that President of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev. Patrick Paul, and newly-elected President of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, have jumped on board with BTC from the get go.
This battle could turn out to be a much bigger fight for the government than ZNS was.
When it comes to BTC who knows what to expect? Reports suggest that Tuesday’s action was just the beginning of what could end up being a massive national strike involving various unions. Yesterday the BTC employees were at it again, this time with a motorcade through the streets of New Providence, and a mass rally at the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union Hall, at which representatives of various unions were on hand to give their support.
The prime minister stared down Bernard Evans, called his bluff and won a battle without even unholstering his gun during the ZNS fiasco. With Evans at the helm of the battle with BTC, Prime Minister Ingraham may be looking for history to repeat itself.
12/9/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Employees of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) went on the offensive on Tuesday, as a sign of their disagreement with government’s move to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cable & Wireless in relation to the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC. The protest action on Tuesday, in which BTC employees paraded around the company’s head office on JFK Drive, brought flashbacks of what happened when ZNS workers tried to fight government’s downsizing of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
Also familiar is BCPOU President Bernard Evans, who was unsuccessful in his fight for ZNS employees against the government. It seems strange that after losing that battle not so long ago, union members are still confident that Evans can get them the kind of results they seek.
Evans is the same and his fight is against the same foe to which he lost, the Government of The Bahamas. We saw how the ZNS fiasco turned out. Will this BTC fight be any different?
It should be noted though, that a significant difference in this fight is that President of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev. Patrick Paul, and newly-elected President of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, have jumped on board with BTC from the get go.
This battle could turn out to be a much bigger fight for the government than ZNS was.
When it comes to BTC who knows what to expect? Reports suggest that Tuesday’s action was just the beginning of what could end up being a massive national strike involving various unions. Yesterday the BTC employees were at it again, this time with a motorcade through the streets of New Providence, and a mass rally at the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union Hall, at which representatives of various unions were on hand to give their support.
The prime minister stared down Bernard Evans, called his bluff and won a battle without even unholstering his gun during the ZNS fiasco. With Evans at the helm of the battle with BTC, Prime Minister Ingraham may be looking for history to repeat itself.
12/9/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Thursday, December 9, 2010
As Labor Flexes its Muscles
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Today by way of this commentary, we wish to put in clearer perspective what we perceive as the political import of what seems to be an increased degree of restiveness on the part of so very many public sector workers.
On occasion, their main gripe seems to concern money. At other times, workers and their representatives seem to be preoccupied with matters germane to respect.
But no matter the reason or the season, the fact remains that, politicians always pay some kind of price whenever public sector workers become roiled and riled to that point where they say that, they are sick and tired of things as they are.
This is so because, unlike their counter-parts in the private sector, ministers cannot ignore the fact that when they step forward to bargain with workers, there is always some political element somewhere in the details.
That is why it is always so very instructive to understand the import of some of history's lessons.
We make this reference to the importance of history as we reflect on what is currently taking place on the industrial scene.
In a sense, what we are currently witness is a kind of macabre footnote to some of the demonstrations that took place in the late 90’s as the then governing Free National Movement faced the ire of a powerful cadre of workers.
It is to be noted that, today’s emerging labor situation seems eerily reminiscent of the situation and circumstances that existed in 1999, when the Free National Movement and its leadership found themselves challenged and openly disrespected by angry workers.
And so, with general elections on the horizon, it is anybody’s guess as to how things will pan out for either the governing Free National Movement or its political nemeses in the guise of the Progressive Liberal Party.
And for sure, even as we focus on the two major parties, we are acutely aware of the fact that, there are other forces – some of them allegedly and reputedly with deep pockets – who might yet have a decisively important impact on how things turn out.
In addition, there are other forces that seem poised to have some effect on the outcome of those contests whenever they take place. Here we reference, the role that might yet be played by workers in their guise as voters; and [yet again] as we have previously suggested, we have a background context where, for want of a more comprehensive understanding of what national development should be about; the Bahamian people and their leaders now wallow in a mire of despond.
And as they wallow, we have a situation on the ground where the hard men and women with guns in hand and murder in their hearts, are doing their thing.
We also know it for a fact that, history itself teaches that, workers can seat or unseat those in power.
Here we are quite certain that the power in this truism is not lost on either the governing Progressive Liberal Party or on its nemeses on the opposition side of the political street in The Bahamas.
As such, it should come as no surprise to any one that Bahamian workers are restive at this precise moment. This is surely due -in part at least- to the fact that workers are voters.
Evidently, too, with Christmas on its way; with a national economy that is in a parlous state; with utility bills as high as ever and with money as scarce as hen’s teeth; some of this nation’s workers are today as mad as hell.
Evidently, there is no telling how things will turn out for those who are governing and for those men and women who wish to take hold of the reins of power.
While general elections are still some ways off, the fact remains that workers know that – when the chips are down- they have a tremendous amount of power at their command.
Here we would advise all who would hear and all who would know that, they had better listen to the voice of the worker.
And while, we advise that those who lead and those who would lead should listen to the cries of the people; this is not to say that we are demanding anyone to yield to this or that insistent demand.
At the minimum, therefore, those who would take one position as opposed to another should explain themselves to the people.
Once this tack is taken, they can then let the chips fall where they may.
In the ultimate analysis, then, what makes this situation so very important is the fact that workers are voters. This means that whenever they wish, they can bring a government to grief and despair.
December 9th. 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Today by way of this commentary, we wish to put in clearer perspective what we perceive as the political import of what seems to be an increased degree of restiveness on the part of so very many public sector workers.
On occasion, their main gripe seems to concern money. At other times, workers and their representatives seem to be preoccupied with matters germane to respect.
But no matter the reason or the season, the fact remains that, politicians always pay some kind of price whenever public sector workers become roiled and riled to that point where they say that, they are sick and tired of things as they are.
This is so because, unlike their counter-parts in the private sector, ministers cannot ignore the fact that when they step forward to bargain with workers, there is always some political element somewhere in the details.
That is why it is always so very instructive to understand the import of some of history's lessons.
We make this reference to the importance of history as we reflect on what is currently taking place on the industrial scene.
In a sense, what we are currently witness is a kind of macabre footnote to some of the demonstrations that took place in the late 90’s as the then governing Free National Movement faced the ire of a powerful cadre of workers.
It is to be noted that, today’s emerging labor situation seems eerily reminiscent of the situation and circumstances that existed in 1999, when the Free National Movement and its leadership found themselves challenged and openly disrespected by angry workers.
And so, with general elections on the horizon, it is anybody’s guess as to how things will pan out for either the governing Free National Movement or its political nemeses in the guise of the Progressive Liberal Party.
And for sure, even as we focus on the two major parties, we are acutely aware of the fact that, there are other forces – some of them allegedly and reputedly with deep pockets – who might yet have a decisively important impact on how things turn out.
In addition, there are other forces that seem poised to have some effect on the outcome of those contests whenever they take place. Here we reference, the role that might yet be played by workers in their guise as voters; and [yet again] as we have previously suggested, we have a background context where, for want of a more comprehensive understanding of what national development should be about; the Bahamian people and their leaders now wallow in a mire of despond.
And as they wallow, we have a situation on the ground where the hard men and women with guns in hand and murder in their hearts, are doing their thing.
We also know it for a fact that, history itself teaches that, workers can seat or unseat those in power.
Here we are quite certain that the power in this truism is not lost on either the governing Progressive Liberal Party or on its nemeses on the opposition side of the political street in The Bahamas.
As such, it should come as no surprise to any one that Bahamian workers are restive at this precise moment. This is surely due -in part at least- to the fact that workers are voters.
Evidently, too, with Christmas on its way; with a national economy that is in a parlous state; with utility bills as high as ever and with money as scarce as hen’s teeth; some of this nation’s workers are today as mad as hell.
Evidently, there is no telling how things will turn out for those who are governing and for those men and women who wish to take hold of the reins of power.
While general elections are still some ways off, the fact remains that workers know that – when the chips are down- they have a tremendous amount of power at their command.
Here we would advise all who would hear and all who would know that, they had better listen to the voice of the worker.
And while, we advise that those who lead and those who would lead should listen to the cries of the people; this is not to say that we are demanding anyone to yield to this or that insistent demand.
At the minimum, therefore, those who would take one position as opposed to another should explain themselves to the people.
Once this tack is taken, they can then let the chips fall where they may.
In the ultimate analysis, then, what makes this situation so very important is the fact that workers are voters. This means that whenever they wish, they can bring a government to grief and despair.
December 9th. 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
...the Free National Movement (FNM) must be careful that it does not make a rudderless and reactionary opposition Progressive Liberal Party seem attractive to voters based on its decisions
Angering electorate at election time
thenassauguardian editorial
We were surprised at a notice in the newspapers on Tuesday. The government has decided to inform the public that police, beginning on Monday, will strictly enforce the seatbelt laws enacted in March 2002.
We support the enforcement of the seatbelt laws. The laws protect drivers and passengers. They also help reduce health care costs by preventing more serious injuries.
However, the government must understand the culture it is a part of. Bahamians are not accustomed to wearing seatbelts in The Bahamas. Consequently, a more reasonable notice period is needed in order for motorists to become aware and more comfortable with the change in enforcement policy.
That notice period could have been a month to two months, including a robust public relations campaign focused on ensuring the seatbelt message is widely disseminated throughout the country.
If on Monday police start handing out $300 fines to motorists for not wearing seatbelts, the electorate will not be pleased.
Even if a member of the government mentioned that this would happen in some obscure speech, few Bahamians thus far are aware that this significant change is to take place.
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) sale is also leading to growing unease in the country.
The government is about to sell 51 percent of BTC to the British firm Cable and Wireless Communications.
This paper has gone on record stating that Bahamian assets should be sold to Bahamians – this includes joint ventures between Bahamians and strategic partners.
Having a Bahamian owner, or a joint venture ownership structure between Bahamians and a strategic partner, would ensure more profits from the company stay in the country. Those profits that stay here would help create more jobs and prosperity in The Bahamas.
Both unions that represent workers at BTC have said they support Bahamians being owners of a privatized BTC.
Christian Council President Rev. Patrick Paul made comments yesterday that should concern the government.
“And so we stand with you this morning in agreement that (BTC) should belong to the Bahamians,” said Paul to those assembled during the union protest at BTC.
Paul assured the hundreds of BTC workers that the Christian church in The Bahamas supports their cause – that is, standing in opposition to the BTC sale to foreigners.
Earlier this year, the Free National Movement administration considered legalizing gambling for Bahamians and legal residents. The opposition, led by the church, stopped the government from making the bold move. That same church movement the government backed down from is now standing in opposition to the BTC sale.
Governing parties must pursue policies considered right for the country. They have an electoral mandate to do so. This authority, however, must be exercised in conjunction with the current moods and sentiments of the people.
When a political party pursues a policy it thinks is right, but that policy angers the people, this decision by the party usually leads it to opposition.
For its sake, the FNM must be careful that it does not make a rudderless and reactionary opposition Progressive Liberal Party seem attractive to voters based on its decisions.
12/8/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
We were surprised at a notice in the newspapers on Tuesday. The government has decided to inform the public that police, beginning on Monday, will strictly enforce the seatbelt laws enacted in March 2002.
We support the enforcement of the seatbelt laws. The laws protect drivers and passengers. They also help reduce health care costs by preventing more serious injuries.
However, the government must understand the culture it is a part of. Bahamians are not accustomed to wearing seatbelts in The Bahamas. Consequently, a more reasonable notice period is needed in order for motorists to become aware and more comfortable with the change in enforcement policy.
That notice period could have been a month to two months, including a robust public relations campaign focused on ensuring the seatbelt message is widely disseminated throughout the country.
If on Monday police start handing out $300 fines to motorists for not wearing seatbelts, the electorate will not be pleased.
Even if a member of the government mentioned that this would happen in some obscure speech, few Bahamians thus far are aware that this significant change is to take place.
The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) sale is also leading to growing unease in the country.
The government is about to sell 51 percent of BTC to the British firm Cable and Wireless Communications.
This paper has gone on record stating that Bahamian assets should be sold to Bahamians – this includes joint ventures between Bahamians and strategic partners.
Having a Bahamian owner, or a joint venture ownership structure between Bahamians and a strategic partner, would ensure more profits from the company stay in the country. Those profits that stay here would help create more jobs and prosperity in The Bahamas.
Both unions that represent workers at BTC have said they support Bahamians being owners of a privatized BTC.
Christian Council President Rev. Patrick Paul made comments yesterday that should concern the government.
“And so we stand with you this morning in agreement that (BTC) should belong to the Bahamians,” said Paul to those assembled during the union protest at BTC.
Paul assured the hundreds of BTC workers that the Christian church in The Bahamas supports their cause – that is, standing in opposition to the BTC sale to foreigners.
Earlier this year, the Free National Movement administration considered legalizing gambling for Bahamians and legal residents. The opposition, led by the church, stopped the government from making the bold move. That same church movement the government backed down from is now standing in opposition to the BTC sale.
Governing parties must pursue policies considered right for the country. They have an electoral mandate to do so. This authority, however, must be exercised in conjunction with the current moods and sentiments of the people.
When a political party pursues a policy it thinks is right, but that policy angers the people, this decision by the party usually leads it to opposition.
For its sake, the FNM must be careful that it does not make a rudderless and reactionary opposition Progressive Liberal Party seem attractive to voters based on its decisions.
12/8/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
In Opposition to the BTC Deal
The Bahama Journal Editorial
That we live in perilous times is no longer a matter that incurs debate; it is simply taken as a given that, these are surely times when practically everything that was once stable seems hell-bent on being ripped from its moorings.
In this we would surely include certain givens as they related to how the Bahamas could and should orient itself to the region and to the world market.
In this regard, we would place all of what we once took for granted as it pertains to the supremacy and desirability of relying on foreign direct investment; and here sometimes to the exclusion of Bahamian investment.
For a fairly long season, this idea worked its magic; and here it had the salutary result of creating a fairly self-confident middle class [albeit one that lived heavily off borrowed money]. But as some of our people would attest and confirm, for a fairly long while, it sure did seem as if this kind of scenario would persist for a while longer.
And then, there was that other emerging trend where and when there arose such a high respect for the magic that was said to be inherent in market forces. As a consequence, very many governments around the world soon came to find themselves dragooned into becoming true believers in the new mantra.
This slew of new and true believers in the so-called magic of the market place included some of our leaders and their myriad of followers.
Indeed, such was the magnetic force of the new idea that some who should have known better were soon enough found to be dancing and sometimes even prancing to the same tune.
As we recall, this was the context wherein there emerged that consensus behind ideas to privatize this or that public owned entity.
Early on the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation was identified for the privatization experience and treatment.
While the times have obviously changed and while practically no-one with an iota of sense continues that blather about the so-called magic inherent in so-called market-forces, BTC is set to be divested of majority control on the Bahamian side; with that control going to Cable and Wireless.
And yet again, we are learning that, there is currently a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] that the government signed with the regional communications giant (which is known as LIME throughout the Caribbean) provides for the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC for $210 million.
We are also told that an additional $21 million will be collected by the government from the 10 percent stamp tax associated with the sale.
Note also that the said MOU also provides that the government will leave $15 million of BTC's cash in the bank to provide operating capital for LIME.
As reported, BTC had just under $66 million in cash at the end of September, according to financial records obtained by our Journal.
Evidently, this implies that if the sale is concluded in the next several months and BTC's cash reserves are significantly impacted, at least $51 million of that cash would go to the public treasury.
At this juncture, then, the word we get is to the effect that, if BTC maintains the cash it now has until the targeted sale date of February 15, 2011, the money generated by the sale of BTC would amount to more than $282 million.
While this is good as far as it goes, we are loath to support this move.
In this regard, [and as everyone would know], the potential buyer is Cable and Wireless.
In addition, we are now being told that, the proposed sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) could net the government nearly $300 million by the time the deal is done.
While this is apparently a done deal, we are adamant in our conclusion that, more effort should have been put into seeing to it that this entity stayed in Bahamian hands.
This is our view not only because of our enduring concern for the well-being of our country and its people; but because we are absolutely convinced [as in the case of Cable Bahamas] BTC could and should be owned by Bahamians.
And clearly, we continue to be impressed by arguments that tell us that, there are some utilities such as those relating to water, electricity and communications that should – in the interests of national security- remain in the hands of Bahamian nationals.
Furthermore, we are absolutely convinced that, there remains a crying need for the Bahamian economy to stand –as it were - on two feet; with one firmly planted in the Bahamas by Bahamians and with the other just as firmly planted by foreigners.
Such a move would put this country of ours on a much firmer footing.
And for sure, this is precisely why –in principle- still opposed to this proposed link-up by BTC with Cable and Wireless.
December 8th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
That we live in perilous times is no longer a matter that incurs debate; it is simply taken as a given that, these are surely times when practically everything that was once stable seems hell-bent on being ripped from its moorings.
In this we would surely include certain givens as they related to how the Bahamas could and should orient itself to the region and to the world market.
In this regard, we would place all of what we once took for granted as it pertains to the supremacy and desirability of relying on foreign direct investment; and here sometimes to the exclusion of Bahamian investment.
For a fairly long season, this idea worked its magic; and here it had the salutary result of creating a fairly self-confident middle class [albeit one that lived heavily off borrowed money]. But as some of our people would attest and confirm, for a fairly long while, it sure did seem as if this kind of scenario would persist for a while longer.
And then, there was that other emerging trend where and when there arose such a high respect for the magic that was said to be inherent in market forces. As a consequence, very many governments around the world soon came to find themselves dragooned into becoming true believers in the new mantra.
This slew of new and true believers in the so-called magic of the market place included some of our leaders and their myriad of followers.
Indeed, such was the magnetic force of the new idea that some who should have known better were soon enough found to be dancing and sometimes even prancing to the same tune.
As we recall, this was the context wherein there emerged that consensus behind ideas to privatize this or that public owned entity.
Early on the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation was identified for the privatization experience and treatment.
While the times have obviously changed and while practically no-one with an iota of sense continues that blather about the so-called magic inherent in so-called market-forces, BTC is set to be divested of majority control on the Bahamian side; with that control going to Cable and Wireless.
And yet again, we are learning that, there is currently a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] that the government signed with the regional communications giant (which is known as LIME throughout the Caribbean) provides for the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC for $210 million.
We are also told that an additional $21 million will be collected by the government from the 10 percent stamp tax associated with the sale.
Note also that the said MOU also provides that the government will leave $15 million of BTC's cash in the bank to provide operating capital for LIME.
As reported, BTC had just under $66 million in cash at the end of September, according to financial records obtained by our Journal.
Evidently, this implies that if the sale is concluded in the next several months and BTC's cash reserves are significantly impacted, at least $51 million of that cash would go to the public treasury.
At this juncture, then, the word we get is to the effect that, if BTC maintains the cash it now has until the targeted sale date of February 15, 2011, the money generated by the sale of BTC would amount to more than $282 million.
While this is good as far as it goes, we are loath to support this move.
In this regard, [and as everyone would know], the potential buyer is Cable and Wireless.
In addition, we are now being told that, the proposed sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) could net the government nearly $300 million by the time the deal is done.
While this is apparently a done deal, we are adamant in our conclusion that, more effort should have been put into seeing to it that this entity stayed in Bahamian hands.
This is our view not only because of our enduring concern for the well-being of our country and its people; but because we are absolutely convinced [as in the case of Cable Bahamas] BTC could and should be owned by Bahamians.
And clearly, we continue to be impressed by arguments that tell us that, there are some utilities such as those relating to water, electricity and communications that should – in the interests of national security- remain in the hands of Bahamian nationals.
Furthermore, we are absolutely convinced that, there remains a crying need for the Bahamian economy to stand –as it were - on two feet; with one firmly planted in the Bahamas by Bahamians and with the other just as firmly planted by foreigners.
Such a move would put this country of ours on a much firmer footing.
And for sure, this is precisely why –in principle- still opposed to this proposed link-up by BTC with Cable and Wireless.
December 8th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Unions object to the sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC)
Unions' distaste with proposed BTC sale grows
By CHESTER ROBARDS
Guardian Staff Reporter
chester@nasguard.com
The government’s decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) for the sale of a majority share of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) continues to be met with strong reaction from some union leaders.
The Nassau Guardian understands that the unions representing workers at BTC may be contemplating action intended to voice a stronger objection to the move.
Representatives from the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Unions (BCPOU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) are also attempting to build support outside the trade union movement.
Union leaders met with members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Sunday night to officially offer their disapproval of the sale of BTC to CWC.
Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe, who is leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, confirmed that he and his colleagues met with members of the union and listened to their concerns.
He said the PLP is waiting to look over the MOU signed between the government and CWC before it offers an official position on the deal.
“We are looking at their issues and are hoping to get a sight of the Memorandum of Understanding,” said Wilchcombe.
BCPMU President William Carroll suggested that the unions would go around to every major civic organization in the country to garner support for their campaign against the sale of BTC to CWC.
The unions’ opposition to the sale to CWC has not changed since months before the MOU was signed.
The unions’ primary concern over the deal is job security for BTC workers.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed during a press conference not long before the MOU was signed that CWC had asked for a 30 percent decrease in the staff complement at BTC.
However, Ingraham said the government would only support a deal with voluntary separation packages.
A press release on the MOU signing revealed that the government and CWC agreed to the voluntary packages.
“There will be a restructuring of the workforce of BTC following completion of the transaction, which will be carried out on an entirely voluntary basis,” the release said. “A detailed plan is in the process of being developed.”
BCPOU President Bernard Evans contended many of the individuals who would receive packages are at an age where they may not be able to find gainful employment when their packages dry up.
“We aren’t advocating packages,” said Evans. “With the ages of some of these people, finding meaningful employment is dismal.”
12/7/2010
thenassauguardian
By CHESTER ROBARDS
Guardian Staff Reporter
chester@nasguard.com
The government’s decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) for the sale of a majority share of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) continues to be met with strong reaction from some union leaders.
The Nassau Guardian understands that the unions representing workers at BTC may be contemplating action intended to voice a stronger objection to the move.
Representatives from the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Unions (BCPOU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) are also attempting to build support outside the trade union movement.
Union leaders met with members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Sunday night to officially offer their disapproval of the sale of BTC to CWC.
Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe, who is leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, confirmed that he and his colleagues met with members of the union and listened to their concerns.
He said the PLP is waiting to look over the MOU signed between the government and CWC before it offers an official position on the deal.
“We are looking at their issues and are hoping to get a sight of the Memorandum of Understanding,” said Wilchcombe.
BCPMU President William Carroll suggested that the unions would go around to every major civic organization in the country to garner support for their campaign against the sale of BTC to CWC.
The unions’ opposition to the sale to CWC has not changed since months before the MOU was signed.
The unions’ primary concern over the deal is job security for BTC workers.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed during a press conference not long before the MOU was signed that CWC had asked for a 30 percent decrease in the staff complement at BTC.
However, Ingraham said the government would only support a deal with voluntary separation packages.
A press release on the MOU signing revealed that the government and CWC agreed to the voluntary packages.
“There will be a restructuring of the workforce of BTC following completion of the transaction, which will be carried out on an entirely voluntary basis,” the release said. “A detailed plan is in the process of being developed.”
BCPOU President Bernard Evans contended many of the individuals who would receive packages are at an age where they may not be able to find gainful employment when their packages dry up.
“We aren’t advocating packages,” said Evans. “With the ages of some of these people, finding meaningful employment is dismal.”
12/7/2010
thenassauguardian
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