Bahamians being offered better deal
tribune242 editoial
WE ARE baffled by Opposition Leader Perry Christie's harping on the "secrecy" surrounding government's memorandum of understanding with Cable & Wireless (LIME). Surprised because on the desk in front of us is a file of the Christie government's secret negotiations with Bluewater that were then too sensitive to be shared with the public and of which no one knew the details until the Ingraham government came to office and opened the books. The union, by its own and Mr Christie's admission, was a part of the negotiations and approved the sale.
A week before the election, which resulted in the Christie government's removal from office, it was discovered that the privatisation committee for the Bluewater sale had submitted its report, which was approved by cabinet, but not signed by Mr Christie.
Today the public knows more about the Cable and Wireless proposal than it ever did about the Bluewater deal -- and even now information is coming out about Bluewater that the public is hearing for the first time.
Prime Minister Ingraham has promised that all information on the BTC sale with all documents attached will be made public two weeks before being presented to the House for a vote.
This full disclosure, we can assure our readers -- judging from the PLP's track record, especially recalling the "secret" land-giveaway in the Baha Mar Cable Beach deal -- would have never happened under the Christie government.
And so why does Mr Christie continue to harp on a deal being "clandestinely" dealt with "deep in secret" when there is nothing secret about it?
He believes government, avoided parliament yesterday morning, because it is afraid of the issue.
"They know that they are riding a tiger and you know old Confucius' saying: 'He who ride rides tiger dare not fall off,'" said Mr Christie.
We know that Confucius was a wise man, but this particular saying cannot be attributed to him. It is an ancient Chinese proverb, which says: "He who rides a tiger can never get off or the tiger will devour him."
Is this why Mr Christie cannot give up the secrecy myth? Maybe, he and the union representatives, who admit they were a part of the whole Bluewater negotiations, should come clean and tell the public why they were so secret when they were trying to hand over the Bahamian people's "jewel" to a group that had not been tested and had no track record in communications? No, Mr Christie, this is one tiger you will have to keep riding because if you fall off the people will indeed see that the Emperor has no clothes.
In yesterday's demonstration when a union member broke through the restraining barriers on Bay Street and was confronted by police, he taunted his colleagues, who remained behind the barricades: "They have y'all corralled like a bunch of animals. That is how they have you. Y'all look like a bunch of animals!"
Not only did they look like a bunch of corralled animals, but they were behaving as such without an independent brain in their heads. Imagine mounting a demonstration on the emotional hot air of politicians and union leaders without accepting the invitation to sit down with Cable and Wireless to discover for themselves what the negotiations are all about and the important role Bahamians are to play in it.
Today they now have a chance to sit down in the quiet of their homes and read the Cabinet's statement on page 7 of today's edition and see the bill of goods that the PLP was trying to sell them -- and if it were not for the election would have got away with -- and what they are being offered today.
This week a union leader accused government of giving away the country's cash cow. Indeed it is a cash cow that consumers are paying for dearly and unionists are milking without shame.
The backwardness of BTC has retarded the growth of this country's financial industry as well as local businesses that have been forced -- thanks to the computer -- to try to avoid the BTC monopoly as far as possible.
All we have heard so far is what the unionists want of BTC. It is now time for the consumers to be heard. Consumers want lower prices, better service and an ability to enter the world market without being hemmed in by suffocating monopolies.
Read the Cabinet statement and understand how Bahamians are being hoodwinked by politicians -- there is indeed no comparison with the Christie-backed Bluewater deal to what is being offered today by Cable and Wireless Communications.
December 16, 2010
tribune242 editoial
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.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Consumer Voices Bahamas (CVB) defends Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) acquisition of Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC)
New consumer advocacy group defends BTC acquisition
By Stewart Miller
Guardian Business Reporter
stewart@nasguard.com
A new voice is crystallizing to ensure that consumers do not go unheard beneath the roar of politicians, employees and unions over the sale of 51 percent of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable & Wireless Communications.
Officials of the new consumer advocacy group Consumer Voices Bahamas (CVB) chose historic Fox Hill Park to present themselves and their case to The Bahamas yesterday, defending CWC’s acquisition of BTC as being best for Bahamian consumers.
“We believe... that as the employees are important to this, the consumers are equally important to the sale of BTC,” Marlene Minus, chairperson of CVB said. She added that it is the consumers “who are paying the high prices for cellular services, who are experiencing the inconsistencies in their service, and in some cases experiencing disruptions in both their cellular and their Internet service.”
CVB is prepared to use the Internet, other forms of media, public meetings and demonstrations to tout the consumer benefits related to BTC having an international strategic partner, according to Minus. She also said that CVB would not be intimidated from their declared purpose to promote and advance the interests of the Bahamian consumer.
“Should this initiative be met with conflict, slander or disdain from union members or union leaders, we understand that, we respect that and in some cases we expect that,” the chairperson said. “But we are not afraid. We are consumers, we are Bahamians, and we believe we have a voice. So we are here to say that from a consumer perspective we believe this is good.”
Minus said that its managerial and technical expertise, along with Cable & Wireless’ international connections, would ensure better and more reliable services and would result in cheaper rates for cellular service, land lines and overseas calls.
Treasurer for CVB David Jordine told Guardian Business that the organization has no political ties or association, but was born out of the need to protect the interests of Bahamians.
“Based on the information that has been made public thus far it seems as if the consumer is being left out of the debate,” Jordine said. He added that a lot of politics and personalities are in the fray, but households, consumers and businesses that are affected should not be forgotten.
“When we mention consumers we also have to realize that a large base of our consumers is the business community,” said Jordine. “The Bahamas strives on tourism and the financial industry and the demand for communications in those sectors is vital to the bottom line, so it’s highly important that they take them into consideration because they represent the lifeblood of this country’s economy.
“We recognize that BTC and the employees of BTC have been doing a wonderful job and we want to express our appreciation to them, however for the customer, it’s cheeper, quicker, better -- that’s the initiative.”
The advocacy group reports membership of about 30 to 40 people presently. Minus said that a research and investigations team has already been formed to go into business houses and report findings back to the organization.
Although the BTC privatization was the genesis of CVB’s formation, Jordine said that the organization will not be limited to that issue.
“This group wishes to speak on behalf of consumers about any industry where we think that the consumer could get a more efficient service, a better price to meet thier needs,” Jordine said. Bahamians who support their position, or have any other ideas or comments are invited to contact the CVB by e-mail at cvb@hotmail.com.
CVB reported that it’s already at work investigating claims that some car repair businesses are gouging customers who are attempting to make sure their seat belts are functioning because of the enforcement of seat belt laws.
12/15/2010
thenassauguardian
By Stewart Miller
Guardian Business Reporter
stewart@nasguard.com
A new voice is crystallizing to ensure that consumers do not go unheard beneath the roar of politicians, employees and unions over the sale of 51 percent of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable & Wireless Communications.
Officials of the new consumer advocacy group Consumer Voices Bahamas (CVB) chose historic Fox Hill Park to present themselves and their case to The Bahamas yesterday, defending CWC’s acquisition of BTC as being best for Bahamian consumers.
“We believe... that as the employees are important to this, the consumers are equally important to the sale of BTC,” Marlene Minus, chairperson of CVB said. She added that it is the consumers “who are paying the high prices for cellular services, who are experiencing the inconsistencies in their service, and in some cases experiencing disruptions in both their cellular and their Internet service.”
CVB is prepared to use the Internet, other forms of media, public meetings and demonstrations to tout the consumer benefits related to BTC having an international strategic partner, according to Minus. She also said that CVB would not be intimidated from their declared purpose to promote and advance the interests of the Bahamian consumer.
“Should this initiative be met with conflict, slander or disdain from union members or union leaders, we understand that, we respect that and in some cases we expect that,” the chairperson said. “But we are not afraid. We are consumers, we are Bahamians, and we believe we have a voice. So we are here to say that from a consumer perspective we believe this is good.”
Minus said that its managerial and technical expertise, along with Cable & Wireless’ international connections, would ensure better and more reliable services and would result in cheaper rates for cellular service, land lines and overseas calls.
Treasurer for CVB David Jordine told Guardian Business that the organization has no political ties or association, but was born out of the need to protect the interests of Bahamians.
“Based on the information that has been made public thus far it seems as if the consumer is being left out of the debate,” Jordine said. He added that a lot of politics and personalities are in the fray, but households, consumers and businesses that are affected should not be forgotten.
“When we mention consumers we also have to realize that a large base of our consumers is the business community,” said Jordine. “The Bahamas strives on tourism and the financial industry and the demand for communications in those sectors is vital to the bottom line, so it’s highly important that they take them into consideration because they represent the lifeblood of this country’s economy.
“We recognize that BTC and the employees of BTC have been doing a wonderful job and we want to express our appreciation to them, however for the customer, it’s cheeper, quicker, better -- that’s the initiative.”
The advocacy group reports membership of about 30 to 40 people presently. Minus said that a research and investigations team has already been formed to go into business houses and report findings back to the organization.
Although the BTC privatization was the genesis of CVB’s formation, Jordine said that the organization will not be limited to that issue.
“This group wishes to speak on behalf of consumers about any industry where we think that the consumer could get a more efficient service, a better price to meet thier needs,” Jordine said. Bahamians who support their position, or have any other ideas or comments are invited to contact the CVB by e-mail at cvb@hotmail.com.
CVB reported that it’s already at work investigating claims that some car repair businesses are gouging customers who are attempting to make sure their seat belts are functioning because of the enforcement of seat belt laws.
12/15/2010
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Many Bahamians are expressing a lack of confidence in the justice system
Bahamians must feel the law is on their side
thenassauguardian editorial
With an increase in housebreaking taking place throughout the country in various communities, residents are appealing for justice to be served on the perpetrators.
Many Bahamians are expressing a lack of confidence in the justice system, claiming that the law does not protect their rights as citizens. In the cases of housebreaking and stealing, these cries are heard even louder.
The expression “justice denied” has become common place.
While housebreaking and stealing is on the rise, the number of people being placed in jail for these crimes has not increased. What has increased are the number of people being let go on bail for these crimes.
It is this perception of injustice that seems to irate Bahamians, perhaps because the crime of housebreaking is more of an invasive act. People feel as if they have been violated when their home has been the target of a housebreaking.
The idea that someone has been digging through drawers, jewelry boxes, cupboards and personal items, leaves the feeling of an invasion of privacy. That in itself stirs up a lot of emotions among the victims of this crime.
To make matters worse, those who are caught and charged with these crimes are then given a slap on the wrist, given a record and let go on bail, pending a hearing.
Then, to add insult to injury, if the criminal is not in possession of the items stolen, the victims cannot get any compensation for those items stolen. They are told that once the person has gotten rid of the items, there is nothing the law can do.
That criminal is not demanded to make restitution in no shape or form.
If your items have been sold or pawned before the criminal is caught, that is the end of it.
So, not only has a person’s home been broken into, their privacy invaded, their items stolen, the criminal set out on bail, but there is no way of getting any kind of compensation.
It has left residents with a sense of being left alone, with no justice served.
There has to be more convictions, at least there has to be an appearance of justice being served.
It’s not enough for those convicted of these crimes just to get a criminal record and that’s it. Letting these criminals out on bail only leaves them with an opportunity to continue their rampage on other homes and other families.
More has to be done to make Bahamians feel as if the law is on their side and that crime does not pay. As it stands now, they feel as if this is not the case.
12/14/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
With an increase in housebreaking taking place throughout the country in various communities, residents are appealing for justice to be served on the perpetrators.
Many Bahamians are expressing a lack of confidence in the justice system, claiming that the law does not protect their rights as citizens. In the cases of housebreaking and stealing, these cries are heard even louder.
The expression “justice denied” has become common place.
While housebreaking and stealing is on the rise, the number of people being placed in jail for these crimes has not increased. What has increased are the number of people being let go on bail for these crimes.
It is this perception of injustice that seems to irate Bahamians, perhaps because the crime of housebreaking is more of an invasive act. People feel as if they have been violated when their home has been the target of a housebreaking.
The idea that someone has been digging through drawers, jewelry boxes, cupboards and personal items, leaves the feeling of an invasion of privacy. That in itself stirs up a lot of emotions among the victims of this crime.
To make matters worse, those who are caught and charged with these crimes are then given a slap on the wrist, given a record and let go on bail, pending a hearing.
Then, to add insult to injury, if the criminal is not in possession of the items stolen, the victims cannot get any compensation for those items stolen. They are told that once the person has gotten rid of the items, there is nothing the law can do.
That criminal is not demanded to make restitution in no shape or form.
If your items have been sold or pawned before the criminal is caught, that is the end of it.
So, not only has a person’s home been broken into, their privacy invaded, their items stolen, the criminal set out on bail, but there is no way of getting any kind of compensation.
It has left residents with a sense of being left alone, with no justice served.
There has to be more convictions, at least there has to be an appearance of justice being served.
It’s not enough for those convicted of these crimes just to get a criminal record and that’s it. Letting these criminals out on bail only leaves them with an opportunity to continue their rampage on other homes and other families.
More has to be done to make Bahamians feel as if the law is on their side and that crime does not pay. As it stands now, they feel as if this is not the case.
12/14/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Monday, December 13, 2010
Voices Killarney poll shows that many support the proposed BTC sale
Constituency poll shows many support proposed BTC sale
tribune242
A recent poll taken in the Killarney constituency shows that there are many Bahamians who support the government’s intention to sell a 51 per cent stake in The Bahamas Telecommunications Company to the British telecommunication company Cable and Wireless Communications (C&WC).
A recent poll conducted on “Voices Killarney,” an online news letter from the constituency office of Dr Hubert Minnis revealed that 67 people who participated in the poll supported the BTC deal while 50 persons opposed the deal. The poll, which was conducted on December 10 and 11, also revealed that six persons who participated in the poll were undecided.
Among those who supported the sale one person commented, “I think the sale is an excellent idea. C&W are in the Caribbean Islands. Although we are considered ahead of them economically their telephone technology is far ahead of us.” Another posted, “The union just needs to get over it. It is ludicrous that a union dictates who the government sells any corporation to. The government is elected by the people to conduct work on behalf of the people so I believe that every government would make decisions that are in the best interest of the country. Those people at Batelco are lazy and are afraid of privatization.”
Another person in support of the sale commented, “The sale of Batelco is long overdue. We are paying far too much for out dated systems and service that is not customer-oriented. I have been trying to find out for over one year how my land line was turned over in the name of my tenant and they were allowed to transfer my phone line when they gave up the lease on my property. They have also not been able to satisfy me with what has happened to my security deposit. The prices are too high, the service is poor and I think we need to up grade.”
Among those who opposed the decision one person commented, “I agree that staff numbers need to be reduced and employees simply more efficient to cut operation costs. However, if it must be sold, it should be sold to Bahamians with the capital and vision to further advance the company with the latest technologies available in phone and Internet services.”
Another stated, “Batelco belongs to the people of the Bahamas and should not be sold. Bahamians should own and run Batelco.” “I feel that it was a very bad decision because they sold such a great portion of the company for such little money. BTC makes a lot of money just in one year. In two years time BTC would have already made over that amount, so it really made no sense selling for so little,” another person commented.
Among those who were undecided, one stated, “Notwithstanding that the sale is inevitable and probably necessary. I'm curious to know what criteria was laid out to qualify as a purchaser. Does C&W meet the criteria, if they do and other companies also did, what were the track records of the other companies when compared to C&W? Why must we sell 51 per cent as opposed to 49 per cent. Why not consider a group of Bahamians as opposed to foreigners?”
December 13, 2010
tribune242
tribune242
A recent poll taken in the Killarney constituency shows that there are many Bahamians who support the government’s intention to sell a 51 per cent stake in The Bahamas Telecommunications Company to the British telecommunication company Cable and Wireless Communications (C&WC).
A recent poll conducted on “Voices Killarney,” an online news letter from the constituency office of Dr Hubert Minnis revealed that 67 people who participated in the poll supported the BTC deal while 50 persons opposed the deal. The poll, which was conducted on December 10 and 11, also revealed that six persons who participated in the poll were undecided.
Among those who supported the sale one person commented, “I think the sale is an excellent idea. C&W are in the Caribbean Islands. Although we are considered ahead of them economically their telephone technology is far ahead of us.” Another posted, “The union just needs to get over it. It is ludicrous that a union dictates who the government sells any corporation to. The government is elected by the people to conduct work on behalf of the people so I believe that every government would make decisions that are in the best interest of the country. Those people at Batelco are lazy and are afraid of privatization.”
Another person in support of the sale commented, “The sale of Batelco is long overdue. We are paying far too much for out dated systems and service that is not customer-oriented. I have been trying to find out for over one year how my land line was turned over in the name of my tenant and they were allowed to transfer my phone line when they gave up the lease on my property. They have also not been able to satisfy me with what has happened to my security deposit. The prices are too high, the service is poor and I think we need to up grade.”
Among those who opposed the decision one person commented, “I agree that staff numbers need to be reduced and employees simply more efficient to cut operation costs. However, if it must be sold, it should be sold to Bahamians with the capital and vision to further advance the company with the latest technologies available in phone and Internet services.”
Another stated, “Batelco belongs to the people of the Bahamas and should not be sold. Bahamians should own and run Batelco.” “I feel that it was a very bad decision because they sold such a great portion of the company for such little money. BTC makes a lot of money just in one year. In two years time BTC would have already made over that amount, so it really made no sense selling for so little,” another person commented.
Among those who were undecided, one stated, “Notwithstanding that the sale is inevitable and probably necessary. I'm curious to know what criteria was laid out to qualify as a purchaser. Does C&W meet the criteria, if they do and other companies also did, what were the track records of the other companies when compared to C&W? Why must we sell 51 per cent as opposed to 49 per cent. Why not consider a group of Bahamians as opposed to foreigners?”
December 13, 2010
tribune242
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)... the newest trade union in The Bahamas?
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
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
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
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