The Bahama Journal Editorial
For better or worse, there are lessons that always come with the struggle for power; whether this battle has to do with who gets to determine how money is spent in a household, in an organization anywhere civil society, in a firm or at the state level.
Even more simply, politics is about who gets what, when, where and how; in addition, it is also about the definition of that party or individual whose will must be obeyed.
In other words, then, as in our own fledgling democracy; the question today arises concerning whether the governing party should, would or could yield to demands currently being made by some of this nation’s union leadership.
Among the instruments they say they have is that one that allows them to withdraw their labor and that of their membership in the event that the governing party does not yield to their demands.
We seriously doubt that, they have this level of support.
In addition, the fact remains that, this is just not the way things are done in today’s Bahamas.
Indeed, while unions and their membership do have the right to protest any policy they see fit; and even though they do have the right to take the government to court, they do not have any real right to hold any government hostage.
And for sure, it is a fact that the governing party has a mandate to lead and that –as such – they are called upon to lead. They also have promises to be kept.
Clearly, then, no right-thinking government should ever put itself in a position where it must endlessly consult with everyone; or for that matter, anyone else other than those given a similar mandate by the people.
This comes as a direct result of the free vote and expression of the people in free and fair elections.
Thereafter, the government leads and its Loyal Opposition opposes; with one party having its sway and the other its say.
We dare say that, anything else is a clear invitation to both foolishness and anarchy.
While we do believe all of what we are saying; we hasten to add that, no government worth its salt would ever so paint itself into a corner by alienating the masses of people who identify themselves as workers.
But by the same token, union leadership must always be mindful that while they are called to lead, this call must always be tempered by what is in the very best interests of their followers.
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. These workers who are also voters know as well as anyone else that the choices they make can determine whether one side wins or the other loses.
This means that when workers become restive enough, their approval of this or that politician matters greatly.
Compounding the matter in the Bahamian case is the fact that the Bahamian labor force is compact, well organized, knows and feels its power.
Politicians who wish to be re-elected cannot ignore these people and their demands.
No politician worth his salt would ever dare express contempt or disdain for those voters who are workers.
We make this obvious point as we try to make sense of what seems increased restiveness on the part of 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.
In addition, there are times like the ones in which we live where some union leaders seem to have reached that point where – like politicians in their guise as law-makers – they would pontificate on matters germane to policy.
Here they are embarked –as it were – on a journey without maps; and here we are reminded that, history does not repeat itself.
We make this point as we reflect on some of what is today being said about how today’s political climate is seemingly reminiscent of that era in the late 1950’s when there was both call and response to the idea of a General Strike.
That great call was made by Randol F. Fawkes, Clifford Darling and Lynden O. Pindling.
Out of this great struggle has come a modern Bahamas where the rights of workers are enshrined in the law.
This we do in free and fair elections.
All else is anathema.
In the final analysis, then, law-making and policy should be left where the Constitution places them – squarely and fully in the hands of this nation’s parliamentarians.
That is why we boast so much about the longevity of parliamentary democracy in the Bahamas.
January 06, 2011
The Bahama Journal 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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The trade union leadership in The Bahamas is in shambles
By Dennis Dames
It was sometime in December 2010 that I saw the big-time union-woman Ms. Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson on television hinting with a vengeance about the possibly of a general strike or massive demonstrations as a result of the government’s decision to sell the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to one Cable and Wireless. She ended with the words: We coming.
Then, some days later– I saw her again on the screen; but this time, she was like a ship without wind for its sails. It looked like she and her band of irresolute union leaders were not sure after all about the next course of action that they would take.
We coming had turned to: We don’t know if we are coming or going.
Big booboo Ms. Isaacs-Dotson!
You played with fire and you got burned. I think that you have presented your cards recklessly on this issue; and it is my perception that the union leadership in The Bahamas is in shambles as a consequence.
Then, I saw the BTC union leader on the news like he was crying. He threatened to sue someone who would insist on essentially telling lies on them. It was like he was timid rather than confident. It really did not reflect favorably on their cause; whatever it is that they are trying to articulate.
Then, there is Mr. Carroll – the Managers’ union man of BTC. He simply looks lost in all of this union lunacy that we must endure – hopefully for not too much longer. Every-time I see Mr. Carroll in the newspapers – he looks out-of-place or in space.
What are these people really dealing with? Fighting boredom perhaps or are they simply being misguided by political con-men who are out to springboard solidly to the 2012 general election?
Bahamas Blog International
It was sometime in December 2010 that I saw the big-time union-woman Ms. Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson on television hinting with a vengeance about the possibly of a general strike or massive demonstrations as a result of the government’s decision to sell the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to one Cable and Wireless. She ended with the words: We coming.
Then, some days later– I saw her again on the screen; but this time, she was like a ship without wind for its sails. It looked like she and her band of irresolute union leaders were not sure after all about the next course of action that they would take.
We coming had turned to: We don’t know if we are coming or going.
Big booboo Ms. Isaacs-Dotson!
You played with fire and you got burned. I think that you have presented your cards recklessly on this issue; and it is my perception that the union leadership in The Bahamas is in shambles as a consequence.
Then, I saw the BTC union leader on the news like he was crying. He threatened to sue someone who would insist on essentially telling lies on them. It was like he was timid rather than confident. It really did not reflect favorably on their cause; whatever it is that they are trying to articulate.
Then, there is Mr. Carroll – the Managers’ union man of BTC. He simply looks lost in all of this union lunacy that we must endure – hopefully for not too much longer. Every-time I see Mr. Carroll in the newspapers – he looks out-of-place or in space.
What are these people really dealing with? Fighting boredom perhaps or are they simply being misguided by political con-men who are out to springboard solidly to the 2012 general election?
Bahamas Blog International
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
From Austerity to Prosperity
The Bahama Journal Editorial
While we have no way of precisely forecasting the future, we are fairly certain that – in the absence of a decisive break with business as usual - things are set to get even harder for a broad swath of our people.
This is so not only because we are so dependent on external forces and sources for most of the jobs that provide good incomes; but also because of the fact that in times past, we just did not produce enough and neither did we have - as a people – any real desire to do more.
Instead, we spent as if there was no tomorrow; and we borrowed as if happy days would last for as long as we might have wished.
Today, we know that these were mere illusions; in and of themselves evidence of a dependency that left us vulnerable and open to shock after shock – some of them external and others terrifyingly internal.
And so today – and therefore to the nub of today’s argument – we note that, we must – if we are to weather the storms ahead, work harder, produce more and in so many other words, we have to give value for money.
Evidently, the fact of the matter in today’s hard-pressed Bahamas is to the effect that, Bahamians are slowly but surely coming to the realization that they will be obliged to work harder, study more, get more training and otherwise become more competitive if they hope to make it.
Here we note how Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingraham some time ago framed the issue at hand. In this regard, the nation’s chief admonished, "We must never lose sight of the reality that as the world’s economy shrinks, competition increases…”
And so, we can decide to match the competition, out-distance it or fall behind. Put simply, we are in a fight that will determine whether we get out from under our troubles and woes or if we are to fail utterly.
Simply put, if we are to find our own unique road to success, we must demand far more of ourselves and a great deal more of our leaders.
This is surely the way to go if we are to negotiate our way past austerity road; that path that invariably precedes the broad vistas that come with prosperity.
Here we would posit that, the time is nigh for the Bahamian people to realize that the world in which they live, work and where they might prosper, remains one that rewards productivity and creativity.
And for sure, while foreign directed projects like Baha Mar are obviously appreciated, Bahamians must do more for themselves.
Here they are called upon to do so by working harder, remaining sober, becoming more diligent and otherwise, giving appropriate value for money received.
While much of this is easier said than done and while some others might dither and others dawdle, clearly things are currently going from bad to worse.
We need merely refer to some of the grief some small employers are obliged to experience as they try to keep their businesses afloat.
Utility costs are high; so is the price of labor.
There is little to no commensurate value coming the employer’s way – this due to the fact that labor is expensive, often incompetent and just as often, simply unavailable.
This and more information just like this serves to underscore the urgency in the moment for all hands to be put to work if things are going to be kept together.
They must become more productive.
Clearly then, it is this question of productivity that cuts to the heart of that matter which turns on whether the Bahamas has what it takes to compete in the region and in the wider world.
Sadly, the answer must be in the negative.
This neatly explains how it now arises where in certain large enterprises, workers are being routinely ‘thrown overboard’ in efforts to help staunch this or that firm’s money-hemorrhage; thus the emergence here of late of that rising ocean of unemployed and underemployed Bahamians.
And so we would respectfully suggest that –if only at this juncture - we just do not have what it takes to compete with nations that have vast numbers of disciplined workers – men and women who work well and hard – and who do have what it takes to create value.
Here discipline is the key.
When and where workers are disciplined, well-educated and properly trained they become a nation’s most valuable resource.
Contrariwise, when and where they are neglected or denied education and training, they become social parasites; this in turn, exposes them to lives of misery and want.
And so, as night follows day, we must – if we are to survive in this brave new world – work smarter, produce more value and otherwise demonstrate that we can compete in that global economy where the mantra remains, compete or perish.
December 05, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
While we have no way of precisely forecasting the future, we are fairly certain that – in the absence of a decisive break with business as usual - things are set to get even harder for a broad swath of our people.
This is so not only because we are so dependent on external forces and sources for most of the jobs that provide good incomes; but also because of the fact that in times past, we just did not produce enough and neither did we have - as a people – any real desire to do more.
Instead, we spent as if there was no tomorrow; and we borrowed as if happy days would last for as long as we might have wished.
Today, we know that these were mere illusions; in and of themselves evidence of a dependency that left us vulnerable and open to shock after shock – some of them external and others terrifyingly internal.
And so today – and therefore to the nub of today’s argument – we note that, we must – if we are to weather the storms ahead, work harder, produce more and in so many other words, we have to give value for money.
Evidently, the fact of the matter in today’s hard-pressed Bahamas is to the effect that, Bahamians are slowly but surely coming to the realization that they will be obliged to work harder, study more, get more training and otherwise become more competitive if they hope to make it.
Here we note how Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingraham some time ago framed the issue at hand. In this regard, the nation’s chief admonished, "We must never lose sight of the reality that as the world’s economy shrinks, competition increases…”
And so, we can decide to match the competition, out-distance it or fall behind. Put simply, we are in a fight that will determine whether we get out from under our troubles and woes or if we are to fail utterly.
Simply put, if we are to find our own unique road to success, we must demand far more of ourselves and a great deal more of our leaders.
This is surely the way to go if we are to negotiate our way past austerity road; that path that invariably precedes the broad vistas that come with prosperity.
Here we would posit that, the time is nigh for the Bahamian people to realize that the world in which they live, work and where they might prosper, remains one that rewards productivity and creativity.
And for sure, while foreign directed projects like Baha Mar are obviously appreciated, Bahamians must do more for themselves.
Here they are called upon to do so by working harder, remaining sober, becoming more diligent and otherwise, giving appropriate value for money received.
While much of this is easier said than done and while some others might dither and others dawdle, clearly things are currently going from bad to worse.
We need merely refer to some of the grief some small employers are obliged to experience as they try to keep their businesses afloat.
Utility costs are high; so is the price of labor.
There is little to no commensurate value coming the employer’s way – this due to the fact that labor is expensive, often incompetent and just as often, simply unavailable.
This and more information just like this serves to underscore the urgency in the moment for all hands to be put to work if things are going to be kept together.
They must become more productive.
Clearly then, it is this question of productivity that cuts to the heart of that matter which turns on whether the Bahamas has what it takes to compete in the region and in the wider world.
Sadly, the answer must be in the negative.
This neatly explains how it now arises where in certain large enterprises, workers are being routinely ‘thrown overboard’ in efforts to help staunch this or that firm’s money-hemorrhage; thus the emergence here of late of that rising ocean of unemployed and underemployed Bahamians.
And so we would respectfully suggest that –if only at this juncture - we just do not have what it takes to compete with nations that have vast numbers of disciplined workers – men and women who work well and hard – and who do have what it takes to create value.
Here discipline is the key.
When and where workers are disciplined, well-educated and properly trained they become a nation’s most valuable resource.
Contrariwise, when and where they are neglected or denied education and training, they become social parasites; this in turn, exposes them to lives of misery and want.
And so, as night follows day, we must – if we are to survive in this brave new world – work smarter, produce more value and otherwise demonstrate that we can compete in that global economy where the mantra remains, compete or perish.
December 05, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Bahamas' ever-expanding national debt: "the biggest threat" to the Bahamian economy's recovery and medium to-long-term prospects...
'Biggest threat' from $4.1bn national debt
By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
The ever-expanding national debt, which hit $4.139 billion at end-September 2010 after growing by 12.5 per cent or $460.5 million over the previous 12 months, represents "the biggest threat" to the Bahamian economy's recovery and medium to-long-term prospects, a former finance minister warned yesterday.
James Smith, minister of state for finance in the former Christie government between 2002-2007, said that while the Bahamas' national finances were "nowhere near crisis" point yet, the "worrisome" aspect was the "aggressive" and "accelerated rate" at which the national debt and its ratio to gross domestic product (GDP) was increasing.
Arguing that the Bahamas urgently needed to regain its fiscal headroom to cope with further unexpected future shocks to its economy, Mr Smith said the main concern was the trajectory at which the national debt and debt-to-GDP ratio were rising, especially since the revenues to service them were still falling.
Commenting on the most recent national debt figures, published by the Central Bank in its 2010 third quarter economic review, Mr Smith said: "The increase is getting a little aggressive. Any time you have this continuing trend, and it's an upward trend, that's the concern, because it comes at a time when there is no increase in revenue, so the debt service element is growing at full steam.
"With less revenue coming in, and the cost of financing the debt going up, a greater part of Government expenditure has to be dedicated to debt servicing." As a result, the sums available for the Government to spend on essential services, such as health, education and national security, would be less.
Concern:
"There ought to be some concern about the rate of increase in the debt, because it's very difficult once you step over that slope to come back," the former finance minister added. "I don't think we're anywhere near crisis; it's the trend that's the worrisome part."
The Bahamas' national debt grew by 12.5 per cent or $460.5 million over the 12 months to September 30, 2010, and by 4.4 per cent or $173.3 million during that third quarter, aided by a $100 million domestic government bond issue.
While many small island economies had managed to withstand the global recession with higher debt-to-GDP ratios than the Bahamas, a number had been forced to head for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restructure their debt. And they, like the Bahamas, did not have a hard currency to back their debt, being forced to borrow in foreign currency.
The Central Bank report also highlighted another concern, namely that public sector foreign currency debt stood at $1.324 billion as at September 30, 2010, with 59.3 per cent directly attributed to the central government. And, according to Tribune Business calculations, foreign currency accounts for 32 per cent - almost one-third - of the total national debt.
"That's also worrisome," Mr Smith responded, when informed by Tribune Business about the level of foreign currency debt. "What is happening is that we're seeing a build-up in foreign currency reserves, which is good, but that has been produced by the Government's foreign currency borrowing and the IMF subvention [special drawing rights]."
The real issue for the Bahamas could come "somewhere down the road" when the Government's foreign currency bond issue matured, requiring a multi-million dollar principal repayment, likely to be in the region of $200-$300 million, to be made to the investors.
While the Government's existing foreign currency bonds all had medium and long-term maturities, if the foreign reserves were not boosted by inflows from tourism and foreign direct investment, the principal repayments would represent a substantial drawdown on these reserves - currently standing at $875 million.
Ultimately, this could result in "more and more foreign currency being used for debt reduction, as opposed to bolstering the economy" through import spending and such like, Mr Smith said, adding: "We have to be careful about the foreign currency portion of the debt.
"Right now it looks good on the monetary side because the reserves have increased, but that's not come from tourism or foreign direct investment - it's come from the proceeds of debt.
Rates:
"Again, down the road, in maybe another two or three years' time, when you look at this in a global context where interest rates have been held down by quantitative easing, the rate on our foreign currency borrowing could rise because it's tied to LIBOR.
"This debt servicing component of the Budget could rise even further still."
Describing the national debt and its growth rate as "the biggest threat" to the Bahamas' medium and long-term economic growth and stability, Mr Smith told Tribune Business: "We are rapidly using up the headroom in the event we do have problems down the road, and for us it's external events that put us out."
Pointing to the 'short, sharp shock' to the Bahamian economy caused by the travel hiatus following the September 11 terror attacks, which plunged this nation into a temporary recession, Mr Smith added that with the likes of Europe and US also carrying major debt burdens, the Bahamas would have to compete for "the same pool" of financing, something that could see it crowded out or forced to pay higher interest rates on its debt.
"We're not out of the woods yet. We need to continue to get the headroom in the event of a short-term crisis," Mr Smith said. He urged the Government to conduct a careful, proper analysis of the fiscal picture to ensure the Bahamas enjoyed a soft landing.
And the former finance minister warned that while the Government "may have it under control internally", the growing national debt and falling revenues would be interpreted as a bad sign by the international community. Indeed, the rising level of government debt saw interest payments during the first quarter of the 2010-2011 Budget year to $44 million, a growth of $12.2 million or 5.29 per cent.
The direct debt charge on the Government grew by 5.3 per cent or $181.4 million over the 2010 third quarter, and by 10.6 per cent or $342.6 million in the 12 months to September 30, 2010. Bahamian dollar obligations accounted for 78.1 per cent of this direct charge.
December 31, 2010
tribune242
By NEIL HARTNELL
Tribune Business Editor
The ever-expanding national debt, which hit $4.139 billion at end-September 2010 after growing by 12.5 per cent or $460.5 million over the previous 12 months, represents "the biggest threat" to the Bahamian economy's recovery and medium to-long-term prospects, a former finance minister warned yesterday.
James Smith, minister of state for finance in the former Christie government between 2002-2007, said that while the Bahamas' national finances were "nowhere near crisis" point yet, the "worrisome" aspect was the "aggressive" and "accelerated rate" at which the national debt and its ratio to gross domestic product (GDP) was increasing.
Arguing that the Bahamas urgently needed to regain its fiscal headroom to cope with further unexpected future shocks to its economy, Mr Smith said the main concern was the trajectory at which the national debt and debt-to-GDP ratio were rising, especially since the revenues to service them were still falling.
Commenting on the most recent national debt figures, published by the Central Bank in its 2010 third quarter economic review, Mr Smith said: "The increase is getting a little aggressive. Any time you have this continuing trend, and it's an upward trend, that's the concern, because it comes at a time when there is no increase in revenue, so the debt service element is growing at full steam.
"With less revenue coming in, and the cost of financing the debt going up, a greater part of Government expenditure has to be dedicated to debt servicing." As a result, the sums available for the Government to spend on essential services, such as health, education and national security, would be less.
Concern:
"There ought to be some concern about the rate of increase in the debt, because it's very difficult once you step over that slope to come back," the former finance minister added. "I don't think we're anywhere near crisis; it's the trend that's the worrisome part."
The Bahamas' national debt grew by 12.5 per cent or $460.5 million over the 12 months to September 30, 2010, and by 4.4 per cent or $173.3 million during that third quarter, aided by a $100 million domestic government bond issue.
While many small island economies had managed to withstand the global recession with higher debt-to-GDP ratios than the Bahamas, a number had been forced to head for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restructure their debt. And they, like the Bahamas, did not have a hard currency to back their debt, being forced to borrow in foreign currency.
The Central Bank report also highlighted another concern, namely that public sector foreign currency debt stood at $1.324 billion as at September 30, 2010, with 59.3 per cent directly attributed to the central government. And, according to Tribune Business calculations, foreign currency accounts for 32 per cent - almost one-third - of the total national debt.
"That's also worrisome," Mr Smith responded, when informed by Tribune Business about the level of foreign currency debt. "What is happening is that we're seeing a build-up in foreign currency reserves, which is good, but that has been produced by the Government's foreign currency borrowing and the IMF subvention [special drawing rights]."
The real issue for the Bahamas could come "somewhere down the road" when the Government's foreign currency bond issue matured, requiring a multi-million dollar principal repayment, likely to be in the region of $200-$300 million, to be made to the investors.
While the Government's existing foreign currency bonds all had medium and long-term maturities, if the foreign reserves were not boosted by inflows from tourism and foreign direct investment, the principal repayments would represent a substantial drawdown on these reserves - currently standing at $875 million.
Ultimately, this could result in "more and more foreign currency being used for debt reduction, as opposed to bolstering the economy" through import spending and such like, Mr Smith said, adding: "We have to be careful about the foreign currency portion of the debt.
"Right now it looks good on the monetary side because the reserves have increased, but that's not come from tourism or foreign direct investment - it's come from the proceeds of debt.
Rates:
"Again, down the road, in maybe another two or three years' time, when you look at this in a global context where interest rates have been held down by quantitative easing, the rate on our foreign currency borrowing could rise because it's tied to LIBOR.
"This debt servicing component of the Budget could rise even further still."
Describing the national debt and its growth rate as "the biggest threat" to the Bahamas' medium and long-term economic growth and stability, Mr Smith told Tribune Business: "We are rapidly using up the headroom in the event we do have problems down the road, and for us it's external events that put us out."
Pointing to the 'short, sharp shock' to the Bahamian economy caused by the travel hiatus following the September 11 terror attacks, which plunged this nation into a temporary recession, Mr Smith added that with the likes of Europe and US also carrying major debt burdens, the Bahamas would have to compete for "the same pool" of financing, something that could see it crowded out or forced to pay higher interest rates on its debt.
"We're not out of the woods yet. We need to continue to get the headroom in the event of a short-term crisis," Mr Smith said. He urged the Government to conduct a careful, proper analysis of the fiscal picture to ensure the Bahamas enjoyed a soft landing.
And the former finance minister warned that while the Government "may have it under control internally", the growing national debt and falling revenues would be interpreted as a bad sign by the international community. Indeed, the rising level of government debt saw interest payments during the first quarter of the 2010-2011 Budget year to $44 million, a growth of $12.2 million or 5.29 per cent.
The direct debt charge on the Government grew by 5.3 per cent or $181.4 million over the 2010 third quarter, and by 10.6 per cent or $342.6 million in the 12 months to September 30, 2010. Bahamian dollar obligations accounted for 78.1 per cent of this direct charge.
December 31, 2010
tribune242
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sarkis Izmirlian, Man of the Year
Sarkis Izmirlian JCN Man of the Year
The Bahama Journal
As we here at JCN have done for the past ten years; so do we continue this year: we have decided to recognize certain deserving men and women for the contribution they have made [and continue to make] to the ongoing development of the Bahamas.
We do so not only because we can; but because we must –as a responsible media organization – continue to do all that we can to help build up our nation; and so by the same token, we must always give credit where and when credit is due others.
We note also that, right-thinking Bahamians throughout the length and breadth of the Bahamas are today excited at the vistas of opportunity they see as they contemplate the initiation of the Baha Mar project, slated for the Cable Beach strip.
As in the case of these highly expectant Bahamians, we too look forward to the start-up and completion of this mega-project.
In this regard, it should not take the genius that comes with rocket-science to understand and appreciate the import of a project that promises to employ thousands of Bahamians.
Such a venture would also bring with it a multiplier effect that promises to buoy other aspects of the Bahamian economy, its society and its competitiveness in that wider world where in the struggle for economic pre-eminence and consumer satisfaction, it is excellence that matters most of all.
Izmirlian is this Journal’s Man of the Year because he has been able to match word with deed in support of his stated conclusion to the effect that the Baha Mar project – in its guise as a world-class resort - will significantly benefit The Bahamas and all Bahamians.
We believe him when he says that, “… Baha Mar will make The Bahamas one of the premier tourist locations in the world…"
And so, distilled to its essence, the word we are getting is to the effect that, Baha Mar will draw millions of vacationers and business travelers every year to the resort's six hotels, with almost 3,500 rooms and condos, the largest casino in the Caribbean, the largest convention center in The Bahamas, a world-class golf course, retail village and much more.
In addition, it is to be noted that, Baha Mar –once fully operational- will boast having a staff that is fully operational, with some 98 per cent of the staff being Bahamian.
This is excellent-good news.
It is this new information that supports and under girds the decision we have made to name this entrepreneur par excellence – Sarkis Izmirlian- as our man of the year.
He is this year’s choice not only because of his tenacity and vision; but also for being that kind of investor who clearly has a phenomenal depth of confidence in the Bahamas and in its people.
In addition, he is clearly that kind of man who is driven to get things up and going; here we would also venture that this man has a depth of confidence in himself and in his capacity to get up from under any number of disappointments and challenges.
To put the matter concerning Izmirlian in its proper perspective; this investor makes things happen; in this, he is to be distinguished from all those others who wait patiently for things to line up this or that way.
This is not to say that, he does not recognize the need for perseverance; indeed, he surely had his share of this as he plotted his way through what might have – on first glance- seemed to be seemed so very many high hurdles.
As the record shows; this man persevered; stuck to his guns; sought out and found a worthy strategic partner in the guise of the Chinese Export-Import Bank and has thereafter gone on to victory.
As we now know, “The proposed Cable Beach development would be financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation…”
And clearly, while we reference victory on the part of this man –Sarkis Izmirlian – we are also minded to take note of the fact that, the Bahama Mar project signals good news not only for those who govern, but also for the nation’s Loyal Opposition.
As the record would show, the initial conversations and tentative agreements concerning Baha Mar and the revitalization of the Cable Beach Strip came up for consideration in that time when, the Free National Movement was then in opposition.
In toto, then, the vast majority of our people are also winners in that saga that now involves Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar and the transformation of the tourism product in the Bahamas.
This believer in the Bahamas deserves not only our recognition; but also that of all right-thinking Bahamians.
And so, we salute Sarkis Izmirlian as JCN’s Man of the Year.
December 31, 2010
The Bahama Journal
The Bahama Journal
As we here at JCN have done for the past ten years; so do we continue this year: we have decided to recognize certain deserving men and women for the contribution they have made [and continue to make] to the ongoing development of the Bahamas.
We do so not only because we can; but because we must –as a responsible media organization – continue to do all that we can to help build up our nation; and so by the same token, we must always give credit where and when credit is due others.
We note also that, right-thinking Bahamians throughout the length and breadth of the Bahamas are today excited at the vistas of opportunity they see as they contemplate the initiation of the Baha Mar project, slated for the Cable Beach strip.
As in the case of these highly expectant Bahamians, we too look forward to the start-up and completion of this mega-project.
In this regard, it should not take the genius that comes with rocket-science to understand and appreciate the import of a project that promises to employ thousands of Bahamians.
Such a venture would also bring with it a multiplier effect that promises to buoy other aspects of the Bahamian economy, its society and its competitiveness in that wider world where in the struggle for economic pre-eminence and consumer satisfaction, it is excellence that matters most of all.
Izmirlian is this Journal’s Man of the Year because he has been able to match word with deed in support of his stated conclusion to the effect that the Baha Mar project – in its guise as a world-class resort - will significantly benefit The Bahamas and all Bahamians.
We believe him when he says that, “… Baha Mar will make The Bahamas one of the premier tourist locations in the world…"
And so, distilled to its essence, the word we are getting is to the effect that, Baha Mar will draw millions of vacationers and business travelers every year to the resort's six hotels, with almost 3,500 rooms and condos, the largest casino in the Caribbean, the largest convention center in The Bahamas, a world-class golf course, retail village and much more.
In addition, it is to be noted that, Baha Mar –once fully operational- will boast having a staff that is fully operational, with some 98 per cent of the staff being Bahamian.
This is excellent-good news.
It is this new information that supports and under girds the decision we have made to name this entrepreneur par excellence – Sarkis Izmirlian- as our man of the year.
He is this year’s choice not only because of his tenacity and vision; but also for being that kind of investor who clearly has a phenomenal depth of confidence in the Bahamas and in its people.
In addition, he is clearly that kind of man who is driven to get things up and going; here we would also venture that this man has a depth of confidence in himself and in his capacity to get up from under any number of disappointments and challenges.
To put the matter concerning Izmirlian in its proper perspective; this investor makes things happen; in this, he is to be distinguished from all those others who wait patiently for things to line up this or that way.
This is not to say that, he does not recognize the need for perseverance; indeed, he surely had his share of this as he plotted his way through what might have – on first glance- seemed to be seemed so very many high hurdles.
As the record shows; this man persevered; stuck to his guns; sought out and found a worthy strategic partner in the guise of the Chinese Export-Import Bank and has thereafter gone on to victory.
As we now know, “The proposed Cable Beach development would be financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and constructed by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation…”
And clearly, while we reference victory on the part of this man –Sarkis Izmirlian – we are also minded to take note of the fact that, the Bahama Mar project signals good news not only for those who govern, but also for the nation’s Loyal Opposition.
As the record would show, the initial conversations and tentative agreements concerning Baha Mar and the revitalization of the Cable Beach Strip came up for consideration in that time when, the Free National Movement was then in opposition.
In toto, then, the vast majority of our people are also winners in that saga that now involves Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar and the transformation of the tourism product in the Bahamas.
This believer in the Bahamas deserves not only our recognition; but also that of all right-thinking Bahamians.
And so, we salute Sarkis Izmirlian as JCN’s Man of the Year.
December 31, 2010
The Bahama Journal
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Brensil Rolle: ...the government will crackdown on shantytowns, which have sprung up in New Providence over the years
Squatters face govt action
By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE
Guardian Senior Reporter
kdl@nasguard.com
Housing official vows crackdown following fire
While describing a fire that destroyed more than 100 houses in a Haitian village on Sunday as tragic, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Housing Brensil Rolle said yesterday the government will crackdown on shantytowns, which have sprung up in New Providence over the years.
Rolle said that on one piece of government property in the Carmichael Road area, there are more than 1,000 squatters, including at least 250 Bahamians.
That land is located near the Haitian village destroyed in the weekend blaze.
Rolle noted that these communities pose health and safety risks to neighboring communities.
He said Bahamians have been instrumental in the proliferation of these shantytowns.
“We are very fortunate that lives were not lost and major injury did not occur. But a greater problem is whether or not communities like this should exist in pockets of New Providence at this stage, and perhaps that is why the government is engaged in the new sub-division law, which will outline how communities are to be developed,” Rolle told The Nassau Guardian.
“It cannot be acceptable in The Bahamas for communities to continue to exist in this fashion.
“I am not commenting on whether the community is a community of illegals or not. It is just that we cannot have in The Bahamas in 2010 communities of this nature.”
Rolle pointed to the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions the squatters impacted by the recent fire were living under with no running water and electricity.
The Nassau Guardian understands that more than 200 Haitians were living in the Alan Drive community.
The blaze took 25 fire fighters six hours to extinguish. Many of the residents were left with only the clothes on their backs.
The Nassau Guardian also understands that some of the residents now sleep in derelict vehicles, while others have been lucky enough to find lodging with family members.
Rolle said he has already written and spoken with some of his colleagues to see how best to move forward in dealing with this vexing problem.
“I suspect what is going to take place is that the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies will go in and cause some investigations to take place to see what caused the fire and what happened and thereafter the government will make some decisions on what will take place on the land,” he said.
Rolle claimed that there are three flourishing Haitian shantytowns in the area.
Regarding the government land where more than 1,000 squatters reside, he said, “We tried to the best of our ability to make contact with everyone in the village. We identified the Bahamians and residents in the village who have applied for residency so a decision can be made on their applications so that when the Ministry of Housing moves in to redesign the property they could be considered.”
He said there are some squatters who can afford to pay rent and will most likely have to do so when the time comes.
“We just want to make sure in our communities standards are maintained, and the government building code is not violated,” Rolle said.
One Bahamian resident who lives near the shantytown that burnt down claimed that she has had to put up with loud music and feared illegal activity was taking place.
She said despite the great loss that the squatters have had to endure they should not be allowed to rebuild.
12/30/2010
thenassauguardian
By KEVA LIGHTBOURNE
Guardian Senior Reporter
kdl@nasguard.com
Housing official vows crackdown following fire
While describing a fire that destroyed more than 100 houses in a Haitian village on Sunday as tragic, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Housing Brensil Rolle said yesterday the government will crackdown on shantytowns, which have sprung up in New Providence over the years.
Rolle said that on one piece of government property in the Carmichael Road area, there are more than 1,000 squatters, including at least 250 Bahamians.
That land is located near the Haitian village destroyed in the weekend blaze.
Rolle noted that these communities pose health and safety risks to neighboring communities.
He said Bahamians have been instrumental in the proliferation of these shantytowns.
“We are very fortunate that lives were not lost and major injury did not occur. But a greater problem is whether or not communities like this should exist in pockets of New Providence at this stage, and perhaps that is why the government is engaged in the new sub-division law, which will outline how communities are to be developed,” Rolle told The Nassau Guardian.
“It cannot be acceptable in The Bahamas for communities to continue to exist in this fashion.
“I am not commenting on whether the community is a community of illegals or not. It is just that we cannot have in The Bahamas in 2010 communities of this nature.”
Rolle pointed to the unsanitary and unhealthy conditions the squatters impacted by the recent fire were living under with no running water and electricity.
The Nassau Guardian understands that more than 200 Haitians were living in the Alan Drive community.
The blaze took 25 fire fighters six hours to extinguish. Many of the residents were left with only the clothes on their backs.
The Nassau Guardian also understands that some of the residents now sleep in derelict vehicles, while others have been lucky enough to find lodging with family members.
Rolle said he has already written and spoken with some of his colleagues to see how best to move forward in dealing with this vexing problem.
“I suspect what is going to take place is that the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies will go in and cause some investigations to take place to see what caused the fire and what happened and thereafter the government will make some decisions on what will take place on the land,” he said.
Rolle claimed that there are three flourishing Haitian shantytowns in the area.
Regarding the government land where more than 1,000 squatters reside, he said, “We tried to the best of our ability to make contact with everyone in the village. We identified the Bahamians and residents in the village who have applied for residency so a decision can be made on their applications so that when the Ministry of Housing moves in to redesign the property they could be considered.”
He said there are some squatters who can afford to pay rent and will most likely have to do so when the time comes.
“We just want to make sure in our communities standards are maintained, and the government building code is not violated,” Rolle said.
One Bahamian resident who lives near the shantytown that burnt down claimed that she has had to put up with loud music and feared illegal activity was taking place.
She said despite the great loss that the squatters have had to endure they should not be allowed to rebuild.
12/30/2010
thenassauguardian
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
This Nation’s Bevy of Challenges
The Bahama Journal Editorial
With this nostrum as opening gambit, we take note of the fact that, for what now seems a fairly long season, the Bahamas seemed to conclusively demonstrate that development in a small island developing country could be successfully driven by foreign direct investment.
And for sure, Bahamians could and did exult in their good fortune by assuring themselves that, these salutary changes had come about due to their own initiatives.
Indeed, there was every indication that, the Bahamas had somehow or the other managed to escape its long history of boom and bust at the economic level.
And so it arose that, they decided to praise the late Sir Stafford L. Sands for being the financial genius behind the so-called miracle of year-round tourism to the Bahamas.
We now know that this was an illusion.
As the same record would attest and confirm: while Sir Stafford was –in truth and in fact – a major player in the development of the tourism industry, other forces – most of them external to the Bahamas- played crucially important roles in this transformative process.
Highest on the list of external forces would be the on-set of the Cuban Revolution and Cuba’s isolation from trade with the United States of America.
It was this external factor that has driven the Bahamian economy over the course of the past fifty years or so.
With this development came that transformation of the Bahamas which allowed the bulk of its people a first opportunity to turn its collective back on a development model predicated on seasonal tourism, niche banking, fishing, farming and other allied occupations.
This development brought with it ancillary political changes – some of which promised Majority Rule and some economic empowerment for those who were heretofore socially excluded and economically marginalized.
While some successes have been scored; there is every indication that some of these now run the real risk of being lost as a consequence of the hard times that now prevail.
In addition, there is every indication that things are set to be difficult for at least the next decade or so.
This situation stands in direct contrast to those days when money was in abundance and when practically everybody who was anybody could make a fairly decent living.
Things are now trending downwards; and so, as things go and grow from bad to worse – Bahamians on either side of the political divide have taken to blaming each other for this nation’s bevy of distresses.
While this ‘game’ might provide entertainment galore for those who are tuned in; we daresay that, this does the nation itself no real good.
For our part, then, we would sincerely suggest that, having grown accustomed to one version of the so-called good life [that is to say, a life driven by easy money] very many Bahamians are today panicking; this coming packaged in with the prospect that hard times might be here to stay.
While we are optimistic as regards our prospects for the long-term; we are today pessimistic for the short-term; this due to the fact that, the Bahamian people are yet to determine what they want and would have as regards real leadership.
In the interim, things threaten to disintegrate into a state akin to chaos.
And of course, this can lead to its own sad denouement in even more social distress.
Here take note that on occasion, we have bemoaned the fact that, the Bahamian people are being routinely failed by their leaders.
Evidence for this failure can be seen in practically every major institution; whether reference is to those who would lead in the field of faith and belief; education; government; the home or at the work place.
In addition, there is no gainsaying the fact that, there are very many Bahamians who are today mired in distress; with some of them teetering on the edge of despair.
And yet there is more bad news; this time around the reference we make has to do with what seems a Bahamian penchant towards dependency and lack of confidence in their own innate ability.
This neatly explains how it arises in case after case that Bahamians are loath to respect their own when they are put in positions of authority and power – thus the pre-eminence they give to foreigners and to most things foreign.
For a season, this way of things surely worked its magic.
But since nothing lasts forever, these balmy days are now receding. As they become history, a new order beckons; this being one where Bahamians will be obliged to work harder, produce more so as to become more self-reliant.
In this regard, we envisage the coming of that day when, the Bahamian people will have a national economy that walks – so to speak- on two legs; with one being foreign and the other Bahamian.
December 29, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
With this nostrum as opening gambit, we take note of the fact that, for what now seems a fairly long season, the Bahamas seemed to conclusively demonstrate that development in a small island developing country could be successfully driven by foreign direct investment.
And for sure, Bahamians could and did exult in their good fortune by assuring themselves that, these salutary changes had come about due to their own initiatives.
Indeed, there was every indication that, the Bahamas had somehow or the other managed to escape its long history of boom and bust at the economic level.
And so it arose that, they decided to praise the late Sir Stafford L. Sands for being the financial genius behind the so-called miracle of year-round tourism to the Bahamas.
We now know that this was an illusion.
As the same record would attest and confirm: while Sir Stafford was –in truth and in fact – a major player in the development of the tourism industry, other forces – most of them external to the Bahamas- played crucially important roles in this transformative process.
Highest on the list of external forces would be the on-set of the Cuban Revolution and Cuba’s isolation from trade with the United States of America.
It was this external factor that has driven the Bahamian economy over the course of the past fifty years or so.
With this development came that transformation of the Bahamas which allowed the bulk of its people a first opportunity to turn its collective back on a development model predicated on seasonal tourism, niche banking, fishing, farming and other allied occupations.
This development brought with it ancillary political changes – some of which promised Majority Rule and some economic empowerment for those who were heretofore socially excluded and economically marginalized.
While some successes have been scored; there is every indication that some of these now run the real risk of being lost as a consequence of the hard times that now prevail.
In addition, there is every indication that things are set to be difficult for at least the next decade or so.
This situation stands in direct contrast to those days when money was in abundance and when practically everybody who was anybody could make a fairly decent living.
Things are now trending downwards; and so, as things go and grow from bad to worse – Bahamians on either side of the political divide have taken to blaming each other for this nation’s bevy of distresses.
While this ‘game’ might provide entertainment galore for those who are tuned in; we daresay that, this does the nation itself no real good.
For our part, then, we would sincerely suggest that, having grown accustomed to one version of the so-called good life [that is to say, a life driven by easy money] very many Bahamians are today panicking; this coming packaged in with the prospect that hard times might be here to stay.
While we are optimistic as regards our prospects for the long-term; we are today pessimistic for the short-term; this due to the fact that, the Bahamian people are yet to determine what they want and would have as regards real leadership.
In the interim, things threaten to disintegrate into a state akin to chaos.
And of course, this can lead to its own sad denouement in even more social distress.
Here take note that on occasion, we have bemoaned the fact that, the Bahamian people are being routinely failed by their leaders.
Evidence for this failure can be seen in practically every major institution; whether reference is to those who would lead in the field of faith and belief; education; government; the home or at the work place.
In addition, there is no gainsaying the fact that, there are very many Bahamians who are today mired in distress; with some of them teetering on the edge of despair.
And yet there is more bad news; this time around the reference we make has to do with what seems a Bahamian penchant towards dependency and lack of confidence in their own innate ability.
This neatly explains how it arises in case after case that Bahamians are loath to respect their own when they are put in positions of authority and power – thus the pre-eminence they give to foreigners and to most things foreign.
For a season, this way of things surely worked its magic.
But since nothing lasts forever, these balmy days are now receding. As they become history, a new order beckons; this being one where Bahamians will be obliged to work harder, produce more so as to become more self-reliant.
In this regard, we envisage the coming of that day when, the Bahamian people will have a national economy that walks – so to speak- on two legs; with one being foreign and the other Bahamian.
December 29, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
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