MPs Challenged To Take Drug Tests
BY KENDENO N. P. KNOWLES
jonesbahamas
The 41 sitting Members of Parliament are being challenged by one political hopeful to undergo drug testing ahead of the upcoming general elections. But more than that, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Treasurer Craig Butler is insisting that every potential candidate undergo the same testing.
Mr. Butler, who has long sought a position in high office through his political party, but has never been successful because of his troubled past plagued with drug use, namely cocaine, made this call for politicians to come clean about their drug use on Wednesday.
The aspiring politician told the Bahama Journal yesterday that, "Anybody running for a seat in the House of Assembly, and all candidates or anybody who offers themselves as a candidate should be tested without question."
And while in The Bahamas, there exists a Public Disclosure Act where candidates are asked to reveal information about their finances, investigations carried out by the Bahama Journal revealed that in countries like the United States and Canada, politicians both serving and aspiring, are asked to disclose financial as well as medical information among other things.
"Getting tested for drugs is just one of the requirements when people are applying for jobs and a number of other things. So why shouldn’t those people who sit in the halls of Parliament be tested for drug use," Mr. Butler asked.
"I do not think any of the MPs should have an issue with this but I also do not think anyone will even consider this possibility."
Questioned as to the validity of claims made about certain sitting members abusing presently or previously abusing drugs, Mr. Butler was more than reluctant to answer.
Instead, Mr. Butler says we perhaps will never really know for sure what someone has done or is doing without this drug testing.
"I am not about to go down that road and state whether or not I think anyone in [the House of Assembly may be guilty of drug use]," he said.
"As I’ve stated on the record, almost a decade ago yes I did have my problems and anyone who has ever been in my position, I guess there will always be some question marks that will remain.
"But I think a drug test should be required of everyone running for office. Nobody ever knows what someone else is really doing."
In fact, Mr. Butler feels the Public Disclosure Act should be amended to include drug testing, as is the case in other jurisdictions.
For instance, the American Civil Liberties Union recently reported that Florida's Republican Governor Rick Scott not to long ago made drug tests mandatory for all state workers
And even as the PLP has snubbed Mr. Butler for a chance at a seat in the House of Assembly, he feels other political hopefuls should not be overlooked because of mistakes made in the past.
"I do not think that people who may have in the past used drugs should be hindered from running for office. I think it is being classified with other abuses such as alcohol, gambling and various other addictions as a disease. And the medical community is accepting it as a disease.
"Unfortunately anyone can fall prey to a disease at any point in time and there is various forms of treatment that a person can get to alleviate themselves from any addiction they may have fallen prey to. This is nothing that I think that will preclude somebody from seeking higher office and or being able to ably serve their country.
"So a person that has gone down the road that I have gone should not automatically be singled out because of the mistakes they made in the past.
"And at the end of the day anyone who is presently in the halls of Parliament and or seeking the halls of parliament who is dealing with any addictions we would like to see them get help."
May 12th, 2011
jonesbahamas
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Branville McCartney - Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader will have to get used to attacking Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham - if he hopes to survive in Bahamian politics
The new party in Parliament
thenassauguardian editorial
The official launch of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) last night means that a third party will be represented in Parliament for the first time since Dr. Bernard Nottage represented the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) in 2002.
When the House of Assembly reconvenes for the budget communication at the end of the month, McCartney will be representing the fledgling party he leads.
McCartney has been civil in his remarks regarding the governing Free National Movement (FNM) since he left the party in March. That will have to change if he hopes to survive in politics.
Opposition politics is about opposing the government; it is about roughing up the government; it is about demonstrating to the public that the governing side is unfit to govern.
McCartney will have to get used to attacking Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. He will also have to get accustomed to being attacked in return by Ingraham. Ingraham made his mark in the 1992 campaign by taking the fight right to the incumbent, Sir Lynden Pindling. The ‘Delivery Boy’ challenged ‘The Chief’.
To be truthful, thus far, it appears as if McCartney is afraid of confronting Ingraham directly in the public sphere. Maybe in the weeks and months to come, he will prove us wrong.
Bran will also have to learn how to fight the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). The opposition party has been happy with McCartney because he has fallen out with Ingraham and the FNM. He now has to also prove in the House of Assembly that Perry Christie and his PLP are too disorganized and inadequate to be elected.
Parliament is a place where McCartney can shine in the months remaining before the next general election. But, he will not shine as a timid accommodating nice guy. The public wants to see if the Bamboo Town MP has what it takes to start an enduring political force in the country.
All eyes will be on McCartney from here to the election. He is an experiment. Will Bahamians continue to vote for the two main parties overwhelmingly just because they are used to? Or, will the new DNA party get some votes and make an impact?
For McCartney, each parliamentary debate going forward will be a showcase of his talents or shortcomings. He should use these precious moments well.
5/13/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
The official launch of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) last night means that a third party will be represented in Parliament for the first time since Dr. Bernard Nottage represented the Coalition for Democratic Reform (CDR) in 2002.
When the House of Assembly reconvenes for the budget communication at the end of the month, McCartney will be representing the fledgling party he leads.
McCartney has been civil in his remarks regarding the governing Free National Movement (FNM) since he left the party in March. That will have to change if he hopes to survive in politics.
Opposition politics is about opposing the government; it is about roughing up the government; it is about demonstrating to the public that the governing side is unfit to govern.
McCartney will have to get used to attacking Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. He will also have to get accustomed to being attacked in return by Ingraham. Ingraham made his mark in the 1992 campaign by taking the fight right to the incumbent, Sir Lynden Pindling. The ‘Delivery Boy’ challenged ‘The Chief’.
To be truthful, thus far, it appears as if McCartney is afraid of confronting Ingraham directly in the public sphere. Maybe in the weeks and months to come, he will prove us wrong.
Bran will also have to learn how to fight the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). The opposition party has been happy with McCartney because he has fallen out with Ingraham and the FNM. He now has to also prove in the House of Assembly that Perry Christie and his PLP are too disorganized and inadequate to be elected.
Parliament is a place where McCartney can shine in the months remaining before the next general election. But, he will not shine as a timid accommodating nice guy. The public wants to see if the Bamboo Town MP has what it takes to start an enduring political force in the country.
All eyes will be on McCartney from here to the election. He is an experiment. Will Bahamians continue to vote for the two main parties overwhelmingly just because they are used to? Or, will the new DNA party get some votes and make an impact?
For McCartney, each parliamentary debate going forward will be a showcase of his talents or shortcomings. He should use these precious moments well.
5/13/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
Craig Butler will once again not run as a candidate for the PLP in the upcoming general election
Butler will not run as PLP candidate
tribune242
AFTER being passed over in the Elizabeth by-election last year, attorney Craig Butler will once again not run as a candidate for the PLP in the upcoming general election, The Tribune has been informed.
With a history of drug use that ended nearly 10 years ago, Mr Butler said that his past is continuing to haunt him to this day despite his "continued commitment and dedication" to the PLP.
According to Mr Butler, the party's leader Perry Christie has informed him outright that running him as a candidate in this election would be too much of an "embarrassment" for the PLP.
"Clearly, my party has demonstrated to me by their words that there is no room for me in the PLP as a Member of Parliament," Mr Butler said.
This "embarrassing past." Mr Butler said, was the same excuse used by the party to deny him the nomination in Elizabeth, despite the fact that he had already been working on the ground ahead of the area's current representative, Ryan Pinder.
"I have been forthright with people about my past. And the PLP has always prided itself on being the party of second chances, but for all the persons that the party looks like it will be running in the upcoming election, for me to be an embarrassment to them, I find that incredulous," Mr Butler said.
At this point, Mr Butler said he will quietly consider his future in the party - a statement that has raised concerns in some quarters of the PLP. Some PLPs reportedly believe that a plan has been set in motion for Mr Butler to join the governing FNM as their candidate for the Kennedy constituency.
However, attempts to reach Mr Butler for comment regarding this aspect of his political future were unsuccessful up until press time last night.
May 12, 2011
tribune242
tribune242
AFTER being passed over in the Elizabeth by-election last year, attorney Craig Butler will once again not run as a candidate for the PLP in the upcoming general election, The Tribune has been informed.
With a history of drug use that ended nearly 10 years ago, Mr Butler said that his past is continuing to haunt him to this day despite his "continued commitment and dedication" to the PLP.
According to Mr Butler, the party's leader Perry Christie has informed him outright that running him as a candidate in this election would be too much of an "embarrassment" for the PLP.
"Clearly, my party has demonstrated to me by their words that there is no room for me in the PLP as a Member of Parliament," Mr Butler said.
This "embarrassing past." Mr Butler said, was the same excuse used by the party to deny him the nomination in Elizabeth, despite the fact that he had already been working on the ground ahead of the area's current representative, Ryan Pinder.
"I have been forthright with people about my past. And the PLP has always prided itself on being the party of second chances, but for all the persons that the party looks like it will be running in the upcoming election, for me to be an embarrassment to them, I find that incredulous," Mr Butler said.
At this point, Mr Butler said he will quietly consider his future in the party - a statement that has raised concerns in some quarters of the PLP. Some PLPs reportedly believe that a plan has been set in motion for Mr Butler to join the governing FNM as their candidate for the Kennedy constituency.
However, attempts to reach Mr Butler for comment regarding this aspect of his political future were unsuccessful up until press time last night.
May 12, 2011
tribune242
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
It would be miraculous if Branville McCartney’s Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party won the next general election
Third party political influence
thenassauguardian editorial
Branville McCartney is set to unveil his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party tomorrow night. McCartney is taking the leap and challenging the two main parties at the next general election. At this stage, despite claims by unnamed sources via the media, it is unclear if McCartney will field a full slate of candidates or if he will focus his attempt on competitive swing seats.
It would be miraculous if McCartney’s party won the next election. A victory for the DNA would be winning three to six seats. Such a victory would establish the organization as a real party. If McCartney wins his seat and is the only DNA member in the House of Assembly, that should still be considered a victory of sorts for the fledgling party.
But even if Bran and his candidates all lose the constituency races they enter, they can still influence the election another way.
Thus far, the two main political parties have not released manifestos. We do not know what their plans are for the mandate they seek. If McCartney comes out tomorrow or soon after with a manifesto with ideas on how to tackle the major problems facing the country, and these ideas are sensible, he could force the major parties to also take a stand on these issues.
For example, it seems as if there are more illegal number houses in New Providence that food stores. Thus far, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Free National Movement (FNM) have ignored the issue. Over the last few years the number bosses have come out of the shadows. They have logos on their businesses, they advertise and one has even made a public donation to a government agency.
Clearly a final solution to this issue is needed. If Bahamians want to gamble, then gambling should be legalized. If it is determined that gambling will remain illegal, the number houses should be shut down. The FNM promises a referendum on the issue if elected. The PLP has no comment on the controversial issue thus far. To put it simply: neither has a position.
This is not leadership.
Crime is another issue. In fact, it is likely the major issue of concern for Bahamians. Yet, both major parties say crime is not a political issue. That is a stupid conclusion. All major issues facing a people are political. Governments are elected to address the problems of the time. If a party has no ideas regarding the major issue of concern for a people it should not offer itself as a potential government.
As we have mentioned before, McCartney must be patient if he is serious about creating a party that one day could win an election.
The PLP was formed in 1953 mostly by a group of white and light-skinned black Bahamians. The party was taken over by others and rebranded as a black nationalist party. That PLP finally won a general election, under the electoral rules of the day, in 1967.
The FNM was formed in 1971. It battled the PLP for more than two decades before finally winning a general election in 1992.
McCartney may fail this time, and he may fail miserably. If he is truly concerned about The Bahamas, and is not just pursuing vain ambition, he should use this campaign to demonstrate that he has solutions to the major problems facing Bahamians.
Such a campaign should force the major parties to also take clear actionable positions on major issues too. In the political marketplace of The Bahamas there is a duopoly. A serious third option could cause there to be competition in the marketplace of ideas. This is needed. Bahamians want to know what will be done about the shantytown problem that particularly affects New Providence and Abaco. We do not just want to hear, “Well, that’s just the way it is and always will be.”
It is all but certain that the PLP or FNM will form the next government of The Bahamas. The problem is that both parties have become stale and unimaginative. A little provocation by a third party would be a good thing. Hopefully it would make the parties focus on transformative governance again rather than maintaining the status quo.
5/11/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Branville McCartney is set to unveil his Democratic National Alliance (DNA) party tomorrow night. McCartney is taking the leap and challenging the two main parties at the next general election. At this stage, despite claims by unnamed sources via the media, it is unclear if McCartney will field a full slate of candidates or if he will focus his attempt on competitive swing seats.
It would be miraculous if McCartney’s party won the next election. A victory for the DNA would be winning three to six seats. Such a victory would establish the organization as a real party. If McCartney wins his seat and is the only DNA member in the House of Assembly, that should still be considered a victory of sorts for the fledgling party.
But even if Bran and his candidates all lose the constituency races they enter, they can still influence the election another way.
Thus far, the two main political parties have not released manifestos. We do not know what their plans are for the mandate they seek. If McCartney comes out tomorrow or soon after with a manifesto with ideas on how to tackle the major problems facing the country, and these ideas are sensible, he could force the major parties to also take a stand on these issues.
For example, it seems as if there are more illegal number houses in New Providence that food stores. Thus far, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and Free National Movement (FNM) have ignored the issue. Over the last few years the number bosses have come out of the shadows. They have logos on their businesses, they advertise and one has even made a public donation to a government agency.
Clearly a final solution to this issue is needed. If Bahamians want to gamble, then gambling should be legalized. If it is determined that gambling will remain illegal, the number houses should be shut down. The FNM promises a referendum on the issue if elected. The PLP has no comment on the controversial issue thus far. To put it simply: neither has a position.
This is not leadership.
Crime is another issue. In fact, it is likely the major issue of concern for Bahamians. Yet, both major parties say crime is not a political issue. That is a stupid conclusion. All major issues facing a people are political. Governments are elected to address the problems of the time. If a party has no ideas regarding the major issue of concern for a people it should not offer itself as a potential government.
As we have mentioned before, McCartney must be patient if he is serious about creating a party that one day could win an election.
The PLP was formed in 1953 mostly by a group of white and light-skinned black Bahamians. The party was taken over by others and rebranded as a black nationalist party. That PLP finally won a general election, under the electoral rules of the day, in 1967.
The FNM was formed in 1971. It battled the PLP for more than two decades before finally winning a general election in 1992.
McCartney may fail this time, and he may fail miserably. If he is truly concerned about The Bahamas, and is not just pursuing vain ambition, he should use this campaign to demonstrate that he has solutions to the major problems facing Bahamians.
Such a campaign should force the major parties to also take clear actionable positions on major issues too. In the political marketplace of The Bahamas there is a duopoly. A serious third option could cause there to be competition in the marketplace of ideas. This is needed. Bahamians want to know what will be done about the shantytown problem that particularly affects New Providence and Abaco. We do not just want to hear, “Well, that’s just the way it is and always will be.”
It is all but certain that the PLP or FNM will form the next government of The Bahamas. The problem is that both parties have become stale and unimaginative. A little provocation by a third party would be a good thing. Hopefully it would make the parties focus on transformative governance again rather than maintaining the status quo.
5/11/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The National Development Party (NDP) is "still standing" and the movement is "alive and well." - says its Communications Director - Prince Smith
“NDP Won’t Fall Apart”
By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas
If you think the departure of 10 of its executives would cripple the National Development Party (NDP), think again.
NDP Communications Director Prince Smith says the party is "still standing" and the movement is "alive and well."
In an interview with the Bahama Journal recently, Mr. Smith said he wanted to let Bahamians know that the party has not fallen apart just because a handful of executives decided to quit and instead join the Progressive Liberal Party.
Last Wednesday, former NDP Leader Renward Wells – who previously said that third parties were the wave of the future – ate his own words and teamed up with the Opposition.
He took nine of his executives with him.
However, not all of the NDP members left.
Today, according to Mr. Smith, there are hundreds of members.
He said his party is now focusing on other things.
"We wish them well, but we’ve moved on. The National Development Party’s focus is on the plight of our nation, how we’re going to rescue this economy and how we can transform this economy into Bahamian ownership. That’s our focus," he said.
Mr. Smith said the NDP plans to field 41 candidates in the upcoming general election and has already begun the process of ratifying candidates.
He said he hopes to offer himself as a candidate.
But, before any of that happens, the NDP is moving full steam ahead to hold elections to replace its former leader and several executives. He said that could happen within the next two weeks.
He assured NDP supporters that the process will be both "democratic and fair."
"The Bahamas would know that in terms of deepening democracy those aren’t just words we use. The NDP has been the first political party in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to institute the primary system. We don’t just talk it, we walk it," he said.
There are reports that the NDP has been engaged in talks with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney’s new party, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
When asked if there were plans to team-up with the DNA, Mr. Smith said his party is interested in any entity that wants to oust the PLP and the Free National Movement (FNM).
"As for coming together, that will only be considered in an environment that promotes democracy, and mutual respect and is determined to bring aid and comfort to the Bahamian people," he said.
May 9th, 2011
jonesbahamas
By ROGAN SMITH
jonesbahamas
If you think the departure of 10 of its executives would cripple the National Development Party (NDP), think again.
NDP Communications Director Prince Smith says the party is "still standing" and the movement is "alive and well."
In an interview with the Bahama Journal recently, Mr. Smith said he wanted to let Bahamians know that the party has not fallen apart just because a handful of executives decided to quit and instead join the Progressive Liberal Party.
Last Wednesday, former NDP Leader Renward Wells – who previously said that third parties were the wave of the future – ate his own words and teamed up with the Opposition.
He took nine of his executives with him.
However, not all of the NDP members left.
Today, according to Mr. Smith, there are hundreds of members.
He said his party is now focusing on other things.
"We wish them well, but we’ve moved on. The National Development Party’s focus is on the plight of our nation, how we’re going to rescue this economy and how we can transform this economy into Bahamian ownership. That’s our focus," he said.
Mr. Smith said the NDP plans to field 41 candidates in the upcoming general election and has already begun the process of ratifying candidates.
He said he hopes to offer himself as a candidate.
But, before any of that happens, the NDP is moving full steam ahead to hold elections to replace its former leader and several executives. He said that could happen within the next two weeks.
He assured NDP supporters that the process will be both "democratic and fair."
"The Bahamas would know that in terms of deepening democracy those aren’t just words we use. The NDP has been the first political party in the history of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to institute the primary system. We don’t just talk it, we walk it," he said.
There are reports that the NDP has been engaged in talks with Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney’s new party, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA).
When asked if there were plans to team-up with the DNA, Mr. Smith said his party is interested in any entity that wants to oust the PLP and the Free National Movement (FNM).
"As for coming together, that will only be considered in an environment that promotes democracy, and mutual respect and is determined to bring aid and comfort to the Bahamian people," he said.
May 9th, 2011
jonesbahamas
Monday, May 9, 2011
So now the People's Government has decided that foreigners can invest in and own any restaurant or entertainment business in our beloved Commonwealth. How can The Bahamas Government justify such a decision?
What’s left for us?
By Philip C. Galanis
There has been considerable discussion lately about the changes that are taking place all around us in today's Bahamas. With the dismantling of public entities such as the Hotel Corporation, the privatization of BaTelCo, the massive capital public works projects that are largely being supervised and staffed by foreign companies and foreign workers, and now the relaxation of the Bahamas Investment Policy, this week we would like to Consider This... When the history of The Bahamas is written about this era, will the prime minister and his sidekick minister of state for finance be described as progressive and enlightened agents of change for a modern Bahamas, or will they be perceived as myopic enemies of the people who presided over the public auction of The Bahamas, having allowed too many foreigners to rapaciously highjack our patrimony, leaving us all asking, “What’s left for us?”
This consideration and a public discourse becomes more urgently relevant in a globalized world, where too often our political leaders seem overly eager to use globalization as an excuse for their shortcomings on our behalf, instead of boldly mounting a well thought out approach as to how we should embrace this rapidly-developing and ever-changing phenomenon for the betterment of our citizens.
The prime minister recently announced in Parliament that his government has changed the policy with respect to foreigners investing in areas that have traditionally been reserved for Bahamians, with specific reference to non-ethnic restaurants and entertainment businesses. He suggested that this will provide greater inward or foreign direct investment into the country's economy, and it therefore follows that this is a good thing. In the wake of this announcement, let's consider this... while the rapid advancement of globalization will of necessity require us to rethink long-established ways of how we conduct our affairs, are there not certain fundamental principles that we must maintain? Are there not certain foundational norms that should be unassailable, non-negotiable and immutable — simply off the table — with anyone at anytime? Like many Bahamians, I believe there are. And irrespective of whichever government has the gall to tamper with such indisputable fundamental principles, we should demand of them that they consider what kind of long-term effects their decisions will have on The Bahamas for many generations to come.
One such fundamental principle is Bahamian citizenship. Given the recent decisions taken by this government, are we going to arrive at a place where, in the interest of wishing to be seen as "enlightened adherents and advocates of globalization" or perhaps the more crass and accurate justification of financial expediency, we are going to begin to sell Bahamian citizenship to all and sundry? It is not that farfetched. We have or are in the process of selling every other aspect of our patrimony. We have done it with the public corporations. We have done it with the major capital projects. We are now doing it with certain aspects of our Judiciary. Daily we continue to allow foreigners in the workplace as a matter of course to consistently abuse and frustrate our citizens with impunity? So what is there to give us any confidence that the sale of Bahamian citizenship is not a distant possibility? The difficulty with beginning down this road is the uncertainty of where it will end and just how far we will go for the sake of someone’s idea of how to advance our country.
So now the Government has decided that foreigners can invest in and own any restaurant or entertainment business. How can the Government justify such a decision? There are several pernicious developments that will result from such a decision.
First, this decision will invite and encourage foreigners to compete in The Bahamas in those areas that have long been reserved for Bahamians. And make no mistake — those foreigners who will come here to open restaurants and entertainment businesses will have very deep pockets indeed. This kind of competition can very realistically force competing Bahamians out of business because of the kind of capital or financial firepower those foreign competitors would bring to the local marketplace. Do not be mislead, either, that they will contribute greatly to our wholesale grocery businesses. Realistically, entrepreneurs with this kind of financial investment will be much more apt to bring in trailer-loads of food and other supplies, bought more cheaply from our neighbor to the west than they could ever purchase it here.
Secondly, persons who are employed by those businesses that will be marginalized by such competition will be forced to seek employment elsewhere. And they should not rely on being able to simply apply for jobs at these new, foreign owned ventures. These businesses, much like the foreign-owned hotels that we are so used to, will insist upon a much higher level of training and experience. Who knows? This may even be the beginning of a "renaissance of foreign workers" in the restaurant and entertainment business, just as we saw decades ago.
Thirdly, foreign investors will want to repatriate their profits, and that is completely understandable. But consider the drain of foreign reserves that will ensue because of the profits that would leave the country, as well as the money spent on provisions imported by these businesses. Those closely-coveted profits that are earned from Bahamians and non-Bahamians alike on Bahamian soil will quickly be transferred out of the country, for the benefit of those investors elsewhere.
Finally, this ill-conceived policy shift will make it more difficult for future generations of Bahamians to enter the marketplace in these sectors. Bahamians already encounter many barriers to entry into the local economy, most notably adequate funding for their projects. Which bank here, Bahamian or foreign-owned, will be inclined to lend to prospective local entrepreneurs when, as a result of this ill-conceived policy, they will likely adopt the posture that there are already too many "foreign-owned" businesses chasing a finite number of patrons?
If the government felt such an urgent need to alter the existing policy, would it not have made more sense to first ensure that there would be greater participation by Bahamians in these sectors? The government, instead of giving away the entire shop, lock stock and barrel, could have tweaked the policy to allow foreigners to participate in these sectors, if they agreed to partner with Bahamians, with specific, clearly-defined investment parameters to ensure that such partnerships are meaningful. This would have expanded the possibilities for our own citizens.
What is next? Will the government, the repository of all knowledge and wisdom, next invite foreign doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects and the like to set up businesses here justified with the same twisted reasoning and logic proffered for this decision? Let's take it further. In virtually every major capital that I have visited over the years, I have used foreign cab drivers who shuttle me between the airport, the hotel or whatever destination that I might require. Is that what the government has in store for the future of our country? To allow foreign taxi drivers to enter into competition in an area that has long been reserved for Bahamians? I believe you get the point, although I doubt that they do.
For those who would suggest that we should not become xenophobic, I submit that there will be no need for xenophobia if our leaders would demonstrate the courage to ensure that, despite the rapid onslaught of globalization and their dogged determination to give away the store, and notwithstanding their lack of confidence in Bahamians, one of their immutable, non-negotiable and indisputable first principles should be that today, tomorrow and forever, The Bahamas is and must be first and foremost for Bahamians. It seems sad, but true, that somewhere along the way, they have forgotten this.
Philip C. Galanis is the managing partner of HLB Galanis & Co., Chartered Accountants, Forensic & Litigation Support Services. He served 15 years in Parliament. Please send your comments to: pgalanis@gmail.com.
5/2/2011
The Nassauguardian
By Philip C. Galanis
There has been considerable discussion lately about the changes that are taking place all around us in today's Bahamas. With the dismantling of public entities such as the Hotel Corporation, the privatization of BaTelCo, the massive capital public works projects that are largely being supervised and staffed by foreign companies and foreign workers, and now the relaxation of the Bahamas Investment Policy, this week we would like to Consider This... When the history of The Bahamas is written about this era, will the prime minister and his sidekick minister of state for finance be described as progressive and enlightened agents of change for a modern Bahamas, or will they be perceived as myopic enemies of the people who presided over the public auction of The Bahamas, having allowed too many foreigners to rapaciously highjack our patrimony, leaving us all asking, “What’s left for us?”
This consideration and a public discourse becomes more urgently relevant in a globalized world, where too often our political leaders seem overly eager to use globalization as an excuse for their shortcomings on our behalf, instead of boldly mounting a well thought out approach as to how we should embrace this rapidly-developing and ever-changing phenomenon for the betterment of our citizens.
The prime minister recently announced in Parliament that his government has changed the policy with respect to foreigners investing in areas that have traditionally been reserved for Bahamians, with specific reference to non-ethnic restaurants and entertainment businesses. He suggested that this will provide greater inward or foreign direct investment into the country's economy, and it therefore follows that this is a good thing. In the wake of this announcement, let's consider this... while the rapid advancement of globalization will of necessity require us to rethink long-established ways of how we conduct our affairs, are there not certain fundamental principles that we must maintain? Are there not certain foundational norms that should be unassailable, non-negotiable and immutable — simply off the table — with anyone at anytime? Like many Bahamians, I believe there are. And irrespective of whichever government has the gall to tamper with such indisputable fundamental principles, we should demand of them that they consider what kind of long-term effects their decisions will have on The Bahamas for many generations to come.
One such fundamental principle is Bahamian citizenship. Given the recent decisions taken by this government, are we going to arrive at a place where, in the interest of wishing to be seen as "enlightened adherents and advocates of globalization" or perhaps the more crass and accurate justification of financial expediency, we are going to begin to sell Bahamian citizenship to all and sundry? It is not that farfetched. We have or are in the process of selling every other aspect of our patrimony. We have done it with the public corporations. We have done it with the major capital projects. We are now doing it with certain aspects of our Judiciary. Daily we continue to allow foreigners in the workplace as a matter of course to consistently abuse and frustrate our citizens with impunity? So what is there to give us any confidence that the sale of Bahamian citizenship is not a distant possibility? The difficulty with beginning down this road is the uncertainty of where it will end and just how far we will go for the sake of someone’s idea of how to advance our country.
So now the Government has decided that foreigners can invest in and own any restaurant or entertainment business. How can the Government justify such a decision? There are several pernicious developments that will result from such a decision.
First, this decision will invite and encourage foreigners to compete in The Bahamas in those areas that have long been reserved for Bahamians. And make no mistake — those foreigners who will come here to open restaurants and entertainment businesses will have very deep pockets indeed. This kind of competition can very realistically force competing Bahamians out of business because of the kind of capital or financial firepower those foreign competitors would bring to the local marketplace. Do not be mislead, either, that they will contribute greatly to our wholesale grocery businesses. Realistically, entrepreneurs with this kind of financial investment will be much more apt to bring in trailer-loads of food and other supplies, bought more cheaply from our neighbor to the west than they could ever purchase it here.
Secondly, persons who are employed by those businesses that will be marginalized by such competition will be forced to seek employment elsewhere. And they should not rely on being able to simply apply for jobs at these new, foreign owned ventures. These businesses, much like the foreign-owned hotels that we are so used to, will insist upon a much higher level of training and experience. Who knows? This may even be the beginning of a "renaissance of foreign workers" in the restaurant and entertainment business, just as we saw decades ago.
Thirdly, foreign investors will want to repatriate their profits, and that is completely understandable. But consider the drain of foreign reserves that will ensue because of the profits that would leave the country, as well as the money spent on provisions imported by these businesses. Those closely-coveted profits that are earned from Bahamians and non-Bahamians alike on Bahamian soil will quickly be transferred out of the country, for the benefit of those investors elsewhere.
Finally, this ill-conceived policy shift will make it more difficult for future generations of Bahamians to enter the marketplace in these sectors. Bahamians already encounter many barriers to entry into the local economy, most notably adequate funding for their projects. Which bank here, Bahamian or foreign-owned, will be inclined to lend to prospective local entrepreneurs when, as a result of this ill-conceived policy, they will likely adopt the posture that there are already too many "foreign-owned" businesses chasing a finite number of patrons?
If the government felt such an urgent need to alter the existing policy, would it not have made more sense to first ensure that there would be greater participation by Bahamians in these sectors? The government, instead of giving away the entire shop, lock stock and barrel, could have tweaked the policy to allow foreigners to participate in these sectors, if they agreed to partner with Bahamians, with specific, clearly-defined investment parameters to ensure that such partnerships are meaningful. This would have expanded the possibilities for our own citizens.
What is next? Will the government, the repository of all knowledge and wisdom, next invite foreign doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects and the like to set up businesses here justified with the same twisted reasoning and logic proffered for this decision? Let's take it further. In virtually every major capital that I have visited over the years, I have used foreign cab drivers who shuttle me between the airport, the hotel or whatever destination that I might require. Is that what the government has in store for the future of our country? To allow foreign taxi drivers to enter into competition in an area that has long been reserved for Bahamians? I believe you get the point, although I doubt that they do.
For those who would suggest that we should not become xenophobic, I submit that there will be no need for xenophobia if our leaders would demonstrate the courage to ensure that, despite the rapid onslaught of globalization and their dogged determination to give away the store, and notwithstanding their lack of confidence in Bahamians, one of their immutable, non-negotiable and indisputable first principles should be that today, tomorrow and forever, The Bahamas is and must be first and foremost for Bahamians. It seems sad, but true, that somewhere along the way, they have forgotten this.
Philip C. Galanis is the managing partner of HLB Galanis & Co., Chartered Accountants, Forensic & Litigation Support Services. He served 15 years in Parliament. Please send your comments to: pgalanis@gmail.com.
5/2/2011
The Nassauguardian
Sunday, May 8, 2011
The Bahamian people can and should – with the help of appropriate labour – produce more of the food its people consume
Price Inflation and Food Shock
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Today some of what passes for new information has to do with the fact that the price for practically everything with the possible exception of labour is set to move upward.
This is what the economists mean when they talk about inflation; that situation where things fetch more and more while – on occasion – income marches in an opposite direction.
On occasion, situations arise when some people are hard-pressed to find money sufficient to pay for basics like food, shelter, heath and protection.
Sadly, this is becoming a reality for more and more Bahamians, particularly those who are ill, home-bound, indigent or otherwise marooned on Death’s door-step.
We now have another looming crisis on our hand. This time around is a situation where the government and people of the Bahamas must respond.
While we are quite certain that Social Welfare and charities galore in Civil Society can and will do what they must, we are also certain that these actions will only suffice to delay the coming of that day when some of those who are in distress might be pushed to take desperate action – with some of what they do bordering on the criminal.
But while this might yet become a reality in this already blighted and blasted place, we are sufficiently hopeful in our advocacy for the development of policies and strategies that could be of some great help, moving forward.
Bahamians can and should so gear themselves that they can produce more of the food they consume; and for that matter, more of the foodstuffs consumed by visitors.
The time is precisely now for our leaders and their Caribbean counterparts to come together with a view towards harnessing regional capacity.
This process could have the salutary effect of making the entire region less dependent on the rest of the world.
Information reaching us suggests that even if – by some magic- things were to return to some semblance of normalcy, food prices, fuel prices and the prices attached to technology and other commodities would continue to rise.
This analysis has evident implications and ramifications for countries such as the Bahamas that just happen to be ultra-dependent on the export and sale of services to sustain the life-styles to which they have become accustomed.
Put simply, all currently available indicators suggest that the Bahamian people should – as of now – brace themselves for the onset of any number of wrenching changes.
One such change involves this nation’s and our region’s speedier access to food that is inexpensive, nutritious, available and accessible, all at once.
Acceptance of such a formula immediately brings with it a slew of implications for labor law, immigration policy and relations with our neighbors in the region.
We deem this matter one that should be given priority attention: this because, the Bahamas unlike some of its sister nations in the Caribbean – inclusive of Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados, among others – is a net food importer.
This fact of life now underscores the grave importance of news coming in to the effect that, "... Rising international food prices could trigger an acceleration of inflation in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean this year…"
The Inter-American Development Bank indicates that this now underscores what it describes as "…the need for policies to protect the urban poor…"
There are thousands of Bahamians who are today suffering from a double-barreled food whammy.
This two-pronged disaster derives not only from the fact that tens of thousands of them are obliged to eat food that is not only expensive, but also massively devoid of nutrients. Very many of them now have next to nothing with which to buy food.
These people are sometimes reduced to begging.
This situation is one that will be with us for the long haul; precisely because of the parlous situation in a United States that is itself battling with unemployment, a fractious political system and forces over which it has little control.
This suggests that even when recovery does come, tens of millions of Americans will work harder, save more and therefore spend less on luxuries such as a vacation-visit to the Bahamas.
While some of our fellow Bahamians wait for things to return to normal, there are some other Bahamians who have sought to suggest to a skeptical public that no such return is in the offing.
These people routinely call on the authorities to do what they have to do so as to help our people as they do their level-best to get through these hard times.
The Bahamian people can and should – with the help of appropriate labour – produce more of the food its people consume.
May 5th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Today some of what passes for new information has to do with the fact that the price for practically everything with the possible exception of labour is set to move upward.
This is what the economists mean when they talk about inflation; that situation where things fetch more and more while – on occasion – income marches in an opposite direction.
On occasion, situations arise when some people are hard-pressed to find money sufficient to pay for basics like food, shelter, heath and protection.
Sadly, this is becoming a reality for more and more Bahamians, particularly those who are ill, home-bound, indigent or otherwise marooned on Death’s door-step.
We now have another looming crisis on our hand. This time around is a situation where the government and people of the Bahamas must respond.
While we are quite certain that Social Welfare and charities galore in Civil Society can and will do what they must, we are also certain that these actions will only suffice to delay the coming of that day when some of those who are in distress might be pushed to take desperate action – with some of what they do bordering on the criminal.
But while this might yet become a reality in this already blighted and blasted place, we are sufficiently hopeful in our advocacy for the development of policies and strategies that could be of some great help, moving forward.
Bahamians can and should so gear themselves that they can produce more of the food they consume; and for that matter, more of the foodstuffs consumed by visitors.
The time is precisely now for our leaders and their Caribbean counterparts to come together with a view towards harnessing regional capacity.
This process could have the salutary effect of making the entire region less dependent on the rest of the world.
Information reaching us suggests that even if – by some magic- things were to return to some semblance of normalcy, food prices, fuel prices and the prices attached to technology and other commodities would continue to rise.
This analysis has evident implications and ramifications for countries such as the Bahamas that just happen to be ultra-dependent on the export and sale of services to sustain the life-styles to which they have become accustomed.
Put simply, all currently available indicators suggest that the Bahamian people should – as of now – brace themselves for the onset of any number of wrenching changes.
One such change involves this nation’s and our region’s speedier access to food that is inexpensive, nutritious, available and accessible, all at once.
Acceptance of such a formula immediately brings with it a slew of implications for labor law, immigration policy and relations with our neighbors in the region.
We deem this matter one that should be given priority attention: this because, the Bahamas unlike some of its sister nations in the Caribbean – inclusive of Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados, among others – is a net food importer.
This fact of life now underscores the grave importance of news coming in to the effect that, "... Rising international food prices could trigger an acceleration of inflation in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean this year…"
The Inter-American Development Bank indicates that this now underscores what it describes as "…the need for policies to protect the urban poor…"
There are thousands of Bahamians who are today suffering from a double-barreled food whammy.
This two-pronged disaster derives not only from the fact that tens of thousands of them are obliged to eat food that is not only expensive, but also massively devoid of nutrients. Very many of them now have next to nothing with which to buy food.
These people are sometimes reduced to begging.
This situation is one that will be with us for the long haul; precisely because of the parlous situation in a United States that is itself battling with unemployment, a fractious political system and forces over which it has little control.
This suggests that even when recovery does come, tens of millions of Americans will work harder, save more and therefore spend less on luxuries such as a vacation-visit to the Bahamas.
While some of our fellow Bahamians wait for things to return to normal, there are some other Bahamians who have sought to suggest to a skeptical public that no such return is in the offing.
These people routinely call on the authorities to do what they have to do so as to help our people as they do their level-best to get through these hard times.
The Bahamian people can and should – with the help of appropriate labour – produce more of the food its people consume.
May 5th, 2011
The Bahama Journal Editorial
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