By PAUL G TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
pturnquest@tribunemedia.net:
IN a letter to the editor written earlier this week, the questioning surrounding the lack of development and investment in the future of Long Island was raised.
Bearing in mind the current economic situation in which every government now finds itself, the author, whose identity is unknown, maintained that some form of development can and should be finding its way to this long suffering island. Because, as we all know, Long Island has now for many years paid its dues to the governing FNM party and quite rightly should expect some form of "compensation" in view of its continued loyalty.
"The FNM could send anyone down to Long Island and the residents would vote for them," the author wrote; and "despite this certifiable fact, Long Island remains off the short list of islands pegged for improvements and necessary infrastructure.
"Despite this fact, Long Island has always supported the FNM even when it was unpopular to do so."
To add insult to injury, the author also highlights how other islands - which were not as loyal to this governing party and which in fact are currently represented by PLP Members of Parliament - are continuing to get assistance and development from the powers that be.
Funding
"Each and every Long Islander should note that almost $22 million dollars of joint funding provided by the European Union and the government of the Bahamas is being spent on the 300 souls that inhabit Acklins Island and the 37 souls that inhabit Rum Cay.
"While they are Bahamians and are no less deserving of infrastructure, surely Long Island would have been a better, more logical choice for these investments. However, this begs the question as to whether Long Island and its people are any less deserving? Or has the traditional support of the governing party caused Long Island to be taken for granted and left off the list of real and present concerns," the writer asked.
"I respectfully suggest to the electorate and constituents of Long Island that all and sundry consider these matters before pledging support for any proposed or incumbent representative as the "Salt of the Earth People of Long Island", rightfully demand delivery and not ill-fated promises. We trust that this FNM Government has not forgotten the people of Long Island, but yet again, no one realizes that you are hurt unless and until you cry out," he said.
Being a Long Islander myself I can fully understand from where the writer speaks, as Long Island has always had a peculiar relationship with the FNM. In fact I think you would be hard pressed to find any other island where being a PLP is more difficult or more dangerous than Long Island. No one can truly deny that Long Island was treated poorly under the old PLP government of Sir Lynden Pindling.
Electricity
The FNM had to come in and pave the roads and provide electricity to the rest of the island, not just stop the supply to where their supporters lived. The FNM government laid the pipes to pump water throughout the settlements.
The PLP government of 2002-2007 had to put the water in those pipes but little else was really done for the residents during this time. And Long Islanders I'm sure were not surprised because after all, the PLP were in power. In the back of their minds, they were hoping and banking on the return of their beloved FNM. But alas, as the letter writer explained, "the Torch" had returned but for some reason one of its greatest allies was overlooked once again.
However, is this really the case?
In his report to his constituents, Larry Cartwright, the MP for Long Island and Ragged Island explained that while the constituency has suffered like the rest of the Bahamas, it has been successfully accomplished quite a bit.
These accomplishments in just over two and a half years are as follows:
* Simms classroom block completed;
* Office space for Tourism officer;
* Poseidon Point road rebuilt;
* New apron at the Stella Maris Airport at $837,700, which was instrumental in Bahamasair returning to Stella Maris;
* All schools repaired and most properly enclosed for a total cost of $518,000;
* Simms seawall constructed and road rebuilt after it was left untouched for five years;
* Benzi Hill, Scrub Hill, and Turnbull side roads rebuilt and paved;
* Simms dock and marina completed;
* Appointment of Youth, Sports and Culture and Fisheries Officers;
* New Road Traffic office;
* New standby generator for David Simms Memorial Health Centre;
* New vehicles and boat for the police;
* Greenhouses for schools;
* Construction of a technical and vocational block at NGM Major High School;
* Rebuilding and paving of McKann's and White House back roads $394,000;
* Signing of contract for the rebuilding of the dock at Salt Pond at $772,209.90.
Despite these accomplishments, Mr Cartwright said you will always get persons who are not up to speed with what the government has done in Long Island and who would question why other constituencies were being better cared for and looked after at this time.
Needs
As he quite rightly explained, any government in this position today can only deal with the needs of any one constituency. Wants, will have to come at a later time.
"Of course I would love to see an international airport at Deadman's Cay. I'd love to see a cruise ship port in Clarence Town too," Mr Cartwright said.
But for now, such dreams will have to wait.
"You have the Opposition out there who is telling them, ya'll have been out there supporting the FNM all these years, but look, Cat Island getting this, Grand Bahama getting this, and Abaco getting this. What Long Island getting? And many of our people are not educated as to what is going on so they do not know how to answer them. So they begin to believe what other people are saying," he said.
Mr Cartwright admitted that two of his campaign promises have yet to be completed - mainly the piping of drinkable water and cable television to every home.
However, these promises he said hopefully will be completed by December 2010.
"The islands of Long Island and Ragged Island have a lot to be thankful for in that even though the whole world has been in recession for over a year, prices have escalated and the fishing industry was dealt a disastrous blow, poverty on these two islands is still at a minimum, crime is practically non-existent and our people are happy.
"For this we must be grateful," he said.
But if what the letter writer wrote to the editor is correct then it is safe to say that the people of Long Island will not be too "happy" for too long.
These constituents, he said, are no less deserving than the next, but because of their continual loyalty, require that much more from this present government.
Because, as the writer said, the last thing any governing party wants is for the constituents of any area to believe that their traditional support has caused them to be taken for granted.
What do you think?
April 12, 2010
tribune242
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.