tribune242 editorial
BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union leader Bernard Evans might not have got his "little Egypt," or a last minute miracle to block the sale of BTC to Cable & Wireless, but he has a champion in Opposition Leader Perry Christie.
Mr Christie has put Cable and Wireless on notice that should his government be returned to power, he will deliver BTC back to the Bahamian people. He has promised that the "bad deal" entered into with the Ingraham government for the sale of the Bahamas' telecommunications system will be dismantled.
"Bad deal" -- these words are echoes from the past about another deal that the PLP also threatened to dismantle should its party become the government. But, when the PLP was returned to power in 2007 and had its opportunity for the dismantling operation, the bad deal had proven such a sweet deal for the Bahamas that grinning up and currying favour by the new leaders was the order of the day -- the promised dismantling and renegotiation of the deal was forgotten. The threats made 11 years before were quickly abandoned -- it was as though they were never spoken.
On the floor of the House in 1996 then St Michael's MP Paul Adderley had threatened Sol Kerzner that if the agreement that his Sun International had with the Bahamas government were not renegotiated, when the PLP became the government it would do it for him. "The terms of this deal, so far as the Bahamas is concerned, is a bad deal," shouted Mr Adderley.
History has proven that Kerzner's Paradise Island -- the country's largest private employer -- is what has saved the Bahamas' economic bacon for the past 15 years. The Kerzners arrived when the Bahamas was flat on its back -- failing tourist industry, empty Treasury, tarnished international reputation. Bahamians will remember that in those days we were an "island for sale" laid waste by a careless government and a greedy drug cartel. A disgusted electorate voted the PLP government of 25 years out of office and put the Ingraham government in.
The PLP government had secretly tried to sell the failed hotels on the international market. The Ingraham government came to power in 1992 and the following year entered into an agreement with the Kerzners for the development of Paradise Island. Atlantis became the catalyst that revitalised the country's tourist industry, and emboldened investors to take a second look at a country that was trying under a new government to clean up its act.
It was only then that the Bahamas started to move forward.
But the empty threats coming from the PLP benches in 1996 - are being repeated today against the sale of BTC to Cable and Wireless. So far it is the only bone that the PLP has found on which to chew for the 2012 election.
Fred Mitchell, a PLP senator in 1996, seemed on a mission at that time to cast doubt on the Atlantis operation - attacking everything from the Kerzners' South African roots, their hiring policies suggesting that Bahamians were being shut out of the project, to the belief that the Bahamianisation policy was being undermined. And, of course, Mr Mitchell even raised the alarm that the newly constructed bridge to Paradise was sinking. All wishful thoughts that had no base.
Dr Bernard Nottage complained at the time that the Ingraham government was giving Atlantis "improved infrastructure, roads, transportation and telecommunications facilities."
"But what are the Bahamian people getting?" he asked. The Bahamian people knew what they were getting, even though they were paying for it -- good jobs, improved infrastructure, good roads on which they travelled daily and much more. By now Dr Nottage should have the answers to his foolish questions of that era. Any improvement in infrastructure always benefits the whole country and everyone in it -- regardless of for whom it was intended.
The PLP poured scorn on the fact that Atlantis and its shareholders would earn good money. They forgot that when business flourishes so do the people. It is, therefore, good news for a country when it can report that its commercial establishments are strong. It is when they are weak that a country suffers high unemployment. To scoff at profits shows a lack of business sense, which is a serious failure in a country's leaders.
In our opinion Mr Christie's "buyer beware! cease and desist! do not proceed!" warning to Cable and Wireless is just so much political balderdash. What the future held for the Kerzner operation it also holds for the Cable & Wireless transaction. The main beneficiaries will be the Bahamas and its people.
It would be more than Mr Christie dare do with the Bahamas facing a $3.8 billion national debt to add to that debt by trying to dismantle the BTC/C&WC deal. If these are his plans it is up to the Bahamian people to make certain that his party is not returned to power.
Mr Christie, a procrastinator, who finds it difficult to make decisions at the best of times, would have nightmares over such an impossible exercise.
To Bahamians we say: Beware! This is silly season when the politicians seem to lose their mental balance -- so don't believe everything you hear in the marketplace.
April 04, 2011
tribune242 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.
Showing posts with label Cable and Wireless BTC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cable and Wireless BTC. Show all posts
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The love of foreigners over Bahamians by the PLP and FNM when it comes to the BTC privatization process...
Selling BTC a threat to national development
thenassauguardian editorial
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest escalated the dispute between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) unions and the government over the sale of the majority stake in BTC to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC), when he described the unions’ protest as a national security threat.
Turnquest, in an interview with The Nassau Guardian, went further and stated that the security forces are on alert for any eventuality regarding the dispute. The BTC unions have threatened, with the support of the national trade union movement, a general strike.
Union leaders always threaten to strike when they don’t get their way. In order to carry out a successful strike, however, a majority of the workers represented by these leaders have to support the strike call. And these workers have to be prepared for pain and loss.
There is no evidence, thus far, proving that the members of these unions are prepared to go down this rough road.
The unions have been annoying to the government, but they have not been a national security threat. In fact, the union opposition has been somewhat weak.
There were only a few hundred people at the union march on Parliament in December – that number includes the members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and other splinter parties which participated. These unions represent tens of thousands of workers.
Only a few hundred people showed up at the union-organized ‘mass rally’ at R.M. Bailey Park on Monday night.
These unions can’t even bring out a good crowd.
The minister has engaged in hyperbole. And by invoking the security forces under his command – the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force – he appears menacing.
The government and its agencies should be on alert for mass disruptions rather than some nebulous national security threat. The unions are likely to continue with small-scale disruptions.
National security threats are actions that threaten the existence of a state. Strike calls by union leaders who cannot turn out their membership do not threaten the existence of The Bahamas.
The decision to sell a major Bahamian state asset to a foreign company, however, is a threat to the national development of the country.
The policy of all Bahamian governments should be to empower Bahamians. They should especially attempt to create more entrepreneurs and to further empower those already in business.
When Bahamians own enterprises, rather than foreigners, more money stays in the country and more Bahamians are usually hired to operate the business.
Furthermore, empowering Bahamians by making Bahamians owners of BTC would allow those Bahamians to then become players in the regional telecommunications industry. Policymakers should be aiming for Bahamians to someday take over telcos across the Caribbean.
Instead, the PLP and the Free National Movement (FNM) administrations want to sell a major chunk of this major state asset to foreigners.
A privatization policy is needed in The Bahamas. It should state that bidders for state assets either be Bahamian or they should be joint venture partnerships with Bahamians.
The love of foreigners over Bahamians when it comes to the BTC privatization process is the threat Bahamians should be concerned about when it comes to the PLP and the FNM.
1/12/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest escalated the dispute between the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) unions and the government over the sale of the majority stake in BTC to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC), when he described the unions’ protest as a national security threat.
Turnquest, in an interview with The Nassau Guardian, went further and stated that the security forces are on alert for any eventuality regarding the dispute. The BTC unions have threatened, with the support of the national trade union movement, a general strike.
Union leaders always threaten to strike when they don’t get their way. In order to carry out a successful strike, however, a majority of the workers represented by these leaders have to support the strike call. And these workers have to be prepared for pain and loss.
There is no evidence, thus far, proving that the members of these unions are prepared to go down this rough road.
The unions have been annoying to the government, but they have not been a national security threat. In fact, the union opposition has been somewhat weak.
There were only a few hundred people at the union march on Parliament in December – that number includes the members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and other splinter parties which participated. These unions represent tens of thousands of workers.
Only a few hundred people showed up at the union-organized ‘mass rally’ at R.M. Bailey Park on Monday night.
These unions can’t even bring out a good crowd.
The minister has engaged in hyperbole. And by invoking the security forces under his command – the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force – he appears menacing.
The government and its agencies should be on alert for mass disruptions rather than some nebulous national security threat. The unions are likely to continue with small-scale disruptions.
National security threats are actions that threaten the existence of a state. Strike calls by union leaders who cannot turn out their membership do not threaten the existence of The Bahamas.
The decision to sell a major Bahamian state asset to a foreign company, however, is a threat to the national development of the country.
The policy of all Bahamian governments should be to empower Bahamians. They should especially attempt to create more entrepreneurs and to further empower those already in business.
When Bahamians own enterprises, rather than foreigners, more money stays in the country and more Bahamians are usually hired to operate the business.
Furthermore, empowering Bahamians by making Bahamians owners of BTC would allow those Bahamians to then become players in the regional telecommunications industry. Policymakers should be aiming for Bahamians to someday take over telcos across the Caribbean.
Instead, the PLP and the Free National Movement (FNM) administrations want to sell a major chunk of this major state asset to foreigners.
A privatization policy is needed in The Bahamas. It should state that bidders for state assets either be Bahamian or they should be joint venture partnerships with Bahamians.
The love of foreigners over Bahamians when it comes to the BTC privatization process is the threat Bahamians should be concerned about when it comes to the PLP and the FNM.
1/12/2011
thenassauguardian editorial
Friday, December 17, 2010
Say, Sway and Raw Power
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Available evidence suggests that, the Progressive Liberal Party and a number of unions are apparently finding themselves united as regards certain aspects of that deal that would –if approved- provide Cable and Wireless a fifty one per cent stake in BTC.
On the other hand, the governing party seems to be suggesting that they have been blind-sided by union leadership and that, in addition, they are adamant that, the Bahamian people are getting a good deal, moving forward.
These are the bones of contention between the governing party, its Opposition and the unions.
Evidently, politics matters.
And here, as we revert to some of what the Opposition is saying, we note where they say that, “…The PLP holds fast to the belief that the sale of BTC to C&W is a ‘national issue’ and not a political issue as there is a general concurrence on the Privatization of BTC.
“To this end the primary spokespersons outside the Halls of Parliament have been primarily the Party’s Chairman, the Leader and Deputy Leader. This position by the PLP has been clearly demonstrated with the ongoing Senate Debates, as opposition members, despite attempts to be censored, continue to hammer the Government for not making public the details of the Memorandum of Understanding on the BTC / C&W Deal…”
The PLP concludes on this note of warning, explaining that, “…the government continues to stubbornly proceed with this bad deal despite mounting national opposition by the People of the Bahamas. Considering the above factors, the PLP again call on the Prime Minister to make public the details of the sale by releasing the Memorandum of Understanding on the BTC / C&W Deal without further delay. More importantly, we call on the government to listen to the majority of the People and cancel the Government’s plans to sell BTC to Cable & Wireless…”
And so, the battle lines have been drawn.
Evidently, these battle lines recapitulate parameters that have proven decisive in times past – with workers and others ranged in alliance with one party or the other.
Only time will tell how this struggle will eventuate.
But even as we wait for time’s verdict, we can say with some high degree of confidence that, the struggle is on; and that, those who oppose the BTC deal are seemingly on the offensive; with their quarry – the governing Free National Movement now pulling out the stops in order to better sell the deal they thought they had in the bag.
But notwithstanding those aspects of this matter that turn on the use of raw power by some in the halls of parliament, we are today somewhat discomfited by some of the tactics used by the Speaker in the Assembly; particularly where it seems as if he ignored the right of Her Majesty’s Opposition to speak, once notice of adjournment was announced.
While –like others- we have no way of divining what could have motivated him to act as he did; suffice it to say that he left us and quite a number of other right-thinking persons with the sense that he was acting in the immediate political interests of the ruling party in the Assembly.
While we would like to think otherwise, the evidence directs us the clear conclusion that, Mr. Speaker erred when he acted as he did this Wednesday past.
But be that as it may, we hope that –in time- Mr. Speaker would have the good grace to explain himself to each and every member of that august assembly; this in order to convince them that he was not biased in his recent decision making.
Now while we are quite aware of some of those other aspects of this matter that now provide the Opposition with so much political fodder; we are still adamant that, they should have been given an opportunity to speak.
In addition, we would have much preferred that things had gone in such a way so that, those who lead and those who would lead might have had an opportunity to say Merry Christmas to each other and to send similar greetings to their constituents.
And clearly, we do believe that, the Opposition should have been given an opportunity – on the notice of adjournment to speak.
This is a time honored tradition in any number of countries that would hew to the democratic way of doing things; where while governments might have their sway, those in Opposition should have their say.
Evidently, while this nostrum might be heeded in other jurisdictions, there seems to be some difficulty with it as parliamentarians dicker and debate the matter concerning the proposed ‘sale’ of BTC to Cable and Wireless.
And so today, we regret the way things have happened in the Assembly; and as they might have done, we wish them all a Merry Christmas.
December 17, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Available evidence suggests that, the Progressive Liberal Party and a number of unions are apparently finding themselves united as regards certain aspects of that deal that would –if approved- provide Cable and Wireless a fifty one per cent stake in BTC.
On the other hand, the governing party seems to be suggesting that they have been blind-sided by union leadership and that, in addition, they are adamant that, the Bahamian people are getting a good deal, moving forward.
These are the bones of contention between the governing party, its Opposition and the unions.
Evidently, politics matters.
And here, as we revert to some of what the Opposition is saying, we note where they say that, “…The PLP holds fast to the belief that the sale of BTC to C&W is a ‘national issue’ and not a political issue as there is a general concurrence on the Privatization of BTC.
“To this end the primary spokespersons outside the Halls of Parliament have been primarily the Party’s Chairman, the Leader and Deputy Leader. This position by the PLP has been clearly demonstrated with the ongoing Senate Debates, as opposition members, despite attempts to be censored, continue to hammer the Government for not making public the details of the Memorandum of Understanding on the BTC / C&W Deal…”
The PLP concludes on this note of warning, explaining that, “…the government continues to stubbornly proceed with this bad deal despite mounting national opposition by the People of the Bahamas. Considering the above factors, the PLP again call on the Prime Minister to make public the details of the sale by releasing the Memorandum of Understanding on the BTC / C&W Deal without further delay. More importantly, we call on the government to listen to the majority of the People and cancel the Government’s plans to sell BTC to Cable & Wireless…”
And so, the battle lines have been drawn.
Evidently, these battle lines recapitulate parameters that have proven decisive in times past – with workers and others ranged in alliance with one party or the other.
Only time will tell how this struggle will eventuate.
But even as we wait for time’s verdict, we can say with some high degree of confidence that, the struggle is on; and that, those who oppose the BTC deal are seemingly on the offensive; with their quarry – the governing Free National Movement now pulling out the stops in order to better sell the deal they thought they had in the bag.
But notwithstanding those aspects of this matter that turn on the use of raw power by some in the halls of parliament, we are today somewhat discomfited by some of the tactics used by the Speaker in the Assembly; particularly where it seems as if he ignored the right of Her Majesty’s Opposition to speak, once notice of adjournment was announced.
While –like others- we have no way of divining what could have motivated him to act as he did; suffice it to say that he left us and quite a number of other right-thinking persons with the sense that he was acting in the immediate political interests of the ruling party in the Assembly.
While we would like to think otherwise, the evidence directs us the clear conclusion that, Mr. Speaker erred when he acted as he did this Wednesday past.
But be that as it may, we hope that –in time- Mr. Speaker would have the good grace to explain himself to each and every member of that august assembly; this in order to convince them that he was not biased in his recent decision making.
Now while we are quite aware of some of those other aspects of this matter that now provide the Opposition with so much political fodder; we are still adamant that, they should have been given an opportunity to speak.
In addition, we would have much preferred that things had gone in such a way so that, those who lead and those who would lead might have had an opportunity to say Merry Christmas to each other and to send similar greetings to their constituents.
And clearly, we do believe that, the Opposition should have been given an opportunity – on the notice of adjournment to speak.
This is a time honored tradition in any number of countries that would hew to the democratic way of doing things; where while governments might have their sway, those in Opposition should have their say.
Evidently, while this nostrum might be heeded in other jurisdictions, there seems to be some difficulty with it as parliamentarians dicker and debate the matter concerning the proposed ‘sale’ of BTC to Cable and Wireless.
And so today, we regret the way things have happened in the Assembly; and as they might have done, we wish them all a Merry Christmas.
December 17, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
...the Christie government's secret negotiations with Bluewater...
Bahamians being offered better deal
tribune242 editoial
WE ARE baffled by Opposition Leader Perry Christie's harping on the "secrecy" surrounding government's memorandum of understanding with Cable & Wireless (LIME). Surprised because on the desk in front of us is a file of the Christie government's secret negotiations with Bluewater that were then too sensitive to be shared with the public and of which no one knew the details until the Ingraham government came to office and opened the books. The union, by its own and Mr Christie's admission, was a part of the negotiations and approved the sale.
A week before the election, which resulted in the Christie government's removal from office, it was discovered that the privatisation committee for the Bluewater sale had submitted its report, which was approved by cabinet, but not signed by Mr Christie.
Today the public knows more about the Cable and Wireless proposal than it ever did about the Bluewater deal -- and even now information is coming out about Bluewater that the public is hearing for the first time.
Prime Minister Ingraham has promised that all information on the BTC sale with all documents attached will be made public two weeks before being presented to the House for a vote.
This full disclosure, we can assure our readers -- judging from the PLP's track record, especially recalling the "secret" land-giveaway in the Baha Mar Cable Beach deal -- would have never happened under the Christie government.
And so why does Mr Christie continue to harp on a deal being "clandestinely" dealt with "deep in secret" when there is nothing secret about it?
He believes government, avoided parliament yesterday morning, because it is afraid of the issue.
"They know that they are riding a tiger and you know old Confucius' saying: 'He who ride rides tiger dare not fall off,'" said Mr Christie.
We know that Confucius was a wise man, but this particular saying cannot be attributed to him. It is an ancient Chinese proverb, which says: "He who rides a tiger can never get off or the tiger will devour him."
Is this why Mr Christie cannot give up the secrecy myth? Maybe, he and the union representatives, who admit they were a part of the whole Bluewater negotiations, should come clean and tell the public why they were so secret when they were trying to hand over the Bahamian people's "jewel" to a group that had not been tested and had no track record in communications? No, Mr Christie, this is one tiger you will have to keep riding because if you fall off the people will indeed see that the Emperor has no clothes.
In yesterday's demonstration when a union member broke through the restraining barriers on Bay Street and was confronted by police, he taunted his colleagues, who remained behind the barricades: "They have y'all corralled like a bunch of animals. That is how they have you. Y'all look like a bunch of animals!"
Not only did they look like a bunch of corralled animals, but they were behaving as such without an independent brain in their heads. Imagine mounting a demonstration on the emotional hot air of politicians and union leaders without accepting the invitation to sit down with Cable and Wireless to discover for themselves what the negotiations are all about and the important role Bahamians are to play in it.
Today they now have a chance to sit down in the quiet of their homes and read the Cabinet's statement on page 7 of today's edition and see the bill of goods that the PLP was trying to sell them -- and if it were not for the election would have got away with -- and what they are being offered today.
This week a union leader accused government of giving away the country's cash cow. Indeed it is a cash cow that consumers are paying for dearly and unionists are milking without shame.
The backwardness of BTC has retarded the growth of this country's financial industry as well as local businesses that have been forced -- thanks to the computer -- to try to avoid the BTC monopoly as far as possible.
All we have heard so far is what the unionists want of BTC. It is now time for the consumers to be heard. Consumers want lower prices, better service and an ability to enter the world market without being hemmed in by suffocating monopolies.
Read the Cabinet statement and understand how Bahamians are being hoodwinked by politicians -- there is indeed no comparison with the Christie-backed Bluewater deal to what is being offered today by Cable and Wireless Communications.
December 16, 2010
tribune242 editoial
tribune242 editoial
WE ARE baffled by Opposition Leader Perry Christie's harping on the "secrecy" surrounding government's memorandum of understanding with Cable & Wireless (LIME). Surprised because on the desk in front of us is a file of the Christie government's secret negotiations with Bluewater that were then too sensitive to be shared with the public and of which no one knew the details until the Ingraham government came to office and opened the books. The union, by its own and Mr Christie's admission, was a part of the negotiations and approved the sale.
A week before the election, which resulted in the Christie government's removal from office, it was discovered that the privatisation committee for the Bluewater sale had submitted its report, which was approved by cabinet, but not signed by Mr Christie.
Today the public knows more about the Cable and Wireless proposal than it ever did about the Bluewater deal -- and even now information is coming out about Bluewater that the public is hearing for the first time.
Prime Minister Ingraham has promised that all information on the BTC sale with all documents attached will be made public two weeks before being presented to the House for a vote.
This full disclosure, we can assure our readers -- judging from the PLP's track record, especially recalling the "secret" land-giveaway in the Baha Mar Cable Beach deal -- would have never happened under the Christie government.
And so why does Mr Christie continue to harp on a deal being "clandestinely" dealt with "deep in secret" when there is nothing secret about it?
He believes government, avoided parliament yesterday morning, because it is afraid of the issue.
"They know that they are riding a tiger and you know old Confucius' saying: 'He who ride rides tiger dare not fall off,'" said Mr Christie.
We know that Confucius was a wise man, but this particular saying cannot be attributed to him. It is an ancient Chinese proverb, which says: "He who rides a tiger can never get off or the tiger will devour him."
Is this why Mr Christie cannot give up the secrecy myth? Maybe, he and the union representatives, who admit they were a part of the whole Bluewater negotiations, should come clean and tell the public why they were so secret when they were trying to hand over the Bahamian people's "jewel" to a group that had not been tested and had no track record in communications? No, Mr Christie, this is one tiger you will have to keep riding because if you fall off the people will indeed see that the Emperor has no clothes.
In yesterday's demonstration when a union member broke through the restraining barriers on Bay Street and was confronted by police, he taunted his colleagues, who remained behind the barricades: "They have y'all corralled like a bunch of animals. That is how they have you. Y'all look like a bunch of animals!"
Not only did they look like a bunch of corralled animals, but they were behaving as such without an independent brain in their heads. Imagine mounting a demonstration on the emotional hot air of politicians and union leaders without accepting the invitation to sit down with Cable and Wireless to discover for themselves what the negotiations are all about and the important role Bahamians are to play in it.
Today they now have a chance to sit down in the quiet of their homes and read the Cabinet's statement on page 7 of today's edition and see the bill of goods that the PLP was trying to sell them -- and if it were not for the election would have got away with -- and what they are being offered today.
This week a union leader accused government of giving away the country's cash cow. Indeed it is a cash cow that consumers are paying for dearly and unionists are milking without shame.
The backwardness of BTC has retarded the growth of this country's financial industry as well as local businesses that have been forced -- thanks to the computer -- to try to avoid the BTC monopoly as far as possible.
All we have heard so far is what the unionists want of BTC. It is now time for the consumers to be heard. Consumers want lower prices, better service and an ability to enter the world market without being hemmed in by suffocating monopolies.
Read the Cabinet statement and understand how Bahamians are being hoodwinked by politicians -- there is indeed no comparison with the Christie-backed Bluewater deal to what is being offered today by Cable and Wireless Communications.
December 16, 2010
tribune242 editoial
Monday, December 13, 2010
Voices Killarney poll shows that many support the proposed BTC sale
Constituency poll shows many support proposed BTC sale
tribune242
A recent poll taken in the Killarney constituency shows that there are many Bahamians who support the government’s intention to sell a 51 per cent stake in The Bahamas Telecommunications Company to the British telecommunication company Cable and Wireless Communications (C&WC).
A recent poll conducted on “Voices Killarney,” an online news letter from the constituency office of Dr Hubert Minnis revealed that 67 people who participated in the poll supported the BTC deal while 50 persons opposed the deal. The poll, which was conducted on December 10 and 11, also revealed that six persons who participated in the poll were undecided.
Among those who supported the sale one person commented, “I think the sale is an excellent idea. C&W are in the Caribbean Islands. Although we are considered ahead of them economically their telephone technology is far ahead of us.” Another posted, “The union just needs to get over it. It is ludicrous that a union dictates who the government sells any corporation to. The government is elected by the people to conduct work on behalf of the people so I believe that every government would make decisions that are in the best interest of the country. Those people at Batelco are lazy and are afraid of privatization.”
Another person in support of the sale commented, “The sale of Batelco is long overdue. We are paying far too much for out dated systems and service that is not customer-oriented. I have been trying to find out for over one year how my land line was turned over in the name of my tenant and they were allowed to transfer my phone line when they gave up the lease on my property. They have also not been able to satisfy me with what has happened to my security deposit. The prices are too high, the service is poor and I think we need to up grade.”
Among those who opposed the decision one person commented, “I agree that staff numbers need to be reduced and employees simply more efficient to cut operation costs. However, if it must be sold, it should be sold to Bahamians with the capital and vision to further advance the company with the latest technologies available in phone and Internet services.”
Another stated, “Batelco belongs to the people of the Bahamas and should not be sold. Bahamians should own and run Batelco.” “I feel that it was a very bad decision because they sold such a great portion of the company for such little money. BTC makes a lot of money just in one year. In two years time BTC would have already made over that amount, so it really made no sense selling for so little,” another person commented.
Among those who were undecided, one stated, “Notwithstanding that the sale is inevitable and probably necessary. I'm curious to know what criteria was laid out to qualify as a purchaser. Does C&W meet the criteria, if they do and other companies also did, what were the track records of the other companies when compared to C&W? Why must we sell 51 per cent as opposed to 49 per cent. Why not consider a group of Bahamians as opposed to foreigners?”
December 13, 2010
tribune242
tribune242
A recent poll taken in the Killarney constituency shows that there are many Bahamians who support the government’s intention to sell a 51 per cent stake in The Bahamas Telecommunications Company to the British telecommunication company Cable and Wireless Communications (C&WC).
A recent poll conducted on “Voices Killarney,” an online news letter from the constituency office of Dr Hubert Minnis revealed that 67 people who participated in the poll supported the BTC deal while 50 persons opposed the deal. The poll, which was conducted on December 10 and 11, also revealed that six persons who participated in the poll were undecided.
Among those who supported the sale one person commented, “I think the sale is an excellent idea. C&W are in the Caribbean Islands. Although we are considered ahead of them economically their telephone technology is far ahead of us.” Another posted, “The union just needs to get over it. It is ludicrous that a union dictates who the government sells any corporation to. The government is elected by the people to conduct work on behalf of the people so I believe that every government would make decisions that are in the best interest of the country. Those people at Batelco are lazy and are afraid of privatization.”
Another person in support of the sale commented, “The sale of Batelco is long overdue. We are paying far too much for out dated systems and service that is not customer-oriented. I have been trying to find out for over one year how my land line was turned over in the name of my tenant and they were allowed to transfer my phone line when they gave up the lease on my property. They have also not been able to satisfy me with what has happened to my security deposit. The prices are too high, the service is poor and I think we need to up grade.”
Among those who opposed the decision one person commented, “I agree that staff numbers need to be reduced and employees simply more efficient to cut operation costs. However, if it must be sold, it should be sold to Bahamians with the capital and vision to further advance the company with the latest technologies available in phone and Internet services.”
Another stated, “Batelco belongs to the people of the Bahamas and should not be sold. Bahamians should own and run Batelco.” “I feel that it was a very bad decision because they sold such a great portion of the company for such little money. BTC makes a lot of money just in one year. In two years time BTC would have already made over that amount, so it really made no sense selling for so little,” another person commented.
Among those who were undecided, one stated, “Notwithstanding that the sale is inevitable and probably necessary. I'm curious to know what criteria was laid out to qualify as a purchaser. Does C&W meet the criteria, if they do and other companies also did, what were the track records of the other companies when compared to C&W? Why must we sell 51 per cent as opposed to 49 per cent. Why not consider a group of Bahamians as opposed to foreigners?”
December 13, 2010
tribune242
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) secret attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election
The PLP and their Blue Water 'secrets'
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP seems to be a party always anxious to distance itself from its own unimpressive past --unless, of course, it has deliberately cultivated a memory that takes a convenient leave of absence when a situation gets too hot to handle.
Whichever way one looks at it, PLP leaders are being disingenuous to suggest that government is failing to disclose information on its negotiations with Cable & Wireless for the 51 per cent purchase of BTC for $210 million.
They have forgotten their own secrecy in their attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election when they were defeated at the polls.
At the time --2006-2007 -- much was written and speculated about this secrecy. It was only after the FNM came to power that the public eventually knew what had gone on behind those closed doors.
Today Bahamians know more at this early stage in the negotiations about what is proposed with Cable & Wireless than anyone ever knew from the PLP about their negotiations with Blue Water.
The Tribune reported in January, 2007, after all other bidders were locked out so that the PLP government could continue to woo Blue Water, that "the secrecy and lack of transparency ... has caused some frustrations, not only among other potential leaders such as C&W, but members of the Bahamian financial community and some BTC staff."
It was suggested that the Christie government was unlikely to conclude BTC's privatisation before the 2007 election, which was closing in on it. The reason given was concern for the considerable number of votes tied up in BTC's estimated 1,200 workers and their relatives. "A privatisation, especially one that resulted in redundancies, could be unpopular at election time," The Tribune was told. And so today, although the party probably won't admit it, even they recognised that to succeed, redundancies were necessary. It was probably another reason for the secrecy.
And, as we said, in this column yesterday, no matter who takes over BTC -- even an astute Bahamian business group -- staff has to be trimmed for the sake of good business.
BTC has been on the auction block for the past 11 years. In 2007 The Tribune reported that the best offer that was received in 2003 was when BahamasTel consortium, backed by Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, bid $130 million for a 49 per cent stake. At the time it valued the company at just over $260 million.
However, by 2007, it was clear that BTC had dropped even further in value, faced with competition from IndiGo Networks' fixed line, Voice over IP and Cable Bahamas on Internet. Once it loses its cellular monopoly, it will be difficult to even give it away.
BTC has stood like a colossus astride this country, stifling its economic growth.
James Smith, in those years minister of state for finance, could only tell us week after week that the government-appointed committee had completed its work for privatisation and had submitted its recommendations to Cabinet. This was the highest that the veil, which concealed their "secret," was ever lifted. From then on there was silence.
Mr Smith said that "a world class, efficient telecommunications sector" was required for both the tourism and the financial services industry.
And in a tone of resigned desperation, he admitted that "all the time spent looking at other (privatisation) players has basically allowed this existing dinosaur to entrench itself."
And it is into this "entrenched dinosaur" that the government is trying to breath new life to give it a chance to be of benefit to the country.
So much time and energy is being taken up with the wishes of the unions and the politicians that little thought is being given to the Bahamian people, who for years have had to pay high prices for inferior service.
The "dinosaur" has suffocated this country for much too long, Bahamians now need some breathing space to grow and prosper. They deserve better service, lower prices and more choices and a telecommunications company that will not only do them proud but will be a profitable investment.
A unionist has suggested that Bahamian consumers should be included in the debate as to whether Cable and Wireless should be the lead partner in a new BTC that will give them better service, and lower prices.
It is a good idea. The unionists might not like what they hear.
December 10, 2010
tribune242 editorial
tribune242 editorial
THE PLP seems to be a party always anxious to distance itself from its own unimpressive past --unless, of course, it has deliberately cultivated a memory that takes a convenient leave of absence when a situation gets too hot to handle.
Whichever way one looks at it, PLP leaders are being disingenuous to suggest that government is failing to disclose information on its negotiations with Cable & Wireless for the 51 per cent purchase of BTC for $210 million.
They have forgotten their own secrecy in their attempt to sell BTC to Blue Water Ventures before the 2007 election when they were defeated at the polls.
At the time --2006-2007 -- much was written and speculated about this secrecy. It was only after the FNM came to power that the public eventually knew what had gone on behind those closed doors.
Today Bahamians know more at this early stage in the negotiations about what is proposed with Cable & Wireless than anyone ever knew from the PLP about their negotiations with Blue Water.
The Tribune reported in January, 2007, after all other bidders were locked out so that the PLP government could continue to woo Blue Water, that "the secrecy and lack of transparency ... has caused some frustrations, not only among other potential leaders such as C&W, but members of the Bahamian financial community and some BTC staff."
It was suggested that the Christie government was unlikely to conclude BTC's privatisation before the 2007 election, which was closing in on it. The reason given was concern for the considerable number of votes tied up in BTC's estimated 1,200 workers and their relatives. "A privatisation, especially one that resulted in redundancies, could be unpopular at election time," The Tribune was told. And so today, although the party probably won't admit it, even they recognised that to succeed, redundancies were necessary. It was probably another reason for the secrecy.
And, as we said, in this column yesterday, no matter who takes over BTC -- even an astute Bahamian business group -- staff has to be trimmed for the sake of good business.
BTC has been on the auction block for the past 11 years. In 2007 The Tribune reported that the best offer that was received in 2003 was when BahamasTel consortium, backed by Citigroup and JP Morgan Chase, bid $130 million for a 49 per cent stake. At the time it valued the company at just over $260 million.
However, by 2007, it was clear that BTC had dropped even further in value, faced with competition from IndiGo Networks' fixed line, Voice over IP and Cable Bahamas on Internet. Once it loses its cellular monopoly, it will be difficult to even give it away.
BTC has stood like a colossus astride this country, stifling its economic growth.
James Smith, in those years minister of state for finance, could only tell us week after week that the government-appointed committee had completed its work for privatisation and had submitted its recommendations to Cabinet. This was the highest that the veil, which concealed their "secret," was ever lifted. From then on there was silence.
Mr Smith said that "a world class, efficient telecommunications sector" was required for both the tourism and the financial services industry.
And in a tone of resigned desperation, he admitted that "all the time spent looking at other (privatisation) players has basically allowed this existing dinosaur to entrench itself."
And it is into this "entrenched dinosaur" that the government is trying to breath new life to give it a chance to be of benefit to the country.
So much time and energy is being taken up with the wishes of the unions and the politicians that little thought is being given to the Bahamian people, who for years have had to pay high prices for inferior service.
The "dinosaur" has suffocated this country for much too long, Bahamians now need some breathing space to grow and prosper. They deserve better service, lower prices and more choices and a telecommunications company that will not only do them proud but will be a profitable investment.
A unionist has suggested that Bahamian consumers should be included in the debate as to whether Cable and Wireless should be the lead partner in a new BTC that will give them better service, and lower prices.
It is a good idea. The unionists might not like what they hear.
December 10, 2010
tribune242 editorial
Friday, December 10, 2010
BTC employees' battle with the government over 51 percent stake in Bahamas Telecommunications Company to Cable & Wireless
Are BTC employees in a losing battle with the government
thenassauguardian editorial
Employees of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) went on the offensive on Tuesday, as a sign of their disagreement with government’s move to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cable & Wireless in relation to the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC. The protest action on Tuesday, in which BTC employees paraded around the company’s head office on JFK Drive, brought flashbacks of what happened when ZNS workers tried to fight government’s downsizing of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
Also familiar is BCPOU President Bernard Evans, who was unsuccessful in his fight for ZNS employees against the government. It seems strange that after losing that battle not so long ago, union members are still confident that Evans can get them the kind of results they seek.
Evans is the same and his fight is against the same foe to which he lost, the Government of The Bahamas. We saw how the ZNS fiasco turned out. Will this BTC fight be any different?
It should be noted though, that a significant difference in this fight is that President of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev. Patrick Paul, and newly-elected President of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, have jumped on board with BTC from the get go.
This battle could turn out to be a much bigger fight for the government than ZNS was.
When it comes to BTC who knows what to expect? Reports suggest that Tuesday’s action was just the beginning of what could end up being a massive national strike involving various unions. Yesterday the BTC employees were at it again, this time with a motorcade through the streets of New Providence, and a mass rally at the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union Hall, at which representatives of various unions were on hand to give their support.
The prime minister stared down Bernard Evans, called his bluff and won a battle without even unholstering his gun during the ZNS fiasco. With Evans at the helm of the battle with BTC, Prime Minister Ingraham may be looking for history to repeat itself.
12/9/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Employees of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) went on the offensive on Tuesday, as a sign of their disagreement with government’s move to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cable & Wireless in relation to the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC. The protest action on Tuesday, in which BTC employees paraded around the company’s head office on JFK Drive, brought flashbacks of what happened when ZNS workers tried to fight government’s downsizing of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.
Also familiar is BCPOU President Bernard Evans, who was unsuccessful in his fight for ZNS employees against the government. It seems strange that after losing that battle not so long ago, union members are still confident that Evans can get them the kind of results they seek.
Evans is the same and his fight is against the same foe to which he lost, the Government of The Bahamas. We saw how the ZNS fiasco turned out. Will this BTC fight be any different?
It should be noted though, that a significant difference in this fight is that President of the Bahamas Christian Council Rev. Patrick Paul, and newly-elected President of the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, have jumped on board with BTC from the get go.
This battle could turn out to be a much bigger fight for the government than ZNS was.
When it comes to BTC who knows what to expect? Reports suggest that Tuesday’s action was just the beginning of what could end up being a massive national strike involving various unions. Yesterday the BTC employees were at it again, this time with a motorcade through the streets of New Providence, and a mass rally at the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union Hall, at which representatives of various unions were on hand to give their support.
The prime minister stared down Bernard Evans, called his bluff and won a battle without even unholstering his gun during the ZNS fiasco. With Evans at the helm of the battle with BTC, Prime Minister Ingraham may be looking for history to repeat itself.
12/9/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
In Opposition to the BTC Deal
The Bahama Journal Editorial
That we live in perilous times is no longer a matter that incurs debate; it is simply taken as a given that, these are surely times when practically everything that was once stable seems hell-bent on being ripped from its moorings.
In this we would surely include certain givens as they related to how the Bahamas could and should orient itself to the region and to the world market.
In this regard, we would place all of what we once took for granted as it pertains to the supremacy and desirability of relying on foreign direct investment; and here sometimes to the exclusion of Bahamian investment.
For a fairly long season, this idea worked its magic; and here it had the salutary result of creating a fairly self-confident middle class [albeit one that lived heavily off borrowed money]. But as some of our people would attest and confirm, for a fairly long while, it sure did seem as if this kind of scenario would persist for a while longer.
And then, there was that other emerging trend where and when there arose such a high respect for the magic that was said to be inherent in market forces. As a consequence, very many governments around the world soon came to find themselves dragooned into becoming true believers in the new mantra.
This slew of new and true believers in the so-called magic of the market place included some of our leaders and their myriad of followers.
Indeed, such was the magnetic force of the new idea that some who should have known better were soon enough found to be dancing and sometimes even prancing to the same tune.
As we recall, this was the context wherein there emerged that consensus behind ideas to privatize this or that public owned entity.
Early on the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation was identified for the privatization experience and treatment.
While the times have obviously changed and while practically no-one with an iota of sense continues that blather about the so-called magic inherent in so-called market-forces, BTC is set to be divested of majority control on the Bahamian side; with that control going to Cable and Wireless.
And yet again, we are learning that, there is currently a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] that the government signed with the regional communications giant (which is known as LIME throughout the Caribbean) provides for the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC for $210 million.
We are also told that an additional $21 million will be collected by the government from the 10 percent stamp tax associated with the sale.
Note also that the said MOU also provides that the government will leave $15 million of BTC's cash in the bank to provide operating capital for LIME.
As reported, BTC had just under $66 million in cash at the end of September, according to financial records obtained by our Journal.
Evidently, this implies that if the sale is concluded in the next several months and BTC's cash reserves are significantly impacted, at least $51 million of that cash would go to the public treasury.
At this juncture, then, the word we get is to the effect that, if BTC maintains the cash it now has until the targeted sale date of February 15, 2011, the money generated by the sale of BTC would amount to more than $282 million.
While this is good as far as it goes, we are loath to support this move.
In this regard, [and as everyone would know], the potential buyer is Cable and Wireless.
In addition, we are now being told that, the proposed sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) could net the government nearly $300 million by the time the deal is done.
While this is apparently a done deal, we are adamant in our conclusion that, more effort should have been put into seeing to it that this entity stayed in Bahamian hands.
This is our view not only because of our enduring concern for the well-being of our country and its people; but because we are absolutely convinced [as in the case of Cable Bahamas] BTC could and should be owned by Bahamians.
And clearly, we continue to be impressed by arguments that tell us that, there are some utilities such as those relating to water, electricity and communications that should – in the interests of national security- remain in the hands of Bahamian nationals.
Furthermore, we are absolutely convinced that, there remains a crying need for the Bahamian economy to stand –as it were - on two feet; with one firmly planted in the Bahamas by Bahamians and with the other just as firmly planted by foreigners.
Such a move would put this country of ours on a much firmer footing.
And for sure, this is precisely why –in principle- still opposed to this proposed link-up by BTC with Cable and Wireless.
December 8th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
That we live in perilous times is no longer a matter that incurs debate; it is simply taken as a given that, these are surely times when practically everything that was once stable seems hell-bent on being ripped from its moorings.
In this we would surely include certain givens as they related to how the Bahamas could and should orient itself to the region and to the world market.
In this regard, we would place all of what we once took for granted as it pertains to the supremacy and desirability of relying on foreign direct investment; and here sometimes to the exclusion of Bahamian investment.
For a fairly long season, this idea worked its magic; and here it had the salutary result of creating a fairly self-confident middle class [albeit one that lived heavily off borrowed money]. But as some of our people would attest and confirm, for a fairly long while, it sure did seem as if this kind of scenario would persist for a while longer.
And then, there was that other emerging trend where and when there arose such a high respect for the magic that was said to be inherent in market forces. As a consequence, very many governments around the world soon came to find themselves dragooned into becoming true believers in the new mantra.
This slew of new and true believers in the so-called magic of the market place included some of our leaders and their myriad of followers.
Indeed, such was the magnetic force of the new idea that some who should have known better were soon enough found to be dancing and sometimes even prancing to the same tune.
As we recall, this was the context wherein there emerged that consensus behind ideas to privatize this or that public owned entity.
Early on the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation was identified for the privatization experience and treatment.
While the times have obviously changed and while practically no-one with an iota of sense continues that blather about the so-called magic inherent in so-called market-forces, BTC is set to be divested of majority control on the Bahamian side; with that control going to Cable and Wireless.
And yet again, we are learning that, there is currently a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] that the government signed with the regional communications giant (which is known as LIME throughout the Caribbean) provides for the sale of a 51 percent stake in BTC for $210 million.
We are also told that an additional $21 million will be collected by the government from the 10 percent stamp tax associated with the sale.
Note also that the said MOU also provides that the government will leave $15 million of BTC's cash in the bank to provide operating capital for LIME.
As reported, BTC had just under $66 million in cash at the end of September, according to financial records obtained by our Journal.
Evidently, this implies that if the sale is concluded in the next several months and BTC's cash reserves are significantly impacted, at least $51 million of that cash would go to the public treasury.
At this juncture, then, the word we get is to the effect that, if BTC maintains the cash it now has until the targeted sale date of February 15, 2011, the money generated by the sale of BTC would amount to more than $282 million.
While this is good as far as it goes, we are loath to support this move.
In this regard, [and as everyone would know], the potential buyer is Cable and Wireless.
In addition, we are now being told that, the proposed sale of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) to Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) could net the government nearly $300 million by the time the deal is done.
While this is apparently a done deal, we are adamant in our conclusion that, more effort should have been put into seeing to it that this entity stayed in Bahamian hands.
This is our view not only because of our enduring concern for the well-being of our country and its people; but because we are absolutely convinced [as in the case of Cable Bahamas] BTC could and should be owned by Bahamians.
And clearly, we continue to be impressed by arguments that tell us that, there are some utilities such as those relating to water, electricity and communications that should – in the interests of national security- remain in the hands of Bahamian nationals.
Furthermore, we are absolutely convinced that, there remains a crying need for the Bahamian economy to stand –as it were - on two feet; with one firmly planted in the Bahamas by Bahamians and with the other just as firmly planted by foreigners.
Such a move would put this country of ours on a much firmer footing.
And for sure, this is precisely why –in principle- still opposed to this proposed link-up by BTC with Cable and Wireless.
December 8th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
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