Is Grand Bahama being ignored by PM?
thenassauguardian editorial
They say looks can be deceiving, and from all indications it appears that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham has very little to say about Grand Bahama.
That was made clear during the Prime Minister’s national press conference, which was held in Nassau on Sunday. The intent was to first brief the press on his recent trip to China and what came out of the visit, in terms of how it could benefit The Bahamas.
The press conference was also to answer any questions the media may have concerning issues related to The Bahamas. With that in mind members of the media who do not live in Nassau were invited to call in and ask questions about their respective islands.
It was interesting to listen to the prime minister talk on and on about Baha Mar, about road works in Nassau, about the straw market, even about his plan to run for office again in the next general election. The prime minister spoke in length about activities and development plans in Exuma.
However, when questions about Grand Bahama came up, the prime minister was very short and concise in his answers. In reply to questions about Hutchison Whampoa, Royal Oasis, and the proposed new cruise port, the prime minister had very little information to offer.
He said that he had to have a meeting with all of the people concerned in all of those areas, and then get back to the press with answers.
While one can respect the fact that the prime minister was willing to admit he didn’t know and had to seek out the information, it proved the point that when it comes to Grand Bahama, the prime minister either knew very little about what is going on, or chose not to say publicly what he knows of what is taking place in Grand Bahama.
With six representatives, three of whom are Cabinet ministers from Grand Bahama, the prime minister should have more insight into what is really taking place in Grand Bahama.
Besides that, the people of Grand Bahama deserve more than just a one-sentence answer to issues that they face and are concerned about.
Perhaps the prime minister is so well acquainted with Grand Bahamians’ laid-back and lackadaisical attitude, that he may feel it not necessary to go into any details.
But the truth is, Grand Bahamians would like to know when things are going to turnaround in their economy; they would like to know what will be done with the Royal Oasis Hotel that has been sitting there for years; they would like to know when and how many more visitors can be enticed to come to Grand Bahama; they would like to know what’s going on with Ginn and they would certainly like to know the status of the proposed sale of the Port Authority.
Yes, Grand Bahamians would like some answers to questions that have been plaguing them for years.
Instead, during a national press conference, which was a prime opportunity for Grand Bahamians to get some answers, the prime minister chose to be vague and short in his replies about questions concerning Grand Bahama.
Whether he knew it or not, the prime minister’s responses sent a strong message to the people of Grand Bahama.
11/16/2010
thenassauguardian 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 Grand Bahamians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grand Bahamians. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Why are two Nassau Members of Parliament: Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears playing politics in Grand Bahama
Why are two Nassau MPs playing politics in GB?
thenassauguardian editorial
Apparently there is not enough political wiggle room in Nassau(perhaps because of over-crowding), so two Nassau-based politicians have come to play their political games in Freeport's backyard.
Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell and Member of Parliament Alfred Sears, along with Senator Michael Darville have been on a campaign of sorts in Grand Bahama, addressing all of the major issues taking place on this island.
It all started with the issue at Walter Parker and since that time they have been jumping on every major issue in Grand Bahama, so much so that it seems they may have bought homes here in the second city and have settled in.
While the issue at Walter Parker remains unsettled, Mitchell, Sears and Darville jumped on the MSC trucking issue and have shifted into full gear. On Monday night Sears and Mitchell were on the news giving their take on the trucking situation.
If one didn't know better, they may have thought that they were watching the national news on ZNS, but in truth, they were watching the Northern Bahamas newscast.
Yes, MP Mitchell and MP Sears were at it again.
It's like they have become the new activists for Grand Bahama. Have they both began their political campaigns early? If so, why have they chosen Grand Bahama to be their stage? Over the past few weeks both politicians have used Grand Bahama as the background to get up on their "soap box" and make their voices heard.
That leaves some Grand Bahamians wondering, if these opposition members(who don't even live in or represent Grand Bahama)have so much to say about issues taking place in Grand Bahama, what are Grand Bahama representatives doing?
Even if the reasons behind opposition members' involvement in Grand Bahama affairs may be questionable, the fact is, they are making their voices heard about the issues and at least have something to say. Where are the Grand Bahama representatives, and why are they so silent? Why are they letting" someone else dig up in their backyard" without saying a word?
Grand Bahama is represented by six members of Parliament, of which three are Cabinet ministers. Why haven't any of these representatives spoken out against Mitchell and Sears'"invasion"of their constituencies?
Is there some political rule both Sears and Mitchell have broken, or is it a free-for-all landscape in which all politicians operate?
MP Fred Mitchell represents Fox Hill and MP Alfred Sears represents Fort Charlotte so why are they in Grand Bahama so frequently these days gaining political mileage? No doubt both men are certainly racking up some serious frequent flyer mileage.
Interestingly enough many Grand Bahamians have been silent on the opposition's move on Grand Bahama. Normally, Grand Bahamians may have made some comments about the frequent presence of these two men and would have demanded answers.
Is the political landscape in Grand Bahama changing, or is it due to the fact that economic hard times are so affecting Grand Bahamians that for this moment in time, they don't care who fights for them or which political party they belong too?
If local representatives choose to remain silent, then it is obvious that at least for now, Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears have a lot to say in Grand Bahama.
9/21/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
Apparently there is not enough political wiggle room in Nassau(perhaps because of over-crowding), so two Nassau-based politicians have come to play their political games in Freeport's backyard.
Member of Parliament Fred Mitchell and Member of Parliament Alfred Sears, along with Senator Michael Darville have been on a campaign of sorts in Grand Bahama, addressing all of the major issues taking place on this island.
It all started with the issue at Walter Parker and since that time they have been jumping on every major issue in Grand Bahama, so much so that it seems they may have bought homes here in the second city and have settled in.
While the issue at Walter Parker remains unsettled, Mitchell, Sears and Darville jumped on the MSC trucking issue and have shifted into full gear. On Monday night Sears and Mitchell were on the news giving their take on the trucking situation.
If one didn't know better, they may have thought that they were watching the national news on ZNS, but in truth, they were watching the Northern Bahamas newscast.
Yes, MP Mitchell and MP Sears were at it again.
It's like they have become the new activists for Grand Bahama. Have they both began their political campaigns early? If so, why have they chosen Grand Bahama to be their stage? Over the past few weeks both politicians have used Grand Bahama as the background to get up on their "soap box" and make their voices heard.
That leaves some Grand Bahamians wondering, if these opposition members(who don't even live in or represent Grand Bahama)have so much to say about issues taking place in Grand Bahama, what are Grand Bahama representatives doing?
Even if the reasons behind opposition members' involvement in Grand Bahama affairs may be questionable, the fact is, they are making their voices heard about the issues and at least have something to say. Where are the Grand Bahama representatives, and why are they so silent? Why are they letting" someone else dig up in their backyard" without saying a word?
Grand Bahama is represented by six members of Parliament, of which three are Cabinet ministers. Why haven't any of these representatives spoken out against Mitchell and Sears'"invasion"of their constituencies?
Is there some political rule both Sears and Mitchell have broken, or is it a free-for-all landscape in which all politicians operate?
MP Fred Mitchell represents Fox Hill and MP Alfred Sears represents Fort Charlotte so why are they in Grand Bahama so frequently these days gaining political mileage? No doubt both men are certainly racking up some serious frequent flyer mileage.
Interestingly enough many Grand Bahamians have been silent on the opposition's move on Grand Bahama. Normally, Grand Bahamians may have made some comments about the frequent presence of these two men and would have demanded answers.
Is the political landscape in Grand Bahama changing, or is it due to the fact that economic hard times are so affecting Grand Bahamians that for this moment in time, they don't care who fights for them or which political party they belong too?
If local representatives choose to remain silent, then it is obvious that at least for now, Fred Mitchell and Alfred Sears have a lot to say in Grand Bahama.
9/21/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
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