The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

HAVING observed the performance of two governments over the last ten years and the result of the recent general election I feel compelled to comment as follows:

It is difficult to understand how a government that performed remarkably well during a difficult economic period could be rejected and replaced by one that performed poorly when the economy was thriving.

Bahamians can recall that the PLP Government (2002-2007) made promises related to the establishment of anchor projects on Family Islands, implementation of a National Health Plan and a Code of Ethics for Members of Government. They did not deliver on any of these promises. Additionally, that administration can be remembered as being scandal-ridden and having weak indecisive leadership.

Many Bahamians have been in a state of euphoria during the past two weeks but after reality sets in some very serious matters must be addressed as follows:

• What realistic plans are in place to address the crime situation?

• Concerning the new government's Mortgage Relief plan. This very complex issue can only be satisfactorily addressed if all interest groups are pleased with the plan; ie government, lending institutions, mortgagees (delinquent and non-delinquent) as well as the general public (tax payers). Implementation of the plan must not adversely affect the country's credit rating.

• The new government has indicated that priority will be given job creation in an effort to create some 43,000 jobs. Given the fact that the world-wide recession is still a reality, significant job creation is a very difficult task. Additionally, given the national 'D' GPA and questionable work ethics of many of the unemployed, they may not be suitable candidates for newly created jobs.

• The new government proposes to double the education budget - one wonders if this position was arrived at after an analytical evaluation. Simply throwing money at a problem seldom results in obtaining beneficial results. Thinking Bahamians realise that, sociological issues, such as a meaningful partnership between students, teachers and parents greatly influences academic performance. Special emphasis on basic primary education (mainly reading, English and Maths) and remedial teaching for students "falling between the cracks" will definitely help to improve the average national GPA.

• It has been stated that the new government does not intend to raise taxes. This implies that if the country is to avoid huge budget deficits; borrowing and capital expenditure must be minimized. Additionally, civil servants salaries and other benefits must be contained (This will not please related trade unions).

• It is interesting to note that historically the inner-city areas of New Providence and various Family Island constituencies always support the PLP despite the fact that the overall quality of life in these areas has not been positively impacted over the past 45 years. In fact, it can be concluded that a culture of dependency has been imposed on residents of these areas and perhaps political leaders prefer not to empower constituents by deliberately limiting education, training and development opportunities.

• Among the ranks of the new government are some persons who have attracted scandal as well as some members of the legal profession who have defended high profile persons involved in the drug trade and other criminal activity. However, on the positive side, there are some new faces whose track records indicate that they have the potential to bring about changes within the governing party. It is hoped that these new persons, along with the Opposition, are able to curb the negative behaviour of others.

The foregoing highlights a few of the major challenges facing the new government. Given the dismal performance of the 2002-2007 PLP Government, there are many Bahamians who doubt that they have what it takes to positively impact the main problems facing the nation at this time. However, it is my prayer that there is positive cultural change within the party which will enable them to pleasantly surprise doubters over the next five years.

BRIAN RICHARDS

Nassau,

May 22, 2012.