The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXONTribune Staff Reportercnixon@tribunemedia.netThe DNA is calling on government to execute the Volunteer Bahamas programme properly and not use it as an election tactic.At a press conference held yesterday at the DNA headquarters, while commending the FNM government for the volunteer initiative, DNA leader and Bamboo Town MP Branville McCartney said the initiative is politically motivated and lacks the proper infrastructure for successful implementation."While Volunteer Bahamas is a commendable effort, unfortunately it appears it's motive may be more political than admirable - since launching this effort the government has invested very little resources into ensuring its success and achieved lackluster results."In keeping with the prime minister's call for "a new era of volunteerism", the government launched Volunteer Bahamas on November 1, an innovative programme geared towards harnessing the generosity of Bahamians and residents.Central to the programme is the idea that in order to decrease crime and create safer, healthier and more non-violent communities, we need partnerships between government, faith and community-based organisations, corporate citizens, philanthropic groups and individuals. Among his criticisms, Mr McCartney said the programme has poor infrastructure and management, as well as no measurable goals to monitor the initiatives' progress.Further, with less than 100 Bahamians signing up for the programme in the first week Mr McCartney said it is apparent the government has done little to engage the public as there is no plan for volunteers to begin until next year, closer to when the election will be called. "The Bahamian people are expected to come to the government to seek solutions to our challenges and once again we are met with inadequate, poorly executed policies," said Mr McCartney.In an effort to embrace the initiative and further engage Bahamians, Mr McCartney said DNA candidates have collected almost 500 volunteer applications that include submissions from PLP, FNM and DNA supporters "who are all prepared to rise above their party and do what is right for their country".According to the DNA, the government needs to invest the resources required to train as well as deploy volunteers and should engage them immediately.Mr McCartney said the government should not politicize the programme by waiting until the election to execute it.He added that a comprehensive plan should be formulated that includes measurable goals and ways to monitor progress.With a country as small as the Bahamas it is possible to make a difference, but people must stand together, said Mr McCartney. "The DNA," he said, "believes that while our challenges are great, the united will of our people is even greater and that together there is nothing that we cannot overcome."