By DANA SMITH
dsmith@tribunemedia.net
SENATOR Kwasi Thompson dismissed last month's Speech from the Throne as "promises on a sheet of paper" and expressed doubts the government would be able to deliver on the items listed.
In his first contribution in the Senate, Mr Thompson called the Speech "good," but demanded the government take steps to reduce crime and provide jobs, as noted.
"The PLP have presented a good speech - they are good at speeches," he said.
"However, given the state of our country we will need more than good speeches.
"There are many promises in this speech. They are good at making promises. What I am not convinced of is whether they will deliver."
He acknowledged the government had "gotten it right" and commended the PLP for recognising that the two "main priorities" for the country are crime and the economy.
However, Mr Thompson said, the speech "does not match the urgency or depth" required to address the "critical challenges" facing the country.
"The Bahamian public, I believe, expected more and I expected more. Certainly in our role as opposition we will be demanding more on behalf of the people from this government," he said.
"We demand more than promises on a piece of paper . . . We demand a reduction in murders and crime, because that is what you said you will do.
"We demand jobs for every Bahamian and a thriving economy despite the recession because that is what you said you will do."
The public will demand more than school policing and the recently launched Urban Renewal 2.0 as a means of reducing crime, Mr Thompson said.
"Actually, it will require an acknowledgment, commitment, continuation and advancement of a number of FNM policies," he said. "For example electronic monitoring, CCTV, stiffer penalties, stiffer bail requirements, more police officers, more judges, and more criminal courts, all of which were delivered by the FNM."
The public also expect jobs, Mr Thompson said.
"No excuses about the recession or the state you met the economy in," he said. "Unfortunately, what I do not see is a real jobs programme for the immediate future, nor do I see a real training programme for the immediate future."
Also speaking on the government's Mortgage Relief Plan, the senator said he will await details of its implementation in less than 100 days.
"Moody's comments on the Mortgage Relief Plan were clearly a warning to the government not to proceed in the manner detailed in your charter for governance," he said.
Mr Thompson also claimed items listed in the speech don't "match the needs required" in the areas of housing and the environment.
"The Bahamas will soon confront the issue of oil exploration," he said. "It would have been useful to see a statement on the government's intention or the way forward on this critical issue.
"Unfortunately, the speech was silent on one of the most important decisions we will have to make since independence.
"Given the admitted previous relationship of the Prime Minister with an oil company, it is my considered view that we may face a dilemma that has no easy solution."
Comments
TalRussell 12 years, 5 months ago
Comrade senator Kwasi the only sheets of paper you ever picked up during the red shirt's regime was to wipe the backside of Hubert. Why was it that you were so damn tongue-tied all them years, never once expressing your real doubts and fears over the leader of red shirts?
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2012…
concernedcitizen 12 years, 5 months ago
T R why don,t you discuss what the article is talking about ,if you think the new GOV,is going in the right direction ,the murder rate ,the oil issue ,,,i mean come on talking body functions and strange little pictures ,,Mr Ingraham is gone he got voted out ,Perry Christie is now the Prime Minister and it is his policies that will chart the direction of our country...
TalRussell 12 years, 5 months ago
Comrade I'm not exactly sure how I would go about addressing bias political nonsense? I think the state of the economy is something his red shirts regime left PM saddled with. The native's got stiffness from Hubert but I'll keep it clean here.
perspective 12 years, 5 months ago
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Bril 12 years, 5 months ago
True CC, but I think Mr. Thompson is a bit premature in his criticism of the new government. He talks of wanting action, but he must being talking rhetoric for want of finding something to oppose. It is unrealistic for to expect significant change in just over 1 month in office. I wouldn't expect it from the FNM if they were in office. Bahamians really have to be sensible and measured in their response to things. I blame these politicians on both sides for fanning flames unnecessarily. Encourage our people to think and stop muddying the waters with stupid comments. That goes for you too Mr. Bell. You having too much to say already.
PKMShack 12 years, 5 months ago
Concernedcitizen don't waste your time with TAL RUSSELL classic commentary from a natural idiot. TAL RUSSELL is just anti HAI and the answer TAL RUSSELL will give is I BORN PLP AND WILL DIE PLP. tal russell refuse to talk what is better for the country but will rather keep HAI in each and every thought. Forward thinking Bahamains are tired of the talking/pointing fingers/blame game ETC. Less talk more action. Don't talk about it Be about it. If you not part of the solution you will always be part of the problem. TAL RUSSELL hasn't had any real input on any issue other than HATING HAI everyday all day. Get over it and go tell the PLP get to work on all the promises they talked about. Hey TAL RUSSELL have you seen anything they talked about put into action yet, oh you will say they need time, even tho they said they had the solutions prior to May 7.
TalRussell 12 years, 5 months ago
Hubert was in power for 15 long years and pray tells me what advances were made to BTC and BEC in all the 3 red shirts administrations? How can I ignore Hubert when he can't shut his own mouth up and continues to belittle those who wised-up to his arrogance? It is he who went before the nation shortly after 10 on the night of May 7 to "tell" Abacoians that he would not be suiting-up ever again to sit in the House. Comrade Tommy got the knife in the back and so will Comrade Minnis. Comrades like so many other things Hubert has said that could not be believed, this video is all the evidence you need that his word ain't worth crap. Already there is talk coming right out of the red shirts Chairman Charlie Pills Bury Dough Boy’s mouth that the new leader is on borrowed time be careful with a man who may already be hearing those 2002 voices in he head that he done changed his mind and ain't going nowhere. You go figure why they would bring a man back to burn down their political house, not once but twice in General Elections, and then run for the fire exit?
http://vimeo.com/43324277
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2012…
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