The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE challenges facing the country are far too serious for Bahamians to simply do what they have always done come election day, DNA leader Branville McCartney said last night.

Mr McCartney's words came during his first nationally televised address on ZNS, one week before the May 7, 2012 general election.

He said: "The challenges we face are far too great to simply do what we have always done.

"Over the next five years, we are faced with a seemingly insurmountable national debt that threatens to cripple our economy and dissuade foreign investment.

"We will be faced with escalating violence and crime that has shaken the very foundation of our society and will continue to snatch the lives and futures of promising young people far before their time.

"Our youth will be faced with a rapidly changing global climate, continuously forced to compete on a world stage with inadequate preparation."

Mr McCartney said the labour force will face many challenges as a result of having been "squeezed" into unemployment, underemployment and poor treatment.

Before the country can embark on a journey of progress, Mr McCartney said, Bahamians must collectively make a conscious and deliberate decision to confront one particularly glaring challenge.

"The one obstacle that is so divisive it threatens to prevent any further progress in our country: the disease of hyper-partisanship and party politics," he said.

"While our challenges are great, the united resilience of the Bahamian spirit is even greater - but our resilience can only be recognised in a united and co-ordinated effort."

Criticising the culture of dependency on politicians, which he said the PLP and FNM have both encouraged, Mr McCartney asked Bahamians to thoroughly consider the government's progress over the past five years.

"If the government had achieved its primary functions, should you even have to depend on politicians for the basic necessities of life? Ask yourself why a man would insist on you calling him Papa or Daddy, if not to ultimately reduce you to a life of dependency?"

The Bahamas needs a leadership that will listen to expert advice, regardless of party affiliation, and then make firm decisions for the advancement of all Bahamians, Mr McCartney said.

He urged those watching to join the DNA's 38 candidates as they work to "reclaim the streets from violent criminals, improve the distribution of health care, reduce the national debt, reclaim the dignity and pride we once had, and retain our rightful place on the world stage."