The Tribune

By ADRIAN GIBSON

ajbahama@hotmail.com

“Don’t let them fool ya,

Or even try to school ya! Oh, no!

We’ve got a mind of our own,

So go to hell if what you’re thinking is not right!

Could you be loved”

– Bob Marley

MINISTER of National Security Bernard Nottage’s about-face on the cost of January’s national referendum is likely to further contribute to public distrust. Many Bahamians are sceptically questioning Dr Nottage’s initial assertion of five millions as the price tag of the gambling opinion poll, an opinion poll that rendered a result—or opinion—that has yet to be observed (let me reiterate my support for the total liberalisation of gambling for Bahamians, from web shops to casinos).

Upon hearing Dr Nottage’s statement of costs, I immediately felt that perhaps some skulduggery and downright ‘tiefin’ had to have occurred. Did the government also feel the heat of public scrutiny and subsequently bent the truth like metal before a blowtorch?

One friend told me: “I’ll believe it when pigs fly.”

The fact that Dr Nottage, who is known as a man of civility, returned to the public with figures that were nearly four million dollars less than had been initially proffered has raised questions. The shift has purportedly been interpreted by many Bahamians as seemingly politically insane, for many it is demonstrative of what appears to be the government’s appalling lack of integrity and is a matter that the Public Accounts Committee (House of Assembly) should immediately investigate. The two figures cannot co-exist and the dramatic readjustment—a nearly four million decrease— has raised the question for many Bahamians as to whether this is a bona fide mistake. Perhaps, Dr Nottage should have the courage to once again explain how he misspoke.

The Bahamian public is concerned that this could be a remake of historical accuracy and the possibility that political correctness could trump honesty. Frankly, many folks believe that this is a recurrent theme for this administration so much so that the credibility of the entire administration is less than ideal. Yet again, Bahamians are left to ask— “do they really mean what they say, whether it’s a promise or a report?’

Prima facie, it appears that the definition of facts in the Bahamas, as it relates to government, is as shifting as the sands—just think of the Detention Centre fiasco, the truth concerning the gambling referendum and the implementation of the outcome, etcetera. To those of us who want to plant ourselves on a foundation of facts, it is becoming increasingly obvious that one might do so at their own peril, particularly with that which is true today suddenly changing tomorrow! Do we have to recall the many campaign promises that were proposed to happen, but didn’t? More and more, Bahamians send me emails complaining about how they bought dreams—glossy, emotionally stirring dreams that were sold on a political soapbox!

Cardiovascular surgeon and FNM Deputy Chairman Dr Duane Sands told me:

“What we are watching is the development of an abusive relationship between our government and the populace. I use that term deliberately because we have gotten so used to this government flip-flopping that we now look forward to the flowery language—even if it has no merit. Nottage’s statement makes no sense, but we’ve been so battered by the pain of our current circumstance that we would like to believe that those who are in charge would not knowingly or deliberately prevaricate. Expect the abuse to get worse and look forward to the kiss and makeup session which is so incredibly sweet that it is so typical of many relationships in this country!”

So, how do you get from five million to $1.2 million?

Voodoo economics! That’s how!

Frankly, it’s the same kind of Christienomics that led to campaign promises purporting to double the educational budget, create 10,000 jobs in 100 days, etcetera. Don’t get me wrong, I think that both PM Christie and Dr Nottage are affable, noble gentlemen, but any foolishness or perceived monkey business concerning the people’s monies cannot be accepted. My respect for Christie comes from a personal meeting where—though I had harshly and sometimes heavily criticized him between 2002-2007—he showed no petulance, was understanding and reached out to me. However, I have no regard for his silence—as Minister of Finance—in not speaking on the true cost of the referendum and itemizing all associated costs.

How much did the groupings of consultants, hired to review the referendum and the proposed Gaming Bill, cost taxpayers?

We are in the dark and only hear crickets, Mr Christie! Frankly, Mr Christie, please stand up! No one wants to hear anything else from Dr Bernard Nottage—we want to hear from the nation’s leader.

Many Bahamians don’t believe Dr Nottage’s corrected statement on the cost of the gaming poll. Many believe that the government has skulked into adopting a policy of deceit. This week, already faded, apathetic voters have expressed—on the airwaves, in chat rooms, on Facebook, at outings and so on—that the public’s faith in the government and, by extension, the political establishment as a whole—has been undermined.