Dissolution of Parliament ‘an end to an unfortunate experience’

FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis

As of Tuesday, April 4, 2017

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday said the dissolution of Parliament next Tuesday will finally bring to a close the “unfortunate experience” endured by Bahamians, pledging that a government led by him would operate to “serve” the people of The Bahamas and not “take” from them.

In a party statement yesterday, Dr Minnis urged potential voters hoping to bring the FNM’s “noble pursuits into reality” to get registered prior to the April 10 deadline.

Prime Minister Perry Christie, in a statement released on Sunday night, announced that Parliament would be dissolved on April 11, and election writs will be issued that day - meaning that anyone planning to cast ballots in the next general election would have to be registered by April 10.

Dr Minnis’ statement read: “Ringing the bell signals an opportunity for a referendum on the failed government leadership that has been the unfortunate experience of all Bahamians over the last five years.

“It gives rise to a new time for Bahamians, an era in which we can build upon the vision for a hopeful and prosperous future that all.

“Bahamians will no longer have to suffer under a government that ignores the demand for transparency and accountability. With your vote, a corrupt government that cares more about lining their own pockets than supporting Bahamians can come to an end.

“And by your vote, the FNM can begin rebuilding a nation that works for Bahamians - one that puts Bahamians back to work, one that will focus on quality education and one that will move quickly to make our communities and neighbourhoods safe and secure for everyone.”

Dr Minnis added: “You will soon have the opportunity to bring these noble pursuits into reality and contribute to a new era in which the government serves its people and does not take from them. I encourage all Bahamians that have not yet registered to vote to do so by Monday, April 10.

“This is the people’s time and your vote for the FNM will bring about aggressive, positive reforms that will create a brighter future for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”

At this point before the last election cycle, Bahamians were still speculating as to when former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham would call the 2012 election.

Parliament did not dissolve until April 10, 2012, and the election date of May 7 was announced that night when Mr Ingraham gave a national televised address.

Last Wednesday, the House was adjourned until April 10.

As of March 20, 141,698 people had registered to vote in the election. This is roughly 18 per cent less than the 172,000 on the 2012 voter registry.

According to the Parliamentary Elections Act, an election must be held 21 to 30 days after election writs are issued, meaning the next vote will likely be held in early May.

Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 8 months ago

Minnis has failed to articulate even one major policy initative he would undertake to try and turn things around for the Bahamas. Specifically, he has made no compelling mention or commitments whatsoever regarding:

1) The holding of a Royal Commission of Enquiry to investigate even one of the many egregious instances of corruption, fraud and outright theft that has occurred during the last five years;

2) The passing of meaningful and enforceable freedom of information legislation with few exceptions or loop holes for the government and politicians of the day;

3) Legislative amendments to close financial disclosure loop holes and introduce enforceable penalties of substance for MPs and Senators who fail to comply with their financial disclosure requirements;

4) The establishment by legislation of a formal Office for a truly Independent Director of Prosecutions in order to once and for all end the government's ability to wrongfully interfere with the judiciary through its de facto executive (PM) control of the Office of the Attorney General;

5) The wholesale repeal of the gaming web shop legislation;

6) New legislation to establish a National Lottery, the profits from which would be earmarked solely for the purpose of contributing to the financial needs of our public education system;

7) Tightening of legislation to give the Office of the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee the biting teeth they need to discharge their important duties in the way intended and expected; and

8) New campaign finance reform legislation to avoid the will of Bahamian voters being thwarted by large amounts of 'tainted' money directed at politicians by the likes of Sebas Bastian, Craig Flowers, Peter Nygard, Christie's Red China friends, and so on.

A passionate stance by Minnis and the FNM on implementing just these eight major initiatives alone would go a long ways towards putting the Bahamas on the right road for its future and the betterment of the Bahamian people. But "No", Minnis has made no meaningful or passionate commitment to us on any of these most important matters. Minnis instead prefers to ramble on and on ad nauseum about how the Christie-led PLP government has failed the Bahamian people. It's as if Minnis and the FNM believe they need not commit to anything on our behalf. That just can't be right and should give each voter serious pause for thought!