The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

The National Budget presented in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, 27th instant, by the Minister of Finance, was nothing short of a document that is not worthy of being referred to as a Budget. This shambles of a Budget marks to abject devolution of The Bahamas and our wonderful people into an unprecedented drive for political power and to ensure that most of us emerge out of this pandemic as paupers and wards of a totalitarian/socialistic regime. This is the only way to flesh out this Crab and No Dough budget.

The Competent Authority declared Andros, et al, opened because of the advent of the fabled Crab season in that Island, despite the clear and present danger of the Corona Virus. Catching crabs is one thing but in a depressed economy who are you going to sell them to? We’ve got the crabs, dear reader, but where is the dough in more ways than one?

The PM says that he is going to continue the Minnis lock downs and curfews until the Competent Authority tells him to revisit those issues at the end of June, if you all are lucky! How much more of this is the average Bahamian able to choke on? The economy is gone south and Minnis and all of his merry men and women are unable to locate it. Yet, another four weeks with no guaranteed income?

When the bogus Emergency Powers Act first came in to play, few Bahamians contemplated that almost three moths later, Minnis would still be ruling almost by fiat. I thought that by now a fearless legal advocate would have challenged the constitutionality and legality of that draconian legislation. Alas they all appear to lack what it takes in daring to take on the government.

This document dressed up in raggity clothing looking like the step child of a budget, will bankrupt the nation in short order. There is not a single concrete proposal to actually grow the debilitated economy and to enable employers, et al, to start rehiring people. There is no mention of what successive administrations have failed or refused to do: enhance revenue and outstanding tax collections, especially as they relate to real property and arrears owed to NIB for years and years.

One would also have expected a token salary cut across the board by all members of parliament from the PM straight down to the back benches. One would have expected to hear more about job training and upgrades in skill sets. Not a word. It is to be noted, however, that there is provision to continue to subsidize tuition fees of Bahamians in out post high school institutions. No doubt, my good friend, Minister Jeffrey Lloyd (FNM-South Beach) prevailed in cabinet. The Hon. Frankie Campbell (FNM-Southern Shores) is also to be commended for dramatically ensuring increases for those whom his ministry serve.

Other than the above, I will reserve further comments as the Crab & No Dough budget is fleshed out in the House of Assembly. To God then, in all of these mundane things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H. BODIE JR

Nassau,

May 28, 2020