The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I find it very amusing every time I listen to talk shows and people are ranting and raving about one issue or the other. They call out and cuss out MPs and Cabinet Ministers, religious leaders and whomever else they deem fit. Lest we forget, it was the Free National Movement (FNM) that opened the airwaves and gave Bahamians true freedom of speech. It was the FNM administration under the leadership of Hubert Ingraham that saw fit to unleash silent tongues and allow persons to speak freely about issues, not only on ZNS but through the formation of many new radio stations. We, the Bahamian people, became unshackled. It was this same administration that worked to remove the stigma of “A Nation for Sale”. The Ingraham-led administration also dredged the harbour to allow bigger cruise ships to enter our port. The Atlantis resort was also under this FNM-led administration and became one of the largest private employers. We saw the implementation of picture drivers licences and permanent licence plates. Lest we forget the recreation site at Saunders Beach, which met with quite a bit of PLP-led protest, is now a popular family spot that is seldom ever empty.

Many family islands received much-needed infrastructure and roads under the FNM. The highways from East to West that we enjoy daily were done under the FNM, though many cried and complained. These new roads and thoroughfares eased traffic congestion and made travel easier and smoother. Lest we forget, we saw the increase in NIB benefits and the re-evaluation of the scale to allow a more feasible product. We saw the introduction of pre-school in some districts in the Ministry of Education. This initiative gave mothers, especially single mothers, the opportunity to work earlier.

Then along came Dr Hubert Minnis. Under this FNM administration, we saw the expansion of the port to allow a new port of entry. We saw free tuition to COB/UB and the assistance of pre-school in the private sector. We saw exemptions on Small Business Licence fees, we saw Over-the-Hill redevelopment, in particular, the Southern Recreation Grounds and we saw an end to the hazardous and unhealthy dump fires. We saw free wi-fi in the parks. We saw new legislation to protect the rights of our fishermen and we saw legislation to protect the environment. We saw a removal of VAT from bread-basket items and prescription drugs which allowed families to stretch their incomes a bit more.

We heard of plans to introduce hot breakfast to all students in Government schools every day from Monday through and so many more initiatives. Yes, lest we forget it has always been the Free National Movement (FNM) that has improved the way of living and opportunities for the Bahamian. This movement does not just give you a fish, but rather teaches you how to fish so that you can secure a brighter and better future. More importantly, we saw prudent fiscal planning.

When I hear this PLP administration bragging about the new port of entry and the increase in visitors, I am in awe because the very numbers that they brag about are made possible by ventures they opposed. They are talking about free wi-fi in the park. Well that was already in existence … ask Halson Moultrie. They are talking about free hot breakfast two days a week to some schools; the blueprint was left for all schools, every day. This PLP administration has only one clear vision and that is to see the world at the expense of the Bahamian people.

Everything good that they are bragging about accomplishing, was left in place by the Free National Movement. They are like a ship without a sail being tossed amongst the waves. They have found an easy way out by taxing and taxing and taxing. The every day necessities and comforts are almost out of reach due to taxation.

Lest we forget, despite a world pandemic, curfews and lockdowns, not one government employee (civil servant) was laid off. My fellow Bahamians, lest we forget, the Free National Movement is the better choice for governing this Bahamas. Let us put personal feelings and emotions aside and look at the bigger picture … that of country. Let us look at the blueprint for sustainability and let us make head decisions and not heart decisions. Lest we forget.

VANESSA A SCOTT, JP

Nassau,

October 30, 2023.