Bahamian Politics
Glenys Hanna-Martin on the Prince George Dock - Jan 24, 2019 - 3:30:02 PM
We have noted in the media the Minister of Tourism’s comments
stating the government’s intention to enter into an agreement for the
redevelopment and management and control of Prince George Dock.
The Government is aware:
(1) Prince George Dock is the premiere gateway by sea into our country; (2) Prince George Dock is one of world’s busiest Cruise Ports and a critical engine...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Government disconnected from reality of Bahamian youth - Jan 24, 2019 - 12:00:22 PM
According to recent media reports, a teacher was allegedly assaulted by
two male students on CV Bethel’s grounds resulting in the educator
having to be rushed to the hospital.
We the Young Democrats
Alliance (YDA), despise and condemn the use of violence in any matter by
any segment of our society; particularly, we condemn the recent violent
act at C.V. Bethel. It is our belief that any and all disputes should
be resolved peacefully and amicably. In the days following the alleged
attack, the government’s silence on this matter has been deafening...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Government has failed to make case for WTO accession - Jan 23, 2019 - 10:30:13 AM
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has followed with much interest
the national discourse on the Government’s plan to accede to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) by December 2019.
The DNA
wholeheartedly supports the principles of a free market economy and
initiatives that will provide a fair global trading system. We note that
e-commerce, technology and the phenomenon of globalization have removed
national barriers to cross-border trade regardless of membership of
trading blocs...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Unemployment figures reflect Government’s dismal performance - Jan 22, 2019 - 12:56:57 PM
The recently released preliminary results of the labour survey conducted
in November 2018 confirm that the government has failed to adequately
incentivize the private sector and stimulate the economy to put a dent
on unemployment figures within our nation. Our people are suffering
under an administration that failed to prepare for governance while in
opposition and assumed office without an economic growth plan.
Despite
the touted boom in the tourism sector and publicized record number of
arrivals in 2018, it is apparent that this has not translated into
sufficient jobs for the Bahamian people during the referenced period...
Bahamian Politics
Davis warns Government to be transparent not reactionary - Jan 21, 2019 - 6:05:25 AM
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave’ Davis recently warned the FNM
government to cease from being reactionary in their dealings with the
European Union crises, advising them that failure to be honest and
transparent will result in country being ‘black-listed’ again.
Davis
said it is in the best interest of The Bahamas for the government to
learn how to be truthful and open in their handling of this situation...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Minister Campbell should know and do better - Jan 20, 2019 - 3:48:58 PM
The recent insensitive comments by the Minister of Social Services,
Frankie Campbell sparked significant outrage among Bahamian citizens,
residents and international observers. While many had looked forward to
his tenure as the first male to have oversight of this important
portfolio in recent memory, his performance has been disappointing and
controversial.
Although the Bahamas’ rape rate has fluctuated
in recent years, 2018 saw an increase of 6%, and in 2016 led the
Caribbean in the number of recorded rapes. This is why Minister
Campbell’s comments that suggested that the media ought not to question
him on the subject of rape as this was not his business was
disheartening...
Bahamian Politics
Opposition Leader Davis says PM a Menace to the Poor - Jan 20, 2019 - 2:45:42 PM
Despite promises to bring prosperity to the nation, Opposition Leader
Philip ‘Brave’ Davis says the Prime Minister has only shown he is a
“menace on the poor” as the so-called ‘people’s time’ has become the
people’s time to feel pain and suffering.
Addressing supporters
at the Party’s ‘No Lie Last Forever’ rally last Wednesday, Davis said
the Hubert Minnis administration has become like circus clowns,
comprised of jokers, moonwalkers, back peddlers, slick talkers and back
stabbers.
“Hubert Minnis aka “The menace on the poor and his pack
of circus clowns rolled into power proclaiming 'It’s the people’s
time',” he said.
Bahamian Politics
DNA: BCB cyber-attack raises serious concerns - Jan 20, 2019 - 9:00:10 AM
The DNA notes with great concern, recent reports regarding a
cyber-attack on the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas (BCB).
According to media reports, an individual would have caused the
encryption of the BCB’s digital library and other data and is attempting
to extort funds in the form of Bitcoins as a condition for decryption
and restoration.
BCB Chairman Mike Smith, confirmed that international hackers originally
demanded $50,000 incremental payments of bitcoins which was eventually
negotiated down to $18,000. Subsequently, no further updates have been
provided to the Bahamian people and fundamental questions remain
unanswered by a government that professes commitment to transparency and
accountability...
Bahamian Politics
Final Statement by Chairman of PLP at Majority Rule Rally - Jan 16, 2019 - 8:27:52 PM
Let me be the first to welcome you all here to the grounds of Gambier
House, the headquarters of the PLP, the oldest political party in The
Bahamas, founded on 23 November 1953. This has been our headquarters
since 1969 when the building was commissioned by then Prime Minister Sir
Lynden Pindling. There is a plaque marking the occasion on the eastern
and western walls of the building.
The western plaque tells the
longer story of who was responsible for its construction. You cannot
mention Gambier House without speaking of the late Aaron Kiki Knowles
Senior and the late Sir Clement Maynard.
Bahamian Politics
EU and OECD: Wrong Impetus for Reform - Jan 6, 2019 - 12:13:45 PM
The Bahamas' financial services industry has been under intense pressure
over the last year. During this period, we have seen The Bahamas placed
on adverse listings or blacklists by the European Union, Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Financial Action Task
Force (FATF), United Kingdom, United States of America and The
Netherlands.
Observers of the global landscape for financial
services are aware that the second pillar of the Bahamian economy has
been under assault for over two decades with the goal posts for
compliance being moved constantly and continuously...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Campaign Finance Reform Long Overdue - Dec 22, 2018 - 4:20:01 PM
The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) notes the comments attributed to
the Attorney General that a draft bill seeking to regulate the financing
of campaigns for political parties in The Bahamas.
This
announcement comes on the heels of significant pushback and backlash
following the tabling of the Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs)
legislation. The legitimate concern of the populace that political
parties just like NPOs should not be exempt from scrutiny seems to have
forced the Government to finally propose campaign finance legislation.
We believe that it is extremely important that the Bahamian people are
aware of the sources of funding for political organizations...
Bahamian Politics
Davis organizes a shipment of ham and turkeys for his constituency - Dec 21, 2018 - 3:39:58 PM
Opposition Leader and the Honorable Member for Cat Island, Rum Cay and
San Salvador, Philip Brave Davis is demonstrating a spirit giving and
sharing good holiday cheer. Mr. Davis has organized his container loads
and shipments of ham and turkey to his constituents in the family island
communities of Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador this week.
Manager of the holiday project is shown here moving the trailers to the various vessels.
Bahamian Politics
Senator Hon. Jamal Moss contribution to the VAT exemption amendment bill - Dec 14, 2018 - 8:00:42 AM
Once again, it is an honor and a pleasure to stand here to make my
contribution to this debate on this Value added tax amendment bill. As
always, I want to thank my God above, the ever Creator, most merciful
and loving God, for allowing me to be here and to speak in the service
of my people. Also, I wish to once again publicly thank my leader and
Prime Minister, the most honorable Dr. Hon. Hubert Minnis, for
entrusting me with this high honor to speak on behalf of the people
especially the youth of our nation.
Madam President,
We live in a world where powerful countries control certain markets. We
live in a world where powerful countries controls the prices and in this
case the cost of oil. According to CNBC.com published report Mon, 30
July 2018,..
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Government must address report on mass mail shredding - Dec 12, 2018 - 4:07:21 PM
On the heels of the controversial leasing of the Town Centre Mall from a
company in which a sitting Cabinet Minister is a major shareholder, the
Government finds itself amid another controversy. According to the
President of the Bahamas Public Service Union, the General Post Office
has engaged in a mass shredding of mails belonging to individuals,
businesses and organizations.
It is further disturbing that the
Minister responsible for the postal system in the country seems unaware
of this reckless action or is unwilling to comment on this important
issue...
Bahamian Politics
Senator Coleby-Davis on Compendium of Financial Bills - Dec 10, 2018 - 2:59:05 PM
Madame President I stand today to bring a contribution to the following
compendium of Bills: The Register of Beneficial Ownership Bill, the
Commercial Entities (Substance Requirements) Bill, the Removal of
Preferential Exemptions Bill, the Penal Code Amendment Bill, the
Non-Profit Organizations Bill, and the Business License Amendment Bill.
To
avoid confusion throughout my contribution, I will go through these
bills one by one. Madame President, may I just state from the onset,
that I know that there is a need to act in an effort to avoid
blacklisting and protect the financial services...
Bahamian Politics
Hon. Brave Davis on the amended VAT Bill 2018 - Nov 28, 2018 - 6:39:52 PM
Let me say from the onset that any relief is welcomed by us, however
small – even if it is a band-aid approach that will provide temporary
relief. Even though this amendment is a political ploy to veil
ineptness, we nevertheless support the relief in the form of a VAT
exemption because some Bahamians will benefit, however short term.
I
wish to point out, however, that until and unless the government
comprehensively and quickly addresses the challenges pointed out by the
member for Carmichael, this temporary relief will be just that – a
band-aid over a gaping bleeding wound that requires radical surgery...
Bahamian Politics
Chester Cooper response to Government Fiscal Snapshot - Oct 30, 2018 - 5:30:35 PM
Response to Government Fiscal Snapshot Chester Cooper, Exumas and Ragged Island MP Shadow Minster Of Finance 30th October, 2018:
The government yesterday released data on taxation and revenue collected for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018/2019.
The report shows VAT collections up by 19 percent even though the rate increased by 60 percent.
The collections for the quarter are significantly under budget...
Bahamian Politics
Davis: Post Office Relocation A Financial Bailout - Oct 29, 2018 - 10:25:48 AM
What is being presented to the Bahamian public as a way to have the
main Post Office relocated to the Town Centre Mall, is really a
‘financial bailout' allegedly for the benefit of Immigration and
Financial Services Minister Brent Symonette, whose company has
controlling ownership of the commercial building.
According to
Opposition Leader Philip ‘Brave' Davis, this ‘scandal' is no new thing
as Symonette has a history of using the public purse to gain an
advantage for self- enrichment...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Post office saga, vision & transparency lacking - Oct 21, 2018 - 1:38:03 PM
Total cost to taxpayers remains unknown
Selection process not transparent
No articulated long-term plan for modernization
It is no news that our postal system has been seriously challenged over the past couple of years. Postal workers have had to endure substandard and dangerous working conditions, businesses have been subjected to disruptions to the operations and Bahamians have been provided with poor service...
Bahamian Politics
DNA: Approach to OECD list must go beyond semantics - Oct 18, 2018 - 4:15:59 PM
The Bahamas and twenty other countries were recently singled out by the
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the
premise that their residence by investment (RBI) and citizenship by
investment (CBI) schemes pose a high risk to the integrity of the Common
Reporting Standard (CRS) regime. This adverse listing followed the
analysis of over 100 CBI/RBI schemes by the OECD.
In what was
termed as the clamping down on CRS avoidance through CBI/RBI, the OECD
asserted that it is seeking to equip financial institutions with tools
to help them identify accountholders that may misuse RBI/CBI schemes..
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