Politicians have the uncanny ability to degenerate a topic of public concern into a squabble of childish proportions. Yes, the alleged rape of an American tourist by a Jet Ski operator, licensed or unlicensed, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation. Failure to regulate the operators ultimately leads to abuse by non-licensed operators and can result in injury, abuse or even death.
Rather than issue a statement for a complete review and inspection of all operators in New Providence, Minister of Transport Glenys Hanna-Martin takes the first opportunity to personally attack a member of the opposition. Never mind that enforcement of regulations is a serious issue in The Bahamas.
Frankly, the missed point is neither the absence of compassion nor the licensure status of the operator, it is the deficiency in leadership by the minister to manage her ministerial responsibilities. Not even a week ago, the minister lamented the tragedy of holiday traffic fatalities across The Bahamas. Clearly, the epiphany for improvements to secure public safety by Hanna-Martin is late in coming. Bright minds might propose enforcement of vehicle infractions or even a revamping of public transit options.
Over the past several years, The Nassau Guardian has opined on the need to upgrade The Bahamas' transportation system. Editorials titled "Embracing the modern taxi", "Our automobile affliction", and "Improving road safety" have pointed out glaring inefficiencies and provided recommendations. Vehicle and pedestrian fatalities are not acceptable.
The cost of car ownership is exorbitant. High duty combined with ongoing maintenance and insurance on a depreciating asset is a terrible burden. Without a viable transit alternative, this burden falls disproportionately on the poor. And with no enforcement of vehicle roadworthiness, dilapidated and would-be wrecked vehicles flourish much to the danger of the greater public.
We urge the government to move towards a jitney public-private partnership. Bus routes and proper bus stops must be established and held to, fares displayed prominently and a schedule adhered to. The dangerous and reckless competition for passengers must stop.
In developed nations taxies are struggling to catch up with Uber or Lyft; consumers want convenience, transparency and payment choices. What if The Bahamas had a uniform hybrid taxi fleet with its own app? Smart and sustainable cities should not be contemplated. They are here now.
Devoid of modern conveniences, our buses and taxis reflect a country without a desire to compete in the global economy. How can we justify our position as a high-cost destination when that high cost showcases a journey in a derelict vehicle? Perhaps, if Bahamians and tourists were provided an alternative form of transit, such as metered taxis supported by online apps or a 24-hour scheduled bus service, fewer inebriated youths and adults would take to the wheel.
Not one major improvement in road safety has occurred since 2012. The Staniel Cay facility may have been the only public air facility renovated. If it were not for the Free National Movement's New Providence Road Improvement Project that handed Hanna-Martin her position, Nassau would be seized by gridlock.
Instead of transporting us into the modern 21st century, the minister proves herself to be a faithful member of the misogynistic group of Progressive Liberal Party cronies using her time to issue derogatory statements at a fellow female politician. It is remarkable that in 2016 the female Cabinet members of the PLP have yet to secure equal rights for women. And so with every passing year it becomes more apparent that the status quo cannot continue, and yet at the same time it becomes harder to break.
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