"There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands." - Plato

Over the last three weeks, we examined the initial platforms of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the United Bahamian Party (UBP), which were introduced in 1953 and 1958, respectively.

Last week we began our review of the Free National Movement's (FNM's) platform, which was introduced when that party was established in 1971. In part 1 of this series on the FNM's platform, we reviewed the planks under the headings of constitution and government, education, the economy, tourism, development and finances and taxation.

This week, we will Consider this... What were the remaining essential elements of the initial platform of the country's third major political party, the Free National Movement (FNM)? We will specifically review the remaining planks, which were covered under the headings of the environment, health and welfare, works and utilities, industrial relations, immigration and social laws.

The environment
The FNM was the first political party to devote considerable details in its platform to the environment. It proposed that "government establish a Department of Environment Protection" and that "each new proposed industry be examined not only on the basis of its immediate economic benefit, but also on the basis of preventing or minimizing damage to the environment".

The new party posited that, "government seek advice and assistance from national and international organizations which are concerned with the protection of the environment". It also proposed to "...exercise the greatest vigilance and care in the protection and preservation of the natural beauty and attractions of our islands and waters".

The platform affirmed that "... people be encouraged to keep clean their immediate surroundings and to avoid pollution of our overall environment". To assist with the implementation of these ideas, it also recommended that "The proposed Department of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the Department of Education, undertake a national program of education on the environment."

Health and welfare
In terms of health and welfare, the FNM platform proposed that "... hospital facilities be dis-established so as to provide a more efficient medical service to the Bahamian people". It also suggested, "Poly-clinics be established at suitable locations to bring quicker and more efficient assistance to the people and to relieve the pressure on central hospital facilities." Additionally, it was noted that "Planning be started for the development of a major medical facility for the eastern islands".

In the context of the current, and often contentious and vociferous debate on National Health Insurance, it is interesting that the FNM was the first political party to suggest that "A national health insurance plan be set up, with government contributing for the care of indigent citizens".

The platform also recommended that "Government invite civic, religious and other organizations to participate in a national drive against alcoholism and drug addictions" and that "The status of the nursing profession be upgraded to ensure the continued growth of that vital service".

The document also proposed the elimination of out-houses and that "... installation of a sewerage system Over-the-Hill be given high priority." In the area of housing, the FNM platform suggested that "The system of guaranteeing home financing be further extended not only to such new areas as Yellow Elder Gardens, but also to old districts in New Providence and the other Islands."

In addition, it was suggested that "The Housing Corporation be authorized and enabled to provide rental units whenever it appears necessary." Also advocated was that "Small landlords to be encouraged, with government assistance if necessary, to provide decent accommodations for those tenants who are now living in substandard hovels."

The platform also advocated that, "Immediate steps be taken to secure open spaces for parks in congested areas." Another proposition was that "Old folks' homes and youth recreation centers be provided."

Works and utilities
Under this heading, it was proposed that, "Wherever practicable, public utility departments be dis-established so as to produce a greater degree of efficiency." Additionally, the FNM platform recommended that, "government explore the feasibility of joint venturing with private enterprise for the development and operation of utilities".

Industrial relations
The FNM platform contained several proposals relative to industrial relations. It proposed that "government's economic policy be designed to achieve and maintain full employment and a good standard of living for Bahamian workers" and that "government enter into tri-partite discussions and programs with workers and employers associations to further these objectives".

The platform proposed that "the Department of Education and other departments co-operate with trade unions and professional associations in educational programs for the workers".

It also suggested that "Bahamian workers be encouraged by government and trade unions to register as employed and under-employed as well as unemployed, so that accurate assessments can be made with regard to the disposition of the work force".

Immigration
In the area of immigration, the FNM platform proposed that "the government's policy be administered on a day-to-day basis by the Immigration Department along guidelines set down in advance". It was also recommended that "immigration be coordinated and affected having regard to government's industrial relations and development policies".

The platform maintained that "Bahamian workers be encouraged by government and trade unions to register as employed, under-employed as well as unemployed, so that accurate assessments can be made when applications from expatriate workers are being considered".

Finally, the platform suggested that "special consideration be given to those foreigners who do not want to work nor become citizens but who would like to reside in the country".

Social laws
Under this heading, the platform projected that "legislation which is discriminatory on the basis of sex, race or creed be abolished" and that "the laws relating to illegitimacy be re-examined in the light of modern concepts of social justice".

The platform promised that inheritance laws would be revised, divorce laws re-examined, the age of majority reduced to 18 and government would "co-operate with all interested groups and organizations in vigorous efforts to eliminate group prejudices and to promote social harmony and national unity".

Conclusion
The FNM's platform concluded by observing: "Government and those who govern must not be the objects of worship by the public, neither must they be the tools of intimidation. Rather, the government and those who govern should be the leaders in establishing a society which is truly free from fear and in which the promise of equal opportunity is truly fulfilled.

"It is only through the combined efforts of informed and free citizens and an honest and capable government that the proper foundations can be laid for the building of the Bahamian nation on the imperishable foundations of equality, liberty and brotherhood."

When juxtaposed to the platforms of the PLP and UBP, the FNM platform, written nearly two decades after that of the PLP and a little over a decade after the UBP's platform, was more detailed and comprehensive in its scope that the platforms of the two preexisting political parties.

The FNM's platform must be viewed in the context of the time in which it was written - 1971. The PLP and UBP platforms were authored in a pre-majority rule and pre-independence Bahamas, while the FNM's was crafted many years after the establishment of organized party politics in The Bahamas, giving it the advantage of the clarity of hindsight, which, as they often say, is 20/20 vision.

Looking at these three documents today, we are able to better understand the core values that shaped these three parties and gave them life. Our questions now should be: How far have they strayed from the moral high ground they were founded on and what impact has that had on these parties, their governance and the future of our nation? The answer to these questions will help shape a better body politic and inform a more productive and successful future.

o Philip C. Galanis is the managing partner of HLB Galanis and Co., Chartered Accountants, Forensic & Litigation Support Services. He served 15 years in Parliament. Please send your comments to pgalanis@gmail.com.

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