A quick glance at the title of this article would initially lead many to assume that there was perhaps an error or the spell check function failed to detect a misused word. In all fairness, an error of such nature would perhaps have been understandable and easily rectified if the topic is not reflective of what transpired at such an important exercise for our parliamentary democracy. It is further disheartening that this is where we find ourselves as a nation after over 40 years of political independence.
The mid-year budget debate is supposed to provide the government with an opportunity at the half way mark to give an account of how they have managed the finances of our country hitherto. This much anticipated period in Parliament also allows the Official Opposition to scrutinize the activities and financial stewardship of the governing party. Unfortunately, the 2015/16 version of this exercise will be hardly remembered for the analysis of the revenue and expenditure of the government. Rather, when we think about this debate, we will recollect in years to come the names of individuals outside of Parliament and the enigma of "Toggie and Bobo".
A critical debate
The Bahamas is in the midst of an evolution and arguably a silent revolution in which everything around us is rapidly changing. This comes at a time of significant challenges for our country from social, economic and spiritual perspectives. We are in a period of much despair and faint heartedness among the populace in general and the young people in particular. There couldn't have been a better time to inspire the downtrodden and make the Bahamian people hope again. Alas, our nation was consumed by reports of affidavits, investigations, tape recordings and much controversy.
In anticipation of the imminent debate, Bahamians had key questions for the government. These queries ranged from the fiscal reform plan, an update on the newly implemented value-added tax (VAT), progress made in the containment of expenditure, plans for economic growth, policies to reduce the high rate of unemployment, healthcare reform initiatives as well as an account on the push for transformation in our energy and education sector. Our political leaders were called upon to speak to these pertinent issues and take the stage one by one under the watchful eye of the populace. They took the stage but spoke for the most part about matters unrelated to those issues that keep the people awake at night.
An unrelated but interesting topic
One after the other members of Parliament took turns to deliver their prepared and unprepared speeches for the debate. While some stuck to their scripts and the issues related to the finances of the people, many could not resist the temptation to speak on what one MP described as "The Bahamian Hustle". The commentaries became more and more personal in nature as private citizens became main subjects of a mid-term budget debate. Alleged private emails were not excluded from the discourse by our lawmakers as accusations flew from left to right in that honorable place. The issue about the appropriate use of parliamentary privilege and the protection of the civil liberties of private individuals became a major topic as the private sector looked on for answers.
It appeared that the parliamentary caucus had once again deteriorated to a parliamentary circus as our parliamentarians delivered invaluable lessons in civility and conflict resolution to our youth and the new generation. There is no doubt that the allegations in question are serious and the police as well as the courts must be allowed to do their jobs. It has been remarkable to see MPs note their reluctance to comment on this matter in public in order not to interfere with the court process or usurp the function of another arm of government but proceed to do just that before the conclusion of their rendition of their thoughts. The lessons learned from and further observations on this sideshow will be explored in other articles in future.
The government's account
The prime minister presented his 2015/16 mid-year budget statement on March 9, 2016 as required by the Financial Administration and Audit Act. As expected, the referenced statement sought to provide an account on the expenditure and revenue estimates for the six months ended December 31, 2015. The PM noted this administration's commitment to comprehensive reform, modernization, public engagement, transparency and good governance highlighted the work while acknowledging that the challenges we face are numerous and complex. He proceeded to speak on changes and proposed changes in areas such as education, social services, energy, financial services and healthcare. The highlight of his presentation was arguably the assertion that the administration has reduced the government deficit by 75 per cent; from $539 million three years ago to the projected $141 million with the implementation of the fiscal consolidation plan and enhanced revenues from VAT.
A program of reform of the Public Financial Management System was hailed as an important part of the improvement plan for the public sector in The Bahamas. It was also indicated that the government is working with BICA to improve the reporting of fiscal results in a professional and non-partisan manner. After years of waiting on decisions by successive governments, CLICO policyholders received news that some resolution was in the horizon and they would be receiving payments shortly. The Grand Bahama economy, tax administration efficiency, infrastructure development, foreign direct investments and initiatives that are envisaged to spur economic growth also featured in the presentation.
The opposition views
Consistent with the role and modus operandi of opposition parties, they chimed into the discussion on the mid-year budget debate with a view to outlining the weaknesses contained in the government's account. The Free National Movement (FNM) was apparently unimpressed with the government's presentation and the FNM Deputy Leader termed the budget statement as "shameful" for failing to address pertinent issues facing the Bahamian people. He cited the increasing national debt and rising government expenditure while lamenting the impact of VAT on struggling Bahamians to support his assessment.
On its part, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) was clearly not inspired. DNA leader labeled the mid-year budget as "more pie in the sky" and expressed the view that the economy of Grand Bahama has been dealt the proverbial short hand of the stick. He was quoted as stating that the presentation "quite miserably reformatted and reissued initiatives that never had a chance to materialize when they were first touted". The reaction by persons in the private sector was generally tamed albeit the current state of the economy and certain disclosures during the debate linger in their minds.
The people's voice
The popular saying Vox Populi Vox Dei which is translated as the voice of the people is the voice of God is not only relevant during general elections. This concept is just as important in-between elections and political leaders must not lose sight of or ignore the cries or concerns of the people they have been elected to serve not rule. Times are hard and things are tough for the masses in the Bahamian society with many finding it difficult to make ends meet. While the modernization in social services is to be commended, we are a proud people that prefer to fend for ourselves rather than depend on the government for our livelihood. We crave opportunities to start our own businesses and make an honest living without having to rely on the state.
The Bahamian people want detailed plans and ideas out of the box that will encourage an expansion of the private sector (not public sector) and by extension the economy. The announcements on foreign investments are welcomed and needed but they ought to be accompanied by local investments by Bahamians. The populace is desirous of being enlightened about the strategy for building the small and medium size enterprise sector in The Bahamas. Economic growth is the main solution to the challenges we face in our nation today and the conversation should be focused on this important topic.
Mortgage relief is a much needed relief for many and food security, comprehensive healthcare and energy reform programs are necessities; however, they will only constitute bandages on a fractured bone if the economy does not grow. Of course, we will be left behind among the community of nations if we continue to perform badly in the ease of doing business index. We fool ourselves if we believe we can improve the ease of doing business in The Bahamas without public sector reform but this is a topic for another day. Finally, our tourism product and our way of life will remain under threat until we arrest the crime pandemic in our Bahamaland. These are the people's concerns and we are hopeful that they will be thoroughly addressed during the full budget debate in a few weeks.
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.
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