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Political parties must set clear policies

Dear Editor,
 
The much-anticipated upcoming general election is expected to be formally called and Parliament dissolved by Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingraham within the next few weeks.  Established youth organization (organizers of the 'Say Something' youth forum) 'We Are The Future' - A Youth Organization in conjunction with its election arm 'Truth Bahamas' wishes to engage those seeking election in discussion on the key issues currently affecting The Bahamas.
The governing Free National Movement, the official opposition Progressive Liberal Party and the newly formed Democratic National Alliance have now all officially launched their candidates.  It would, therefore, appear that the three political parties, as well as the numerous independent candidates, are ready for the campaign ahead of the general election.
Notwithstanding the lights, carefully orchestrated political performances and the professionally drafted, repetitious, empty and partisan rhetoric without a clear statement of the issues currently facing The Bahamas and a clear statement of each party's policy position on those issues, it would appear that no one is ready to actually govern the country for the next five years if elected.  While it is imperative for each party to outline what it intends to do if elected, this rhetoric is not helpful and is moreover unrealistic, especially considering the flexibility required in governance, as well as the unstable global economic climate in which the elected government must operate.
Where the leaders of the respective parties have made traditional campaign promises, there has been no substantial and realistic discussion as to the viability of these promises and absolutely no indication of the source of funds required to make such promises a reality.
Whilst we understand that election campaign literature (Manifesto 2012, Our Plan, etc.) has yet to be published 'We Are The Future' - A Youth Organization, on behalf of the youth electorate, call for this literature to include a clear statement of each party's policy as it relates to the following key issues currently facing The Bahamas:
1. Crime - Including proposed statutory amendments to ensure that justice is properly served and safeguarded in the interest of society, propositions for the enhancement of the prosecution capabilities at the Attorney General's Office, propositions for the preservation of independent prosecutions inclusive of the source of additional resources to be allocated for crime fighting (if any), etc;
2. The judiciary - Including parties' policies on protecting the independence of the judiciary, propositions on expanding the number of judicial officers, propositions for the modernization of the various judicial registries inclusive of the source of additional resources to be allocated for crime fighting (if any), etc;
3. Immigration - (i.) General policy on immigration, more specifically including parties' policies on illegal immigrants, those working and residing within The Bahamas without leave to work and/or remain, policy on present statutory framework and proposed amendments to either regularize and/or crack down on illegal immigration;
(ii.) General policy on foreign labor, more specifically including an established and transparent process for the grant of work permits, such that the same may be subject to proper scrutiny, whether public, judicial or otherwise, etc;
4. The economy - General economic and monetary policy, including propositions to diversify the current economic model, relieving the present day reliance on tourism, inclusive of the source of additional resources to be allocated on such diversification (if any);
5. Tax - General policy for a sustainable system of taxation, more specifically propositions for the overhaul of the current tax regime, more specifically, policy and propositions on income tax, value added tax (VAT), sales tax, corporation tax, etc;
6. Oil exploration and drilling - General policy on offshore oil exploration and drilling, more specifically, in support of it or not, if so, policy on the requisite environmental protections and tax framework, immigration policy relating to the required specialist workforce, policy on educating young Bahamians in specialist areas;
7. The environment - General policy for a sustainable environment, more specifically, the proposed legislative program to ensure protection of the environment, etc;
8. Youth entrepreneurship - General policy to encouraging youth entrepreneurship;
9. Social welfare - General policy for sustainable social welfare, inclusive of the source of additional resources to be allocated for proposals (if any);
10.  Unemployment - General policy to reducing unemployment, inclusive of the source of additional resources to be allocated for proposals (if any);
11.  Sports - General policy to encourage sporting in The Bahamas.
The country looks forward to considering parties' and candidates' policies on the issues in exercising the established democratic tradition through the upcoming general election.
 
- 'We Are The Future' - a youth organization

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The messaging of the parties and believability

The political parties are in full campaign mode as we near the general election. The television channels are filled with ads, there are multiple constituency office openings per week and people across the country are talking about politics.
The messages of the Free National Movement (FNM), the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) are quite distinct at this stage of the campaign.
The FNM says it is the party that delivers. The PLP is pushing the message that it believes in Bahamians and the DNA says it is change.
Each message is profound. We want leaders who deliver; we want leaders who believe in Bahamians; and we want change away from some of the dysfunction of the modern Bahamas.
The tests for the parties will be how the voters match up their records with the messages they (the parties) are pushing.
The key for the FNM - and it has been doing this - is to prove that it has delivered good things for The Bahamas over the past five years. It will also need to convince the electorate that what it has delivered was needed, that it will improve the lives of Bahamians and that it is worth the cost.
For the PLP, it will need to further explain what it means by believing in Bahamians. The statement truly is comparative. What the party is attempting to do is to argue that it believes in Bahamians more than its primary rival the FNM. However, the PLP and FNM have similar policies when it comes to foreign direct investment and budgetary allocations to invest in The Bahamas.
The PLP was the "independence party" of the country and many of our institutions of state were created under its 25 years in power from majority rule. Some older Bahamians still focus on those days and achievements, but many younger voters do not. They know Perry Christie's PLP, which in its five-year term from 2002 to 2007 was more defined by its enemies through its gaffes and scandals than through nation building. Hence, the nationalist theme of believing in Bahamians being advanced by the official opposition may not evoke the reaction the party thinks it will.
The DNA has to convince people that it can deliver on the change it promises. More specifically, it needs to convince enough people that it has a real chance of having an impact on the election. Bahamians do not like to think that they are throwing away their votes. The party has done a good job using broadcast advertising to evoke emotion, but the question in the minds of many is still, "Are they for real?"
For each of the parties, as they continue to refine their messages it is critical that they ensure that what they say is true. Voters are not stupid, and a party cannot force its impression of its record on people who know this impression to be untrue.
The party that conveys a message most accurate to its record and capacity will have an advantage. And every advantage is crucial in what will likely be a close election.

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Fields pushes abolition of party system

A prominent community leader has recommended to the Constitutional Commission that political parties be done away with in The Bahamas to give way to an alternative system of democracy that would allow any citizen to run for office void of party affiliation.
Ed Fields, chairman of We The People, a community service-based organization, said the established political format is not conducive to true representation or accountability.
He admitted it would be a radical departure from the current system, but one that is intended to provoke thought.
"We all decry the tribalism that our party system has devolved into and the flagrancy of blind alliances based on self preservation of the individual, rather than collective advancement through national growth and development," Fields said. "So why not abandon it?"
Fields, who is also vice president of public affairs at Atlantis Resort, said the commission should not limit its consideration to only "tweaking" the constitution and must recognize this process as an opportunity to transform and advance the country.
"For a moment let us imagine an environment with no political parties," he said, "one where any citizen could put his name in the running for a constituency void of party affiliation; that debate and promotion of ideas led to the selection of the best representative; that the collective of those representatives choose the chief executive, who then selects his Cabinet.
"Imagine that when ideas are presented, they are argued on merit or philosophical concerns, rather than on political considerations, that allegiance is to those that the representatives represent, the people, rather than the person or party that anointed them.
"Would not the opposition be purer in the sense that it is opposition not for opposition sake, but for principled position?"
Fields said a new democratic structure would also allow for the recall of an executive body if it failed to do the people's work.
He encouraged Bahamians to let go of the "flagrancy of blind alliance" and instead transform to a system that would curtail the impact of money on the electoral process, and delineate and protect the difference between freedom of choice and the national good.
Asked whether it was feasible to disband political parties given Bahamians' acceptance of the established parties and process, Fields said, "This is a huge challenge that many of us in this room may never see come to fruition."
However, Fields said that does not mean it cannot come about and should not be worked towards, if it means national advancement.
"It means that we have to face the reality of what exists today and challenge ourselves to find a method or mechanism to reverse what we have been exposed to," he noted.
A glance at our history Carl Bethel, who represents the Official Opposition on the commission, noted that despite members of the United Bahamian Party (UBP) running independently they were unified by their personal self interests.
He said the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was formed because the Bahamian people shared a common goal to overthrow those "men of wealth and status", which eventually led to majority rule on January 10, 1967.
If Sir Randol Fawkes or Sir Alvin Braynen had joined the UBP instead of throwing their support behind the PLP, giving the party a two-seat majority in the House of Assembly, Bahamian history may have been radically different.
Bethel asked Fields how history could be prevented from repeating itself.
Fields said this could be prevented. He said by knowing political parties form in any environment because people form alliances, mechanisms can be put in place to prevent that happening, particularly among the wealthy.
"It's over the moon right, but the reality is that if we know that we want wide participation by all those who live in a community then we can inventively and innovatively put in place measures that would prevent those who just have money from being the ones who run [for office]," Fields said.
He told the commission We The People will spend the next several months conducting its own constitutional forums on New Providence and possibly the Family Islands to include as many citizens as possible in the discussion.

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The messaging of the parties and believability

The political parties are in full campaign mode as we near the general election. The television channels are filled with ads, there are multiple constituency office openings per week and people across the country are talking about politics.
The messages of the Free National Movement (FNM), the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) are quite distinct at this stage of the campaign.
The FNM says it is the party that delivers. The PLP is pushing the message that it believes in Bahamians and the DNA says it is change.
Each message is profound. We want leaders who deliver; we want leaders who believe in Bahamians; and we want change away from some of the dysfunction of the modern Bahamas.
The tests for the parties will be how the voters match up their records with the messages they (the parties) are pushing.
The key for the FNM - and it has been doing this - is to prove that it has delivered good things for The Bahamas over the past five years. It will also need to convince the electorate that what it has delivered was needed, that it will improve the lives of Bahamians and that it is worth the cost.
For the PLP, it will need to further explain what it means by believing in Bahamians. The statement truly is comparative. What the party is attempting to do is to argue that it believes in Bahamians more than its primary rival the FNM. However, the PLP and FNM have similar policies when it comes to foreign direct investment and budgetary allocations to invest in The Bahamas.
The PLP was the 'independence party' of the country and many of our institutions of state were created under its 25 years in power from majority rule. Some older Bahamians still focus on those days and achievements, but many younger voters do not. They know Perry Christie's PLP, which in its five-year term from 2002 to 2007 was more defined by its enemies through its gaffes and scandals than through nation building. Hence, the nationalist theme of believing in Bahamians being advanced by the official opposition may not evoke the reaction the party thinks it will.
The DNA has to convince people that it can deliver on the change it promises. More specifically, it needs to convince enough people that it has a real chance of having an impact on the election. Bahamians do not like to think that they are throwing away their votes. The party has done a good job using broadcast advertising to evoke emotion, but the question in the minds of many is still, "Are they for real?"
For each of the parties, as they continue to refine their messages it is critical that they ensure that what they say is true. Voters are not stupid, and a party cannot force its impression of its record on people who know this impression to be untrue.
The party that conveys a message most accurate to its record and capacity will have an advantage. And every advantage is crucial in what will likely be a close election.

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McCartney wants FNM, PLP to declare party financiers

Suggesting that the Free National Movement (FNM) party may be receiving funding from Chinese investors, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney yesterday challenged the two major political parties to declare their party financiers.
During a press conference at DNA's Prince Charles headquarters, McCartney expressed "grave concern" about the recent visit by officials of the Communist Party of China on the chairman of the FNM.
While admitting that he did not have any evidence that the Chinese are investing in the governing party, McCartney said he finds the visit on Friday to be "very out of the ordinary."
"And we put it to the FNM, are you being financed directly or indirectly by the Chinese?"
However, FNM Chairman Carl Bethel, who responded in his personal capacity, denied that the FNM was benefitting from Chinese financing.
"Further, to be abundantly clear, the FNM party has neither asked for, nor received, or received any offer of, financial assistance from the governing Party of China, nor would or could any such assistance or offer be accepted if it were to be made, which it has not," he said in a statement.
In addition to visiting Bethel, the Chinese delegation also paid a courtesy call on the prime minister, the governor general, and the commissioner of police, among other officials.
Bethel added that the governing party of the People's Republic of China maintains bi-lateral relations with more than 200 political parties in over 60 countries.
"The FNM and the PLP have bi-lateral relations with the governing Party in China, as do other parties around the world, including parties in other free market, democratic countries, such as The Bahamas," he said.
But McCartney believes there is more to the story.
"In light of recent discussions in the House of Assembly last week by the prime minister over his intentions to bring about amendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act, and the leader of the opposition's reference to the role that campaign financing plays in the integrity of elections, particularly elections in The Bahamas, the DNA is requesting the FNM party to advise the Bahamian people about any possible financial arrangements or dealings that it has or might have with the Communist Party (of China) or any other Chinese connection in its party's upcoming re-election campaign."
He said he is willing to name his financiers and challenged the governing party to do the same.
Pointing to various projects involving the Chinese, McCartney said he hopes that the FNM will allay public concerns over this matter by making public, now and during this election campaign season, all contributions and favors coming from foreign/non-Bahamian entities.
Chinese investors are financing and/or building the national track and field stadium, new roads and infrastructural upgrades, and the Baha Mar project, among other things.
McCartney said the ability of Bahamians to have access to information related to foreign investments in local and national elections is critical to the integrity of the election process.
During the hour-long press conference, McCartney also questioned Bethel's comments during the visit by the Chinese officials.
At the time Bethel suggested that The Bahamas "can learn from the wisdom and experience of the Chinese people and government."
He said,"I am particularly impressed with the success of your planning through your five-year plans and I do believe a greater attention to national planning would certainly be a great benefit to The Bahamas -- not just every year a budget, but to have a vision over a longer term."
McCartney suggested the DNA, as well as the Bahamian public, are incensed with the Free National Movement and its chairman for this shameful admission.
But Bethel said in matters involving international diplomacy the paramount virtue is good manners or politeness  towards a guest.
"International diplomacy is not a matter for the cheap shots of a political novice, or for preening and political grandstanding," he said.
"While great strides have been made by the FNM government with the establishment of the Planning Unit in the Ministry of Finance more than a decade ago, more can and is being done to enhance the impact of that unit in the delivery of long-term economic policy. Technical assistance would only assist in improving the output of the Planning Unit, but would not and could not determine the policy initiatives referred to that unit; since policy is decided upon by the Cabinet of The Bahamas, not the Planning Unit or any technical advisors to that unit."
 
 
 
 

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Opposition parties wrong in Martelly debate

Dear Editor,
 
The recent visit by the president of Haiti, Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly, to The Bahamas has created the perfect non-issue for political parties that are grasping at straws.  The Haitian president advised Bahamian voters of Haitian descent to simply vote for the party and candidates that best suit their interests in the upcoming general election.  It's something that we all should do; it's the essence of politics and elections in a democracy, in my view.
So what's the uproar all about?  Well, they are looking for votes by hook or crook.  So, one easy way to do it is to stir up the emotion of the Bahamian electorate on the illegal immigration issue; where unregulated Haitians are at the heart.  Offering substantive suggestions on how we could deal effectively with our illegal immigration challenges are lacking on the part of political parties in The Bahamas; especially the opposition lot.  Their prime perspective is to send all illegals home forthwith -- nothing more, nothing less.  It's an impractical and unworkable solution laced with man's inhumanity to man, in my opinion.
The fringe political party, Democratic National Alliance (DNA), and its leader Branville McCartney went to town with all kinds of nonsense regarding the Haitian president's words to his people and Haitian-Bahamian voters.  He said that the president's remarks were a direct attack on Bahamian democracy and all Bahamians.  McCartney further stated that "Sweet Micky" should respect the sovereignty of our democracy.  What did Martelly do or say that we missed which instigated such empty sentiments by the leader of the DNA?
Bradley Roberts, chairman of the official opposition Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), said that he thought that it was an insult to the Bahamian people that a foreigner would come to The Bahamas to instruct Bahamian citizens to vote one way or the other.  When did Martelly do this Roberts?
Others have said that the president of Haiti's visit was ill-timed because of a general election being around the corner in The Bahamas.
The bottom-line is this: opposition parties in The Bahamas feel and know deep inside their hearts that Bahamian voters of Haitian descent will support the governing Free National Movement (FNM) in the greatest numbers in the approaching general election because Haitian-Bahamians believe that the FNM is the political vehicle in The Bahamas that has their best interest at heart.
The other parties are strong on their anti-foreign and immigrant messages.  Everyone with eyes to see, and ears to hear knows this.  Do not blame Michel "Sweet Micky" Martelly for the hate and divisions within the Bahamian society caused by Bahamian politicians who simply do not like outsiders.
The time has come for the Bahamian people to realize the enormous benefits of trade and cooperation with our neighbor to the south -- Haiti.  Martelly spoke about creating jobs for his people so that they do not have to leave Haiti looking for the same; and he encouraged his compatriots in The Bahamas to return home to help build their poor nation.
The main purpose of the Haitian president's visit to The Bahamas, according to news reports, was to promote Haiti as a nation ripe for investments and full of opportunities.  He encouraged his people to unite with him to turn things around in Haiti for the better.
Martelly brought hope to his people in The Bahamas, and Bahamians should see the wisdom and benefits of a Haiti on the move with increasing economic benefits to The Bahamas and its people.
This is something to rejoice about, and Bahamians should welcome a new era of success and prosperity with Haiti and its people.
 
- Dennis Dames

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Parties views on gay rights appropriate

Many Bahamians have an irrational fear and hatered of homosexuals. It is not uncommon in this country to encounter people having conversations advocating for violence against homosexuals.

Such hostility is unfortunate. Homosexuality is a normal phenomenon in human societies. A certain small population of every human community is gay. Some display homosexual inclinations as children, suggesting they were born gay, and others come to this place later in life. Homosexuality is not new and it is not rare.
We therefore should all be reasonable enough and accept that homosexuals are people entitled to the same protection under the law as heterosexuals when it comes to discrimination. Certainly, no sensible person should assert that a person should be fired, beaten or molested for being gay.

The United Nations Human Rights Council resolution affirming equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people, passed earlier this month, is a positive progressive step.

The resolution, which narrowly passed in the council 23 to 19 with three abstentions, expressed "grave concern" about discrimination against gays throughout the world and affirmed that freedom to choose sexuality is a human right. Surprisingly, when asked about the issue, both the Free National Movement (FNM) and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supported the resolution.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Brent Symonette said the government supports the expansion of rights for "people of any persuasion."
Opposition leader Perry Christie said the resolution is humane and therefore his party is in favor of it.

"I think from our point of view we understand the sensitivity of this matter," said Christie, adding that the PLP has "always been committed to progressive policies -- policies that emphasize our commitment to human rights."

The parties demonstrated maturity by taking the public stands they did. It is not popular to support homosexuals in any way in The Bahamas. However, at times public officials must lead debates of conscience and not merely follow ignorant popular views.

The Christian church in The Bahamas has been vocal in its opposition to the more welcoming attitudes towards homosexuality that are being demonstrated in developed western societies in recent years. The church, as is its right, has affirmed that homosexuality is a sin.

The Bahamas Christian Council (BCC), in its release after the UN resolution, said it supports the protection of everyone from all forms of discrimination. However, it warned that The Bahamas government's support of the UN resolution could open the door to all rights afforded heterosexuals to be offered to GLBT people, including marriage.

"We in the Christian church firmly believe that marriage is between a man and a woman -- period. As imperfect as that might be at times, it is between a man and woman -- full stop," said the BCC.

For now the issues are separate. The step the Bahamian political parties have taken by embracing the resolution is simply to state that they support the right of homosexuals to live their lives free of discrimination based on their sexual orientation. This should mean that the parties will not support laws or practices that discriminate against gays.

As the Bahamian democracy evolves, however, the parties will be confronted with more difficult issues. The law in democracies usually evolves through citizens challenging discriminatory practices via the court. The court, which is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting minority rights, has to determine if statues violate the broad principles of liberty enshrined in democratic constitutions.

Courts around the world have forced the hands of legislatures when it comes to gay rights. Some have argued that laws declaring that marriage is between one man and one woman discriminate against homosexuals. Hence, the old way is ruled unconstitutional and gay marriage is allowed.

Homosexuals understand that their fight for equality, as it was for blacks, has to be won one step at a time. As the homosexual lobby becomes more organized in The Bahamas and it understands that the court can help its cause, The Bahamas may be forced to accept gay marriage, gay adoption and further normalization of homosexuality.

On Thursday past, the Marathon Bahamas Board officially launched the program that will culminate in the third annual long distance sports/tourism extravaganza on the weekend of January 14-15, 2012. Plans internationally and nationally are unfolding quite well for what is swiftly becoming the marquee sports/social event of the year in The Bahamas.

More so than any other factor however, the announcement by Board Chairman Franklyn Wilson that there will be a focus this time around on ensuring that the pace will be faster than in the two previous years, is huge.

Indeed, the objective is for the finishing time for the winner of the 2012 Sunshine Insurance Marathon Bahamas event to be well under three hours. This decision will no doubt elevate Marathon Bahamas on the competitive scale.

"We feel that we've achieved a lot with this race in just two short years. Now, we want to get the kind of runners who will guarantee faster times and give our race a different perspective," said Wilson.

This is a step that will go a long way toward putting the annual event in the mainstream of the second level marathons run around the world. It is understood that Wilson and company need a few more years yet to begin thinking in terms of being comparable to the major marathons like those of Boston, New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, Honolulu, etc.

The world record (2:03:59) was set in 2008 by Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, at the Berlin Marathon. He lowered his previous mark (2:04:26), set in 2007, also in Berlin. Gebrselassie became world marathon king by unseating Kenya's Paul Tergat who ran 2:04:55 in 2003, in Berlin.

Before Tergat, Khalid Khannouchi of Morocco was the standard by which marathon runners were measured. Representing his native Morocco, he ran 2:05:42 in 1999 at the Chicago Marathon. He brought the record down to 2:05:38 at the 2002 London Marathon, competing as an American citizen. Paula Radcliffe of the United Kingdom owns the women's record of 2:15:25, accomplished in 2003, at the London Marathon.

Wilson is not thinking about those aforementioned finishing times... not just yet. However, the time is right for Marathon Bahamas to move beyond the novelty stage. The initial Marathon Bahamas was won by Bahamian Delroy Boothe in 2:59:31. His national mark is 2:34:49.

Earlier this year, in Sunshine Marathon Bahamas II, German Simone Maissenbacher was the fastest finisher. Her time was 3:02:39. It made Wilson and his group take notice. They seek to take the event into another category, more like the marathons in Jacksonville, Florida or Tuscan, Arizona.

Human societies are fickle - norms are always changing. Who knows what will be acceptable in The Bahamas a century from now. A century ago the thought of blacks and whites being equal and then 'inter-marrying' was offensive to many. Now, interracial marriage is a non-issue.

The winner of the 2010 Jacksonville Marathon was Justin Gillette. He clocked 2:29:17, followed by David McCollam in 2:31:13. At the Tuscan Marathon, Eric Laaughlin was the winner in 2:32:21. BJarne Fruergaard was second in 2:41:35. It is in that area, Wilson wants Marathon Bahamas to go.

The international marketing campaign has started in earnest and already scores of runners, inclusive of competitors from Europe and North America, have registered.
Marathon Bahamas is on the move! The 2012 race weekend should be quite the sports/tourism bonanza.

(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at frobertsturrup@gmail.com)

A century from now maybe Mr. Smith marrying Mr. Smith on a beach on one of our islands too may be normal.

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CBA Analytical Report: Comparative Analysis of Political Party Economic Development Plans

Now that the PLP has released its Vision 2030 Charter For Governance, the Council For Concerned Bahamians Abroad (CBA) has completed its comparative review of the three official governance documents released by the Parties contesting the upcoming Bahamas Elections. The FNM released its Manifesto, and the DNA its Vision 2012 and Beyond, weeks earlier.

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Where are the party manifestos

We are nearing the end of this parliamentary term and are in pre-election campaign mode.  The prime minister has until May to dissolve Parliament and call the election.
We are now heading into the last week of February and none of the three main political parties has published its manifesto.  Where are they?  And when will they be brought forward?
Manifestos are important.  They set out a party's agenda for the next five-year period if elected government.  In well-written manifestos, citizens are given the details of the policy initiatives parties plan to focus on.  When these documents are published well ahead of a general election, the electorate and media have more time to scrutinize what the party wants to do, or not do.
In these concerning times when crime and the economy are major concerns to many Bahamians, we should take time to examine the plans presented by the three main parties.  If a party fills its document with vague bullet points with no details as to how the promises will be achieved, you should know that promise is unlikely to materialize to reality if that party is elected.
Thus far from the mini-rally podia, via news conferences and through party websites, some promises have been made.  But, the full agendas of our political parties are missing.
We would hope that by the time Parliament is dissolved and the official campaign begins, the manifestos will be in the public domain.
 
Eastern Road upgrades
The major roadwork on New Providence - the New Providence Road Improvement Project (NPRIP) - has been controversial.  While many think the island's road network needs an upgrade, the management of the project has been lacking.  Road closures have led to gridlock on the streets at times and businesses in the construction zones have suffered - some have gone out of business.
A less controversial and smaller road project is progressing well on Eastern Road.  The government is creating three turning lanes on the well-traveled route.  One is at the entrance to Blair Estates, one is at Johnson Road and the other is at Fox Hill Road.  The Fox Hill Road turning lane is finished.
The purpose of the lanes, essentially, is to reduce traffic flowing into the east in the evenings.  The people doing the work appear to be Bahamians and there is consistent traffic management.  When tractors enter the roads, workers direct the one lane that is available.  Traffic management at the NPRIP has been sporadic.
When the three new lanes are finished there should be significant improvement to the traffic flow in the east in the evenings.  This work demonstrates that smaller coordinated roadwork projects work too.  Trying to do too much at once can cause excessive disruption - especially on a small island.
 

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