Debate on the Midyear Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2015-2016 by the Hon. Philip E. Davis

Thu, Mar 24th 2016, 04:35 PM

Mr. Speaker

This is the midyear budget review and the contributions have been hijacked by many distractions. I will not allow myself to be distracted but obedient to the reason that we are here.

I rise again to honour the constituents of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador and in absolute support of the good news presented on the 7th of March by our Prime Minister, the Rt. Honourable Member for Centreville.

I add my congratulations to those from my colleagues to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, the Member for Golden Isles, who remains steadfast in his duty to balance our fiscal affairs and to shore up responsible expenditure.

All of the prudent fiscal management measures announced at the premiere budget exercise for this Administration have caused an optimistic stemming of what I call “the great haemorrhage”. The Member for Montagu alluded to the spending of a “drunken sailor”. I thank God that that sailor is not the captain of this ship.

Mr. Speaker,

It must be a nightmare for them that this side can announce that “we have […] succeeded in reducing the Government Deficit from $539 million three years ago to the projected $141 million this fiscal year.”

It must be like a nightmare for them to know that this “Do Nothing Government” has realised “a Deficit reduction of almost 75 per cent or $398 million”.

I think the Member from St. Anne’s challenged those figures. He said that our assertion is premised on the fact that our projected deficit differs from theirs. Even with the disagreement, the figures put into a distant past, the “drunken sailor” spending.

Mr. Speaker,

With prudent leadership and an unyielding focus, we are yet again executing a fiscal management plan that works.

Mr. Speaker,

When I say that it is an honour to stand in this Place, I do not take that lightly. Beyond honour though, this privilege that we all share – this responsibility that has been vested in us through the casting of votes – is no trivial matter.

As Members of this House, we are called to a higher standard – particularly by our constituents. Let me affirm here and now that I will continue to listen to the concerns of our people and do my best to return their trust by working hard to make life better for all.

Mr. Speaker,

This circumstance of privilege has been the impetus behind the work of my Ministry. Our actions enthusiastically consider our human capital – that is, the Bahamian people.

In doing so, we remain committed to do all that we can to assist Government to keep on track to eliminating the primary deficit and foster the ideal of value for money as an adjunct to fiscal prudence.

Along with that, we are intent, as far as possible, to secure private sector involvement in building roads, bridges, airports and other structures – the physical underpinnings of a modern Bahamas that will lead to better quality services, lower cost services, and enhanced value for Bahamians.

We have continued the planned infrastructural development for each island that will facilitate the acceleration of job creation, enhance standards of living, and strengthen our competitiveness in the Caribbean and, indeed, around the world.

Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador

Mr. Speaker,

My constituents are my first responsibility when I stand here. I, therefore, begin with them as I account for my stewardship for the first six months of this fiscal year. The October 2015 passage of Hurricane Joaquin severely affected my constituency – particularly the islands of Rum Cay and San Salvador.

Rum Cay sustained severe damage to the public dock and the Sir Milo Butler Park. The sea surge destroyed about 85% of the rock wall that lined the boundary of the cemetery on the sea side. Fallen trees and debris littered the settlement. Twenty-three (23) residences were adversely affected and the electricity infrastructure was badly damaged. Fortunately, the public roads wore the storm well.

With the post hurricane remediation works, plans for the Health Clinic have understandably been delayed. Notwithstanding, construction documents are awaiting only the quantity surveyor’s Bill of Quantities. 

Rum Cay All Age School was undergoing major renovations prior to the storm and the students were already being housed at a local church on the island. The church was water damaged and BTC graciously permitted the use of some of its space to conduct classes for the students and for afterschool activities for students. This provision will remain in place until those renovations are completed.

This spirit of community is refreshing in today’s world. I thank all of the stakeholders involved for their assistance.

Mr. Speaker,

In San Salvador, 223 homes were damaged by Hurricane Joaquin. Works are well underway to ensure that every home is repaired.

United Estates Primary was also damaged. The students returned to school on the 21st of October 2015 thanks in part to the Adventist Church that provided facilities for two grades at the local church. The San Salvador High School reopened a week later as repairs were completed. The process toward the award for the construction of a new primary school is underway and a contract should be executed within the coming weeks.

Mr. Speaker,

The residents on the islands of San Salvador and Rum Cay have expressed great appreciation to BEC, BTC, and WSC for their urgent work to restore some semblance of normalcy to their lives. Today, I again add my thanks.

I also thank Ms. Melony Roach, who has responsibility for the restoration efforts in the affected islands. She is doing all that she can to ensure that Bahamians are afforded quality assistance in a timely manner.

Government has already authorised the award of contracts in excess of $30 million to repair damaged buildings on all of the affected islands.

Mr. Speaker,

The project to rehabilitate the airport at San Salvador has enlarged in scope to cause the elimination of the modular building that existed. With the input of Club Med and the international airlines, the construction of a full concrete structure is underway and was operational to coincide with the reopening of Club Med.

Mr. Speaker,

Apart from that, my Ministry has rehabilitated over 10 miles of the Queen’s Highway on San Salvador and constructed over 3,000 feet of seawall.

We have not abandoned the project to construct San Salvador’s Primary School. In fact, the Tender Evaluation is complete, awaiting presentation to the Tenders Board.

For Cat Island, Mr. Speaker,

Comprehensive infrastructural developments are afoot. We have constructed over 4,500 feet of seawall and carried out sand seal repair works to the roadway in New Bight.

I am pleased to advise that my Ministry is progressing toward completing a Master Plan for the development of all of Cat Island, which includes the Spine Road, which will be funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CBD).

My Ministry has cooperating with the Ministry of Health to complete assessments of the health infrastructure for the island. Government has already approved the issuance of a contract to demolish the Clinic at Orange Creek and construct a new one and a Clinic at Old Bight.

The other clinics on Cat Island (Old Bight and Smith’s Bay) have been targeted for upgrading as a component of Health System Strengthening in preparation for National Health Insurance.

Just this weekend, the Police and technical officers from my Ministry have agreed a site for the Police Station at Arthur’s Town.

Additionally, Government has agreed to issue a contract to Woslee Construction for the new airport terminal and runway rehabilitation at Old Bight. This airport is critical to facilitate the PGA development and is intended to commence simultaneous construction.

Mr. Speaker,

Smith’s Bay’s packing house upgrade is nearing completion to facilitate farmers’ benefitting from participation in BAMSI. A site is being decided for a processing kitchen to allow them to process their produce to add to the value of their product. It is also intended that the Smith’s Bay Dock will also be reconstructed.

Updates

Mr. Speaker,

For the most part, other Members have accounted very well for the infrastructural improvements throughout The Bahamas that have been facilitated by my Ministry. Our resources are limited but we do as much as we can to use funds efficiently.

I will, however, draw to your attention that my Ministry is implementing its Road Maintenance and Management System as advocated by the IDB-funded Institutional Strengthening component of New Providence Infrastructure Improvement Programme. This approach has been partially effected by awarding relatively small contracts on a local area-by-area basis to offer diverse employment opportunities.

Small contracts have also been let for the rehabilitation of roads that have fallen into varying degrees of disrepair. The same level of contractors has qualified for these works and my Ministry is happy to supervise them. All of these initiatives have proven good as we are able to facilitate wider employment opportunities.

We know that these contractors are, in many cases, unable to insure their projects. For this reason, my Ministry (including the Urban Renewal Commission) maintains Contractors’ All Risk Insurance for small contracts under $50,000.00.

In that way, the Ministry’s interests are protected in the event of unsatisfactory results and this represents one less hurdle for small contractors to clear.

These are very important things that are happening in my Ministry because they offer opportunities that are ordinarily unavailable to the average man or woman. Some are of the view that this is not the better path, but I hold fast to ideal that small businesses form the crux of economic growth in The Bahamas and we should do all that we can to encourage it.

Bearing in mind the limitation of time, I will update this House on other, so to speak, hot button issues within my portfolio.

Planning and Subdivisions Act

Mr. Speaker,

I am happy to report that my Ministry has completed its revision of the Planning and Subdivisions Act. This action has a well thought out rationale that was long articulated in our Charter for Governance.

There, we noted the significant inefficiencies, burdensome costs, and prohibitive requirements for people building homes, which were worsened by passage of The Planning and Subdivisions Act in 2010. We committed to streamline approval procedures.

The draft has been widely circulated and has secured the opinions of several individuals and organisations. Our Technical Team and the Law Reform Commission has had the opportunity to carefully consider every opinion. Earl Deveaux, former Minister of Environment who had responsibility for its 2010 revision was invited and provided a view. Law firms engaged in the real estate development and conveyancing practice also provided comprehensive reviews with recommendations.

Mr. Speaker,

My Ministry has also had the opportunity to review a letter addressed to you and others and copied to me and many others from Frederick R. M. Smith, QC from the law office of Callenders & Co., acting on behalf of “the Coalition to Protect Clifton Bay, also known as Save the Bays.”

The letter is the seed for what this side views as a super-funded media campaign. The campaign misleads the public by suggesting that the Government is “taking [something] away” and raises questions as to “who will benefit”. In the same way that Smith’s letter conjoins Peter Nygard and Koed Smith as the primary beneficiaries of the revisions, the media campaign carries suggestion on radio and in the press.[1]

The Department of Physical Planning has always maintained that the Planning and Subdivisions Act 2010, provisions are sound, but not practical for implementation in this jurisdiction.

The first issue stems from the fact that the current legislation is premised on a land-use-plan and zoning-by-laws system. It is almost impossible to implement the system as specified under the current legislation because there are no clearly articulated policies, merely broad statements left for indiscriminate interpretation. Those broad policy statements have proven insufficient to guide the Department.

In its current form, the beneficiaries of the legislation are primarily those who gain from legal fees and certain advocacy groups in society.

This Government, though, has the resolve to ensure that planning benefits all of our citizens – not only the moneyed few – it will benefit all people in all areas of The Bahamas.

I think that it is necessary to illustrate this by taking on some of the Save the Bays assertions.

Their first allegation is that Government Wants to Avoid Public Consultation. Nothing can be further from the truth. The proposed Bill continues the requirement for public consultation. What it does, though, is simplifies the process by making it mandatory for projects of significant sizes and likely impacts to automatically be subject to public consultation, while simple applications (like severances or site plan approval) are exempt.

In fact, the proposed Bill goes further to identify projects that will require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and all such projects will require public consultation.

Even further, Mr. Speaker,, after consultation with the BEST Commission, the new proposal gives the Director discretion to subject other applications to the public consultation process. Certainly, this cannot be classified as an avoidance of public consultation.

Secondly, Mr. Speaker,

They say that Government Wants to Allow Unregulated Development. They suggest plans to completely remove rules to permit the haphazard development of land, thereby creating and unfair and inefficient planning for land development. They further assert that the revision could permit developments that were previously rejected or stopped.

Again, this is not true. The proposed Bill continues to require that all development must still go before the Town Planning Committee and the Rules of the Committee will not change.

Save the Bays says that Government Wants to Reduce Environmental Protection, saying that what the Government proposes will permit certain developments without any EIA.

In fact, Mr. Speaker,, the present Act does not specify which projects require EIA. What is proposed, however, is actually less discretionary than what obtains in the 2010 Act.

Further, actions always speak louder than words. Take for example the fact that this same Government that they say has no concern about the environment and will reduce environmental protection just recently set aside 7.5 million acres of land, nearshore, and marine environment on 8 islands. To the objective eye, that smacks of environmental protection.

Mr. Speaker,

They say that Government Wants to Put Our Communities at Risk by completely removing Land Use Plans (LUP) from the legislation, thereby threatening the safety and prosperity of our families and placing traditional communities at risk.

To the contrary, Mr. Speaker,, the requirement for Land Use Planning will not be removed. What has been proposed, however, is to transfer the details of the requirement for Land Use Plans to Regulations.

This has been proposed because the cost and time involved in the preparation of these plans and by-laws, the limited institutional capacity, and the unavailable data challenge enforcement of the Act.

Mr. Speaker,

The assertions become even more preposterous, but I will speak to the one that seems most laughable. They say that Government Wants to Let Illegal Developers off the Hook. Here, they tell the truth of their motivation. In the final analysis, this target – super rich to super rich – is the only interest of the same cast of characters.

It is nothing to do with our mangroves, nothing to do with our grouper, nothing to do with our ecosystem. It is all about what Marathon has aptly described as the “Bahamian hustle”.

Mr. Speaker,

This revision is no whim. The changes proposed are research-based considering the numbers, types and processing of planning applications.

We have gone through the consultative period and have taken into consideration all of the opinions provided to us. Now, we proceed to Cabinet. In the short-term, therefore, I will return to this Place with the legislation. We are not distracted. We are not deterred.

Mr. Speaker,

I now turn to the issue of the Pointe property that has been the subject of questions in newspapers and in this House.

Development issues are always complex and there are times when small changes that will lead to a more sustainable development may be initiated when existing ordinances may be outdated, overly complicated, contradicting innovative building, landscape, or site designs.

Many existing zoning laws restrict designs that incorporate sustainable development techniques. Arguably, existing ordinances are the most significant barrier to sustainable development projects. History has shown us that conflicts and delays often discourage developers from battling governments for approval.

I mention ordinances and laws and zoning rules here only because the Member for Montagu intimated in his contribution that decisions in respect of the Pointe are in violation of the law. I have seen no written ordinance, no legislation, no written policy that prescribes heights for downtown Nassau.

I am advised, though, until the enactment of the Planning and Subdivisions Act 2010, there was a Special Architects Committee that, since the 1960s, considered the height of “45 feet to the eave (or four stories)” as a guide for recommendations to the Town Planning Committee for construction in that area.

Notwithstanding that guide, I can point to the Post Office Building, Maritime House on Frederick Street, and the existing British Colonial Hilton – all are well beyond four (4) stories.

Mr. Speaker,

Recall that I said that the Special Architects Committee existed until the coming into force of the 2010 Planning and Subdivisions Act. With that, the Committee was abolished. Architects were insulted by that action. They called it a travesty! We recognised this great faux pas and have proposed the Committee’s reconstitution in the new Bill.

Downtown redevelopment is a must to ensure the viability of our tourism product. With this in view, the Department of Physical Planning and the Town Planning Committee are guided to prudent decisions.

Fishing Hole Road

Mr. Speaker,

On the 18th of December 2015, my Ministry entered into a contract with All Bahamas Construction Company Limited for design/build works for the Fishing Hole challenge following a competitive bidding process.

For many years, successive governments have known the need to find a solution for the Fishing Hole area as it represents great travail for the people of Grand Bahama. This represents the fulfilment of a commitment that dates as far back as the 1990s.

What may be perceived as a delayed response can be attributed to the fact that, when a supposed solution was determined in 2004, three devastating hurricanes caused technical officers in my Ministry to revisit their options. What was planned was simply insufficient because waters rose to double the height of what was originally provided for.

To this end, All Bahamas Construction has provided an engineering innovation to withstand normal to extreme environmental conditions, with minimal negative impact on the settlement of Queen’s Cove while providing for the environmental preservation and restoration of communication between the Hawksbill Creek and the Freeport Harbour.

We are happy to have the buy-in of area residents who participated in several town meetings to discuss the solutions. Now, we move to provide the appropriate answer to improve access to all of Grand Bahama. The project duration is sixty-one (61) weeks.

Mr. Speaker,

The Member for Pineridge, who is the Minister Responsible for Grand Bahama, has announced all of this Government’s work in and plan for Grand Bahama. My Ministry is very proud to be able to facilitate all of those works.

Beyond Grand Bahama, Mr. Speaker,

My Ministry is reviewing feasibilities studies for remediation to the challenge at the Glass Window Bridge in North Eleuthera. Once complete, I will bring a report to this House.

Urban Renewal

Mr. Speaker,

For me, progressing our human capital equals or betters the weight of physical infrastructure. That is why I am always happy to turn my attention to Urban Renewal.

Mr. Speaker,

Bahamians are a strong and resilient people. We, for the most part, were brought up to be proud, even if we do not have adequate financial means; and we were taught to hold fast to an Anchor, which is God – firm in our faith so as to maintain our traditional morals and values, our culture, our rich heritage, remembering that we are one people.

Mr. Speaker,

The Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme will celebrate its fourth anniversary this year and continues to give focused attention to the implementation of holistic and integrated strategies to renew inner city communities.

For all of the detractors, for all those who question the efficacy of Urban Renewal, for all those who say that we are not getting value for money, I say, let the people speak.

Go and ask the poor, the disenfranchised, the unemployed, the at-risk youth, the children, and the elderly about the Urban Renewal Programme in their neighbourhoods.

They will tell you about the Urban Renewal Band and its transforming impact on hundreds of young lives – how these children are empowered through the discipline of music. Just under two weeks ago, the Urban Renewal Band was showcased at the St. Patrick’s Parade in Washington D.C. – 90 minutes at the grand stand!

Mr. Speaker,

The Bahamas had 103 representatives in this magnificent event and the exposure for the band members was phenomenal. Incredibly, from among the over 100 units participating in this year’s parade, the Urban Renewal Music Masters Youth Band snatched the Best in Parade Award.

I congratulate Inspector Theodore Campbell for the magnificent work that he does with the Urban Renewal Band. The band members are also to be commended for their commitment to making The Bahamas great through the medium of music.

Mr. Speaker,

They will tell you that since November 2013, Urban Renewal, through the Small Homes Repair Programme, has been on pace to totally transform the inner cities. Since taking office, we have repaired over seven hundred (700) houses through this bold initiative; and it is anticipated that another three hundred (300) houses will be repaired before the end of this fiscal year.

Mr. Speaker,

They will tell you that small contractors, tradespersons, and semi-skilled persons (carpenters, plumbers, masons, tile layers, helpers, and the like), this means employment – employment that many of them would not ordinarily be able to secure; the ability to be the breadwinner in the home; to pay bills and save a little for a rainy day.

Mr. Speaker,

They will tell you that small businesses in the inner city and traditional communities, the Small Home Repairs Programme is a much needed economic injection.

Mr. Speaker,

This is a good a time as any to make reference to the goings-on in this Place over the past week. I preface it by saying that I make every effort daily to remain grounded.

While I have high regard for the Office that I hold, I know that the Office does not make me. I continually remind myself of my parents’ admonition to me: “But for the grace of God, there I go.” I remain ordinary in my daily life to enable me to do extraordinary things for some ordinary folks.

Much has been done to attempt to besmirch my character. While I will not take too much time with it, I will not ignore the political mischief that too many are engaging to destabilise this Government.

It is very clear to us that we are on the right track when the game shifts to distraction. As a Government, we remain focused and will not misstep because of the noise.

Mr. Speaker,

Nobody should be surprised that I have associations with a many young men with a central purpose of getting them to understand that antisocial behaviour and lives of criminality are harmful to them, their families and their communities.

In my discussions with them, it is almost invariably suggested that men released from prison without some intervening socialisation is a disservice to that person and society, as many “demons” continue to exist in their heads and adjustment to freedom is a journey with many challenges and temptations.

They argue that any realistic assessment of the challenges and temptations confronting released prisoners who have no institutional support to assist in their adjustment to society would help in our understanding of why these men become repeat offenders and often with violent consequences and high recidivism rates.

There are many similarities among despondent young men. Many have brushes with the law and many had previous convictions ranging from serious to misdemeanours. Many are unemployed and claim to be unable to find work primarily because of their criminal history. Many feel abandoned, neglected and valueless. They are all clearly suffering and despairing.

This is the reason why the PLP Government’s Urban Renewal 2.0 is advanced as a priority. There is no doubt that Urban Renewal Programme is the right vehicle to convey the anguish and despair from the various communities; and without elaborating on all of its components that are well known, the engagement of youthful persons of influence upon the despairing youth has been a resounding success.

I therefore acknowledge and thank the Urban Renewal Commission, Christian Council, and various groups within communities for their urgent dialogue to agree a mechanism and even more urgent action to make our young to feel more valuable, wanted, loved, and meaningful to our society.

Bahamas Power & Light Company Ltd (BPL)

Mr. Speaker,

I now turn to the Bahamas Power & Light Company Limited (BPL). On the 9th of February this year, I had the pleasure to witness BPL entering into a Management Services Agreement with PowerSecure Inc. That exciting step poised PowerSecure to assume management control of BPL, enabling The Bahamas to enter the next phase of its energy sector transformation.

BPL customers continue to enjoy the fact that energy costs have reached its lowest in more than a decade. We see this demonstrated by the residential customer who consumed 500 kWh of electricity in October 2014 being billed $196.29. The same customer consuming the same 500 kWh of electricity in February 2016 paid $99.65 (excluding VAT). The savings is almost $97.00 – that’s progress.

BPL’s primary objective is to improve customer experience and ensure that the company gains. Major efficiency gains are expected with the upgrade and more efficient management of generation, transmission and distribution equipment, and in particular using less fuel to generate the power that the country needs, as well as generation plant that is able to use cheaper more efficient fuels such as natural gas.

Another significant cost is human resources. There has been much said about the scale of potential downsizing at BEC. I have already put it on record that the Government, the Board, and PowerSecure are extremely sensitive to this issue.

Mr. Speaker,

We do not expect any staff reductions in the near future, and if there are to be any later on, this will be done over time in a manner that is fully open with key stakeholders and employees themselves.

Water and Sewerage Corporation

Mr. Speaker,

I move to the Water and Sewerage Corporation. During this fiscal period, Mr. Leslie Miller, the Member for Blue Hills, was appointed as Chairman of Board of the Corporation. I congratulate him in the same breath that I thank the outgoing Chairman Lester Cox for his fine service to the Corporation.

Mr. Speaker,

Revenue for the Corporation showed modest growth during the period. This is attributed to the fact that WSC launched an aggressive Customer Win Back campaign in October 2015. This campaign aims to capitalise on ample water supplies and consistent improved pressures to regain the confidence of former customers and to attract new customers.

Since the beginning of March 2016, tenants are also able to apply for their own accounts so that safe potable city water is readily accessible to them.

Mr. Speaker,

Government approved $29.26 million in subventions to WSC for 2015/16, compared to $35 million in the previous year. This reduction has challenged the Corporation to responsible fiscal programmes geared toward reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Mr. Speaker,

The Government of the Bahamas and the Corporation have secured a $28.33Mn loan from the CDB with the Government/WSC committed to a further $13.3Mn in counterpart funding.

This programme includes potable water distribution systems for Coral Lakes, Boatswain Hill and Pinewood Gardens Phase “B” subdivisions in New Providence and new water supply systems and improvements to existing systems for communities in Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island and South Andros.

The New Providence works have commenced and it is anticipated that the South Andros works will commence by early this summer and the other projects later this year.

Mr. Speaker,

There are a number of Government-funded projects facilitated by the Water and Sewerage Corporation within this fiscal period. In Mayaguana, new water transmission and distribution systems including desalinated water plants were completed in January 2016 and are now operational in the communities of Pirates Well, Betsy Bay and Abraham’s Bay providing these communities with high quality piped potable water.

In Central Eleuthera, works are in progress to rehabilitate the existing storage tanks to improve the available storage and thereby improve the reliability of our Central Eleuthera Water Supply System.

Additionally, the 1 million imperial gallon per day tertiary wastewater treatment plant at Gladstone Road is 90% complete.

Mr. Speaker,

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded non-revenue water reduction (NRW) project continues to be successful and exceed its short term targets, having saved WSC almost $9 million to date. The Corporation is taking lessons learned to realise great results, particularly in South Eleuthera.

Mr. Speaker,

While it may not be good news to Consolidated Water, Neil Hartnell’s story in the Business Section of the Tribune on Thursday, 17th March 2016, was certainly good news for me and the Corporation. Hartnell began his story by saying that Consolidated’s “revenues have decreased by more than $8 million over the past two years, as the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s leak and loss reduction programme bears fruit.”

Mr. Speaker,

This is wonderful news that all The Bahamas should celebrate.

Mr. Speaker,

Draft legislation now rests with the AG’s Office to reform the allowing URCA to assume responsibility for economic regulation of the water sector as it has with telecommunications and more recently with electricity. This will cause URCA to have the robust oversight intended from its creation.

Bahamasair

Mr. Speaker,

I now move to the national flag carrier, Bahamasair.

Mr. Speaker,

I am pleased to report that Bahamasair is making good steps toward profitability. Though revenues are still not where they should be, The National Flag Carrier has reduced expenses in all areas.

I congratulate Bahamasair as it has executed Industrial Agreements with its four associated trade unions. The agreements call for retroactive payments of almost $1.5 million ($1,459,076).

Mr. Speaker,

Government gave priority to the National Flag Carrier shoring up its services through the purchase of five new ATR aircraft to replace the Dash-8 fleet. Bahamasair’s management negotiated the terms of the ATR Sales and Purchase Agreement at very good unit prices.

Mr. Speaker,

Bahamasair was also a tremendous support in the Hurricane Joaquin relief efforts by transporting NEMA officials, volunteers and supplies to the devastated islands of San Salvador, Long Island, Acklins and Crooked Island.

Currently, Bahamasair’s maintenance hangar is undergoing comprehensive refurbishment. No major repairs have ever been carried out on this 45 year old structure, and its condition has deteriorated to a point of safety concerns as expressed engineers within my Ministry.

Once the repairs are completed, this facility will be able to house a few of Bahamasair’s turboprop aircraft during hurricane events, which will lessen the burden of having to evacuate the entire fleet.

Costs evaluation and work-in progress are being monitored by Technical Teams in the Ministry of Works.

The Straw Market Authority

Mr. Speaker,

The Straw Market Authority (SMA) continues to work with service providers to ensure that the markets operate in the most efficient manner and are first class facilities.

Mr. Speaker,

The Authority is also making in-roads by systematically addressing vendor attrition as a consequence of death, retirement, and transfers around the markets. The training programmes for staff and vendors have been enhanced and are continuing.

Mr. Speaker,

The unfortunate reality is that World Famous Downtown Straw Market, which is relatively new, is in a serious state of disrepair. Urgent works are being carried out to avert disaster, particularly during the hurricane season.

The Authority will also work in conjunction with BAIC and the various handicraft associations toward the development and implementation of the use of natural Bahamian materials in souvenir and craft items.

Conclusion

Mr. Speaker,

Before I conclude, I draw your attention to an observation by Sociologist Max Weber. He was convinced that one’s opportunities are shaped by our class and status. While we tend to link success solely to our talent and our efforts, our social position is in large part dependent on our family’s social status.

Mr. Speaker,

Earlier in my presentation, I referred to my lifelong efforts to reach out to groups of young men who have run afoul of the law and are experiencing difficulties adjusting socially as a result.

While I have undertaken with the police not to discuss the matter that is causing all of this controversy, there is much that is in the public domain flowing from the disclosures of several conflicting affidavits. I honour that undertaking.

Until such time that these conflicting accounts have been tested, our minds should remain open. Keeping an open mind is a difficult thing particularly if it is not profitable to kill a good story with the truth. Some misguided soul once said that a good story always trumps the truth. Misguided, I say because, in the end, the truth always trumps a good story.

Mr. Speaker,

In spite of all the detractors, this Government remains committed to the increase of life opportunities to everyone – no matter what age, race, gender, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or marital status. This is essential to building a Bahamas that our children and theirs can have pride.

We have taken faith, hard work, courage, and above all persistence for the journey; and we are taking bold and calculated decisions to sustain us. Accordingly, I stand with my Leader and wholeheartedly support the statement for the half-time review on behalf of the people of Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

Source: Bahamas Information Services

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