The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) released its "Action Plan for Moving Forward Together" yesterday through the newly relaunched www.myplp.org website.
The action plan outlines the PLP's plan to address six strategic priorities over the next five years: expanding opportunities, empowering Bahamians, protecting the citizens, caring for the people, preserving what makes The Bahamas special, and strengthening citizen participation in governance. Many of the PLP's Charter 2017 new flagship proposals make up this action plan and reflect the party's strategic priorities. In each area, the PLP indicates how it will build on the foundation set over the last five years with new ideas and plans to take the country forward.
For example, among a number of initiatives to stimulate the creation of more jobs and opportunities in the country, the PLP plans to substantially expand three new economic sectors: firstly, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) across the Family Islands so that agribusiness, marine-based industries offer far greater entrepreneurial opportunities and create more jobs; secondly, by focusing on the development of the creative industries with the aim of generating $1 billion of new money annually into the economy; and thirdly, by developing the sustainable harvesting of minerals and natural resources, along with their associated value-added industries. These include salt, rock, sand, etc.
Additionally, the PLP plans to support more Bahamians seeking entrepreneurship opportunities, from start-up to production, operations, marketing and distribution, by creating a network of business incubators and business development agencies on each island. Support will include financing and mentoring.
The Progressive Liberal Party has made significant investments in education since 2012, but says there is still more work ahead to empower Bahamians at all levels. After doubling the nation's investment in scholarships over the last five years, the PLP proposes to expand that investment across the islands, with a particular focus on public school recipients. The party also plans to introduce universal pre-school education so that all children of pre-school age can participate in a quality pre-school program. For older citizens who want to learn new skills, the PLP will create Second Start - a training and skills program for adults.
To protect citizens and our borders, the PLP outlines several initiatives to address the root of the problem. Having already taken major steps to secure the country's borders with the $232 million investment in the Sandy Bottom Project, the PLP will continue to make every effort to cut off the supply of guns, drugs and persons illegally entering the country. Having begun to contain the problem, a range of crime-fighting initiatives will continue to be implemented. Additionally, the PLP recognizes the need to expand the Rehabilitation of Offenders program to ensure that ex-criminals can make a smooth return to society and make a meaningful contribution.
When it comes to caring for the people, the PLP lays out the next steps for rolling out plans for National Health Insurance, including the development of health facilities and upgrades to equipment across the Family Islands so all Bahamians have access to quality health care services. The PLP is determined to move forward with NHI, to continue to help build a healthier future for Bahamians.
Under the PLP, 11 million acres of land were added as protected marine areas -- up from two million. But they know there is still more to do to preserve what makes The Bahamas special, especially with the growing threat of climate change. As part of this, they plan to launch "Fully Renewable Bahamas" to achieve a 30 percent reduction in carbon use by 2030. The PLP also plans to make the cost of electricity free to residential customers who limit their monthly use to below specified limits.
Finally, the PLP's action plan highlights a key goal to be a modern, open, accountable and service-oriented government. To do so, it proposes launching Service Bahamas -- a one-window delivery of government services to eliminate wait times. It will also launch a Ministry of Communication and Information to more deeply engage Bahamian citizens in consultation on legislation and decision-making, and introduce annual business planning and reporting for each ministry, in order to allow for greater transparency and accountability.
You can read more about the PLP's "Action Plan for Moving Forward Together", as well as learn more about PLP candidates and how you can get involved with the campaign at www.MyPLP.org.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian