Election season has been officially launched in The Bahamas, and in light of the election date announcement I would like to highlight some of the items that I believe are important from a Kingdom perspective. I am also introducing a tool that I believe can be used to evaluate candidates and parties. Please feel free to use this tool to evaluate candidates and parties and get their official position on them.
Leadership: Visionary -- do they have clearly outlined plans and a written vision? Are they decisive in decision-making and consistent in their positions on issues, or do they flip flop or bow to public opinion or pressure by special interests? Does their position line up with Kingdom principles -- righteousness, justice, peace? Do they have positions that contradict or oppose clearly stated positions from the Bible, especially the New Testament?
Energy: The Bahamas is one of the countries in the world that has lots of sunshine. Does the party have a plan for individual, corporate and country access to solar, LP, waste to energy? Are incentives being provided for persons to take advantage of alternative green energy? Will there be a grid tie system that allows persons to sell excess power into the system, thereby creating economic activity for everyday Bahamians who invest in solar, and become entrepreneurs by selling power back to the grid?
Environment: We have been entrusted with one earth. Our environment should be protected and preserved as much as possible unless it is at the cost of human life. Humans are created above animals and human survival holds a primary position, but key to human survival is adequate care and management of the environment. Do their policies stipulate adequate protection of the environment and natural resources?
Family values: Preservation of traditional marriage and family (respecting others who differ but not acquiescing to the destruction, diminishing or alteration of the original family unit). Is preeminence being given to the promotion and success of the traditional family unit? Marriage should be enshrined in our constitution as between a man and a woman.
National Health Insurance: What are the detailed plans and budget for its implementation and is it satisfactory? On this issue the most important aspect is catastrophic coverage and major medical expenses rather than primary care. If catastrophic care is not included there is no significant benefit to most citizens and the primary issue that National Insurance was to solve remains unsolved. What is the plan and timetable for introduction of this care, and what is the budget and how will it be funded?
Gambling: This is considered a vice and is a non-productive activity. Gaming houses are now legal so they have a right to legally operate. Bahamians gambling in casinos is not allowed and any further expansion on gambling should not be encouraged. Gambling in hotel casinos has the potential of diverting foreign currency that would otherwise remain in the local economy (per opinion of former Central Bank Governor James Smith). God's system is based upon productivity over chance. Gambling has addictive properties and potential for harm to families as people recklessly spend earned income in hopes of achieving a big payout. There are winners, but the ultimate winner is the "house" and the losers inevitably outnumber the winners. I do not believe expansion of gambling lines up with a Kingdom perspective.
Carnival: Considering our current national issues, is this worthy of being a priority for Bahamians? One of the meanings of the word carnival is "festival of flesh" and as such is a glorification of flesh. Most carnivals focus on exposing flesh and sexual gyrations, which goes against the biblical admonition of modesty and decency. Cultural expressions are important, but with an existing culture that is underdeveloped, has this introduced a new and controversial cultural expression that was first put forth as a generator of foreign currency but has not met this objective? This item appears to be far from a priority in a nation with so many challenges, and has possibly directed needed resources away from more productive use. If it continues it should be privatized so that no public funds are used.
Immigration: Protection of borders and the interests of Bahamians is primary and must be ensured. No one has a right to enter a country illegally. Illegals should be humanely detained and deported whenever found in contravention of our laws, however, a humane and practical immigration policy should include regularization of immigrant children born in The Bahamas who have no status and are essentially stateless. Will this be addressed?
Fiscal reform: The Bahamas has been given downgrades and punitive lending practices because of recurring fiscal deficits. VAT was one of the mechanisms put in place to reduce the deficit. There must be a clear indication of planned fiscal discipline and reform to prevent further erosion of the Bahamian economy. VAT income should be placed in a separate fund and a report available to the Bahamian people on its specific uses. What is the plan for fiscal reform on both the income and expenditure sides?
Crime: What new or innovative steps can and will be taken to further combat crime? The plan has to include law enforcement, strengthening of families, community building, church involvement, and moral and spiritual training. Is such a plan available for review prior to the upcoming election?
Prison reform: With a longstanding deplorable facility to house inmates, concrete plans should be put forth to improve living conditions (toilets, running water) with new and more modern, livable cells for inmates. Comprehensive educational and rehabilitation programs that involve achievement of degrees, diplomas and trade skills should be outlined.
Economic expansion and diversity: What new steps will be taken to cause an expanded and more diverse economy (e.g. oil drilling, solar and alternative energies, small business development, agriculture and fisheries, international Internet-based businesses)? What are the new economic ideas? The economy is clearly an issue of concern. I believe the Kingdom perspective is based upon distribution and not hoarding. Capitalism needs to be balanced with ensuring that basic needs are met for everyone and that everyone is productive. I believe there should be an expansion of assistance to the poor, but whoever receives aid and is able to, should be required to do some form of work or service to prevent idleness and lack of productivity.
Term limits: Term limits for prime ministers (maximum of two terms).
Social programs: Work requirements for able-bodied recipients to encourage productivity and engagement.
o Pastor Dave Burrows is senior pastor at Bahamas Faith Ministries International. Feel free to email me your comments whether you agree or disagree at pastordaveburrows@ hotmail.com. I appreciate your input and dialog. We become better when we discuss, examine and exchange.
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