Editor,
Way back in the day, persons who offered for election to the House of Assembly and were elected or those who accepted an appointment to the Senate were often self-employed in the business or professional worlds. In short they were independent financially. They did not, ordinarily, look to the public purse for sustenance. Over the past decades, that precept has changed, and a semi-professional class of politicians has emerged. Today, many see politics as a direct means to acquire wealth, almost by any legitimate means, where possible.
If one is appointed to cabinet, he/she will receive a healthy stipend and numerous perks, including insurance, a vehicle, a driver/bodyguard, etcetera. When they have to travel on 'official' business, they and their spouse and/or delegation travel at public expense, with the regular per diem. I do not have a problem with any of this, especially as it may relate to essential travel on behalf of the nation.
It is also a given that established or popular politicians /receive' and accept freebies in the form of meals and accommodations, especially as they may relate to senior politicians or island-based representatives. Domestic car rentals may also be thrown into the mix. They tend to expect and occupy top seats at any private or public function. In numerous cases, they are involved in one of the professions, such as law or medicine. While at the cabinet level, though they are unable to practice their chosen profession, they are still able to own 'shares' or a beneficial financial interest in the same.
In recent times, certain high-ranking politicians across the board have issued self-pitying statements calling for increased benefits and, I assume, a salary and allowance increased omnibus package. I must confess that at this juncture of economic recovery, this would not be appropriate. There are STILL too many unwashed Bahamians who are STILL existing in depressed circumstances and who may have lost homes, apartments, or vehicles due to unforeseen financial challenges. A spanking brand new hospital is badly needed in New Providence.
More economic stimulation is needed in the larger inhabited Family Islands to reduce traditional migration into an already overpopulated New Providence. These islands are simply oversaturated BIG TIME. A niche crop, industry, or attraction package should be developed for the major islands, and diversification should become the order of the day.
Simple crops like the famous Bahamian Red Pepper, strawberries, corn, pineapples, etc., could be grown, packaged, and marketed domestically and internationally. Let us stimulate the economy FIRST, then start a discussion on additional perks for parliamentarians, NOT before. While talking about this, however, I do agree that the time for the construction of a dedicated Parliament Building is long overdue and badly needed. The current complex between Bank Lane and Parliament Street is inadequate and a natural disgrace.
In any event, at this stage, there is NO NEED to increase benefits for the rank-and-file politician. If the income is not sufficient, they do not need our leave to return to private life, etc. At least, if they do, they would not be concerned with filing the required annual disclosure, which many of them ignore anyhow. Our 'poor' homegrown politicians! What a plight they are in! To God then, in all things, be the glory.
Written by: Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
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