Sen. the Hon. Alex Storr Resolution to Thank the Governor-General for the Speech from The Throne on Monday 4th June 2012
 
Madame President, As I rise for the first time in this Honourable place, I find it only fitting that I should take time out to thank those that have supported me along the way, enabling my ascension to an even higher level of service to my country. I would like to begin by thanking the almighty God who has kept and sustained me. I know that I stand here before you purely because of his mercies and blessings and I humbly accept the task he has laid before me as I seek to prove myself worthy of his interventions.

Secondly I would like to thank my parents, Henry and Dillis Storr who have guided me along the way and instilled a sense of duty and national pride within me and endowed me with a strong work ethic, always believing in me, even when I sometimes doubted myself.

And there is my wife Nadia who has constantly been by my side and gives me that extra push whenever I needed it and sometimes when I don’t. My children and siblings who endured my absence and have been my staunchest supporters The members of my church, the Remnant Tabernacle of Praise who have constantly kept me covered in prayer.

I would also like to thank my friends and supporters from all over our great archipelago, especially the people of Long Island, many of whom stood by my side even under threat of victimization for opposing those that were then in power. We have proven that not always is success measured by victory, for although I was not victorious, I was successful in beginning the revival of the Progressive Liberal Party in Long Island, and we have planted the seeds that will bloom into victory somewhere in the near future. As confirmed by the many phone calls I have received from all sides of the political divide within the last month, Long Island knows they can still be sure with Storr.

Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the Right Honourable Prime Minister for the confidence he continues to have in me and the other members of the next generation of leaders within our party. Madame President this confidence was expressed even when, as he most eloquently put it, I ventured into the lion’s den to snatch the sheep from out of the mouth of the lion. He not only continues to be the right man for the job, but has proven to be the best man for the job with a caring and compassionate heart and broad enough shoulders to brush off all the negative propaganda and false criticisms of those on the side opposite. When we lost in 2007, like a truly trusted leader, he stayed on board the ship, drafting a new course and recruited additional talent to deliver our triumphant return. He has quickly and decisively gone to work on behalf of the Bahamian people to rescue our beloved nation from the abysmal state of affairs from which it has sunk over the course of the last five years.

Madame President, I wish to thank His Excellency for his gracious Speech from the Throne. I am not sure if it is due to his accomplished oratory skills, but I found myself paying closer attention this time than I ever had before. His Excellency has fought for the Bahamian people for most of his adult life so he too must take some delight in the return of a government that believes in the Bahamas. I wish Sir Arthur well as he continues on in service and represents Her Majesty well. I understand that he is currently out of the country for a minor medical procedure and on behalf of my family, I wish him a full and speedy recovery as he returns.

Madame President, as laid out in the speech, the Government has set out hard at work in affecting the two most pressing issues in our current Bahamas: - Crime, including the fear of crime, and the need to build and repair our economy providing jobs, deepening Bahamian ownership and thus producing a higher standard of living for all Bahamians over all of these islands. These all fall under the umbrella of putting Bahamians first. The Government has embarked on the implementation of its ambitious plan taken from the charter for governance including the “First 100 days” plan, some aspects of which have already been fulfilled.

Madame President, we have all been touched by crime either directly or indirectly. I myself have been the victim of crime including two armed robberies, one at my residence and the other at my place of business, so I know firsthand not only the mental and physical effects of crime, but also the lasting psychological effects. That is why I applaud the speedy and long overdue return of the REAL, international award winning, Urban Renewal Program to replace the watered down, ineffective, shadow of its former self imitation that was implemented by the previous administration in a desperate and failed attempt to gain control of crime, that had spiraled out of control under their regime.

This is the first step in a well thought out comprehensive plan that seeks to gain control of our country and ease the level of violence that screams out from the headlines of our daily papers. It will take the concerted effort of every sector of society working along with the Government before we truly see relief from this current scourge that threatens our very existence. It will not be accomplished overnight, simply upon the election of the PLP as some of our detractors seem to suggest via newspaper, social media and talk shows.

Madame President, the dream of owning a home is one that transcends all social, economic, and racial divides. I therefore applaud the Government for taking steps to protect those that have already achieved their dream by pushing for the development of a financially sustainable mortgage relief program. Too often we have seen families pushed out on to the streets because they have fallen victim to circumstances that are totally beyond their control, having faithfully executed their financial responsibilities for years and even decades up until their current misfortune. The Bahamas prides itself on being a Christian nation so it is only fitting that we be our brother’s keeper. If this can be achieved with minimal burden to tax payers, then it is only right. Always remember, “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

The recent change in government also signals a return for the pursuit of affordable housing for lower income Bahamians. The PLP’s record in the provision of affordable housing is unmatched and will continue under the current administration. This also has the side effect of stimulating the economy and providing jobs. All welcomed and desired results, a clear example of the mantra, “Putting people first”. Madame President, I along with Bahamians everywhere embrace the government’s undertaking to lower the cost of electricity. Over the last five years my bill, like everyone has more than doubled despite my conservation efforts, such as the using of CFL and LED light bulbs, while service became upsettingly unreliable. This was due to a lack of proper Government funding to provide required maintenance and the pursuit of more reliable and renewable energy sources. Under the current administration, as has happened before, I believe that we will see astronomical light bills become a thing of the past through implementation of the described methods. I also welcome the development of a national water policy. All communities over the entire length and breadth of these islands deserve access to good quality water and I commend the government’s pledge to make this a reality.

I hope that the good people of Long Island are amongst the first to benefit from this policy especially those living in Dunmore who live under some of the harshest conditions waiting sometimes months for water to be delivered to their holding tank. Lastly Madame Speaker, I welcome the introduction of legislation that will limit and govern the awarding of contracts in close proximity to elections. I saw for myself where contracts and jobs were issued as if the Public Treasury was a bottomless pit all in an attempt to influence the outcome of an election. Not only was the Treasury used as a personal campaign fund, but persons in respected positions of authority, who should be seen to remain neutral, used their position to intimidate and influence the free will choice of voters. I say no more at this time and will speak to this when the time is right.

Madame President, I once again extend thanks to the Governor General for so ably and eloquently delivering what many have deemed one of the greatest speeches from the throne in recent history and I look forward to the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister and his Cabinet delivering upon their promise to believe in Bahamians. Thank You.