NASSAU, Bahamas – The minority opposition Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday released its “vision” for the Bahamas as the country awaits the date for the general election that will most likely be announced by Prime Minister Perry Christie today.
DNA leader Branville McCartney said the Vision 2017 And Beyond document is a comprehensive plan to guide a DNA government over the next five years.
He said the 70-page document will be distributed electronically, “as we in the green party seek to reduce our carbon footprint and move to a paperless environment – a philosophy we will take with us into governance . . . ”.
He told the ceremony that by releasing the document, his party, which is expected to be one of three contesting the election for control of the 41-seat Parliament, is saying to the Bahamian people “hold us accountable, we will show you how we’re going to change this country”.
He said unlike the ruling People’s Liberal Party (PLP) and the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) that have released similar manifestos, the DNA is promising voters “this is not just campaign talk – this is what we will accomplish”.
The document covers all aspects of government and signifies revolutionary change in the way an administration should operate, McCartney said, adding that “the Vision 2017 And Beyond outlines the finer points of our platform, mainly, good governance; the economy; national security; youth development, education and culture; energy and the environment, healthcare and social policy; and Grand Bahama and the Family Islands”.
He is also promising that a DNA government at the end of its first year in office ‘will have commissions of Inquiry on matters pertaining to Baha Mar, the Bank of The Bahamas, and VAT disbursements.
“If it is determined that there was wrong-doing, people will go to jail – everyone must be equal under the law especially our government.”
The DNA said it would also tackle crime, properly liberalise exchange controls, promising that at the end of its first term in office “will have expanded opportunities in the financial services sector, diversified our tourism product, added a one per cent of GDP surplus to our annual budget, reduced unemployment to eight per cent, created new industries in technology, restructure the Immigration Department and cut wait times for permits and visas in half, decriminalised marijuana . . . ”.
The DNA leader acknowledged that while these “may seem like lofty goals” the document “provides the road map and strategy to make these things happen”. (CMC)
