Madame speaker, I rise on behalf of the resilient Grants Town Constituency to contribute to the 2001-2 Budget Debate. Madame speaker, I rise for this debate against the backdrop of a country in crisis and yet some say that things have never been better. Madame speaker, I rise for this debate against the backdrop of the financial services sector being in a state of uncertainty, thanks to the reckless laws passed in December of 2000, and what those laws will ultimately do to the economy and the job portfolios of many Bahamians. In sum total, Madame speaker, I rise for this debate against the backdrop of a general disapproval of and disdain for this government by the masses of Bahamians.

Madame speaker, the nurses are angry with the government. Madame speaker, the air traffic controllers are still angry with the government. Madame speaker, just about all Bahamians are angry with the government because illegal immigrants with the salt of the ocean still wet on their backs, are using the pay phones at the Defense Force Base to call people to pick them up after their harrowing ride from parts south of this nation.

I guess Madame speaker, if the Member for Adelaide can use the Defense Force Base to hold an FNM Constituency Meeting, why shouldn’t illegal immigrants use it for a more important reason, like using the pay phones to help make good their escape from their homelands? Madame speaker, the merchant class and families are angry with this government for its dismal approach to combating crime. Madame speaker, the hair braiders at Prince George Wharf are angry with the government and of course the unions for the most part have an institutionalized disdain for the FNM Government and its brutish tactics and policies.

Madame speaker, the level of disapproval, disregard and disdain for the FNM Government is even shown at the micro level, where even the few workers at the Nassau International Airport parking lot are angry with the government. And Madame speaker, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the few Bahamians remanded at Fox Hill Prison, awaiting what they fear will be a kangaroo court process, I am advised even they are angry with the FNM Government because of the extradition laws legislated in 2000, for those who are suspected of trafficking in drugs in and through the Bahamas. Yes, Madame speaker, even they are angry with their FNM friends for laws that will virtually guarantee they spend the rest of the lives imprisoned in a foreign land.

And yet Madame speaker, against this backdrop of calamity, chaos and caution, not everyone is angry with the FNM Government. Certainly, the American Government should not be angry with the FNM Government. For they were able to get their man to split wide open the guts of the financial services sector for all and sundry to investigate. And now that the deed is done, the Americans can now say they don’t necessarily support all the measures that the OECD, FATF and FSF have prescribed, leaving their man in the Bahamas holding the bag of blame and shame. But Madame speaker, how easy that is for them to say, now that they have managed to get their man to pronounce a death sentence on our once lucrative and head of the class financial services. So Madame speaker, in that regard not everyone is angry with the FNM government.

Yes, Madame speaker, against the backdrop of disdain, disapproval and disregard for this FNM Government by the masses, there is however some happiness because on a micro level there is one person who is not angry with the FNM Government, not in the least. In fact Madame speaker, he couldn’t be any happier with the FNM Government. Because with an invisible noose around the necks of Cabinet Ministers and some backbenchers; this one person has managed to make them suggest that he be invited to bring misery, mayhem and malice on the people of the Bahamas for another five years and even beyond.

The spineless are saying that he is the best man to lead us out of our current problems ahead. But what they haven’t told the people is that he is the cause of our present problems. Madame speaker, he is the cause of the law enforcement’s failure to effectively eradicate crime. He is the cause of the government being unable to get a grip on the evasion of illegal immigrants to our shores. And of course, he is the genius-extraordinaire, who is the cause of our new laws for the financial services sector, that have only benefited other Caribbean nations who were not running around like scared rabbits, the minute the hunter showed himself. Yes Madame speaker, the spineless are telling us that he who is the cause of the problems is the best one to guide us out of the problems ahead. It’s no wonder that he could get them to invite him back, for they are the blind and he is the one eye man, which in their beliefs makes him the king.

Oh yes Madame speaker, Bahamians by the tens of thousands are complaining about everything this FNM Government does. They are complaining Madame speaker about everything from A to Z, from assault to zealotry. But one man is not complaining about the FNM Government because by threat of economic sanctions for some and the threat of the loss of freedom for others, he’s managed to silence the spineless whimpers of grown men and women. He’s gotten them to invite him back for another five years and beyond. And what has been the end result?

Madame speaker, the end result has been the disintegration of the second oldest political institution in the Bahamas. The end result has been life long friends cutting each other's throats even though they were all in the trenches together for many years in Opposition. We have the old seeking to secure a paycheque and the young seeking to secure a spot for leader, a dream that will only become a nightmare, because there is really nothing for them. Yes Madame speaker, the end result has been a political institution torn to shreds, friendships and ideologies cast aside forever by the one happy man in the Bahamas.

Now Madame speaker, I don’t practice getting into the affairs of the FNM Party. But I can remember when solidarity existed amongst them, with the previous government as their common adversary. But now because of one man, they are stabbing each other in the back, one day they say to their erstwhile and aspiring comrade that, "I am with you." But the next day they vote for the happiest man in the Bahamas to attempt to stay on for another term.

Oh yes Madame speaker, the FNM Party was once an ideology based political institution. They once were all friends. But then along came the Member for North Abaco. The maximum leader, the honorary doctor who has done a surgical procedure better than any surgeon could ever hope to do, though some would call it a hatchet job. Never before has there been such a surgery, such a cutting away of the heart of what FNM use to mean and the destruction of the spines of those men and women calling themselves FNM. Madame speaker, because of one man, the happiest man in the Bahamas, the FNM Party and subsequently, the Government is all but gone from the political scene. Never to be seen again under the premise that brought them together in the first place. Madame speaker, this is the state of affairs of the Bahamas today, where only one man is happy, as we debate the 2001-2 Budget now before us.

Madame speaker, in my initial look at the present Budget for the year 2001-2, I am again stricken that for the tenth time during the reign of this FNM Government, that not one thing of substance is available for the small man in the way of reduced Custom duties. Madame speaker, once again and by guile this FNM Government has led the masses to believe that they have done something for us, when in fact they have only reduced Custom duties for the merchant class and of course, their beloved hotel investors. Madame speaker, they reduced Customs duties on such things as cash registers, accounting material, electronic equipment and of course, medical machinery. Madame speaker, how does this help the small or even the poor man?

Oh yes, they reduced Customs duties on limes, apples, pineapples and strawberries. But what does that really mean to the small man, when in fact this pirate government reduces Customs duties on breadbasket items and then turns their eyes away from the merchant food supplier, who doesn’t reduce the price of the goods even though the Customs duties are reduced? Madame speaker, it has happened every time under this renegade FNM Government, where they brag about what they do for the masses when reducing Customs duties on breadbasket items, then they turn a blind eye to the fact that the reduction in Customs duties are not passed on by the merchant to the consumer.

Madame speaker, this government turns a blind eye toward the merchant class still extracting high profit from reduced Customs duties. And when the people do happen to end up with a champion for their cause; a person who will go into the supermarkets to check the prices and exact justice for the poor, what does this FNM Government do? They retire the consumer warrior and fire the minister who has given the mandate to do what’s right and then they abolish the Consumer Ministry! Madame speaker, nothing is ever as it seems with the FNM Government when they claim what they do has no sinister overtone. Look at what they did, they claimed they got rid of E.J. Bowe as the people’s consumer warrior because he reached the retirement age of 60. But now they plan on bringing legislation returning the age of mandatory retirement to 65. Why retire the man when they knew they were going to extend the retirement age to 65?

By the way Madame speaker, who can afford to buy limes, pineapples and strawberries in a big enough bulk to bring them from away and benefit from the reduced Customs duties? Certainly not the poor or small man. In the main, it is only the merchant and the hotels that would venture to do such a thing because for them it is a part of doing business and under this FNM Government it is also very profitable.

Madame speaker, that’s how serious this FNM Government is about lifting the burden of the small and poor man in the Bahamas. Instead of doing something to substantially make the load of the masses lighter, they pile on more hardship! And they do it by guile. They do it by deception. They do it by saying, "Never mind what your pocket is telling you, we are looking out for you." Madam speaker, this FNM Government is a government that prescribes to keeping things status quo for the merchant class and their Sun god. But meanwhile telling the masses, "Look what we are doing for you, we are reducing Customs duties on apples, on limes, on pineapples, on watermelons and on coffee and tea machines." Madame speaker, I guess that means our beloved, but tortured nurses will now be getting their free cup of coffee and tea from the Ministry of Health!

Madam speaker, there was nay a word from the Minister of Finance on the long promise package of consumer protection legislation. The Member for Holly Cross must be a disappointed man or is he? He has gotten use to making false promises. Madam speaker, who hijacked the long overdue promise of laws governing consumer credit to provide for transfer of mortgages or loans between banking institution at no cost to the consumer?

And Madame speaker, this government and its programmed Ministers had the gall to bang on the tables when the Finance Minister mentioned in his Budget Communication that they will be allowing Bahamians to buy shares from foreign companies in the Bahamas, such as Sun International. I mention Sun because while there are other foreign companies in the Bahamas, certainly the Pied Piper’s behavior to date would only point to this being done for the millionth time, to pay homage to and make the masses worship their Sun god. I remind those so-called spirit-filled members of the government, that the one true God clearly states that "thou shall have no other God but me." I remind once again, those holy-ghost, tongue talking, towel wavering so-called faith-walkers in the FNM Government, that God states very clearly that thou shall have no other God but him.

Yes Madame speaker, the Minister of Finance bragged, in fact seemed to be reveling in the fact that they will be allowing Bahamians to buy shares in foreign companies operating in the Bahamas. But what are they really doing? Madame speaker, they gave away potential taxpayer revenue in concessions to Sun International, to the tune of tens of millions of dollars and now they talk about making it possible for Bahamians to buy shares from foreign companies such as Sun International. And for some this would be a sound investment, but why are they just allowing it to happen now, when Sol Kerzner told the Opposition that he was prepared to do it years ago? Madame speaker, this FNM Government under its absolute and maximum leader can be likened to a doodle bird—you wind them up and they go backwards!

Madame speaker, and if what I am hearing is correct, I put this government on notice now that when Sun announces all the additional projects they will be doing, I can only hope that this government doesn’t decide to lower the casino tax to an even lower or miniscule amount. I warn the Member for North Abaco right now, of the old saying that "while the thief is busy, the watchman is busy also." And certainly I am watching and I advise the public to watch for it also. I’ll say no more about that for now. I wait and watch.

Madame speaker, this FNM Government shows time and time again that they have no care for the small man. Certainly Madame speaker, we hear the words of the government’s "Budget Song," but the music clearly is still the same. The music clearly conveys that the FNM Government takes care of the merchant class and too bad for the poor if the merchant doesn’t pass the reduction in Customs duties on to the consumer. Madame speaker, they could care less that the farmers also grow pineapples, limes and the likes.

Who cares they say, let them die an undignified slow or fast death from starvation, because the government has decided they want to make it more comfortable and profitable for the merchants and the hotels to do business by shopping abroad. It is unfortunate Madame speaker, that this is the character base of the FNM Government. But the fact of the matter is that they take care of the rich, and if any one of those government ministers dare object to the Member for North Abaco’s attitude, they will risk being like the many poor persons this government says "to hell with" and victimizes on a daily basis. They will be out of a job and out of hope. This FNM Government are only a group of persons acting as proxies to enact and enforce laws for the benefit of the rich and those from a land not of our own.

Madame speaker, an examination of the revenue projections in this Budget appears to be an exaggeration at best, as to what is expected, particularly when one views it in juxtaposition of the economic forecast of the United States, who is the major source of our number one industry, tourism. Madame speaker, there is a very old statement that says, "Paper can hold still for anyone to write on."

For it is important to remember that it was this same Finance Minister who in October of 1999 and March of 2000, that ridiculed and called outlandish the concerns of the Opposition about the country being blacklisted. And now we are supposed to believe this Minister in his revenue projections. Madame speaker, a brief number of examples of suspected exaggeration at best would show:

• The Minister claims that Import/Export duties are projected to increase. But on the other hand, the growth of revenue anticipates a reduction in fees for Container Shipments, which happens to be the preferred method of shipping. Should there not be a correlation between Import/Export duties and Container Revenues?
• The Minister claims that projected Revenue on Real Property Tax shows an expected increase of 39.8 %. This is a substantial increase over and above the previous year. Is this realistic? If so, is the government not obligated to provide the Parliament with details to substantiate their justification for believing their own increase of $14.8 million dollars or 39.8%? What are they going to do, put a gun to the heads of Bahamians to make sure every dime of real property tax is paid?
• The Minister claims to project an increase in the level of stamp tax over the previous year by some $13 million dollars. In what sector does the Minister see such growth? Madame speaker, there is already a slow down in real estate sales to non-Bahamians. Does the government forecast an increase in the sales of properties by foreigners, who had acquired the properties and safeguarded their purchases? Purchases that may have been inflated?
• The Minister claims that concerning Insurance Company fees, he is projecting an increase of $4.88 million dollars. What is the basis for him claiming such an increase? Madame speaker, as I understand it, insurance companies fall under the same provisions of the recently enacted financial legislation and its compliance’s. It is my understanding that insurance companies have been experiencing a reduction in new business as a result of the new "Know Your Customer Rules." So how will this supposed increase evolve?
• The Minister claims that motor vehicle licensing fees are projected to increase by $799,000 dollars. Madame speaker, based on a probability that an average vehicle license fee is $100.00 per annum, this would suggest that there will be an additional 7,990 new vehicles licensed in the coming year. Madame speaker, can the government confirm that this is what they are anticipating?
• The Minister projects in the Budget that there will be an increase in revenue of some $712,000 in driver license fees. Madame speaker, presuming that license holders can now purchase new licenses for one or three years, obviously the government must anticipate a combination of persons paying for one and three years during this fiscal budget year. Is that the case? Madame speaker, Bahamians have welcomed the idea of photo identification on their driver’s license. To some Bahamians it was long overdue.

• The Minister has projected an increase in the Casino Gaming Tax Sector of $570,000 dollars. Madame speaker, this is a very conservative calculation based on the estimates in sea arrivals and the increase in tourist revenue. Or Madame speaker, could it be that the government is contemplating the granting of additional concessions to Sun International? Madame speaker, as I said in the beginning of my contribution, that I am hearing of another reduction in the casino tax for Sun, I wait and watch to see if this is the reason for such a conservative number of revenue projection by the Minister.
• The Minister anticipates an increase in airport ticket tax of $905,000 dollars. Madame speaker, this projection anticipates a growth of some 25% over the previous year. Can this estimate be excessive, especially taking into account the anticipated reduction in the GDP?
• The Minister in mentioning the projections of Realty Tax on Transfer claims the government anticipates a decrease in property values between the prices of $20,000 and $250,000. However Madame speaker, the Minister projects an increase of 35% on the realty sales of houses over $250,000. Madame speaker, I ask the Minister to explain how he arrived at this figure of some 35%, or does he just like the way it sounds?
• The Minister claims that Building Permits and Subdivision Fees are projected to decrease by $770,000. Madame speaker, this decrease is anticipated happening at the same time that the Minister is claiming a booming economy. Madame speaker, this is a substantial decline in these two areas and is a clear confirmation of the anticipated downturn in the economy for this ensuing year, notwithstanding the fork tongue approach by the Finance Minister. And finally Madame speaker:
• The Minister claims a reduction in the sale of agriculture produce to be fixed at $617,000 dollars. Madame speaker, surely this is a conservative estimate of the decline that will result from the changes in Customs Duties for agriculture products as announced by the Minister of Finance. However Madame speaker, I will have more to say on agriculture a little later.

Madame speaker, to sum up my brief analysis on the highly suspect projected revenue claims, I do not expect any answers from the Finance Minister nor anyone else in the FNM Government concerning my suspicions about the hocus pocus approach by the Minister at arriving to these figures for the fiscal year 2001-2. Madame speaker, I have therefore concluded that these revenue figures have been inflated to achieve the political objective of this government; claiming to have produced a balanced budget.

However Madame speaker, I remind the government and the nation that the cash system used by the government allows it not to pay its bills in the timely fashion of other businesses, giving the government the opportunity to lay claim to having a balanced budget. So as I said in the beginning Madame speaker, unless the Finance Minister can sensibly explain his revenue projections I have to assume that he’s relying on the fact that paper can hold still long enough for anybody to write anything on it.

Madam speaker, good governance is all about credibility. This Budget lacks credibility because in fact, the Member for North Abaco and his ministers have no credibility. Madame speaker, the maximum leader lacks credibility in his many worthless promises to the poor and struggling Bahamians in many areas. Madame speaker, his promises are hollow and meaningless. The leader of the FNM often proclaims that he says what he means and means what he says, but in reality this statement is as barren as a desert. In fact Madame speaker, when people nowadays want some one to know that they are not telling truth, they say that infamous phrase, I say what I mean and mean what I say.

Madame speaker, increasing number of Bahamians nowadays also suck their teeth when the Member for North Abaco opens his mouth to utter such untruthful words. The Bahamian people can remember well the Member for Long Island bellowing out that Pindling believes that only his ma could born a Prime Minister. The question that caring and thinking Bahamians are now asking is if the Member for North Abaco, the FNM’s maximum leader now believes the same about his mother. (READ FREEPORT NEWS 1995 AND GEORGE MACKEY’S COLUMN)

Madame speaker, the issue for this government is credibility or the lack thereof. In my opinion Madame speaker, from day one the issue has been credibility as far as the government's progress at advancing the cause of the Bahamian people, all the people. Madame speaker, I will now cite the Parliament a few examples that will clearly show that this government has in fact had no credibility from as far back as 1992.

WATSON & BOUNCED CHEQUES

Madame speaker, in the timeframe of 1991 to 1992 a company named Nassau Transfers issued a total of nine cheques payable to the Public Treasury. The total of the nine cheques was $109,249.89. Madame speaker, the cheques were all dishonored, returned and marked, Refer to Drawer. Madame speaker, these cheques were never honored and the payments remained outstanding up to the time that the FNM won the government. Madame speaker, the Member for North Abaco was the Minister responsible for the Public Treasury when the company Nassau Transfers still owed the outstanding debts.

Now Madame speaker, the Member for North Abaco while experiencing the glory of 1992, spent many a day railing about what the PLP did with the Public Treasury and how they left many accounts payable on their watch. The Member for Adelaide also took glee in talking about what was going on at the Commission of Enquiry at the time and as he said, instead of "the PLP talking about bouncing back, they should think about paying back." How appropriate was the Member for Adelaide to be talking about bouncing and paying back, because he is one of the beneficial owners that bounced the nine cheques to the Public Treasury! And while he was talking about the PLP paying back, he himself had not yet paid back the sum of $109, 249,89. (LAY DETAILS F OWNERSHIP IN NASSAU TRANSFERS

Madame speaker, the question now arises as to how this sum was paid back by Nassau Transfers? I invite the Minister for National Security to tell this Parliament and the Bahamian people how and when were the bounced cheques were paid? If he will not then I will be obliged to tell the full story. Madame speaker, while the Member for North Abaco was the Finance Minister and the Member for Adelaide was the Minister of Public Works, the oddest thing happened. Nassau Transfers was issued a contract from a department which is in the Member for Adelaide’s portfolio as a Minister for the supplying of equipment and material to that department.

An instruction was given to the Public Treasury to pay out the contracted sum to Nassau Transfers, however before the sum was issued, I am advised that the Minister of Finance gave instructions that the amount from the bounced cheques should first be deducted from the sum to be given to Nassau Transfers for its business with the Minister’s portfolio.

Madame speaker, I started out by saying that credibility is the watch word for any government and this government never had any credibility. So I ask what was the Member for North Abaco thinking about when he did business with a company that had already bounced over a hundred thousand dollars in cheques to the government? Are we supposed to believe that the Minister of everything, the Member for North Abaco didn’t know the owners of Nassau Transfers? Are we suppose to believe that the Member for Adelaide was surprised when he found out that Nassau Transfers would not be getting what they expected for a job they had gotten from the Minister of Works?

Or was the amount of the supposed contract at the Ministry already inflated to take into account the bounced cheques and maybe a little extra for the pockets of the owners of Nassau Transfer? In other words Madame speaker, was this a way for the Member for Adelaide to pay off the debt of Nassau Transfers with the Treasury money and the help of the Member for North Abaco, as the Finance Minister? Madame speaker, however we look at this scam, it seems clear to me that the Public Treasury was used to pay off the debt of Nassau Transfers. In high finance terms this would be termed as a conflict of interest. But in reality it is tiefin from the Treasury. Credibility is bestowed on men who conduct themselves honestly in the stewardship of the people’s affairs. Credibility can never be attached to men who should be in jail. And the lack of credibility doesn’t stop there…

DR. DARVILLE & BARGE SCAM

Madame speaker, by letter dated February 12, 1993, the Port Controller Leon Flowers authorized Commodore Anthony Allens of the RBDF Base to release the Port’s Barge to a Dr. Elizabeth Darville. Madame speaker, why would the government be giving the taxpayers barge to a private citizen? Dr. Darville acknowledged delivery of the Barge and all of its equipment by letter dated March 25, 1993. Madame speaker, this same Barge, the H.O. McDonald and another Barge was put to Tender in the public domain in April 1993. The Bids were to be handed in by noon on May 3, 1993. Madame speaker, two Bids were received for the H.O. McDonald, one dated April 30, 1993, from lawyer, E. Dawson Roberts on behalf of his Bahamian client in the amount of $20,020.00. Dr. Darville however, submitted her Bid after the due date on June 14, 1993. Her Bid was in the amount of $6,000.00.

Madame speaker, on June 28, 1993 she amended her bid because of expenses arising out of the repair of the Barge. Now keep in mind Madame speaker, that the Barge was still up for tender, but she had already started doing work, or at least she claimed so. She claimed in her amended Bid expenses incurred to the amount of $17,420.66. This now brought her Bid to a total of $23, 420.66. Madame speaker, sometime in September of 1993, I am advised that the Cabinet of the Bahamas agreed to the sale of the Barge, H.O. McDonald to Dr. Elizabeth Darville, for the original price that she offered providing the expenses incurred by her could be verified. Now Madame speaker, being that I am talking about the credibility of a government, the question is, why did the government allow Dr. Darville’s Bid outside the deadline date? And how do we know that she in fact justified her expenses?

Madame speaker, who was the Minister responsible for bringing this scheme to the Cabinet? Who was the person acting ill-advised on behalf of the Bahamian people and our property? Madam speaker, after going through that process Dr. Elizabeth Darville never paid the government the $6000.00. She was advised by someone to walk away from the deal.

The so called work costing $17,020.66 on the barge was never done. It was a sham. It was a brazen attempt to assist an Officer of the FNM and God knows who else; Madam speaker who was the Cabinet Minister that brought the matter to Cabinet, the maximum leader himself (HAI).

Madam speaker the drama of the HO McDonald continued. The barge was abandoned and left sitting for some four years at Prince George dock where it was rusting away and polluting Nassau Harbour. Without tender the government sold the barge again to a Mr. Rickey Mackey for some $30,000 I am advised. Mr. Mackey I am told, attempted to have the barge towed to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force base at Coral Harbour. But the old rusted out barge sank. The government I am told was obliged to return the monies to Mr. Mackey. Madam Speaker the bottom line is that the government ended up without a dime for the barge. Had the government accepted the genuine highest bidder the client of Dawson Roberts again of $20,020 would have again been realized.

Madam speaker this attempted rip-off occurred early in the FNM’s administration, could you imagine what will be revealed when the FNM’s full book is opened wide. The saga of the HO McDonald barge stinks and is offensive and disgusting.

Madame speaker, this is what the maximum leader was doing with the taxpayers money and property from early on in the FNM Governance. Madame speaker, that was how concerned the Member for North Abaco is about his government’s lack of credibility. From early in the FNM’s reign credibility meant nothing to them, only power counted. Not the power of the people and for the people, but for himself, his friends and his benefactors. And though Madame speaker, we are just finding these things out, it is still better later than never and before I move chronologically onto the next scandal, I wonder, what was Dr. Darville doing with this Barge in February 1993, three months before the scam Bid went to tender? Madame speaker, no one should be fooled, this was all about attempting to get some money for a friend, even if it had to be done in a roundabout fashion and for sure, at the expense of the people. And yet Madame speaker, the lack of credibility doesn’t stop there.

MP KNOWLES & CARIBBEAN ASPHALT CO.

Madame speaker, I now wish to read a letter addressed to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister from Caribbean Asphalt Products Ltd. dated November 27, 2000 and it was signed by Mr. Trevor C. Cleare, as Operations Manager and co-signed by Margaret M. Cleare, Corporate Secretary. (Read Letter Into Record).

Madame speaker, contrary to a statement made by the Member for North Abaco concerning he not being behind the FNM’s bid to ask him to serve for a third term, he said, "I always feel good when someone asks me to do something and I try to do what I can." Madame speaker, in regards to the letter from Mr. Trevor Cleare and the Member for North Abaco’s statement of trying to help people, I am advised that the Member for North Aaco did not even acknowledge that he received a letter from Caribbean Asphalt Products Ltd. and despite the passionate plea of the owners of the company, this supposed caring leader did not even lift one finger to help these Bahamians.

Instead Madame speaker, he told his man, a Mr. Audley Greaves to advise the owners of Caribbean Asphalt Products Ltd. to direct their concerns to the Ministry of Works. However Madame speaker, as I have read from the letter of the owners of the company, they informed Mr. Greaves that they had already sent letters to the then Minister of Works, Mr. James Knowles, Director of Works, Mr. G. Sutherland, Mr. Colin Price and Mr. Ali Khan. All of these persons are key personnel at the Ministry of Works and the owners of Caribbean Asphalt got no support nor even acknowledgement of receipt of their letters.

But here’s the point Madame speaker, here was a group of enterprising black Bahamians who had invested heavily in a brand new portable asphalt plant, which became operational in May of 2000. Madame speaker, they had exerted much effort to promote their new plant and they sought the assistance of the MOW. Madame speaker, the owners of the company in their letter bared their very soul to the Member for North Abaco on the serious dilemma they are facing with their bankers, but that meant nothing to the Member for North Abaco, who claims he feels good when people ask him to help and he does what he can.

Madame speaker, I am advised that prior to the introduction of the Caribbean Asphalt Plant, New Providence had only two hot mix plants. One is under the control of the Ministry of Works and the other is owned by a group of white knights, whom I am advised are politically well connected and frowns on Caribbean Asphalt being in the business. However Madame speaker, I shall return to that story after I show the lack of credibility on behalf of the government in regards to Caribbean Asphalt Products Ltd.

Madame speaker, in my attempts to understand why Caribbean Asphalt was being handled in an unkind manner, my investigations have revealed that the company’s difficulties appears to be directly related to an altercation between Mr. Henry Cleare Sr. and the MP for Long Island and Ragged Island. Madame speaker, this altercation occurred in 1996 during the reconstruction of the airstrip at Duncan Town, Ragged Island, where the sister company of Caribbean Asphalt, Cleare’s Heavy Equipment Ltd, were the contractors for the reconstruction of the airstrip.

Madame speaker, I again repeat the part of the letter that stated; (READ HIGLIGHTED PART OF CARIBBEAN LETTER)

Madame speaker, why would the Member for North Abaco in light of this very serious disclosure refer the Cleare’s and their business enterprises back to the Ministry of Works, then headed by the Minister on whom a serious accusation was made? Was the Member for Notrh Abaco doing a Pontius Pilate? Madame speaker, is the Member for North Abaco worn out and unable to further discharge his serious duties, such as preventing corruption in his government? Or was this whole affair a cover up?

Madame speaker, I ask if this was a cover up because my information is that the dispute concerned the time when Cleare’s Heavy Equipment was executing the reconstruction of the same Ragged Island airstrip in 1996. At that time they were approached by the DEU and the American DEA regarding suspicious activities at night on the airstrip. I was also advised that the owners of Cleare’s Heavy Equipment assured the DEU and DEA that they were not involved and they agreed to leave their equipment on the airstrip every night, so as to prevent any unauthorized landings.

Madame speaker, I am further advised that this willingness by the contractor to help the DEU and DEA was met with strong objections from one Percy Wilson, a general for the MP, the Hon. James Knowles, who I am told resides very close to the airstrip. My advisement further revealed that Mr. Wilson proceeded to use his connections to make life difficult for the contractor, aided and abetted by the MP for Long Island and Ragged Island, James Knowles.

Madame speaker, I am advised that Mr. Wilson walks around Ragged Island as if he is the head honcho. He likewise went about having a petition signed against Cleare’s Equipment and their attempts to fulfill their contract, all because the contractors agreed to assist the DEU and DEA. Madame speaker, I am also advised that Mr. Wilson was able to influence MOW’s engineers and the then Minister of Works, the Hon. Tommy Turnquest as well Sr. Officials from the Civil Aviation Department in the hopes that they would find some fault with the contractor’s work. However Madame speaker, did any of those agencies find any fault with the contractors work?

Madame speaker, my expose on drug trafficking in Long Island, represented by the Hon. James Knowles, found the Memebr for North Abaco only able to say that "Loose lips can cause lives." And yet Madame speaker, here I am again revealing another scandal in the other island represented by the same MP, James Knowles. Madame speaker, in view of my new revelations I ask the following questions:

Madame speaker, what is sickening about this whole expose is that the MP for Long Island and Ragged Island with the Member for North Abaco’s blessings did become the Minister of Works and as sure as night followed day, the contractor was blacklisted by the Minister at the Ministry of Works. In fact Madame speaker, the record will show I am advised, that the contractor was given a job by a MOW Engineer to be carried out at the Clarence A. Bain Building. But when the Minister found out, the engineer was fired!

Madame speaker, I remind you that the issue of good governance is credibility, and after revealing all of the scandals that have gone on up to this date, how can anyone trust even one word spoken by the Finance Minister, much less believe their budget projections of the year 2001-2. And yet Madame speaker, the government’s lack of credibility doesn’t stop there.

BAHAMAS HOT MIX PLANT & AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Madame speaker, I spoke of reverting back to the subject of the Bahamas Hot Mix Plant, and the scandalous activity at the Airport Authority, and I do so now. Madame speaker, some 3 or 4 months ago I had a visit from a young man who provided me with information regarding the Airport Authority. Madame speaker, Bids were invited to do paving around the perimeter at NIA, as well as other works related to that project. I was also informed that Cleare’s Heavy Equipment was the lowest bidder by some $300,000.00. Madame speaker, I was also advised that at the Tender opening, Bahamas Hot Mix, one of the higher Bidders offered an alternative plan. After that all tenders were declared null and void. However Madame speaker, when the smoke cleared and the Bids were forgotten about, guess who ended up with the contract? Bahamas Hot Mix.

Madame speaker, I sought to find out who are the principle owners of Bahamas Hot Mix and according to the annual returns made up to December 2, 1999, the Officers and Directors are as follows (READ NAMES) and the names of the shareholders are (READ NAMES). Madame speaker, my information is that Bahamas Hot Mix is the colossus in the private sector asphalt business. Madam speaker, you will recall that I have mentioned that Craig Symonette is a Vice President, Director and beneficial owner. His brother, Brent Symonette, the Chairman of the Airport Authority is also a major shareholder, and it was their company that got the job of paving the airport, though they were not the lowest Bidder. Madame speaker, is that what Brent Symonette meant when he said on Jones & Co. on April 29, that "The Prime Minister gave me carte blanch to do what I want at the airport?" Did he mean that he could give jobs to whom he likes and most of the time to companies that he has interest in?

Madame speaker, this is a clear case of conflict of interest and naked greed. It is also a case of a government with no credibility because I read to you a letter from a small Bahamian company to the Member for North Abaco. A company attempting to make their mark on their country by paving airport roads in the Family Islands and they won a bid in New Providence by some $300,000. But through manipulation and the turning of a blind eye by this one-man government, they did not get the job. Madame speaker, a murderer is not only one who kills physically, but he can also be one who kills the hope and spirits of a people by his actions, inactions or lack of credibility.

Madame speaker, I reflected on the words of this past Sunday from Ambassador Arthur Foulkes at the opening of the new housing subdivision named in honor of the late Bahamian politician Dame Dr. Doris Johnson. Madame speaker, the Ambassador said, "Occasions like these are always full of nostalgia as they are memories of a people who were once second-class citizens in their own country, memories of an entrenched oligarchy which once governed solely in its own economic interest."

Madame speaker, we have now taken a complete turn back to these days under the philosophy and policies of this FNM Government and I wait with bated breath to see how the Member for North Abaco will justify the many events and scandals that have marked this government as lacking in credibility. And yet Madame speaker, the lack of credibility doesn’t stop there.

GOVERNMENT HOT MIX PLANT

Madame speaker, besides for the scandalous operations at the privately owned Bahamas Hot Mix Plant, I have also been advised that there is a big rip-off going on at the government’s hot mix plant at Arawak Cay. I am also advised that this situation has been reported to the new Minister of Public Works. Madame speaker, I am advised that Bahamix is managed in the main by 3 expatriates, a manager, a road work superintendent and a chief mechanic. Madame speaker, qualified Bahamians have not even been given the opportunity to do those jobs for their country.

Madame speaker, I am informed that the chief mechanic does private repair work in the compound at Arawak Cay. I am also informed that he cusses out the Bahamian workers on a regular basis and treats them with a general contempt. Madame speaker, I am also advised that Bahamix equipment is used to do unauthorized private jobs, while supplying the asphalt for private jobs at no payment. Madame speaker, maybe I shouldn’t say unauthorized private jobs because obviously, someone is giving the permission to have it done. Madame speaker, a concerned Bahamian citizen has informed me that "there is too much slackness and stealing going on and the Bahamix loader sits idle while a rented paver services is utilized.

Madame speaker, I have not seen an accounting by the government concerning the hot mix plant/asphalt operation. The people elected the FNM on the premise of transparency, is this transparency the fact that we have had no accounting in quite some time? Madame speaker, this government clearly lacks credibility. And I have taken this time to reveal only some of the documents found in my garbage can. I likewise invite any persons Bahamian or non-Bahamians who feel the way that I do about this government’s lack of credibility to forward all factual information to me that you feel needs public exposure.

I invite all persons to present me with factual information either by way of my garbage can, of which I now have three outside my house. Or by visiting my web-site at bradleyroberts.org. I also invite any comments via my E-Mail and the address is bradleybe43@hotmail.com Madame speaker, I remain so grateful that persons feel like I do about this government’s lack of credibility. Madame speaker, the government’s behavior and this budget clearly lacks credibility equally as much when we look at custom duties and taxes.

Government Ministers and Back-Benchers banged on the tables when the Minister of Finance announced there would be a reduction in taxes on several items including grapes, apples, etc. Reduction was also announced on typewriters and word processors but the Minister should have told the Bahamian people that the reduction in taxes on typewriters and word processors was meaning less as computers have virtually eclipsed both and they are passe.

Madam Speaker, low income struggling Bahamians have been awaiting for two years the announcement by the Minister of the FNM Manifesto’s pledge of the removal of Customs Duty on building materials for housing in the depressed areas of New Providence and in Grand Bahama. But again, there was none. Madam speaker I am pleased to announce that a new PLP Government within 100 days of taking office will implement bold and creative measures to reduce the cost of housing for low income Bahamians.

Madam Speaker, Bahamians, in particular Taxi Drivers, were expecting a reduction in taxes on gasoline and diesel. Bahamians are saddled with gasoline taxes that are among the highest in the world, thanks to this FNM government which imposed an increase of 10 cents and 21 cents per gallon on gasoline back in 1993 and 1994. A new PLP Government will reduce gasoline and diesel taxes within the first year of office. Yes the PLP will bring meaningful relief which impact the lives of all Bahamians.

Madam Speaker, Bahamians who find it necessary to use their own cars as jitneys do not operate at night were expecting to get some relief in the reduction of taxes on automobiles but there was none. Madame speaker, the basis of good governance is credibility

The Member for North Abaco claimed that a fundamental tenet of the philosophy of his Government was:-

The exercise of honesty, accountability and transparency in all public matters.

In addition to the above an FNM Government in its Manifesto committed to:

1. Provide for a regular question and answer period in the House when the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers respond to questions by Members of Parliament. Madam speaker, you must be aware of the exceptionally long delay in the past and the present of the Government in providing answers to Opposition questions. Madam Speaker can you or any Member of the Government say that this is the action of an honest, accountable and transparent Government? The answer simply put, is that this Government lacks credibility and is dishonest. This FNM Government has failed miserably to honour the ancient traditions and conventions of this Westminster Parliamentary System to scrupulously observe the principal of accountability by the Government.
2. The FNM Government has failed to provide Parliament on a timely basis annual reports mandated by law despite the many pleas of the Opposition. Madam Speaker, as an example, the long delay in tabling the annual Treasury Accounts which mandated tabling is enshrined under the Bahamas Constitution. The Minister of Finance comes to this Parliament with five years of Treasury Accounts and a bogus explanation for the indecent delay. Madam Speaker another example was the tabling last week of the Ministry of Public Works annual reports for four years 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. This is disgraceful. The government firstly breaks the law and obviously believes they are above the law. Madam Speaker, what we have is a lawless Government. I accused the Government of deliberately hiding information from the public in its failure to table the 1999 and the year 2000 accounts of BEC. The Minister of National Security responded and said it was an oversight. Was it an oversight that Government failed to pay BEC for electricity? Was it an oversight that BEC failed to pay customs duties on its fuel imports for years. Madam Speaker I reject the Minister’s assertion that it was an oversight. Perhaps it was an oversight that $135,000 of bankrupt Bahamasair funds has not been recovered. Madam Speaker, I remind the Minister of National Security that he is obligated to be frank and honest in official dealings with colleagues.
3. An FNM Government also committed:-

Madam Speaker, Ministers of the Government are traveling overseas on a regular basis. I do not recall any of them save and except their maximum leader reporting to the people on the results. The last time the Member for North Abaco gave his report was on his visit to South Africa that is incomplete. Despite the Opposition’s request the Member for North Abaco has not reported on the cost of his visit to the United States and Europe over the black listing of the Bahamas. Madam speaker, again it’s a simple issue of accountability and credibility on which this FNM Government has failed miserably.

On June 3, 1993, the then Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Member for Bamboo Town, informed this Parliament that those two sectors (A&F) accounted for approximately $120 Million Dollars in annual receipts, employed 5000 persons and contributed 8% of the GNP. The then Minister said that production masks a number of sharp discrepancies. For example, he said the Fisheries Sector had shown consistent growth dominated by lobster production. That other Fishery Resources were under exploited, lobster alone accounted for over 90% of value. The MP for Bamboo Town further disclosed that the story was much the same for citrus production which accounted for approximately 80% of Agriculture exports.

Over the past decade Agriculture production had been stagnant and the number of persons employed had decreased, that persons were leaving the sector permanently. The then Minister disclosed that the Government’s policy aims to reverse the erosion.

Madam Speaker, the then Minister then proceeded to point the accusing finger with the statement "In the past, the Bahamas has lacked the vision, foresight and courage to make bold plans and take courageous initiative". He continued, "Despite past conduct, there are still significant alternatives for long term development of Bahamian Agriculture, based on exports.

Madam Speaker, the then Minister also said "To attract and hold investors, certain essentials are needed; research and extension technology, credit funds, land; labour, management, transportation, pest free clearance, government support and production technology. These essentials can all be put in place through diligent and focused effort on the part of the Bahamian government. My Government’s comprehensive policy addresses all of these essential ingredients.

Land resources must be available on a timely basis. With speedy resolution of the agricultural land policy joint ventures could be formed to rapidly expand the amount of land in production. Madame speaker, "The focused strategy being advanced would target some of this land for development of specific crops. Transportation is another key variable that provides long term competitiveness for Bahamian agriculture. One of the reasons that agriculture in Abaco has developed faster than the rest of the Bahamas is because of the existence of a critical mass of infrastructure. The focused strategy is aimed at enabling similar services to be developed in other areas. In the meantime, long term arrangements could be worked out with existing transport companies to arrange the most competitive rates available".

"My government will be an active partner in development, and will not be content to allow opportunities to be squandered, by forcing the private sector to go it alone. Along with a set of competitive incentives, we need an aggressive strategy, based on a pragmatic appraisal of what is feasible. The approach we have set is to attract investment to agricultural sector, by targeting Bahamians investors and Non Bahamian Investors alike. I further intend to facilitate these investors by requesting the US Government’s assistance in putting in place the needed research and extension system to rapidly integrate Bahamian growers into the process similar to what has been done for other Caribbean countries"

Madame speaker, on Import Controls, the Minister disclosed, "The Bahamas is extremely close to the USA and is vulnerable to a flood of agriculture commodities that result from surplus production in the USA. My government recognizes that both large scale export non-Bahamian farms and smaller Bahamian farms will not succeed or expand without adequate incentives. Therefore in addition to the incentives detailed earlier in my presentation my government intends to protect the local agricultural industry through a system of import licenses under the Import Control Regulations Act administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. This will allow quick implementation and reversal, if there is a change in the production price levels".

"Licensing will also restore the confidence of national producers who wish to invest in additional capacity to further expand national production. Mr. speaker, the intent of this act is to signal the right of Bahamian access to the Bahamian market. We have devised other appropriate measures to safeguard the rights of consumers."

Madame speaker, the then new and enthusiastic Minister covered many other areas that I shall deal with at some other future date. However he concluded by saying, " it is essential to the success of the Agricultural Land Policy for the production of crops to be determined and regulated by the demand for products and to be placed in the context of the objectives of the policy. This policy aims to improve domestic food security, promote export of agricultural products, facilitate import substitution and forge linkage with other sectors of the economy. The Department of Agriculture will work closely with farmers, hotels, supermarkets and institutions to tie production with market requirements. Goods produced by farmers to satisfy this market will be delivered by the most efficient means possible to the market.

"The Agricultural Policy is designed as an action program to rapidly increase domestic food production, expand exports, increase employment opportunities and expand the Bahamian economy while conserving natural resources. The policy streamlines the role of government and provides a competitive framework for the private sector and the Government to attain our objectives for the development of the agricultural, fisheries and cooperatives sector."

Madame speaker, that was the FNM Government’s agricultural policy and action plan which was communicated to this Parliament and the Bahamian people on June 3, 1993, over eight years ago. Madame speaker, I am told that at the time the farmers were happy, happy, happy. But eight years later, farming in the Bahamas is at its lowest ebb, the lowest in 40 years, thanks to this FNM Government. Madame speaker, the credibility of this FNM Government has sunk to below zero in the farming community.

Madame speaker, the actions by the Finance Minister in reducing the duty on certain agricultural products virtually pronounces the final rites for agriculture in our Bahamas. And yet Madame speaker, the apprentice-Economic Development Minister had the gall to say in his closing remarks during his contribution, that we in the Opposition are playing on the fears of Bahamians by telling them the truth about this FNM Government. Madame speaker, the out-of-his-depth Economic Development Minister, claims that we should be ashamed of ourselves because as he claims we play on the fears of Bahamians, when the fact of the matter is that the Opposition is telling the people that what they should really fear is this doodle bird government. Who when they communicate a budget, they always go backwards led by the Finance Minister, with his apprentice tagging along for the fat paycheque ride.

Madame speaker, this past Sunday Mr. Prince Strachan, a well known and long time farmer in Nassau and in South Eleuthera, a long time supporter of the FNM, gave me a copy of his press release that he proposes to make. The release is entitled "Bahamian Agricultural Development—One Man’s Perspective." Madame speaker, I shall now share its contents with Members and the Bahamian people. (READ PRESS RELEASE)

Madam speaker, time does not allow me to go into many subjects on which I have prepared including the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, FTAA, Crime, Sewerage System for over the hill area, my pet subject domestic banking, housing, etc., but I do want to say a brief word on the Royal BHAMAS Police Force.

We are indebted to those honest, loyal and hardworking members of our enforcement agencies whose lives are at risk every day fighting crime in our Bahama land. Some of us take for granted the role played by member of the RBPF and the RBDF.

Regretfully we live in a time where increasing numbers of officers of the RBPF in particular are dying in the service of our country. Madam Speaker, an officer who is killed in the line of duty, we as a people do not adequately provide for his spouse and dependent children.

Madam speaker, there has been some debate in the past as to what should be done but the simple fact is nothing has happened.

Madam speaker, I am obliged as one example and that is to point to the case of Inspector Moss who was shot and killed in Long Island following a bank robbery.

I am advised that Inspector Moss had several weeks/months to go, to qualify for 30 years of service and would have been entitled to pension benefits. Madam Speaker, I am advised that the government has refused to grant the 30 years pension rights to the wife of Inspector Moss.

Madam speaker, when will this government begin underwriting the cost of funerals for officers of the RBPF and the RBDF who die in the line of fire whilst on duty? Perhaps the government was too busy appointing a commission to review salaries of Ministers and Members of this House!

Madame speaker, I conclude as I began by talking about the chaos and calamity that this country is experiencing on a daily basis. Madame speaker, there is confusion and crisis daily because of the FNM Government’s lack of credibility. And this budget will do nothing to change the present state of chaos. Madame speaker, it is often said by those on the government’s side that I am an angry man. In fact Madame speaker, this false belief was started by the Member for North Abaco as a means to deny the truth as to why I am so vigilant at calling out the wrongs of this government.

However Madame speaker, if in fact I am an angry man, I certainly have reason to be, because I remember in 1977 how vibrant a personality we had in the PLP Party. Madame speaker, I can remember the promising future of one man who was capable of carrying on the principle of putting people first. Madame speaker, I can remember all the troubles this one man went through to represent his people and do what he claims was the right thing at all times. Madame speaker, I can also remember working closely with him to fulfill his dreams and mines about building homes for the poor and downtrodden. And in fact Madame speaker, when he went his own way, I can remember thinking that we lost a good man of the future. Madame speaker, I even had reasonable hopes for this country, when he became the leader, though it meant my Party would be in Opposition.

However Madame speaker, he became leader in 1992 and what did he proceed to do? He turned back the hands of time and ushered in a period that he and I both fought against, when he claimed he was for the people. Madame speaker, he became exactly what he claimed he despised of the days of colonialism. He turned his back on every principle that nurtured and sustained him throughout his life. But the worst thing of all, he proved that all along he had no credibility. That man was once my friend, but now he’s no ones friend. He seeks only to do the bidding of those not appreciative of our culture. And if I am an angry man, its because the Member for North Abaco fooled us all. He abused us all as well.

So Madame speaker, if I am an angry man, it’s only because I am sad that we have allowed such a monster to rule over what is otherwise a great country. But if I am angry, I am also committed to see change come to this country. I am committed to be on the front line of ridding this country of this FNM Government. Never again should a people be hoodwinked into believing that a man and his government means the country well, when in fact, harm is the reward for everyone that he does not smile on.

It’s all about credibility Madame speaker. And no matter what title you may carry, if you are not credible as a person, you’ll only bring shame to your title. Madame speaker, it is time for this government to go. It is time that the people of the Bahamas leave not one ill-suited politician standing when the election comes. All Madame speaker, who stand in this House as FNM’s that prescribe to the maximum leader’s style of governance must be laid flat. And if I being an angry man can help get it done, then the best of my anger is yet to come.

Madame speaker, before I take my seat, I would be remiss if I didn’t send my heartfelt thanks to the owners of the Nassau Guardian for finally taking the virus out of journalism, Mr. Oswald Brown. Brown’s unceremonious departure from the Guardian is the greatest act of mercy shown to the people of the Bahamas since God smiled on us by sending the Gospel our way. I can remember when Brown was at the Bahamian Times and he blamed Sir Lynden Pindling for getting him fired. Well, I wonder who he’s going to blame this time. All I wish to say to Oswald Brown is goodbye and good riddance as his departure from the Guardian has not caused one person one minute of grief or concern. For him too, it was about credibility.

Madame speaker, on one last word about credibility, I have heard the cries of some persons that they are being ripped off by insurance agents, who are collecting monies to insure properties, but are not turning the money over to the Insurance Companies and when the client makes claims for things like car accidents, they find out from the insurance companies that they are not insured with them. Madame speaker, I had hoped I would have had all of the information to present to the Parliament today, but unfortunately my garbage could not hold any more information.

However Madame speaker, I want to put the House on notice that when I receive the rest of the information, I will bring it to this place, for it will be our responsibility to deal with the matter and the culprit in order for us to let it be seen that we are not all crooks. Madame speaker, this too is a matter of credibility and if a Member is caught committing criminal acts, than certainly they must be made an example of, so the children can see that jail was not only made for them; but also made for us, men and women.

Madame speaker, I say no more on that subject for now, other than to say, while God may be long suffering when it comes to our shortcomings, He is not forever suffering.

AS ALWAYS MADAME SPEAKER, ON BEHALF OF THE GREAT CONSTITUENCY OF GRANTS TOWN, I THANK YOU.