EDITOR, The Tribune.

I, like most other Bahamians, am tired and frustrated with our inept PLP government. We have endured their lackluster performance, for the last three years and I cannot wait to see their backs. This government has been long on promises and short on fulfilment, they have talked a lot, but done very little, they have ignored the poor, but catered to the wealthy, increased taxes and increased our deficit, they have asked for our opinions then found reasons to ignore them, they have reduced the value of our dollar but continue to fill their pockets and that of their friends, they lie and deny, then tell us we are too ignorant to understand. While crime runs rampant in our beautiful Bahamaland, they are silent.

It was this frustration that motivated me, to attend a recent Marathon/Nassau Village combined Constituencies Association meeting, where the guest speaker was the Leader of the Official Opposition and the FNM Party, the Hon Dr. Hubert A Minnis. I wanted to see and assess for myself this man, who was presenting himself as the alternative leader. This is the same man who is continually described as uncharismatic and uninspiring. I did not notice the “lack of charisma”. The presentation was engaging and indeed very inspiring.

Dr Hubert A Minnis spoke from his heart. He spoke with sincerity and a genuine concern for the Bahamian people. If the Bahamian people are looking for a leader with characteristics of honesty, one who is genuine and exudes integrity and a real interest in improving the fate of the Bahamian people, we need to look no further. We must ignore the foolish distractions and focus on the message for it is one in which we can truly put our trust.

Dr Minnis spoke on his plan to economically empower the Bahamian people. He shared his intent to create tax free zones in the inner cities, including the Bain Town area, as well as Family Islands. This is intended to stimulate economic activity in these areas by encouraging persons to build and start businesses. This plan would effectively increase employment, raise property values and eliminate outdoor toilets, thus raising the standards of living in these areas. It also simultaneously empowers the residents by allowing them to have a stake in the creation of their own wealth.

Dr Minnis also spoke on the inequitable distribution of Crown Land in our country today. He proposes to make Crown Land available on the Family Islands at affordable prices, in combination with Duty Free Building exemptions. This is designed to spur Family Island development and encourage persons to invest in these areas. Investments such as Bed & Breakfast accommodations would be encouraged, as opposed to mega anchor projects, thus allowing more average Bahamians the opportunity to participate and create wealth for themselves and their families. Dr Minnis strongly believes in Family Islanders being in charge of their own economies. He intends to allow the Family Islands to retain a portion of the revenues they generate, or at the very least be provided with a minimum funding to manage their own affairs. Under his leadership, Local Government would be empowered to play a greater role in Family Island development, however accountability would be enforced.

Pertaining to the Civil Service, Dr Minnis would make provisions for advancement and promotions, to be based on qualifications, rather than seniority. This should be an exciting proposition for the many qualified young persons, who are just not prepared to slog away half of their lives, for the remote possibility of moving a mere one or two steps up the ladder, for the pittance being offered in government service. Dr Minnis’ plan involves creating a top notch Civil Service, that would become the training ground for Bahamians. This plan would prepare them to assume leadership roles, throughout the country and thus reduce our dependency on foreigners.

Dr Minnis is definitely a man with a plan. He is a man of integrity who demands honesty and accountability from those around him. He has a proven track record of personal achievement, that he is willing to share with the Bahamian people. He is the man we have been looking for at this time, to take us to the next level. He is indeed worthy of our support and we all need to get behind him.

S CULMER

Nassau,

August 11, 2015.