Saturday, July 11, 2015
BRANVILLE McCartney, the leader of the Democratic National Alliance, says "today’s Bahamas is a far cry from the strong independent nation that our forefathers envisioned" in his party's Independence message released on Friday.
Mr McCartney pointed to unprecedented levels of crime, poor education, higher tax burdens and a population hungry and out of a job in a message entitled 'Paradise Lost'. He blamed the two traditional political parties for squandering the opportunity of self-governance and breeding mediocrity.
The message read: "Today, the country marks its 42nd year as an independent nation. More than four decades ago our forefathers fought and agitated for the freedoms we now enjoy. The freedom to vote in democratic elections and the right to own a piece of this great nation we call home. These freedoms while fundamentally important to our continued growth and development, are for the most part, taken for granted by many Bahamians.
"Since breaking the bonds of colonial rule in 1973, our small island chain has made many strides but we have also faced many challenges. Today’s Bahamas is a far cry from the strong independent nation that our forefathers envisioned. Former US President Franklin Roosevelt once famously said: 'True individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made'.
"This could not be truer of our modern day Bahamas. Where the founders of the nation saw freedom, we now live with the shackles of unprecedented levels of crime and unemployment. Where they dared to dream of an educated populous, we now contend with a substandard system which continues to churn out individuals who are functionally illiterate. Where our forefathers imagined economic growth and stability the country’s leadership over the last forty years has delivered only a higher tax burden and a stagnant economy which threatens to choke the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.
"Clearly, forty years of self-governance under the PLP and FNM has done little to move our country closer to the dream that was once the Bahamas: A paradise where the country’s natural resources are protected and preserved and where talented and industrious Bahamians could thrive. Instead, our political leaders have used their platforms to further personal agendas and line the pockets of their friends, family members and party supporters, creating a nation of individuals who have become dependent on the scraps which fall from the table of the country’s elite.
"Over the past forty years the country’s political leaders have created policies which allow foreign investors to become kings in a land where Bahamians should be owners. One need only skim the headlines of the local dailies to see the latest such example: Bahamar. Is this the Bahamas for which our nation’s founders fought? Has our Paradise been lost? Are we proud of where we are as a sovereign nation?
"If that famous quote by Franklin Roosevelt is to be used as a measure, then my fellow Bahamians WE ARE NOT FREE! Even as we contend with the many socio-economic issues that currently plague our country however, there is HOPE. Our Paradise is not lost forever.
"As a young and developing democracy, we still have an opportunity to realise the dream of a truly independent Bahamas. To do so, we must look inward, taking advantage of our greatest resource: OUR PEOPLE.
"We must create new industries in which Bahamians can become real economic stakeholders, and owners of our own economy. We must move away from the current system of dependence and cronyism and work to empower Bahamians through education and entrepreneurial opportunities.
"In a truly independent Bahamas, we will play a more active role in charting the course to the country’s future. In a truly independent Bahamas, the constitutional dictatorship which has bred mediocrity will give way to the greatness once envisaged by our forefathers. The road to true independence will not be easy though, the challenges will be many. It will take the collective strength of ALL BAHAMIANS and BAHAMIANS AT HEART to refocus our nation; that we may march on to that loftier common goal which we proudly sing about in our National Anthem.
On this 42nd Anniversary of Independence, let us reflect on the dream that was. Let us honestly examine the challenges we currently face and let us work daily toward the goal of reclaiming Paradise.
Comments
Cobalt says...
I couldn't have said it better myself.
At least Branville McCartney is speaking the truth, instead of the delusional nonsense spewing from the mouth of PM Perry Christie.
I just read in the Gaurdian that Perry Christie had the audacity to utter the foolish words, "things will be dead good soon." This man is clearly a buffoon. An idiot, with an idiosyncratic pattern of belief. Smh.
Posted 11 July 2015, 2:40 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
**The road to true independence *must begin* with bringing those that enslave us to JUSTICE!**
Posted 12 July 2015, 9:08 a.m. Suggest removal
newcitizen says...
Who exactly are you referring to?
Posted 13 July 2015, 10:02 a.m. Suggest removal
Mustapha1951 says...
The time has come and fast fleeting for Bahamians as a people to take control of this precious Country that now had rested in the hands of unintelligent,uneducated,ignorant and clearly demonstrated many times over STUPID personalities
The success of this our Bahama land rest with the selection of individuals that had and have operated successful business or who have the ,at least ,basic understanding of running a business.
It is said that the mentality of the democratically elected government is a direct reflection of the mentality of the majority who elected them.............
Hmmmmm literacy levels ,? incompetence.? Stupidity ?
Will the intelligent support and elect the UN-intelligent ? or are they tooo many ?
Bahamians forget the party stupidity and select and promote the best minds possible.
Posted 12 July 2015, 2:03 p.m. Suggest removal
B_I_D___ says...
There are too many uneducated people with chips on their shoulders about race and equality. They would rather blame someone else beyond themselves before they admit they did not put their best foot forward.
Posted 12 July 2015, 8:20 p.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
Bingo!!! You've hit the nail right on the head!
Too many Bahamians sell their votes for political sustenance!! Rather than educating themselves to the point of self reliance, they've confined themselves to a lazy mentality where they want something for nothing!
The problem with this pattern of behavior is that it renders you hopeless and completely dependent on the government; leaving one vulnerable and doomed to a life of poverty.
And then the very same perpetual pattern repeats itself with the next generation of those born to unintelligent, uneducated parents.
Posted 13 July 2015, 1:24 a.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
Comrades who in hell told's you people, that education alone can sustain good government? From actions some of our most educated citizens and politicians, couldn't we argue, voters too educated ain't as willing to want rock-da political elites boat, enough to protect the nation's democracy and sovereignty. Don't be underestimating the will of an uneducated electorate, who if you were ask them, might just argue that the one's with da most book learning, are of the low intellect when it comes to exercising some good ole common sense and street smarts good judgment.
Posted 12 July 2015, 8:41 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
It's not about a paper. But we cannot hand over our economy to an illiterate. If you want to attain the highest office you have to work for it. You have to know the constitution, you have to know common business principles, you must know about business administration, public administration, some business finance, you have to know ethics rules and some project management principles. We are not a horse and buggy economy any longer. Who would you want managing your personal bank account!
Posted 12 July 2015, 10:14 p.m. Suggest removal
crabman says...
once we were "Solid, Solid as a Rock
Posted 12 July 2015, 8:43 p.m. Suggest removal
paul_vincent_zecchino says...
Mr. McCartney states the facts in logical, reasonable direct manner.
Anytime I've had the pleasure of hearing him speak, such as on ZNS, Branville McCartney comes across as forthright, on the level.
Mr. McCartney tells it straight.
Posted 12 July 2015, 9:41 p.m. Suggest removal
SP says...
**............................ Is Branville McCartney Compromised Too? ................................**
With all the blatant cross pollination of corruption between the PLP and FNM, McCartney would definitely resonate 1000% more to the wider population if he focused on corruption.
One has to wonder why Branville is reluctant to do the obvious!
Posted 13 July 2015, 8:23 a.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
If our "Paradise" is lost ....................... why is Bran interested in governing it????? Last time I heard that term was when Pindling was in power ..................... is this deja vu - all over again??????
Posted 13 July 2015, 10:52 a.m. Suggest removal
New4068 says...
Strong truth. Even though I'm currently living in the US, I stay up to date with the happenings at home.
Remember when Bay Street was beautiful, safe for tourist, something to be proud of?
That's just one example of how things have deteriorated.
If we as a people could take one step back from the "forest" and see the trees again, it would be obvious what's happened.
Politicians on both sides have raped our Country! Never for the good of the people but for their own good. For the good of their families, friends, supporters.
Scraps from the table is correct. When will we demand leaders to be transparent? To live up to their promises.
And friends....when Cuba opens back up, and it is, how much more business will we lose to a friendlier, and cheaper destination?
Posted 13 July 2015, 12:14 p.m. Suggest removal
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