Monday, August 30, 2021
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
THE Progressive Liberal Party has promised to build a new hospital on New Providence through a public private partnership while making improvements to Princess Margaret Hospital.
The pledge is outlined in the party’s “Blueprint for Change” plan, which was released on Friday night.
The party also pledged to build a new hospital in Grand Bahama through a PPP, one that would serve as the medical hub for the northern Bahamas. New satellite clinics and major investments in mini hospitals in Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera are also planned if the PLP wins the next general election, according to the document.
The party also pledged to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework for growing, harvesting and exporting cannabis “so that the industry creates opportunities for many, not just a few.”
It said it would ensure all Bahamians are given full access to development and have a fair opportunity to become owners in this new industry and develop robust regulations to strictly monitor and minimise the impact on The Bahamas’ international reputation.
The PLP also said it would expunge the records of those convicted of minor offences related to the use of marijuana as well as those convicted of minor offences due to violations of emergency orders.
Regarding social relief, the PLP said it would increase senior citizen’s pensions “to assist with an enhanced quality of life” and use Urban Renewal to help struggling Bahamians who are falling through the cracks.
The PLP said it will make sloop sailing the country’s national sport and will introduce swimming classes as part of the school curriculum.
The PLP said it will “launch a tertiary school for visual, performing and recording arts to develop world class skins in the Orange Economy.”
Some of the party’s plans were previously announced in March when party leaders unveiled their economic plan at the Balmoral Club.
This includes a plan to reduce value added tax to ten percent, although party officials have not said if they will remove current exemptions for breadbasket items.
The party also says it will support an increase in the minimum wage to $250 per week and advocate for a living wage. The PLP has said it will embrace the National Development Plan which was drafted under the Christie administration.
The release of the document on Friday came as the party held a candidate launch event on Facebook.
Comments
bahamianson says...
With the millions that you are worth , hey? It is one thing politicians can do , it is spend other people's money. You build it then raise VAT to pay for it.
Posted 30 August 2021, 8:34 p.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
Last time it was free electricity.
Posted 30 August 2021, 11:17 p.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
Seriously speaking…… Can anyone imagine the PLP government building a new hospital? Brave Davis? The man who was Minister of Works and had no idea BAMSI was uninsured?
What project (as it relates to infrastructure) has the PLP ever initiated and completed. It’s usually the FNM government that does. ie Road works (that everyone complained about,) new airports, dredging the harbor to accommodate cruise ships, Atlantis, etc etc. What has the PLP done? The only thing I remember is Perry Christie conducting a sham opening at Bahamar before being voted out.
Posted 30 August 2021, 11:33 p.m. Suggest removal
DWW says...
sounds like a great way to get some cookies out the jar
Posted 31 August 2021, 8 a.m. Suggest removal
M0J0 says...
cobalt ya head cant be good. FNM has never initiated anything but road works under Ingraham.
Posted 31 August 2021, 8:01 a.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
Atlantis? Dredging the harbor? Renovating the airport? Building new schools? Putting plumbing in many of the family islands? Yes they did! The FNM has always done a good job of laying down infrastructure! It’s one of the few things they’re good at! What the hell are you talking about? People like you are not objective. You dislike the FNM so you choose to ignore the good they do. I’m not a PLP supporter, but if they do something good then I commend them. So I ask again, what projects have the PLP initiated and completed? Any new schools? Any road works? Any airports? etc etc. Please tell me.
Posted 31 August 2021, 1:06 p.m. Suggest removal
OMG says...
A the man with a big magic wand flew down to the Bahamas and said " here you are Mr Davies, as much money as you want for all these splendid ideas, and just forget what we already owe".
If the PLP get in watch for a host of broken promises and raises in taxes. Enjoy the free tee shirts, chicken and beer whilst you can because harder times ahead whoever gets in.
Posted 31 August 2021, 11:14 a.m. Suggest removal
Clamshell says...
Both parties have been promising to build a hospital on Eleuthera for more than 20 years. Thus far, the only movement was when a PLP sold a plot of land to the gov’t several years for about 5x its market value. Then a PLP was paid gawd knows how much to clear the land with his bulldozer. That’s it. Nothing further, just a money pit.
Posted 31 August 2021, 12:46 p.m. Suggest removal
Cobalt says...
The PLP is nothing but a bag of hot air. I’m not a big fan of Dr. Minnis either. My hope is that the delegates choose a new leader. But placing Brave Davis in office is a gross mistake.
Posted 31 August 2021, 1:15 p.m. Suggest removal
DDK says...
That's a bingo on all counts!
Posted 31 August 2021, 1:40 p.m. Suggest removal
TalRussell says...
The most singular focus of a new 2021 - 2026 government is how best to proactively deal with popoulaces health and emergency response to emergencies like viruses, hurricanes, and neglected sea waters. — *Get either, wrong.** and collectively, **all the declared mega millions in paper assets** — will be rendered worthless. — Yes, even rolls 1-ply toilet papers — goin' be more in demand than your **rendered market worthless** paper securities and land titles.
Posted 31 August 2021, 4 p.m. Suggest removal
BahamaRed says...
Because ya'll didn't have multiple opportunities to build another hospital. The Healthcare system here as long been overwhelmed, before Covid.
But now cause ya'll chasing votes you want to make promises to do things that should have been done long time.
These governments really have Bahamians for arses. Smh..
Posted 1 September 2021, 9:02 p.m. Suggest removal
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