neil hartnell Here we are again, back to square one with the RTD issues with Title, stolen car and theft, and the serious concerns of the so-called industry partners. Again, my PTI offer addresses these issues and all issues that are now starting to rear its ugly head (again) at the Road Traffic Department - but you know one of the traits of insanity: ...when a person (or in this case, when a country) repeats the same mistakes over and over, only to arrive at the same bad results. But this illness is costing the Bahamian people millions of dollars. Remember the brand-new 8 million $$$ RTD fix of 2015, where the then Minister of Transport and her Controller promised that every plate, every license, and every inspection would be controlled, verified and accounted for, well that did not happen. The going rate for driver’s license $200 a ‘pop in the streets, inspections …what inspections - $20 and you free to ride? It is reported that the system is more compromised now than the last multimillion $$$ fix that was introduced in 2007. Also, Freeport and the rest of the country was without vehicle plates for 9 months – remember this is a service we offered at no cost to the Government and here we are again. Also, you would be surprised to know that the plate program at the prison came to a crashing stop the other day, guess way? simple poor maintenance. The same old story from the days when the department spent thousands on an Atlantic Printer Technician to fly into Nassau from California to perform basic print rollers cleaning – it was so ridiculous that the technician refuses to retune for such basic cleaning procedures. A former Road Traffic Controller said recently “had the department go with my offer years ago we would not be in this problem now” and he is correct. I first submitted a fix to the RTD in 1997 in partnership with Kodak, in 2007 with Goddard, in 2014 with UTSCH and MAHA (all top international player in the RTD industry) and now again, with the new Minnis Administration our proposal was submitted twice already and I am presently (today) attempting a presentation for a third time with the new Minister of Transport, Mr. Wells. The big question to ask – why are the problems, leaks and blatant violations allowed to happen, repeatedly, at this one Department. And why is it that our offer to fix the service is being repeatedly ignored by both administrations, for costly foreign fixes while our offer is FREE to the government.
My brother Dwaine, you must understand the Fraternity of Wealth In The Bahamas.
The current financial order in the Bahamas is protected by a culture of bias towards a financially comfortable few. Families who feel it is their inherent privilege to be in control of the wealth in the Bahamas and will lobby for and disrupt any attempt that is perceived as a challenge to this historical order; yes some would even travel to Japan seeking to uncover a Scandalous International Accusation against the Japanese People and their Government.
Again, I feel that Mr. Sumner is a cold faced lobbyist for a special interest group and you maybe correct when you say "hidden agenda". Using his professional position to effect changes in the industry that may be of personal benefit to a related group who have come upon hard times of late. The disinformation about Japanese Used Cars and Japan (and its International Safety Obligations) should be seen by the Japanese Government as interference in International bilateral trading agreement that the Bahamas is a signatory to.
Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) chief executive, should be more concern about the protectionist gift that the Bahamas New Cars Dealers Association got a few years ago, that has backfired on them and drove Bahamians to Japan. (65%) for cars valued at $10,000 or less, 75% for cars up to $40,000 and 85% for a car valued above $40,000. ...a **$80,000 Honda Accord** "think about it" - this was the stupidest idea ever - set the duty at 25% on ALL imported vehicles and the industry will balance itself out over night.
Mr. Sumner is a cold faced lobbyist for a special interest group. Using his profession position to effect change that may be of personal benefit to a related sector who have come upon hard times of late. This disinformation about Japan (and its International Obligations) should be seen by Japanese Officials or interest as interference in International bilateral trading agreement that the Bahamas is a signatory to.
To refer to Japan as a single location is deliberate disinformation on Mr. Sumner’s part, knowing quite well that the Japanese Archipelago is made up of 4 main Islands: Hokkaido - Honshu - the largest island, on which the capital, Tokyo, is located. Shikoku - Kyushu –
But worse is to accuse the Japanese government of dumping (Radio Active Contaminated Vehicles) on the Bahamas this is a serious indictment by the CEO Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, on the Democratic People's Republic of Japan.
Cars are shipped from Nagoya, capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, with a population of Population: 7.263 million. Nagoya is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Honshu.
One of the popular Japanese sites that export to the Bahamas clearly state on their site, the Japanese Government involvement in the inspection and radiation verification of all vehicles (which is the responsible thing to do)
*All vehicles from Trust Company are Safe from Radiation* We have been receiving inquiries from concerned customers about the radiation levels of our vehicles following the Fukushima nuclear accident of March 2011. While we understand our customers concerns on the subject, we would like to make clear that all our vehicles are tested for radiations before being uploaded on our website to ensure the safety of all people involved in the handling of our vehicles. To avoid any confusion concerning radiation levels, we decided to answer some basic questions our customers may have below. Questions and Answers about cars and radiation Q: Is there any radiation risk in the area where Trust Company is located? A: Local radiation levels here in Nagoya are normal. We are very far from the Fukushima nuclear plant where the incidents have occurred. Q: Are Trust Company vehicles inspected for radiation? A: All of our used vehicles from Japan are checked for radiation immediately when they enter our Yard (before we begin any preparations to upload the vehicle on the website). This inspection is done to ensure the total safety of our staff, of the personnel that handle the shipment and of the customers who receive the vehicles.
Q: Can you provide a document to certify that the vehicle is Radiation Safe? A: Upon request, we can arrange for a “Certification of Inspection and Radiological Safety Hazard” by JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center). The certification costs US$ 100.
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA) created their own demise by lobbing successive governments to hike duty rates on new car imports, calculating wrongly that they can control the "vehicle buying market" eventually pricing themselves out of the market. Their secretive and protectionist agreements with dealers in the South Florida New Car Dealers Association, made it impossible for Bahamians to purchase new cars from the dealer of his choice. Their plan to control manifested into a kind of criminal gang, pushing vehicles that lacked many of the advertised features and importing cars from countries where there are low safety standards and models that were mechanically different from their US models. But their feeble attempt to dictate how and where Bahamian spend their money completely under estimated the resolve of the Bahamian people. A 2018 Honda Civic SE model has a MSRP tag of $23,235 but over $40,000.00 in Nassau - similar vehicle from Japan, yes used and older but a fairly decent ride for cash short Bahamians at Total Price (CIF): US$ 3,938.00 - Yes! a much older car ...but! this is the monster the BMDA created for themselves.
Total breakdown of traffic laws and government's responsibility.
After the last "2" hurricanes there has being a change of awareness to the importance of street signage (which is an important part of the legal governing system that regulates traffic laws and safe motoring practices) many of these signs and road markings still lay broken or completely missing.
A few months back my wife was attempting to navigate the back roads through Coconut Grove finding her way to Palmetto Ave. and Acklins St., where there is no stop signs at Acklins St. where there is an almost daily accurance of accidents. To compound the situation at this location, and many more location throughout the Island, the area is over grown making it that much more difficult to discern the need to stop at an up coming intersection.
In my wife's case she was one of the lucky drivers who was fortune enough to walk away from her accident at this intersection, unhurt, due to quick thinking on her part to turn off from the approaching car avoiding a more serious accident where both vehicles may have sustained heavier damages.
This story can be repeated in many areas on the island as the breakdown of road laws has created a law of the jungle where driving becomes a game of chance and many are losing, not only to damaged vehicles but some losing thier lives.
...a waste of time to comment. But, a fix to remedy/eliminate every issue that has plague the Road Traffic Department of The Bahamas (and that has cost the Bahamian people millions of $$$) over the recent years, has being offered to both PLP and FNM governments.
But even after the PLP's 8 Million Dollars "Modernization", fraud is still happening - and I was told its even worst now because the "dressed-up database" that cost the Bahamian people 8 Million Dollars lack the security features common to DMV Management Systems - not to mention the lack of security elements that are now used to easily and speedily detect fraud and fraudulent License disk and plates - from the comfort of any police vehicle.
As the now Minister said "government is continuous" ...so the country will continue to fail.
“The Government, private sector and consumer protection agencies are all looking out for the betterment of the country.
“This is to improve the quality of vehicles on the road in the country, and Bahamians driving at optimal standards in compliance with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards that govern the use of vehicles in our country.” - but Mr Sumner knows there is no such "driving at optimal standards" in The Bahamas.
The Belief locally is, there is always a propensity to "do it foreign" which creates the assumption of collusion or corruption. Considering that the Bahamas is 40 years behind international norms in many areas. And the fact that an offer is on the table (for the past 3 years) to have the most modern annual (Periodical) Technical Inspection of ALL road vehicles – and their attachments, in the Bahamas - and not an inspection on used imports from Japan destined for the Bahamas.
Proper Annual inspection of Motor Vehicles is an International obligation that the Bahamas has neglected over the past 50 years. The bigger question for the government is – who should the public holds liable when motor vehicles are “inspected and deemed roadworthy” by the Controller of the Road Traffic Department on behalf of The Minister of Transport. And that vehicle, due to the non-existence of a proper technical inspection, is driven on the streets of the Bahamas and it can be proven that basic noncompliance with International standard of proper roadworthiness was the cause of a Bahamian to have lost his or her life due to negligence in providing proper annual inspection of vehicles in the Bahamas. **(this is also a loophole for the insurance industry who may say "due to improper inspection of a vehicle" that may have caused the death of an individual - "we are unable to pay out on insurance coverage")**
*One of the big players in exports the Bahamas state that - Every purchased vehicle goes through a complete inspection to meet our Trust Quality Standard (or they offer additional inspection service at a cost of $50.00)*
***The Business Model***
Selling and exporting vehicles to more than 150 countries
Trust has established "B2C" business model which directly sells vehicles to customers overseas. Every purchased vehicle goes through a complete inspection to meet our Trust Quality Standard, then put on a website that customers are able to browse and order at any time. Also, Trust has established a trusted relationship with customers, which enables us to receive full payment in advance before shipment.
for me as a "smart businessman" and seeing the direction the market was headed ...I would be the biggest importer of quality (used) cars from Japan ...stocking hundreds in one shipment; making it easier for Bahamian buyers to walk in and drive out with a reliable means of transportation ...but some in the industry are held up on brand name recognition and brand territorial trickery, which actually worked against them over the years. It is my view that you can’t force a government into a position of selective protectionism when we operate in a free economic trade system. Bad business models (or those that fail to adjust) is a reflection of their business management skills and should be a concern for board members. the public should not be forced to adjust its buying preference to appease the bottom-line of a few businesses.
Franklyn says...
neil hartnell
Here we are again, back to square one with the RTD issues with Title, stolen car and theft, and the serious concerns of the so-called industry partners. Again, my PTI offer addresses these issues and all issues that are now starting to rear its ugly head (again) at the Road Traffic Department - but you know one of the traits of insanity: ...when a person (or in this case, when a country) repeats the same mistakes over and over, only to arrive at the same bad results.
But this illness is costing the Bahamian people millions of dollars. Remember the brand-new 8 million $$$ RTD fix of 2015, where the then Minister of Transport and her Controller promised that every plate, every license, and every inspection would be controlled, verified and accounted for, well that did not happen. The going rate for driver’s license $200 a ‘pop in the streets, inspections …what inspections - $20 and you free to ride?
It is reported that the system is more compromised now than the last multimillion $$$ fix that was introduced in 2007. Also, Freeport and the rest of the country was without vehicle plates for 9 months – remember this is a service we offered at no cost to the Government and here we are again.
Also, you would be surprised to know that the plate program at the prison came to a crashing stop the other day, guess way? simple poor maintenance. The same old story from the days when the department spent thousands on an Atlantic Printer Technician to fly into Nassau from California to perform basic print rollers cleaning – it was so ridiculous that the technician refuses to retune for such basic cleaning procedures.
A former Road Traffic Controller said recently “had the department go with my offer years ago we would not be in this problem now” and he is correct. I first submitted a fix to the RTD in 1997 in partnership with Kodak, in 2007 with Goddard, in 2014 with UTSCH and MAHA (all top international player in the RTD industry) and now again, with the new Minnis Administration our proposal was submitted twice already and I am presently (today) attempting a presentation for a third time with the new Minister of Transport, Mr. Wells.
The big question to ask – why are the problems, leaks and blatant violations allowed to happen, repeatedly, at this one Department. And why is it that our offer to fix the service is being repeatedly ignored by both administrations, for costly foreign fixes while our offer is FREE to the government.
Can someone give an answer?
On Bahamas needs 'more teeth' on vehicle titles
Posted 2 October 2018, 11:04 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
(Radio Active Contaminated Vehicles)
My brother Dwaine, you must understand the Fraternity of Wealth In The Bahamas.
The current financial order in the Bahamas is protected by a culture of bias towards a financially comfortable few. Families who feel it is their inherent privilege to be in control of the wealth in the Bahamas and will lobby for and disrupt any attempt that is perceived as a challenge to this historical order; yes some would even travel to Japan seeking to uncover a Scandalous International Accusation against the Japanese People and their Government.
Again, I feel that Mr. Sumner is a cold faced lobbyist for a special interest group and you maybe correct when you say "hidden agenda". Using his professional position to effect changes in the industry that may be of personal benefit to a related group who have come upon hard times of late. The disinformation about Japanese Used Cars and Japan (and its International Safety Obligations) should be seen by the Japanese Government as interference in International bilateral trading agreement that the Bahamas is a signatory to.
Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC) chief executive, should be more concern about the protectionist gift that the Bahamas New Cars Dealers Association got a few years ago, that has backfired on them and drove Bahamians to Japan. (65%) for cars valued at $10,000 or less, 75% for cars up to $40,000 and 85% for a car valued above $40,000. ...a **$80,000 Honda Accord** "think about it" - this was the stupidest idea ever - set the duty at 25% on ALL imported vehicles and the industry will balance itself out over night.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2018…
On Auto repairers demand Japan report's release
Posted 21 August 2018, 11:01 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
(Radio Active Contaminated Vehicles)
Mr. Sumner is a cold faced lobbyist for a special interest group. Using his profession position to effect change that may be of personal benefit to a related sector who have come upon hard times of late. This disinformation about Japan (and its International Obligations) should be seen by Japanese Officials or interest as interference in International bilateral trading agreement that the Bahamas is a signatory to.
To refer to Japan as a single location is deliberate disinformation on Mr. Sumner’s part, knowing quite well that the Japanese Archipelago is made up of 4 main Islands:
Hokkaido -
Honshu - the largest island, on which the capital, Tokyo, is located.
Shikoku -
Kyushu –
But worse is to accuse the Japanese government of dumping (Radio Active Contaminated Vehicles) on the Bahamas this is a serious indictment by the CEO Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, on the Democratic People's Republic of Japan.
Cars are shipped from Nagoya, capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, with a population of Population: 7.263 million. Nagoya is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Honshu.
One of the popular Japanese sites that export to the Bahamas clearly state on their site, the Japanese Government involvement in the inspection and radiation verification of all vehicles (which is the responsible thing to do)
*All vehicles from Trust Company are Safe from Radiation*
We have been receiving inquiries from concerned customers about the radiation levels of our vehicles following the Fukushima nuclear accident of March 2011. While we understand our customers concerns on the subject, we would like to make clear that all our vehicles are tested for radiations before being uploaded on our website to ensure the safety of all people involved in the handling of our vehicles. To avoid any confusion concerning radiation levels, we decided to answer some basic questions our customers may have below.
Questions and Answers about cars and radiation
Q: Is there any radiation risk in the area where Trust Company is located?
A: Local radiation levels here in Nagoya are normal. We are very far from the Fukushima nuclear plant where the incidents have occurred.
Q: Are Trust Company vehicles inspected for radiation?
A: All of our used vehicles from Japan are checked for radiation immediately when they enter our Yard (before we begin any preparations to upload the vehicle on the website).
This inspection is done to ensure the total safety of our staff, of the personnel that handle the shipment and of the customers who receive the vehicles.
Q: Can you provide a document to certify that the vehicle is Radiation Safe?
A: Upon request, we can arrange for a “Certification of Inspection and Radiological Safety Hazard” by JEVIC (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center). The certification costs US$ 100.
On ‘Dumping ground’ fear on used autos
Posted 4 August 2018, 12:13 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
The Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA) created their own demise by lobbing successive governments to hike duty rates on new car imports, calculating wrongly that they can control the "vehicle buying market" eventually pricing themselves out of the market. Their secretive and protectionist agreements with dealers in the South Florida New Car Dealers Association, made it impossible for Bahamians to purchase new cars from the dealer of his choice.
Their plan to control manifested into a kind of criminal gang, pushing vehicles that lacked many of the advertised features and importing cars from countries where there are low safety standards and models that were mechanically different from their US models.
But their feeble attempt to dictate how and where Bahamian spend their money completely under estimated the resolve of the Bahamian people. A 2018 Honda Civic SE model has a MSRP tag of $23,235 but over $40,000.00 in Nassau - similar vehicle from Japan, yes used and older but a fairly decent ride for cash short Bahamians at Total Price (CIF): US$ 3,938.00 - Yes! a much older car ...but! this is the monster the BMDA created for themselves.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2018…
On 'No hope' as new auto sales off 16%
Posted 3 August 2018, 6:04 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
Total breakdown of traffic laws and government's responsibility.
After the last "2" hurricanes there has being a change of awareness to the importance of street signage (which is an important part of the legal governing system that regulates traffic laws and safe motoring practices) many of these signs and road markings still lay broken or completely missing.
A few months back my wife was attempting to navigate the back roads through Coconut Grove finding her way to Palmetto Ave. and Acklins St., where there is no stop signs at Acklins St. where there is an almost daily accurance of accidents. To compound the situation at this location, and many more location throughout the Island, the area is over grown making it that much more difficult to discern the need to stop at an up coming intersection.
In my wife's case she was one of the lucky drivers who was fortune enough to walk away from her accident at this intersection, unhurt, due to quick thinking on her part to turn off from the approaching car avoiding a more serious accident where both vehicles may have sustained heavier damages.
This story can be repeated in many areas on the island as the breakdown of road laws has created a law of the jungle where driving becomes a game of chance and many are losing, not only to damaged vehicles but some losing thier lives.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2018…
On Safety belts and texting warning after traffic deaths
Posted 3 August 2018, 1:35 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
What the hell is this! ...sounding like we need to go back to the polls, I did not put my time and efforts into this form of governance.
"Back to da polls "
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2018…
On ‘Vote no to budget and lose your govt post’
Posted 18 June 2018, 4:45 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
*Solution Offered but Ignored* ...still!
...a waste of time to comment. But, a fix to remedy/eliminate every issue that has plague the Road Traffic Department of The Bahamas (and that has cost the Bahamian people millions of $$$) over the recent years, has being offered to both PLP and FNM governments.
But even after the PLP's 8 Million Dollars "Modernization", fraud is still happening - and I was told its even worst now because the "dressed-up database" that cost the Bahamian people 8 Million Dollars lack the security features common to DMV Management Systems - not to mention the lack of security elements that are now used to easily and speedily detect fraud and fraudulent License disk and plates - from the comfort of any police vehicle.
As the now Minister said "government is continuous" ...so the country will continue to fail.
"Will you listen to us now"
PTI Bahamas
Franklyn Robinson
Nassau, Bahamas
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2018…
On Officials hunt for licence forgers
Posted 2 March 2018, 4:17 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
Mr Sumner is disingenuous when he says "
“The Government, private sector and consumer protection agencies are all looking out for the betterment of the country.
“This is to improve the quality of vehicles on the road in the country, and Bahamians driving at optimal standards in compliance with International Standards Organization (ISO) standards that govern the use of vehicles in our country.” - but Mr Sumner knows there is no such "driving at optimal standards" in The Bahamas.
The Belief locally is, there is always a propensity to "do it foreign" which creates the assumption of collusion or corruption. Considering that the Bahamas is 40 years behind international norms in many areas. And the fact that an offer is on the table (for the past 3 years) to have the most modern annual (Periodical) Technical Inspection of ALL road vehicles – and their attachments, in the Bahamas - and not an inspection on used imports from Japan destined for the Bahamas.
Proper Annual inspection of Motor Vehicles is an International obligation that the Bahamas has neglected over the past 50 years. The bigger question for the government is – who should the public holds liable when motor vehicles are “inspected and deemed roadworthy” by the Controller of the Road Traffic Department on behalf of The Minister of Transport. And that vehicle, due to the non-existence of a proper technical inspection, is driven on the streets of the Bahamas and it can be proven that basic noncompliance with International standard of proper roadworthiness was the cause of a Bahamian to have lost his or her life due to negligence in providing proper annual inspection of vehicles in the Bahamas. **(this is also a loophole for the insurance industry who may say "due to improper inspection of a vehicle" that may have caused the death of an individual - "we are unable to pay out on insurance coverage")**
*One of the big players in exports the Bahamas state that - Every purchased vehicle goes through a complete inspection to meet our Trust Quality Standard (or they offer additional inspection service at a cost of $50.00)*
***The Business Model***
Selling and exporting vehicles to more than 150 countries
Trust has established "B2C" business model which directly sells vehicles to customers overseas.
Every purchased vehicle goes through a complete inspection to meet our Trust Quality Standard, then put on a website that customers are able to browse and order at any time.
Also, Trust has established a trusted relationship with customers, which enables us to receive full payment in advance before shipment.
Trust Co., Ltd.
President
Masato Tsujimoto
On Used car conspiracy claims ‘couldn’t be further from truth’
Posted 16 January 2018, 10:15 p.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
Definitions of an audience: (noun)
meeting or a formal interview with a person in authority.
On Local investors blast Govt's 'wall of silence'
Posted 16 January 2018, 9:01 a.m. Suggest removal
Franklyn says...
for me as a "smart businessman" and seeing the direction the market was headed ...I would be the biggest importer of quality (used) cars from Japan ...stocking hundreds in one shipment; making it easier for Bahamian buyers to walk in and drive out with a reliable means of transportation ...but some in the industry are held up on brand name recognition and brand territorial trickery, which actually worked against them over the years.
It is my view that you can’t force a government into a position of selective protectionism when we operate in a free economic trade system. Bad business models (or those that fail to adjust) is a reflection of their business management skills and should be a concern for board members.
the public should not be forced to adjust its buying preference to appease the bottom-line of a few businesses.
On Japan mission to combat vehicle 'dumping ground'
Posted 6 January 2018, 8:49 p.m. Suggest removal