Excellent post Franklyn. I can't identify a single comment that I disagree with.

The cost of cable is the least of the country's problems right now. The Unions need to take a reality check!

Dr. Minnis is losing the PR battle in his attempt to convince the electorate that he is the man to lead the FNM and the country. Even the Tribune in yesterday's editorial is briefing against him. This is a bad situation for the party. If the FNM is to have ANY chance of victory next May it simply MUST deal with the "Minnis Problem". A full voting convention is the only way for Minnis to either deal with his detractors OR for the party to replace him with someone in whom it has more confidence. If Minnis is a true Bahamian, someone who wants to see this country removed from the clutches of the "Evil Empire", then he has to allow the democratic process to run its course within his party. Why would anyone want to lead his party into the next election in the knowledge that he does not have the full support of his membership? Only someone who has a lust for power would want that (and we already have one such "leader" in place)

The Medical Profession will not allow this PLP administration to "build a house on sand". The country's finances, and very future, are in a perilous state. Those who know better cannot allow the country to be "flushed down the pan" just to satisfy the PLP's lust for power. I am encouraged that the doctors seem united in their determination to resist this reckless scheme. With proper consultation we can build an NHI that everyone can be proud of. However, it will have to be done methodically, strategically, and in full collaboration with the main stakeholders.

"Christie said he found it “stupid” and “nonsensical” that there continues to be a fight over the details of the initiative when the issues of concern could be placed on the table and addressed."

Has this man completely lost it? Health Insurers and Doctors have been appealing for months and months to have round the table meetings with government over the numerous matters of concern but government has simply not been interested because it knows that meaningful and collaborative discussion will reveal the glaring holes in government's planning and budgeting. Christie and the PLP are not interested in dialogue, they just want to give the impression they are listening. It was a bit rich for Christie to slam the professional bodies yesterday for using the press to voice their concerns. What else are they supposed to do when government completely refuses to sit down with them? The PLP are digging yet another huge hole for themselves with their total mishandling of NHI. Is this administration incapable of doing anything right?

Have a convention. Vote on the leadership and be done with it. Whoever emerges victorious should then be given the whole-hearted support of ALL members and indeed the country. If Minnis is afraid of a leadership challenge then he is not suitable to lead the Party.

Well written and balanced article.

But that doesn't punish the working class and pander to the uneducated and gullible PLP masses.

"THE Bahamas Electricity Corporation has reportedly “stopped payment plans” for overdue electricity accounts resulting in “hundreds” of persons being disconnected since November,"

Has Miller been disconnected?

Predicted Outcome of NHI:

1. Most employers will maintain the group health covers for their staff.
2. Many if not most local doctors and consultants will opt out of NHI and work on a private basis.
3. There will be some shrinkage of the private health insurance sector.
4. Government will force all Civil Servants to switch over to NHI.
5. Following the roll out of Primary cover in the Summer, the penny will soon drop amongst the deluded that service levels are worse than before leading to major protestations and Trade Unions threatening strike action.
6. Increased NIB contributions will be levied in July allowing government to build on the illusion that the system is moving forward and is sustainable. This will be a tax on the working man and most employees will derive no benefit as they will continue to rely on their employer's group health programmes.
7. Some additional doctors will be drafted in from Cuba, Philippines, India but service levels will remain unacceptable with major waiting times to see a GP.
8. Government will increase funding for catastrophic care in the lead up to May 2017 in the full knowledge that such funding is not sustainable without a huge increase in NIB contributions.
9. Government will deny all of 8. above hoping it can win the election and then do what it wants subsequently.
10. The electorate will see through the PLP's deceit and re-elect the FNM who will revisit the entire scheme with a promise to create a workable NHI allowing citizens to opt in or out depending on their circumstances.