The Bahamas Road Traffic Department has a complete monopoly over the issuance of licenses, plates, and inspection decals. This has led to a history of issues, including corruption within the agency. Until the department's monopoly is broken and authority is placed in the hands of trustworthy individuals, these issues will continue to persist. The current state of affairs at the department is similar to that of a criminal enterprise. It is essential that changes are made to tackle the problem of uninsured vehicles and address the broader issue of criminal activity in the country. ...All of this stems from (the well-known) weakness of the Road Traffic Department and the years of some protecting their criminal enterprise.
The current discussion around uninsured drivers on Bahamian roads underscores the urgency of implementing PTI Bahamas' comprehensive 2019 proposal, which directly addresses this critical issue. While concerns about the 30% uninsured driver rate and the devastating impact on accident victims are valid, the solution lies in the blueprint laid out in our proposal three years ago.
Our proposal, developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, provided a roadmap for modernizing the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and tackling the challenges of uninsured vehicles. Key elements included:
Establishing a new RTD facility equipped with technology to:
- Issue digital driver's licenses and vehicle registrations efficiently.
Conduct comprehensive vehicle inspections, including emissions testing, which would identify and flag uninsured vehicles.
Implement a digital system linking the RTD, police, and insurance companies, seamlessly verifying insurance status and eliminating loopholes.
> This modernized system would empower > law enforcement:
- To quickly identify and impound uninsured vehicles, deter risky behaviour and protect innocent citizens.
To access real-time insurance data, streamlining investigations and accident response.
> The benefits extend beyond immediate > safety:
- Reduced burden on victims: Ensured access to compensation for damages and medical expenses from accidents involving uninsured drivers.
Reduced financial strain on the public healthcare system.
> Increased revenue for the RTD: The > proposal outlined opportunities for > new services and revenue streams, like > traffic school for violators.
The 2019 proposal was met with positive feedback from industry partners but received a mostly negative response from government ' technical' officials and the Cabinet Minister under the Minnis Administration. While delays are unfortunate, the recent Tribune article demonstrates renewed awareness of the problem. We at PTI Bahamas urge the relevant authorities to revisit our proposal and consider its potential to make Bahamian roads safer for everyone.
> [To address this issue, it is > recommended to establish an > independent body that comprises > industry stakeholders, including the > police, insurance companies, banks, > customs, and emergency medical > services. This body should operate > independently and without being > influenced by the inherent and > historic corruption within the > Department. By creating such an > independent body, we can ensure that > decisions are made impartially and > with the best interest of all > stakeholders in mind.]
> The Bahamas: Paradise or Shark > Capital? A Delicate Choice
The Bahamas basks in the image of a "paradise on earth," with shimmering waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and idyllic beaches lapped by gentle waves. However, beneath this postcard-perfect veneer lies a complex reality. The presence of sharks, particularly tiger sharks, in areas like Clifton and Blue Lagoon Island, raises legitimate concerns for visitor safety, especially with lucrative "Shark Dive Packages" drawing divers seeking thrills (and shelling out $400-$800 per day).
While this generates $100 million annually for the island nation, it pales in comparison to the $2.33 billion tourism industry, representing 18.10% of its GDP. Further complicating matters, the Bahamas boasts the first shark sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean, protecting over 40 species across its vast 630,000 km2 marine area.
A 2019 horrific shark attack, tragically claiming a young tourist's life, has reignited the debate on how to navigate this delicate balance. Fingers point towards chumming - the controversial practice of attracting sharks with fish waste, potentially altering their behaviour and leading to increased aggression. Experts, including those in California facing similar concerns with great whites, caution against chumming near beaches, highlighting its potential dangers.
The Bahamas government has a crucial choice to make. One path prioritizes the "paradise on earth" image, focusing on responsible diving practices, clear beach safety zones, and educating tourists about respectful shark interaction. Conversely, the "Shark Diving Capital of the World" route requires stringent regulations, possibly including **a bold move: **making it illegal to put fish waste in the water from near shore or near beaches.**
This decision is not without its challenges. Banning chumming near beaches raises enforcement concerns and may impact fishing communities. Yet, the potential benefits, including enhanced safety for tourists and Bahamians, cannot be ignored.
An old story: the country's Auditor General published a report on the Road Traffic Department years ago. The report suggested that the department could be losing up to $20 million annually through fraud. However, the then Minister of Transport, Glenys Hanna Martin, rejected the report and accused the auditor of making guesses about road traffic.
The Report suggests that:
If a forecast were performed based on the total number of licence plates produced and issued, approximately 374,000 plates, to the public as of June 30, 2015, one would estimate that the motor vehicle licence revenue should be at a minimum of $73 million dollars (374,000 x $195.00) instead of the reported average of $26 million dollars per annum. If the approximate number of 374,000 plates were reduced by 50%, there would still be an estimated loss of $10 million dollars as compared to the actual recorded revenue noted herein.
When our company conducted research preparing our 2019 Road Safety Proposal, we were advised to "watch our backs."
Many seemingly "good" cars are Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks.
It is a common misconception that vehicle inspections are designed to punish car owners, but this is far from the truth. Inspections are essential to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy. The inspection report allows car owners to take corrective measures and bring their vehicles in line with safety regulations, thereby improving their efficiency. This ensures that the vehicle is fuel-efficient and safe to operate.
If a vehicle is found to be mechanically unsafe, and the owner is not aware of it, the vehicle will be deemed 'unroadworthy' and advised to be unfit from a technical mechanical point of view. Many vehicles, including salvage and junk vehicles, are imported into the Bahamas without being checked for mechanical and structural integrity. The United Nations has labelled Africa, The Bahamas, and other "third world" countries as "dumping grounds" for the world's used and unwanted cars.
It is important to remember that just because a vehicle starts and drives does not necessarily mean it is safe to operate. Many seemingly "good" cars are, in fact, Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks in a salvage operation that is completed to look visually appealing but is unsafe. A technical inspection can expose this to owners and could be a valuable service before purchasing a potentially dangerous vehicle.
Most used and old vehicles in the Bahamas will fit an inspection category of - ***Pass and Advise***; however, some will undoubtedly fail an inspection.
Nassau, Bahamas – Bahamas Auto Safe and Inspection Centre (PTI Bahamas) today commended Chief Superintendent of Police David Lockhart's recent statement acknowledging the issue of uninsured vehicles on the roads, a key concern addressed in PTI's 2019 Road Safety Proposal.
> Longstanding Concerns, Validated > Solutions:
Chief Superintendent Lockhart's revelation that "fifty per cent" of vehicles in accidents this year were uninsured" aligns with PTI's proposal, highlighting the estimated 40% uninsured vehicle rate in 2019 and advocating for stricter enforcement. This statement serves as strong validation of PTI's proposed solutions, including:
- Identifying and impounding uninsured vehicles: Mirroring the Chief Superintendent's Call to Action, PTI's proposal outlined methods for identifying and impounding uninsured vehicles, effectively taking them off the roads. - Combating corruption within the Road Traffic Department: Recognizing loopholes exploited by uninsured drivers, PTI's proposal addressed potential corrupt practices within the department that enabled such operations.
> From Proposal to Urgency:
Following Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis' earlier acknowledgement of uninsured vehicle concerns, this recent development reinforces the importance and urgency of implementing PTI's 2019 proposal. The Chief Superintendent's vocalization of these concerns further underscores the need for immediate action.
> PTI Bahamas urges the Bahamas > Government and relevant authorities to:
- Revisit PTI's 2019 Road Safety Proposal: A comprehensive document containing practical solutions, the proposal offers a roadmap for addressing the critical issue of uninsured vehicles. - Start implementing solutions: PTI calls for swift action to enact the proposed measures, prioritizing the safety of Bahamian citizens on the roads. - Address the root cause: Eliminating the problem of uninsured vehicles requires tackling the underlying cultural biases, political agendas, and potential corruption that enables their operation.
"For too long," states PTI Bahamas, "recommendations by Bahamians have been ignored. It is time to prioritize our people's safety and implement solutions validated by no less than the Chief of Police himself. Innocent Bahamians should not be the casualties of inaction."
> PTI Bahamas stands ready to > collaborate with the government and > relevant stakeholders to implement the > 2019 Road Safety Proposal and make > Bahamian roads safe for all.*
The Minister's statement, specifically the quote: "We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y'all better get it together, you know that's my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance" directly validates the need for our 2019 Road Safety Proposal.
This statement acknowledges the long-standing issue of uninsured vehicles operating on the roads and recognises the need for improved enforcement. It echoes key points from our 2019 proposal, including:
Addressing the problem of uninsured vehicles: The proposal contained recommendations for identifying and impounding uninsured vehicles, echoing the Minister's call for action.
Combating corruption within the Road Traffic Department: The proposal addressed loopholes or corrupt practices that allowed uninsured vehicles to operate, aligning with the Minister's direct address to the department.
Therefore, the Minister's statement serves as strong evidence that our 2019 Road Safety Proposal was well-founded and addressed critical issues that continue to be a concern. The fact that the Minister is still voicing these concerns underscores the importance and urgency of implementing the solutions outlined in the proposal.
By highlighting this connection to our 2019 proposal, you can effectively demonstrate the foresight and relevance of our recommendations.
***PTI Bahamas urges the Minister and relevant authorities to revisit the proposal, start implementing solutions, and address the problem of uninsured vehicles on the roads.***
You would expect that a scientific and unbiased approach would be taken if such an exercise was needed in the Bahamas. I am certain that the Bahamian Government would consult with 'experts in the field'. However, the concerns of Bahamians in their own country are often dismissed as "stupidity".
> Shark Sanctuary or The Safety of > Swimmers, A Dilemma For The Bahamas.
There is a significant and somewhat sensitive issue in The Bahamas that some may want to overlook. The issue is the conservation initiative called 'The Bahamas being a Shark Sanctuary', which helps fuel a multi-billion dollar global 'shark dive' industry. The industry is not monitored and regulated by the elements of The Bahamas Government, whose only involvement is to issue low-cost permits to operate a dive operation in the Bahamas. These permits are used for research ventures and sometimes for commercial fishing operations as well. But the control of this 'Shark Sanctuary' designation is external, and of course, these elements would care less if the Bahamas shark population has gotten to the point of being out of control, hence the 'Shark Sanctuary' designation.
IslandWarrior says...
The Bahamas Road Traffic Department has a complete monopoly over the issuance of licenses, plates, and inspection decals. This has led to a history of issues, including corruption within the agency. Until the department's monopoly is broken and authority is placed in the hands of trustworthy individuals, these issues will continue to persist. The current state of affairs at the department is similar to that of a criminal enterprise. It is essential that changes are made to tackle the problem of uninsured vehicles and address the broader issue of criminal activity in the country. ...All of this stems from (the well-known) weakness of the Road Traffic Department and the years of some protecting their criminal enterprise.
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 19 December 2023, 10:07 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Addressing Uninsured Drivers: Why PTI
> Bahamas' 2019 Proposal Offers the
> Answer
The current discussion around uninsured drivers on Bahamian roads underscores the urgency of implementing PTI Bahamas' comprehensive 2019 proposal, which directly addresses this critical issue. While concerns about the 30% uninsured driver rate and the devastating impact on accident victims are valid, the solution lies in the blueprint laid out in our proposal three years ago.
Our proposal, developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, provided a roadmap for modernizing the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and tackling the challenges of uninsured vehicles. Key elements included:
Establishing a new RTD facility equipped with technology to:
- Issue digital driver's licenses and
vehicle registrations efficiently.
Conduct comprehensive vehicle
inspections, including emissions
testing, which would identify and
flag uninsured vehicles.
Implement a digital system linking
the RTD, police, and insurance
companies, seamlessly verifying
insurance status and eliminating
loopholes.
> This modernized system would empower
> law enforcement:
- To quickly identify and impound
uninsured vehicles, deter risky
behaviour and protect innocent
citizens.
To access real-time insurance data,
streamlining investigations and
accident response.
> The benefits extend beyond immediate
> safety:
- Reduced burden on victims: Ensured
access to compensation for damages
and medical expenses from accidents
involving uninsured drivers.
Reduced financial strain on the
public healthcare system.
> Increased revenue for the RTD: The
> proposal outlined opportunities for
> new services and revenue streams, like
> traffic school for violators.
The 2019 proposal was met with positive feedback from industry partners but received a mostly negative response from government ' technical' officials and the Cabinet Minister under the Minnis Administration. While delays are unfortunate, the recent Tribune article demonstrates renewed awareness of the problem. We at PTI Bahamas urge the relevant authorities to revisit our proposal and consider its potential to make Bahamian roads safer for everyone.
> [To address this issue, it is
> recommended to establish an
> independent body that comprises
> industry stakeholders, including the
> police, insurance companies, banks,
> customs, and emergency medical
> services. This body should operate
> independently and without being
> influenced by the inherent and
> historic corruption within the
> Department. By creating such an
> independent body, we can ensure that
> decisions are made impartially and
> with the best interest of all
> stakeholders in mind.]
On Bahamian ‘Russian roulette’ with 30% uninsured drivers
Posted 19 December 2023, 2:30 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> The Bahamas: Paradise or Shark
> Capital? A Delicate Choice
The Bahamas basks in the image of a "paradise on earth," with shimmering waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and idyllic beaches lapped by gentle waves. However, beneath this postcard-perfect veneer lies a complex reality. The presence of sharks, particularly tiger sharks, in areas like Clifton and Blue Lagoon Island, raises legitimate concerns for visitor safety, especially with lucrative "Shark Dive Packages" drawing divers seeking thrills (and shelling out $400-$800 per day).
While this generates $100 million annually for the island nation, it pales in comparison to the $2.33 billion tourism industry, representing 18.10% of its GDP. Further complicating matters, the Bahamas boasts the first shark sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean, protecting over 40 species across its vast 630,000 km2 marine area.
A 2019 horrific shark attack, tragically claiming a young tourist's life, has reignited the debate on how to navigate this delicate balance. Fingers point towards chumming - the controversial practice of attracting sharks with fish waste, potentially altering their behaviour and leading to increased aggression. Experts, including those in California facing similar concerns with great whites, caution against chumming near beaches, highlighting its potential dangers.
The Bahamas government has a crucial choice to make. One path prioritizes the "paradise on earth" image, focusing on responsible diving practices, clear beach safety zones, and educating tourists about respectful shark interaction. Conversely, the "Shark Diving Capital of the World" route requires stringent regulations, possibly including **a bold move: **making it illegal to put fish waste in the water from near shore or near beaches.**
This decision is not without its challenges. Banning chumming near beaches raises enforcement concerns and may impact fishing communities. Yet, the potential benefits, including enhanced safety for tourists and Bahamians, cannot be ignored.
On New ideas to curb shark attacks
Posted 19 December 2023, 12:22 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
There goes the 'marijuana' vote.
On Recreational use of marijuana not included in draft legislation, says permanent secretary
Posted 18 December 2023, 1:05 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
An old story: the country's Auditor General published a report on the Road Traffic Department years ago. The report suggested that the department could be losing up to $20 million annually through fraud. However, the then Minister of Transport, Glenys Hanna Martin, rejected the report and accused the auditor of making guesses about road traffic.
The Report suggests that:
If a forecast were performed based on the total number of licence plates produced and issued, approximately 374,000 plates, to the public as of June 30, 2015, one would estimate that the motor vehicle licence revenue should be at a minimum of $73 million dollars (374,000 x $195.00) instead of the reported average of $26 million dollars per annum. If the approximate number of 374,000 plates were reduced by 50%, there would still be an estimated loss of $10 million dollars as compared to the actual recorded revenue noted herein.
When our company conducted research preparing our 2019 Road Safety Proposal, we were advised to "watch our backs."
Glenys Hanna Martin:
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2016/may…
http://www.tribune242.com/news/2017/mar…
Road Traffic Department Audit Report
https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/wcm/conn…
Bahamians are fast asleep on the level of corruption and would be surprised 'who knows, who knows' who is involved.
On ‘Fifty percent of cars in accidents are uninsured’
Posted 16 December 2023, 12:32 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
Many seemingly "good" cars are Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks.
It is a common misconception that vehicle inspections are designed to punish car owners, but this is far from the truth. Inspections are essential to ensure that vehicles are safe and roadworthy. The inspection report allows car owners to take corrective measures and bring their vehicles in line with safety regulations, thereby improving their efficiency. This ensures that the vehicle is fuel-efficient and safe to operate.
If a vehicle is found to be mechanically unsafe, and the owner is not aware of it, the vehicle will be deemed 'unroadworthy' and advised to be unfit from a technical mechanical point of view. Many vehicles, including salvage and junk vehicles, are imported into the Bahamas without being checked for mechanical and structural integrity. The United Nations has labelled Africa, The Bahamas, and other "third world" countries as "dumping grounds" for the world's used and unwanted cars.
It is important to remember that just because a vehicle starts and drives does not necessarily mean it is safe to operate. Many seemingly "good" cars are, in fact, Frankenstein creations stitched together from multiple wrecks in a salvage operation that is completed to look visually appealing but is unsafe. A technical inspection can expose this to owners and could be a valuable service before purchasing a potentially dangerous vehicle.
Most used and old vehicles in the Bahamas will fit an inspection category of - ***Pass and Advise***; however, some will undoubtedly fail an inspection.
On ‘Fifty percent of cars in accidents are uninsured’
Posted 15 December 2023, 1:53 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> PTI Bahamas' 2019 Road Safety Proposal
> Gaining Traction: Uninsured Vehicles
> Concerns Echoed by Police Chief
Nassau, Bahamas – Bahamas Auto Safe and Inspection Centre (PTI Bahamas) today commended Chief Superintendent of Police David Lockhart's recent statement acknowledging the issue of uninsured vehicles on the roads, a key concern addressed in PTI's 2019 Road Safety Proposal.
> Longstanding Concerns, Validated
> Solutions:
Chief Superintendent Lockhart's revelation that "fifty per cent" of vehicles in accidents this year were uninsured" aligns with PTI's proposal, highlighting the estimated 40% uninsured vehicle rate in 2019 and advocating for stricter enforcement. This statement serves as strong validation of PTI's proposed solutions, including:
- Identifying and impounding uninsured
vehicles: Mirroring the Chief
Superintendent's Call to Action,
PTI's proposal outlined methods for
identifying and impounding uninsured
vehicles, effectively taking them off
the roads.
- Combating corruption within the Road
Traffic Department: Recognizing
loopholes exploited by uninsured
drivers, PTI's proposal addressed
potential corrupt practices within
the department that enabled such
operations.
> From Proposal to Urgency:
Following Transport and Energy Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis' earlier acknowledgement of uninsured vehicle concerns, this recent development reinforces the importance and urgency of implementing PTI's 2019 proposal. The Chief Superintendent's vocalization of these concerns further underscores the need for immediate action.
> PTI Bahamas urges the Bahamas
> Government and relevant authorities to:
- Revisit PTI's 2019 Road Safety
Proposal: A comprehensive document
containing practical solutions,
the proposal offers a roadmap for
addressing the critical issue of
uninsured vehicles.
- Start implementing solutions: PTI
calls for swift action to enact the
proposed measures, prioritizing the
safety of Bahamian citizens on the
roads.
- Address the root cause: Eliminating
the problem of uninsured vehicles
requires tackling the underlying
cultural biases, political agendas,
and potential corruption that enables
their operation.
"For too long," states PTI Bahamas, "recommendations by Bahamians have been ignored. It is time to prioritize our people's safety and implement solutions validated by no less than the Chief of Police himself. Innocent Bahamians should not be the casualties of inaction."
> PTI Bahamas stands ready to
> collaborate with the government and
> relevant stakeholders to implement the
> 2019 Road Safety Proposal and make
> Bahamian roads safe for all.*
On ‘Fifty percent of cars in accidents are uninsured’
Posted 15 December 2023, 10:19 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Minister's Statement Validates PTI
> Bahamas 2019 Road Safety Proposal
The Minister's statement, specifically the quote: "We must ensure that our vehicles have current insurance. Road Traffic, y'all better get it together, you know that's my slogan. Get it together and get these cars off the road that do not have insurance" directly validates the need for our 2019 Road Safety Proposal.
This statement acknowledges the long-standing issue of uninsured vehicles operating on the roads and recognises the need for improved enforcement. It echoes key points from our 2019 proposal, including:
Addressing the problem of uninsured vehicles: The proposal contained recommendations for identifying and impounding uninsured vehicles, echoing the Minister's call for action.
Combating corruption within the Road Traffic Department: The proposal addressed loopholes or corrupt practices that allowed uninsured vehicles to operate, aligning with the Minister's direct address to the department.
Therefore, the Minister's statement serves as strong evidence that our 2019 Road Safety Proposal was well-founded and addressed critical issues that continue to be a concern. The fact that the Minister is still voicing these concerns underscores the importance and urgency of implementing the solutions outlined in the proposal.
By highlighting this connection to our 2019 proposal, you can effectively demonstrate the foresight and relevance of our recommendations.
***PTI Bahamas urges the Minister and relevant authorities to revisit the proposal, start implementing solutions, and address the problem of uninsured vehicles on the roads.***
On Traffic fatalities see 50 percent rise for women, says Coleby-Davis
Posted 11 December 2023, 5:19 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
You would expect that a scientific and unbiased approach would be taken if such an exercise was needed in the Bahamas. I am certain that the Bahamian Government would consult with 'experts in the field'. However, the concerns of Bahamians in their own country are often dismissed as "stupidity".
On BHS calls for end to ‘chumming’ practices
Posted 11 December 2023, 2:31 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Shark Sanctuary or The Safety of
> Swimmers, A Dilemma For The Bahamas.
There is a significant and somewhat sensitive issue in The Bahamas that some may want to overlook. The issue is the conservation initiative called 'The Bahamas being a Shark Sanctuary', which helps fuel a multi-billion dollar global 'shark dive' industry. The industry is not monitored and regulated by the elements of The Bahamas Government, whose only involvement is to issue low-cost permits to operate a dive operation in the Bahamas. These permits are used for research ventures and sometimes for commercial fishing operations as well. But the control of this 'Shark Sanctuary' designation is external, and of course, these elements would care less if the Bahamas shark population has gotten to the point of being out of control, hence the 'Shark Sanctuary' designation.
https://sharkallies.org/shark-ecotouris…
https://oceanographicmagazine.com/featu…
https://indopacificimages.com/bahamas-s…
https://www.epicdiving.com/bahamas-shar…
https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news…
On BHS calls for end to ‘chumming’ practices
Posted 11 December 2023, 11:11 a.m. Suggest removal