CARL Culmer should refrain from speaking because there was a lot of "worse" in the former Minnis-led FNM Administration. It is disingenuous to paint a picture as if Minnis was the only "worse" aspect of that failed administration.

Parliamentary Debate and Legal Scrutiny
Pintard has called for a parliamentary debate on the contract, demanding that the agreement and the associated fees be scrutinized and validated through proper legislative processes. He stresses the importance of competitive bidding and transparent procurement practices to ensure public trust and accountability.

Incident at the Press Briefing
Tensions over the JDL Cargo contract escalated during a press briefing when journalist Youri Kemp accused Simon Wilson of lying about the government's dealings with JDL. The confrontation led to a heated exchange, with the Office of the Prime Minister condemning Kemp's approach as a personal attack. The incident underscores the high stakes and strong emotions involved in this controversy.

Conclusion
The JDL Cargo contract issue highlights critical challenges in public-private partnerships, particularly regarding transparency, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to legal procedures. As the government works to address these concerns and improve communication with affected parties, ongoing scrutiny from political leaders, the business community, and the media will play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of the contract are equitably distributed and that public trust is maintained.

The controversy surrounding the $25 million contract awarded to JDL Cargo for managing the air freight terminal at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) highlights several significant issues involving government transparency, stakeholder engagement, and procedural integrity.

> Understanding Key Concerns and
> Criticisms of the “JDL Scandal”

Michael Pintard and the Free National Movement (FNM):

Michael Pintard, the leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), has been a leading critic of the Davis administration's handling of the contract with JDL Cargo. Pintard's primary concerns revolve around the following:

Lack of Competitive Bidding: Pintard alleges that the government failed to conduct a proper competitive bidding process, bypassing the usual Request For Proposals (RFP) that ensures transparency and fairness.

Legal and Procedural Concerns: He questions the legal framework under which the contract was awarded, demanding clarity on which laws or regulations permitted the Ministry of Finance to engage JDL Cargo without parliamentary debate.

Stakeholder Engagement: Pintard highlights the absence of dialogue with key stakeholders, particularly the Customs Department, before finalizing the contract, leading to confusion and discontent among customs officers and other affected parties.

Business Sector Reaction:
The business community has expressed significant concerns about the impact of the new fees introduced by JDL Cargo.

Notably:

- List item

Increased Costs: The introduction of a 20 cents per pound air freight terminal handling fee, along with other charges, has raised fears of increased operational costs. Businesses worry that these fees will make margins too thin, particularly for smaller couriers, potentially driving some out of business.

Operational Disruptions: Due to uncertainties about the new fee structure, some businesses have started rerouting their shipments via ocean freight, causing a slowdown in the air freight sector.

Government Response:
Financial Secretary Simon Wilson has attempted to address these concerns by:

Assurances Against Monopoly Pricing:
Wilson has pledged that the government will not permit JDL Cargo to engage in predatory pricing practices. He emphasizes that the aim is to make the contract beneficial for all stakeholders.

Acknowledgement of Communication Failures:
Wilson admits that the government has not communicated effectively with stakeholders, promising to improve transparency and stakeholder engagement moving forward.

Justification for the PPP:
Wilson defends the decision to engage JDL Cargo, citing the poor state of the current air freight terminal and the lack of interest from other potential partners over the past decade. He argues that JDL Cargo was the only entity willing to undertake the necessary renovations and manage the facility.

continue:-

To ensure the success of the Free National Movement (FNM) in the upcoming elections, it is imperative to endorse Kwasi Thompson as the next leader and potential Bahamian Prime Minister. His leadership would not only secure my support but also galvanize the backing of our community, thereby significantly boosting the FNM's chances of victory. Conversely, any other candidate for the FNM leadership would likely result in an automatic win for the Brave/Chaster team, driven by a diminished voter turnout and waning support for FNM candidates led by Pintard or Minnis.

The government's involvement frequently results in decisions influenced by personal connections rather than the best interests of the Bahamas and its citizens. Nepotism and favouritism often prevail, with individuals prioritizing the well-being of their friends, relatives, and close associates over public welfare. This issue is particularly evident in various sectors, such as awarding contracts intended to improve the Road Traffic Department (RTD). Crucial initiatives, including issuing vehicle plates and other measures to reduce fraud and implementing systems to detect and prevent unlicensed and uninsured vehicles, are often stalled by those with vested interests.

Despite the Prime Minister's declarations, progress is impeded by influential individuals within the system who benefit from maintaining the status quo. In positions to effect change, these individuals frequently interfere with their superiors' directives and operate with impunity. A similar situation is observable in the realm of monitoring systems. A simple search would reveal the most effective and widely used systems with local representation in the Bahamas. Nevertheless, these solutions are often disregarded because they do not align with the preferences of the entrenched establishment. This resistance persists despite the evident weaknesses and difficulties in rectifying current systems.

For example, the issue of monitored individuals being able to remove their bracelets would be significantly reduced if more widely used and effective systems were adopted. However, resistance to change and safeguarding personal interests continue to hinder the adoption of superior solutions, ultimately to the detriment of the Bahamian people and the efficacy of governance.

> Publicly airing internal conflicts
> will not help the Free National
> Movement (FNM) emerge from its
> political wilderness.

The Bahamian electorate is deeply concerned about their future in a country that has decayed to the point where a record number of Bahamians have left, with more planning to follow. This exodus highlights the pervasive sentiment that the nation increasingly serves the interests of a select few and foreign entities. Critical concerns such as rising crime rates, a failing healthcare system, societal instability, an inadequate education system, the high cost of living, job insecurity, and pervasive lawlessness dominate the public discourse. Additionally, there is widespread disillusionment with a corrupt political process characterized by cronyism and victimization. Many fear political assassination and being labelled for exercising their right to choose. Addressing these issues is paramount for restoring confidence and hope among Bahamians for FNM and PLP.

However, there are also biblical warnings about false claims to Jewish identity, such as in Revelation 2:9, which states, "I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." This suggests a more nuanced view of what it means to be aligned with God's purposes, challenging simplistic or uncritical support of Jews (Zionism) based solely on national or religious identity.

I appreciate your response and am eager to engage in further discussion. However, I request that you elaborate on your statement, "You're ignorant of the facts." What specific facts are you referencing, and how do they pertain to our discussion? Furthermore, I am curious about your stance regarding the State of Israel. Why not oppose this colonial disease planted in the heart of the Christian Muslim world, or do you align with the Zionist ideology, which many criticize for disregarding the sanctity of human life in favour of constructs rooted in alleged ancient Hebrew traditions of racism and supremacy and the belief that God somehow has favourites in his creation? Such beliefs are steeped in the corrupted confusion of Hebrew Christian theology. Your clarification on these points would be most enlightening.

Adrian White's position as an opposition member and his support for the Zionist state could indeed influence his perspective on the recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state. As a member of the opposition, White may seek to differentiate his party's stance from that of the ruling government, potentially leading him to critique or oppose decisions made by the administration, such as recognizing Palestine.

Moreover, his support for the Zionist state suggests a particular ideological orientation or alignment with the policies and interests of Israel. This alignment may influence his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his views on recognising Palestine as a sovereign state.

Adrian White's motivations regarding his stance on the recognition of Palestine may indeed extend beyond concerns about transparency in decision-making. While the Bahamian government's position at the UN may be open and transparent, White's critique suggests a broader concern about aligning the Bahamas' foreign policy with that of key international players, such as the G-20 and the USA.

However, it would be beneficial for White and other policymakers to address and acknowledge humanitarian crises, such as the situation faced by Palestinians, as part of their broader engagement with international affairs. This can help ensure a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to foreign policy that considers both political considerations and humanitarian concerns.

Adrian White's remarks suggest a desire for alignment between the Bahamas' international positions and those of influential entities such as the G-20 and the United States. By expressing concern over the divergence between the Bahamas' stance on recognizing Palestine and that of certain G-20 countries, including the USA, White may be signalling a belief in the importance of adhering to prevailing international norms and alliances regardless of the sovereignty of the Bahamas as an independent state.

The Bahamas is a major player in the tourism industry, with both perceptions and reality shaping the sector.

The Cruise Line Industry is navigating toward prosperous waters, with forecasts projecting a robust revenue of $25.4 billion by 2033, boasting a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. This trajectory signals a buoyant future for cruise operators, underlining the enduring allure of sea-bound travel.

In 2023, the Global Cruise Market was valued at a substantial $9.2 billion, underscoring the industry’s significant economic impact on a global scale. This figure not only reflects the financial magnitude of cruising but also emphasizes its status as a vital component of the global tourism sector. Notably, between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 65% of cruise passengers hailed from the United States. This statistic reaffirms America’s status as a powerhouse in the cruise market.

Moreover, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, the Cruise Industry is witnessing a heartening trend: 85% of travelers who have previously embarked on a cruise express a willingness to set sail once more. This figure marks a resilient recovery, standing 6% higher than pre-pandemic levels. It underscores the enduring appeal of cruising, demonstrating the industry’s ability to bounce back and adapt to changing circumstances.

Bahamians should be aware of the economic dynamics in their own country, where billions of dollars in tourism revenue are sailing and flying into the Bahamas only to leave the next day. We are not capturing the opportunity. We need to focus on meeting the needs of our visitors, which is currently not happening. As a result, the cruise industry has taken the initiative to cater to the needs of tourists. While the Bahamas earns only $18 from each cruise passenger, the cruise islands earn an average of $500 from each visitor.