What an arrogant SOB. Has he ever heard of the words "democratic rights" ? Its this total disregard for the views of a large percentage of the population that epitomizes the way in which the government runs the country. On a basic level what is stopping the government granting full transparency of public income and expenditure, after all it isn't the money of ministers but belongs to the Bahamian public. Obviously there are facts they don't want us to know and in Mr Mitchells case how much he costs the country on his regular overseas trips.

Whilst I agree that despite world fuel prices having never been lower electricity costs seem to have risen, but by the same token neither have Bahamas Ferries or the mailboats reflected lower fuel costs in their ticket prices. For me it seems that one of the largest issues that should be highlighted is the continued arrogant attitude of the government for the lack of transparency in its dealing with the public finances and why despite record VAT revenue, many other subtle tax increases, they have not only failed to reduce the huge national debt but borrow even more. Bear in mind that another VAT increase is in the works and downgrading to Junk status is a very real possibility.

Am I correct in thinking that there were to be many customs duties reductions after the implementation of VAT ? Seems we are paying VAT, customs duties increases in road taxes, so called hazardous materials disposal tax and a raft of other increases with no apparent reduction in the national debt. More taxes means more wasteful spending and nothing else.

I actually thought Bran had sense but this comment makes him look like an absolute fool. What is it that all the numbskull politicians fail to understand that fiscal responsibility means cutting expenditure , waste and rehirings. You have to laugh at the government poster in our local Customs Ioffice I quote " from DAY ONE of the implementation of vat the national debt will start to reduce". Eleuthera has holes in the roads that would swallow a car, clinics without medication and yet I am told breaking ground for a new hospital. Oh of course election coming.

So true. When you read some of the readers comments it conveys the message that a foreigner is not welcome yet their money is, whether at a corporate level or the winter resident. Foreign expertise is welcomed in most countries where it is recognised that a talented individual can create jobs and wealth but it is the general population and politicians that hold the blame for the appalling mess we are in.

And how long has the government had to set up this council knowing full well that it is hard to conduct business here. Someone I know is selling his house, has a cash buyer but the lawyers work at a snails pace citing illness, holidays and simply not doing things in a timely manner. In his words these people are driving me crazy and I can't wait to get out of here.

Transparency is a lost concept in this country where secrecy starts with school accounts,thru fund raising events to the government. What I don't understand is this continual blame heaped on foreign investors big and small where it seems their cash is welcome but they are not. If you don't like foreigners then don't accept all the cash donations and stand on your own two feet.

Information from an inside source says that existing equipment in many areas is from the 50's
with basics in the science areas severely lacking. Anybody can change a name but supplying the equipment / resources and working conditions to become a creditable university takes money. It was on ZNS last night that this will become a world class university undertaking research. When one considers that Darold Miller lives under the delusion that his programme is broadcast to the Bahamas and the world I can only hope that the new University is more in touch with reality.

Wait for more and more statements of various schemes due to start before the election, and ionce back in power --poof -gone.

Low voter registration is a sign of voter apathy, given the desperate desire of the politicians to cling onto their jobs at any cost to the country. You have to ask why any educated individual trained in a well paying profession would enter politics for what by comparison is a measly salary. The answer is obvious and applies to most other countries as well.