Convention set for Feb. 22-23
NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Interim leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), Chris Mortimer, on Monday expressed that The Bahamas is at a crossroad when it comes to government relations.
“The Bahamian people voted out the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), with the hope that the Free National Movement (FNM) would be different. Unfortunately, they have proven that they are two sides of the same coin with corruption, cronyism, nepotism, conflict of interest and fiscal mismanagement being the order of the day during their first 20 months in office,” Mortimer said.
The DNA’s interim leader was addressing media at press conference yesterday at the Courtyard Mariott.
Mortimer said the conference was held yesterday to announce the DNA’s upcoming convention as well as to highlight a list of prominent government issues.
And according to Mortimer, the list is endless.
“The FNM commenced their governance by taking a long vacation; seeking a pay raise at the beginning of their term; enacted a fast-tracked work permit law in the form of the Commercial Enterprise Act; increased spending on travels; passed the Spy Bill; signed a fraudulent Oban deal; increased VAT (value-added tax) by 60 per cent over $100 million on a derelict hotel while the employees chose to leave; gave a sitting Cabinet Minister a contract for the main post office and more recently, the government] was chastised by the Chief Magistrate for the egregious actions of two Cabinet Ministers,” Mortimer outlined.
The DNA interim leader also reminded the media that The Bahamas had been backlisted on several occasions.
“They were dismal in opposition and have been disastrous in government,” Mortimer said about the FNM government. He added, however, that the Opposition Progressive Liberal Party is no different.
“The official opposition has no moral authority to condemn the sitting government based on their poor performance and mismanagement while in office,” Mortimer said, adding that the DNA is the only viable option for real change in the country.
In an effort to bring about this change, Mortimer revealed that the DNA will be hosting a convention on February 22 and 23 to brainstorm and prepare for the 2022 general election, which he said the DNA is confident of a win.
Mortimer also revealed that he would not be vying for the leadership of the party at the upcoming convention but will remain to be a member and strong supporter of the party.
