NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In a few short days, Parliament will reconvene for a new legislative session, The second consecutive Davis Administration, of course, laid out it’s core agenda during the Speech from The Throne by the Most Honorable Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, our most competent and beloved Governor-General. Broad policy was laid out, now the heavy lifting and fulfillment start.
I would urge the PM to make a dew adjustments to the leadership of the dominant PLP in the House of Assembly. The Senate, in my opinion, is okay. While ALL PLP Leaders for Government Business in that place have proven up to the mettle , adjustments will have to be made.
The Hon. Zane Lightbourne (PLP-Yamacraw), our erstwhile Minister of the Environment, has emerged this term as the fiercest advocate and defender of the administrations agenda in the legislative halls of The House of Assembly. He is quick witted; an excellent orator , along the lines of the late great and deeply lamented, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, Minister Lightbourne, clearly, ALWAYS enter debates well prepared and researched .
In the thrust and parry of debates and disruptive nonsense, he is quick to rise and strike back with authority and pure logic. In fact, I have witnessed, with my own Two (2) eyes where he rebutted Opposition members (the handful that may dare to rear up and spew unadulterated shaving cream, instantly and called into question the logic or relevancy of their remarks or contributions. He made an excellent Leader of Government Business.
The Bahamas Power & Light Company, in its different incarnations over the years, has long been a Albatross around the collective necks of ALL Bahamians but especially the ones who live right here In New Providence. In recent years, under all administrations, BPL has grown into an almost unmanageable and seems, at times, to have a clear and logical workable plan of action. No, I am NOT blaming anyone or any administration for the current sad state of affairs down there.
It is now time, however, for the PM to maybe consider placing the Hon. Sebas Bastian (PLP-Fort Charlotte), Minister of Technology, et al, into BPL. He has long been a trail blazer. As a University graduate in this area and as an innovator /specialist in the internet; telecommunications and managerial skills, I dare say that there would be noticeable improvements and delivery of services.
No, again, I am not asking the PM to ‘shuffle’ the cabinet, at this juncture, but too much rides on the fulfilment of the contents of The Speech from The Throne. Individuals with new mindsets were elected in May, 2026 on the PLP side so there is NO SHORTAGE of talent within the cabinet and/or front bench of that iconic party.
Legislatively, there is an urgency to liberalize CROWN LAND , especially in the Family Islands, Land grants in New Providence would be difficult, if not impossible. Back to the Islands should be adopted by this enlightened and benign administration. With this liberalization, I also urge the PM to; increase benefits under NIB; Roll out a workable and sustainable, fiscally, National Health Insurance Scheme. Medical costs are just TOO HIGH for uninsured Bahamians , a dray load of them according to public statistic.
The PM is also encouraged to either ‘encourage’ The Central Bank & The Ministry of Finance to set up a mechanism whereby ordinary Bahamians would be able to invest in SAVINGS BONDS, in multiples of B$ 50:00 ; a Hundred Dollars etcetera at at least 5% . annually; move and pass progressive labor and labor related legislation: remove VAT on electrical bills: charge a larger percentage annual on electrical usage by dealers and clients of electrical vehicle owners; modernize and reduce the unnecessary difficulties faced by lay persons, who are then ‘forced’ to hire a lawyer at exorbitant fees, in some cases, or exit the legal system worst off than when they went in.
I am happy beyond words that Mr. Charles Sealey has been selected and appointed as the new Managing Director The Public Hospital Authority by the PM and Minister Michael Darville, Minister of Health & Wellness, MP. This bodes well for the literal revolutionization of the REAL & AFFORDABLE health care and availability to ALL Bahamians ! Mr. Sealey might ‘look’ or even be ‘young’ like me ,BUT he brings a wealth of experience; professionalism and management which, in my view were sorely lacking hitherto.
We will also have to deal with crime and punishment. Fully automated courts are badly needed with appropriate facilities and Jurists; staff and the general public. All courts and complexes MUST have generators so if we need to bring a Supplementary Budget to finance the same, let’s do it and do it NOW.
As the late musical duo, McFadden & Whitehead used to sing ‘There ain’t no stopping us now….we are on the run….!!!” To God then, in all things, be the glory!!
-Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
