The annual debate of the Budget of The Bahamas Government is in its final stages, and should be completed by the time this blog becomes visible. Unfortunately I was only able to see parts of the presentations of Messrs. Malcolm Adderley, Tommy Turnquest and Hubert Ingraham, but I feel compelled to comment on a few things:
1. What I saw of Mr. Adderley's contribution was substantive enough, focusing on the evils of our society and lack of morals, gambling and his usual whipping boy - the banks.
But he made a curious statement relating to the press covering the immoral acts of people. It seemed he was indicating he was not happy with the press doing this and something should be done. Presumably he is talking about restricting freedom of the press?
If he is, we can't expect people to act in a more responsible manner and complain about our lack of morals and then force the press to give their immoral behaviour a pass.
The two are diametrically opposed.
2. Mr. Turnquest seemed to present his case very well, but I was more impressed with how he handled the questions from the Opposition. There were several instances where he could have responded in the manner the questions were asked, but he seemed to hold his tongue realising the seriousness of the business at hand.
3. Mr. Ingraham, Prime Minister, is obviously head and shoulders above the majority of the Members of Parliament where the art of debate is concerned, and it is obvious he is respected by those present, even if some of them might despise him. This might have something to do with his preparedness?
Of course Mr. Ingraham and I have had many differences in the past, and will have more based on policy, but there is no doubt as we say in The Bahamas, he can handle himself.
Finally, Mr. Ingraham indicated that taking eight or nine days to debate the budget is ridiculous and he expects to shorten this to four days next year after MP's, both Government and Opposition, travel to see how other Parliaments handle this process.
Even though I am of the view that The Bahamas could do with a lot less Government, the Budget Debate is an important process in our system of Government.
Now let's get on with improving our country.
