Throughout the history of The Bahamas, the Progressive Liberal Party has always been the agent of visionary change in the country. The events of the last three weeks continue to prove that point with the stage set for truly historic developments in tourism and in national health.

Now that the general public has had the benefit of well over a week’s perspective to appreciate the reality of the country’s Billion Dollar Bonanza skillfully negotiated with Kerzner International’s Atlantis, the Progressive Liberal Party finds it appropriate to publicly add its voice to the many sentiments of congratulation.

The Government’s painstaking, brilliant and effective building-block approach to growing this nation’s economy for the benefit of Bahamians is now becoming obvious to all.  It is critical to note that the shift from the initial $600 million investment first contemplated by Kerzner to the current unprecedented figure of one billion dollar was achieved for far less than half the percentage value of concessions given up during previous negotiations by the former administration.

It cannot now be denied that the Progressive Liberal Party Government is without equal in its skill at getting the most for the Bahamian people in the nation’s partnerships with international investors.  The national patrimony is, indeed, in safe hands.

The Progressive Liberal Party therefore congratulates Kerzner International and the Bahamian people on arriving at a classic “win, win” deal which will aid in the country’s efforts to maintain and enhance its position in global tourism.
 
The Progressive Liberal Party also notes with a deep sense of pride the completion of the Blue Ribbon Commission report on National Health Insurance.  Dr. Perry Gomez and his distinguished colleagues have set the stage for another foundation institution to be established under a PLP Government.

The Final Report, with its eight critical recommendations, is an essential framework for the introduction of a National Health Insurance Scheme.  This level of intellectual and experiential participation was possible only through the spirit of inclusion fostered by the Right Honourable Prime Minister and this PLP Government.

The Blue Ribbon Commission on National Health Insurance, and other similar bodies even now at work in the country’s interest, reflects the best minds that we can muster, without regard to political allegiance.  This is the result of the broadest possible collaboration at work; a principle fostered by this PLP Government in the cause of the positive transformation of The Bahamas.  We in the PLP salute the work of the Commission and the Government which appointed it.

The Commission's Final Report begins the fulfillment of yet another one of the PLP's sacred campaign promises, enshrined in ‘Our Plan’ and mandated in 2002 by the Bahamian people.  It is also a further stellar example of the dynamic role that Bahamians can play in the formulation of national policy.

Sadly, amongst all this which is positive for the nation, the PLP finds it necessary to caution the Leader of the FNM, Senator Tommy Turnquest, who seems hell-bent on blindly opposing for the mere sake of opposing.

The Official Opposition, at least, has a duty to its supporters and to the nation at large to demonstrate a greater degree of political maturity in matters of national importance.

This is no time for petty, purely partisan and hopelessly naïve political commentary.  Events such as the unprecedented leap forward in tourism about to take place at Atlantis and the dawning of a National Health Insurance scheme for all Bahamians are times for national support, consensus and unity between all Bahamians off good sense and goodwill.

We should all join to rejoice in the Government’s recent and concrete successes to further develop The Bahamas for all Bahamians and thank the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and his colleagues for their good stewardship. The voices of congratulations should also emanate from the FNM and its leadership.