FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2012

DNA: Rise in Homelessness is a Reflection in Leadership

The President of the Great Commission Ministries Walter Hanchell says that homelessness is on the rise in the Bahamas. The Democratic National Alliance supports Mr. Hanchell’s views. He has been helping poor and impoverished Bahamians for over 25 years and is on the ground and is well qualified to speak on the social ills of the country.

Mr. Hanchell said, "People are living all over this island in derelict vehicles, abandoned buildings and under Paradise Island bridge, and we are trying to fight poverty and homelessness.”

We believe that under Hubert Ingraham and the FNM, stories of homeless Bahamians have become the order of the day. Under Ingraham’s leadership we have seen record home foreclosures. Commercial banks are now printing 20 page booklets of foreclosed homes, a first in a modern day Bahamas.

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville McCartney says, “The social ills and moral decay of our society have gotten worse under successive governments. We have Bahamians who five years ago were living in two-storey homes now living on the streets. We have Bahamians who five years ago were making $80,000 per year. Now they find it difficult to eat one decent meal daily. The FNM’s self praise of calling themselves a caring government is now a smoke screen.”

Bahamians have been flocking to the Department of Social Services all in effort to stop themselves from starving to death and in trying to avoid sleeping on the streets. The FNM government hasn’t created one net job in five years and Bahamians continue to suffer hardships and some of them have become dejected. This speaks to the failed leadership of Hubert Ingraham's government.

The DNA has already joined hands with charitable organizations and so have many of our candidates. Our intent though is to ensure that these families attain the dignity to once again help themselves. We will create the environment for economic prosperity and allow Bahamians to empower themselves.

Mr. McCartney further said, “8,000 Bahamians had their water disconnected and 5,000 Bahamians had their electricity disconnected under Hubert Ingraham’s proven leadership. Hundreds of Bahamians lost their businesses and we have had almost 500 murders in five years. Our misery index is reaching record levels and sadly, there is no hope in sight under Ingraham and Perry Christie. This is delivering, but this is delivering social disorder and chaos. Give the DNA a chance on Election Day and we will restore law and order back to the Bahamas. We all know that the FNM and the PLP will not do it. They can’t do it because they don’t have the political will.”

All Bahamians at the least should be able live under a roof, be able to pay their utility bills and properly feed themselves. The DNA believes in putting Bahamians first and we will deliver economic stability, law and order and effective governance where Bahamians are truly empowered.

McCartney added, “Vote for change and vote for the DNA.”