FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2012

The Manifesto’s Broken Promises

The Prime Minister announced details of the Manifesto ’12 while addressing a crowd this weekend. The Democratic National Alliance (DNA), like the majority of Bahamians, are awaiting what other failed policies the current administration will present the Bahamian people.

Bahamians have become impatient, still waiting for the Free National Movement (FNM) to deliver on the promises presented in their Manifesto ’07, to no avail. The Prime Minister had voters to believe that we were electing a government on “A Matter of Trust,” and we trusted them to deliver on their promises.

We trusted that his Government would: articulate and implement a long term immigration policy (pg. 3), ensure that the Judiciary is seen to be independent (pg. 4), adopt a balance budget (pg. 6), establish a consumer protection agency (pg. 8), provide free health insurance for all (pg. 14), upgrade all community health clinics (pg. 14), amongst others.

Leader of the DNA, Branville McCartney spoke out, “FNM Manifesto ’07 is a list of broken promises, which ends with a ‘to be continued’ tagline.” He proceeded, “I once trusted in these promises, it wasn’t long before I realized that the FNM did not deliver!”

Before he composes another book of broken promises, vague polices, and empty statements, the DNA demands that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham explain why, in a gracious five-year term, he was not able to achieve what he promised? And furthermore, if he did not keep these promises last time, why should the Bahamian people put their trust in him again.”

Meanwhile, the DNA’s “Vision 2012 and Beyond” will be released in short order and will outline the DNA’s policies on national issues along with a clear and concise timeline for execution. Branville added, “we are confident that people will see the DNA has a comprehensive plan to move our country. I assume Mr. Ingrahams reluctance to debate is because he is afraid to face his record of broken promises to the public.” The DNA believes a “Leadership Debate” about the issues is vital to for the progress of our democracy.