Unless the government implements an economic stimulus package to give individuals an opportunity to engage in meaningful employment, it can only expect the continuation of crimes that seem to go unabated.
This according to the Member of Parliament for Carmichael, John Carey.
“We must find jobs for those on the blocks and those graduating from school. We must find a better way to ensure that our economic pie is more equitably distributed among the masses,” said Mr. Carey, who was giving his contribution in the House of Assembly Thursday on a package of e-commerce bills.
Mr. Carey said that establishing via legislation, the framework upon which the private sector can now drive e-commerce, would allow for the creation of jobs and meaningful employment opportunities for Bahamians. He said that such a move augurs well for the overall objective of the government to lift every Bahamian to a higher plane economically, socially and nationally.
Mr. Carey said, to “put teeth” into the e-commerce legislation, the government must carefully plan and establish a vibrant, well-trained and well-equipped regulatory body.
This body, he said, must be more than a “paper tiger” and must also be allowed to operate free from political interference and “buddy-system” meddling.
“This body must have autonomy to regulate and protect consumers and legal businesses. The body must have autonomy to regulate and protect consumers and legal businesses. This body must also have ability and power to prosecute without interference,” he said.
As the ushering of new business practices brings fundamental change and new opportunities for Bahamians, Mr. Carey said, the electronic revolution is spurring additional investments in facilities, hardware, software, services and human capital.
He said that ultimately, e-commerce could change the structure and performance of the economy, as tourism did.
“E-commerce offers the opportunity for business to be done better. The government of The Bahamas, the construction industry, legal profession, the banking and business sector and business in general, will be able to consummate and complete legal transactions in a new ‘just in time’ business environment,” said the Carmichael MP.
According to Mr. Carey, global e-commerce is a major opportunity for Bahamians, as such business is now heavily dependent on the Internet and technology.
He said that it is projected that by 2004, non-U.S. business-to-business e-commerce spending will reach $2.8 trillion, which is approximately 87 per cent.
“With such a significant revenue generator, it is fitting that the government leads the charge through the legislative initiative to encourage Bahamians and those interested in business opportunities, to embrace e-commerce and make it work.
There can be no more excuses by any person who does not embark on business opportunities that can be derived through e-commerce,” Mr Carey said.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
