A quotation from Sir Walter Scott’s poem of 1828: “Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive…” is applicable to the two stories making news today, ie:
1) The alleged abuse of Cuban detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, and
2) Remarks by a senior politician concerning the Water and Sewerage pipes.
Regarding No. 1, I had previously written (not forwarded) comparing the professional manner in which the US dealt with the rogue officers after the end of the Iraqi war when there were hearings and the persons concerned received punishment, compared with the denials and excuses and blame offered by The Bahamas.
Countries who are responsible for the well-being of detainees have always to bear in mind how they expect their nationals to be treated it they are caught in a foreign country.
Concerning No. 2 above, the evening news displayed a meeting of young professionals being addressed by a senior politician. The speaker interrupted his prepared text to say the following: “The previous administration should have consulted the Water and Sewerage Corporation for plans before proceeding with the road works…” etc etc.
Did not the speaker follow the reports by the Ministry of Works and the contractor that there existed no proper plans of pipes which accounted for some of the delays in executing the project on a timely basis.
Of course weather was always a factor to be reckoned with. The plans formulated by the contractor are the only plans for the future.
The old pipes were installed even before Mr Arthur Langlois was Director of Public Works. Those pipes were rusted and it was good that the people affected are receiving good clear water.
I would think that all politicians should be glad.
It is felt that staff should educate the politicians so as to avoid these errors being politicised for public consumption.
By: Concerned Citizen
