The failure of the government to properly inform the Bahamian people about the implications of joining the Caribbean Single Market and Economy is not only “shameful” but “negligent” said the Chairman of the Free National Movement, Carl Bethel on Sunday.
“There is no information available to the people about exactly what is the CSME. There is no information available to the people about what is the position of the government on this serious national issue,” Mr. Bethel said in his latest press statement issued to The Guardian.
The FNM Chairman said to join the CSME could have serious implications for The Bahamas and not to join, could have perhaps, more serious implications for the country’s negotiating position in internal trade negotiations.
Mr. Bethel noted that Prime Minister Christie reported that he does not intend to get “bogged down in a mindless, needless debate,” about the CSME, but this is a statement of “unparalleled arrogance” about a matter that both the PLP and the FNM have agreed to be a “serious national issue.”
Mr. Bethel said what is “mindless” is the failure of the PLP to properly inform the public before “pretending” to consult with them. He also stated that what is truly “mindless” is the apparent lack of preparation of the PLP on a vitally national issue.
“Even the Free National Movement has prepared a position paper for discussions on the CSME. The people have a right to know what is in the mind of the PLP government.”
The PLP says it is “consulting the people” about the CSME, but the FNM Chairman questioned how was it possible for the people to be consulted if they do not have any “real idea” about what the government says they are consulting about.
“How is it possible for the people to give informed consent if they do not have any information on the subject? This is a parody of consultation. Where is even the smallest booklet giving any information on the CSME or the goal of Caribbean integration?” questioned Mr. Bethel.
It was also pointed out by Mr. Bethel that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which is the constitutional charter of the CSME is an enormous document with over 240 Articles, each with numerous subsections.
He said the document itself is more than 300 internet pages long and covers every facet of life, international relations, government and business in the Caribbean region, but neither the Treaty itself, nor any summary or explanation of it has been given to the Bahamian people by the PLP, yet they say they are consulting.
Mr. Bethel said when the Bajan Prime Minister, Owen Arthur initially came to The Bahamas last week Sunday, the PLP claimed that he was coming to inform Bahamian civil society about the CSME, but after being criticised for this event and their own apparent “lack of a policy or strategic vision” about the CSME, said that Owen Arthur’s actual function was to get the views of Bahamians to take back to the wider Caribbean.
“If so, why do we have a Minister of Foreign Affairs attending CARICOM meetings? Isn’t he supposed to tell his colleagues about the views of Bahamians? Why does the Prime Minister of The Bahamas go to Heads of government meetings with Caribbean Heads if he needs Owen Arthur to carry a message on behalf of Bahamians?” questioned Mr. Bethel.
The FNM Chairman continued in his statement that the Prime Minister says that his views are no different from those of previous Prime Ministers, but their views are a matter of public record.
He recalled that while attending the signing ceremony initiating the CSME in Barbados with former Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham in 2001, Mr. Ingraham never left his seat when they called for The Bahamas to sign the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, as he had already informed his colleagues that wide public consultation would be needed before The Bahamas could sign.
The Bahamian people, Mr. Bethel said, need to know what is the present thinking of their government.
He further stated that it should be remembered that the first PLP government of Sir Lynden Pindling signed for The Bahamas to join CARICOM without ever having consulted with the Bahamian people and he wonders whether the same thing would happen again.
Mr. Bethel said the positive aspects of CSME for The Bahamas might outweigh the negative aspects, but the Bahamian people do not know, since they have no information on which to make a judgment.
“Just last evening, a well-known PLP said to me that the only thing he hoped for with CSME is that the proposed free movement of people would allow for the free movement of Prime Ministers, so that the Bahamian people could elect Owen Arthur, since he was at least able to explain to the Bahamian people what is going on with the CSME.”
Chairman of the PLP, Raynard Rigby in a press release issued to The Guardian last week Thursday said the fact that the (CSME) debate is occurring prior to any decision of the Government of The Bahamas, speaks volume of the Government’s commitment to ensure that the Bahamian people are consulted on all matters of national importance.
In this regard, he said the PLP is giving life to its commitment to consult with the Bahamian people as set out in its “Our Plan” document. And this new approach is fundamentally different from the position adopted by the former administration.
Mr. Rigby also mentioned that the recent visit by Owen Arthur, further highlights the Government’s resolve to ensure that Caribbean leaders understand the position of the people of The Bahamas on such matters as free movement of labour and trade liberalization.
He continued that this new and bold approach to governance and international relations is enthusiastically welcomed by the PLP as it now affords The Bahamas’ regional partners a greater appreciation for its views.
It also provides recognition of the country’s unique status, and circumstances may justify preferential treatment and consideration when making decisions around the table of CARICOM.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
