Alvin Smith, leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly and North Eleuthera MP, told The Tribune that the government had made announcements of several pieces of vital legislation in the speech from throne at the opening of the new parliament in 2002.
This legislation, he said, “has yet to be discussed in parliament.”
When the House of Assembly reopens on October 5, Mr. Smith said that the opposition will strive to address several of the outstanding issues.
“In the speech from the throne it was announced that government will stem the increase of illegal immigration – there were no significant efforts made towards this end.”
He further said government had promised a bill for an act of integrity in public life.
“This would have brought a higher level of accountability and transparency, but unfortunately it never happened,” he said.
Mr. Smith also criticised the fact that government did not pass legislation to create additional tourism development zones in urban areas and the Family Islands.
“It was also announced that the Bahamas would become a centre of e-commerce. While some small legislation was passed, the Bahamas is far from being a centre for e-commerce.” he pointed out.
Pensions
Mr. Smith said that the opposition members will also bring up previously promised legislation for a new Pensions Act, as well as laws which would prepare the groundwork to enable parts of Grand Bahama and the Family Islands to enjoy similar benefits to those Freeport has under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
“These are all issues we will hold them to when we return to parliament,” he said.
High on the agenda of the opposition will also be the delay of school repairs, Mr. Smith added.
The North Eleuthera MP further suggested that the government should consider proroguing parliament to increase its efficiency of administration.
He explained that under the Westminster-style of parliament, it is customary to prorogue, or take a break and return with a reformulated agenda and fresh ideas.
“In many countries, such as Bermuda, the parliamentary year is 12 to 18 months and then they prorogue.
In the Bahamas it has been three and half years since the opening of parliament under this government and maybe what is needed to refocus is to prorogue,” he said.
Source: Karen Herig, The Tribune
