Opposition Leader Philip Davis says “Grand Bahamians have demonstrated in the streets and taken to social media urging the government to fix Grand Bahama. That island delivered five FNM MPs, three senators and three ministers, yet all they have to show is a closed hotel property with no prospects for opening; more foreign labour at the Grand Bahama Shipyard as Bahamians are displaced and a 12 per cent  VAT hike. 

“The  budget is taking this country in the wrong direction. There are too many contradictions and inconsistencies and greater transparency is needed by this government if it is to recover lost public confidence. I say again that governance is serious business and not a public relations or marketing exercise.”

Addressing the media at Gambier House yesterday, Mr Davis said, “the people of  Grand Bahama  showed their disappointment during Labour Day when the Deputy Prime Minister  addressed them; they got up and left.

“ Each week families in Freeport are migrating to Nassau in search of better economic prospects. Families are still sleeping in their cars on beaches. Since the raise in VAT was announced two Freeport small businesses have said they are closing their doors for good. Yet Peter Turnquest said in the House everybody is happy in the country; only the PLP is unhappy.” 

Mr Davis said  “what is interesting to note, there is not one mention of Grand Bahama in the budget.

“I suppose the workers are also happy with the cancellation of the Empowerment Program prior to Labour Day which put hundreds of young Bahamians on the unemployment line. This program was designed to improve the skill set in the labour force and hundreds benefitted.  This was no 52 programme. These were jobs given to Bahamians to assist in making productive citizens.”