On the cusp of the 2017 General Election, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) revealed yesterday in a press conference at the party’s headquarters, a potential Cabinet in the event that the party wins and becomes the government after the 2017 election.
Calling the group ‘qualified, non-career politicians with a new era of governance’ the DNA announced that they are ready to govern in the event they are successful at the polls after the election.
During the press conference, the party announced 27 possible individuals who assume offices in different areas of the cabinet with the exception of the Attorney General and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Over the past several months, Bahamians have been introduced to the party’s impressive slate of candidates comprised of some of the best and brightest in the world of finance, business, law, law enforcement, healthcare, labor and civil society.
“Each individual has proven themselves to be a leader in their respective disciplines and have been assigned to specific portfolios based on those abilities.
“Outside of the role of the Attorney General which, under the DNA will be an independently selected Bahamian chosen from civil society and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, members of the Shadow Cabinet as outlined will speak to issues plaguing their specific portfolios,” Mr. McCartney said.
Projected to bring a government that will reverse some of the distressing trends which have emerged in 21st century Bahamas the slate of proposed Cabinet Ministers in the DNA will see individuals working in their career fields.
Party Leader, Branville McCartney will lead the DNA Cabinet as the Minister of National Security and Immigration ending the trend set by successive prime ministers, who always, in the past, have taken on the role of Minister of Finance.
Stephen Greenslade, a former long-time serving police officer and a security specialist will assist Mr. McCartney in that portfolio, placing emphasis on eradicating corruption within the government.
The Minister of Finance will be filled by one of the country’s most talented financial minds in the person of Youri Kemp.
Arinthia Komolafe and Brenda Harris, experts in this particular field, will fill the post for Financial Services, Trade & Investment and National Insurance.
Deputy Leader of the DNA, Christopher Mortimer, who according to the party, has led the way in the creation of the DNA’s well thought out energy strategy will serve as the Shadow Minister of Works and Energy.
Working hand in hand with the portfolio of energy is the Environment and Natural Resources for which Candace Weatherford will assume responsibility.
Leading the charge on Education is a man who has spent years as an educator.
As president of the College of the Bahamas Dr. Leon Higgs played a key role in plans to expand the College’s Northern Campus, and also oversaw improvements to the overall student registration process.
Mr. Samuel Strachan will head the Ministry of Information and Technology which core purpose would be to move all government IT infrastructure under one umbrella.
Best known for his involvement in youth and sports development, sports anchor Gerrino Saunders will assume the role of DNA spokesperson on those issues from the Shadow Cabinet level.
While separated from its traditionally accepted spot alongside these two portfolios, a DNA Cabinet is prepared to give special attention to the issue of Culture. Emily Williams brings to the table years of success as secular music artist, a gospel artist, and a writer on both the local and international stages with the assistance of Celi Moss.
Overseeing issues relative to Small Business Development and Innovation are Lincoln Bain and Claire Basden who will act as the party’s voices on the many challenges facing entrepreneurs and the lack of ease in doing business within this jurisdiction.
The DNA has tapped veteran unionist Leslie Lightbourne to speak on issues which affect the country’s working class ranging from unfair treatment and the need for living wage increases to training opportunities in both the private and public sector as well.
DNA’s Shadow Cabinet appointment for Public Service spokesperson Ruth Flowers as spokesperson. Is a long time employee of the public service?
With a combined experience of over 30 years in the aviation industry Randy Butler and Buscheme Armbrister will serve Shadow Cabinet positions in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
For Tourism, Cindy Coakley-Knowles is set to bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to her Shadow Cabinet position in the Ministry of Tourism.
Agriculture and Fisheries, Kendal Smith and Derek Smith have been tapped to represent the country’s interests.
Dr. Madlene Sawyer will assume responsibility for matters relative to healthcare, and will make history as the first female Minister of Health if the DNA is elected.
The all too important issues relative to Social Services, Family and Gender Affairs, will be filled by Prodesta Moore and Charlis Robins both of whom have spent their professional careers advocating for the rights of women and families and bringing assistance to those in need.
Family Island Development and Local Government, Rudolph Dean has been selected as the DNA Shadow Minister and will shed light on the need to bring 21st century solutions to the issues which make island living challenging for family island residents.
The nation’s second city will see Nevar Smith, the DNA’s youngest candidate speak to issues arising out of the Ministry of Grand Bahama.
“This group of patriotic Bahamians is qualified non career politicians whose main goal is to bring effective transparent and accountable governance to the people of this country.
“In the coming weeks and days Bahamians will be able to see, hear and feel the DNA in a way that speaks to their needs at every level and through the voting public will usher in a new era of governance in our Bahamas,” Mr. McCartney said.
