More than a dozen people who spoke with the Journal yesterday gave the government an average of a ‘D’ rating.
However, a number of persons who expressed concerns about the measures the government has put in place to help cushion the economic blow said they were pleased with the government’s performance so far.
"I think what the government is doing is excellent. I think the government is doing what [it] can do withreference to a couple years back. Right now Bahamians must acknowledge that this is a recession and you have to govern yourself accordingly. You know, you can’t blame what is going on, on the government. Hats off to the man in the seat because you never know what it is like until you are there," Cindy Major said.
"I will rate the government’s performance as fair or just a bit above. Different departments have done well while other departments have been lackadaisical like the Ministry of National Security. When it comes to immigration, that could be given a B+ or higher," another concerned resident said.
Pastor Jeff Collie said there is still a lot to be done.
"I think the biggest thing for the government right now is to come up with a new concept and a new model that would incorporate really what the Bahamian experience should be. I think overall the government has seen good achievement and positive growth, but there are still some areas they need to improve on. For the government I would give them a 7 to 8 out of 10 or a B+," he said.
While the government received some great reviews there were a number of residents, including some FNM supporters, who said they were not impressed with what the government has accomplished thus far.
Some residents called for constitutional reform, others questioned the government’s decision to suspend the Educational Guarantee Loan Programme and others said it seems as if the government is unable to create jobs or to possibly stabilize the country’s economy.
"I don’t think that they are doing a good job. They have been in office now for the last two years and I haven’t seen any change. People still don’t have jobs and while people say the government is helping, I don’t see it," said a concerned citizen who asked to remain anonymous.
"Well I’m an FNM [supporter], but I really would give them and ‘F’, because everything to me seems to be a hold up. The government says they’re going to do this and do that but I was looking for a little more progress and more things done but I guess maybe as time goes by they will do better," said Michelle Dames of Bimini.
Ms. Dames called for more developments on the Family Islands, as well as a more progressive approach to addressing the economic and social issues that plague the country.
Meantime, another resident, Myles Adderley said "I would give them a ‘D’, but I will be nice and give them a C. Their performance has been okay but nothing special. I am downtown right now and there are no public bathrooms. I really need to [use the bathroom], but I can’t go to any bathrooms downtown. There are a lot of ideas our government is hearing about but not acting on."
Nathan Smith, a college student, said he is most upset that the government has not been as efficient or transparent.
Mr. Smith said he wants the government to hold true to its manifesto, which is based on ‘A Matter of Trust.’
"I would give the government a ‘D’. I know the government is doing what [it] can do, but I still think the government is able to do better. They still have a lot of work to do," Mr. Smith said
"I have seen better and I hope for better as well. But if I had to give the government a letter grade it would be between a ‘D’ and a little lower," another resident said.
One minister who appears to be receiving the popular vote is being lauded for his hard work and dedication.
A number of people that spoke with the Journal commended and praised the work of Minister of State for Immigration Branville McCartney.
"The only [person doing something so far] is Branville McCartney. The rest of the ministers are just idling," another resident said.
"The only minister I think who is really performing and deserves some praise is Minister of Immigration Branville McCartney. The rest of the ministers need to be fired because they are not doing a good job," Mr. Smith said.
