As the world’s economy continues to take a nosedive, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Perry Christie said the government is not doing enough to let Bahamians know exactly where the country stands in these tough economic times.
Mr. Christie added that there is "too much uncertainty going on" and he advised the government to move with haste to put more plans in motion to get the economy to bounce back.
"We feel that there is just too much uncertainty going on after what the government is doing," he said. "The government has indicated to us, an intention to cause there to be employment through their own budget, and that is that they will move with all of the things on their (agenda); the road building, the bridge building, the stadium, all of the things that are there, some of which we left on the book. And I could only assume that they are trying to get ready with those infrastructural works which will employ people."
Mr. Christie added that with thousands of Bahamians being laid off in the past few months and countless stores and companies going belly up, the government should have done more to ensure that Bahamians are aware of the plans and programs that they have access to if they need help. He added that it’s now time for the government to be proactive in dealing with this situation.
"From our point of view a significant part of a country weathering this storm, or a recession of this kind is people having sufficient information so they can have confidence that if they need help that help is on the way, and confidence that the government is dealing with it in the right way."
Mr. Christie added that as it stands, there is no evidence that things are going to get better anytime soon. He said all the Bahamian people can do is "wait and see and accept the assurances of the government that they are doing all they can on the matter."
The former prime minister gave some suggestions to the government as to how they can better help Bahamians weather the storm.
"Until such time as they have a plan that deals with people’s mortgages, somehow ensuring that people don’t lose their homes," he advised. "But the government is supposed to ensure that people know the plans that they have, know what is being offered by assistance and relief and people being able to access it and we’ve been encouraging the government to be more proactive in ensuring that people come to understand."
He added that the government "must do much more" to find ways to put an end to the hotel layoffs – a decision that he says is permanent, with many laid off employees never getting their jobs back. Mr. Christie said its time for the Ingraham Administration to find more creative ways to deal with the issue.
