I was to a townhall meeting at the Choices dining room at COB with Minister Laing, Chamber of Commerce dudes, Small Business Association folks and some other ppl who gave presentations on what its all going to be about. BIS filmed it, not sure if they aired it or not .
The place was very packed however and too bad i cant remember what was said exactly.

I have been watching the news snipits on Jones, with Laing being questioned by McKinney. Run of the mill interview I suppose. I don't think the people want to hear you recite the agreement as much---allthough the major tenets of services and investments, from our part, are kept from public view.. People want you to show them, and tell them, why did you liberalize certain sectors, and why, based on what information and how will that impact--with quantitative and qualitative analysis, given.

The thing about this is, if it is brought out in the open, full and fron centre, people would know what to expect---at least--- and garner who their new competitors are, where are the latest trends and how to prepare in the long term.

Withholding it, does not mean that when the "real folks" see it, that they won't be able to know what you did, what to expect and why. This is where most folks are at with this.

Until then.....we have to wait until its signed, to plant our corn. That's unfortunate. But, the Bahams Government, is not the only government, to be tight lipped and sussurrus, at best, in regards to international trade and cooperation.

F.Y.I : All the relevant information on EPA and how Bahamians will be impacted, is available at the CRNM website:
CARIFORUM Regional Media Workshop on the EPA Presentation about the CRNM
Welcome
The Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) was created by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Governments to develop, coordinate and execute an overall negotiating strategy for various external trade negotiations in which the Region is involved.The CRNM is responsible for developing and maintaining a cohesive and effective framework for the coordination and management of the Caribbean Region’s negotiating resources and expertise.What's New
• The Nineteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) >> Communique issued by the CARICOM Secretariat at the Conclusion of The Nineteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), 7-8 March 2008, Nassau, The Bahamas >> Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas >> Opening Remarks by The Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados • Request for Expressions of Interest: Consulting Services of WTO Liaison Officer World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Declaration from the LDC Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Maseru, Lesotho, 27-28 February 2008 Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
CARIFORUM-EC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA)>> Full Text of the Agreement (752KB ) >> Protocols, Annexes and Joint Declarations (922KB ) Disclaimer: This Agreement reflects the results of the legal scrub. It is released for the purposes of transparency. It has been submitted for review and approval to respective authorities of the Parties. The authentic text of the Agreement will be Gazetted in the respective CARIFORUM Member States. CRNM EPA FACT vs. FICTION SERIES• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 4• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 3• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 2• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 1 CRNM EPA BRIEFS (in )• Special and Differential Treatment Provisions in the EPA• Differentiation in the EPA• The Treatment of Tourism in the EPA• The Treatment of Fisheries in the EPA• Legal and Institutional Issues in the EPA• Understanding the Nature and Scope of the Public Procurement Chapter of the EPA• EPA Provisions on Customs and Trade Facilitation• Rules of Origin• The Treatment of Professional Services in the EPA• Trade Related Issues • Highlights Re Services and Investment in the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement• Caribbean-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Achievements in Agriculture CRNM EPA GUIDES• Getting to Know the EPA: Provisions on Services and Investment• Getting to Know the EPA: Provisions on Agriculture• Getting to Know the EPA - Overview REFERENCES• In the EPA, CARIFORUM States are not obligated to remove or reduce duties on the following products imported from Europe: Click to view list >> CARIFORUM Exclusions List • Cotonou Agreement• Commission Regulation (EC) No 97/2008 - Fixing a complementary quantity of raw cane sugar originating in the ACP States and India for supply to refineries for the marketing year 2007/2008, 1 February 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTARIES CARIFORUM Views• Choosing a Comprehensive EPA• Was CARIFORUM able to achieve its objectives? (Barbados Advocate: 05 Mar 2008)The EPA: is Europe re-underdeveloping the Caribbean (T&T Express: 02 Mar 2008)• Big benefits under The EPA (Trinidad Guardian: 01 Mar 2008) ACP Views• Without EPA Nigerian Cocoa Processors Lose Millions as EU Imposes Tariffs (ICTSD: 27 Feb 2008)• Blow to local textile and clothing sector as SA shuns EU deal (Business Day: 18 Feb 2008)CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON EPA
©Copyright 2005 Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery

F.Y.I : All the relevant information on EPA and how Bahamians will be impacted, is available at the CRNM website:
CARIFORUM Regional Media Workshop on the EPA Presentation about the CRNM
Welcome
The Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) was created by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Governments to develop, coordinate and execute an overall negotiating strategy for various external trade negotiations in which the Region is involved.The CRNM is responsible for developing and maintaining a cohesive and effective framework for the coordination and management of the Caribbean Region’s negotiating resources and expertise.What's New
• The Nineteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) >> Communique issued by the CARICOM Secretariat at the Conclusion of The Nineteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), 7-8 March 2008, Nassau, The Bahamas >> Remarks by The Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of The Bahamas >> Opening Remarks by The Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados • Request for Expressions of Interest: Consulting Services of WTO Liaison Officer World Trade Organization (WTO)
• Declaration from the LDC Trade Ministers’ Meeting, Maseru, Lesotho, 27-28 February 2008 Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
CARIFORUM-EC ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA)>> Full Text of the Agreement (752KB ) >> Protocols, Annexes and Joint Declarations (922KB ) Disclaimer: This Agreement reflects the results of the legal scrub. It is released for the purposes of transparency. It has been submitted for review and approval to respective authorities of the Parties. The authentic text of the Agreement will be Gazetted in the respective CARIFORUM Member States. CRNM EPA FACT vs. FICTION SERIES• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 4• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 3• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 2• The EPA: Fact vs. Fiction - Issue 1 CRNM EPA BRIEFS (in )• Special and Differential Treatment Provisions in the EPA• Differentiation in the EPA• The Treatment of Tourism in the EPA• The Treatment of Fisheries in the EPA• Legal and Institutional Issues in the EPA• Understanding the Nature and Scope of the Public Procurement Chapter of the EPA• EPA Provisions on Customs and Trade Facilitation• Rules of Origin• The Treatment of Professional Services in the EPA• Trade Related Issues • Highlights Re Services and Investment in the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement• Caribbean-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA): Achievements in Agriculture CRNM EPA GUIDES• Getting to Know the EPA: Provisions on Services and Investment• Getting to Know the EPA: Provisions on Agriculture• Getting to Know the EPA - Overview REFERENCES• In the EPA, CARIFORUM States are not obligated to remove or reduce duties on the following products imported from Europe: Click to view list >> CARIFORUM Exclusions List • Cotonou Agreement• Commission Regulation (EC) No 97/2008 - Fixing a complementary quantity of raw cane sugar originating in the ACP States and India for supply to refineries for the marketing year 2007/2008, 1 February 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMENTARIES CARIFORUM Views• Choosing a Comprehensive EPA• Was CARIFORUM able to achieve its objectives? (Barbados Advocate: 05 Mar 2008)The EPA: is Europe re-underdeveloping the Caribbean (T&T Express: 02 Mar 2008)• Big benefits under The EPA (Trinidad Guardian: 01 Mar 2008) ACP Views• Without EPA Nigerian Cocoa Processors Lose Millions as EU Imposes Tariffs (ICTSD: 27 Feb 2008)• Blow to local textile and clothing sector as SA shuns EU deal (Business Day: 18 Feb 2008)CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON EPA
©Copyright 2005 Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery

Thank you for this. I forgot about the CRNM.

Thank you for this. I forgot about the CRNM.
I have tried to reply to your post several times, however, without success. I do believe that your exploration of this topic is important to the Bahamian people and hope that you will research the contributions of Sir Randol Fawkes as well, who wrote extensively on this present danger posed jointly by our Caribbean neighbours and European adversaries.

I will continue to monitor your progress in this regard as even a dog knows the difference between being stumbled over and being kcked.

Look,
Of course I can read for myself, it is why we have questions about it. Duh! Furthermore, it is not, at least, I am not against the issue that these agreements have to come, its the way in which it was done---which no one has been able to make anyone feel comfortable with, aside from the fact that "we should trust the government" and "the government, would not walk you into a path of destruction"......we have to look at issues like Iraq in the USA and the OECD and FATF issues in the Bahamas, for us to know that governments much up from time to time.
Don't ever get it in your mind, that any government official, because they have control, or, access to information, would have better and more informed analysis and opinion on an issue a any time.
There is a reason why we privatise; because the government can't assess market needs. There is a reason why academia, not only trains people but has strong research and development departments; because governments, are not in the business of informed decisions at many times. They are int he business of results, based on political expediency.
That being said, we can talk about the issue, with out the randomness. I don't think the politicians, are as stupid and partisan as the regular folks, are.
Bouy. . .wha da hell ya talkin bout aye? :confused::confused::confused:

I tink you better lee dat rum or coffee "lone" fer nah. . .you een makin much sense dere ma bouy!!!

Alien,
No one has pointed out the fact that the unbound services are only unbound for a finite period of time. The agreement calls for an expiration of the unbound designation. Therefore, after a period of time those protected services will be unprotected before long.
"Talk" in specifics. . .ha long is ya "finite" period of time? You mussie "talkin" ta alien. . .cos ya buncha shed "twisted" talk een slick at all. . .we does tink round here ya know!

For example: "after a period of time those protected services will be unprotected before long"!!!

"Talk" in specifics. . .ha long is ya "finite" period of time? You mussie "talkin" ta alien. . .cos ya buncha shed "twisted" talk een slick at all. . .we does tink round here ya know!
For example: "after a period of time those protected services will be unprotected before long"!!!

And you are also required to read in order to understand just how clever this EPA proposal is and how dangerous to all the gains already won for nappy-headed, public-schooled, outside-toilet-using, well-water-drinking, bare-footed Bahamians.

Please try this site:


EU-ACP TRADE TALKS FAIL TO ADDRESS DEVELOPMENT
Glenys Kinnock

MARCH 2008 (IPS) - Trade deal negotiations between the EU and African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries ended in a mess, writes Glenys Kinnock, Labour Party Member of the European Parliament.

From the outset the European Commission negotiators approached the talks as if they were conventional free-trade area negotiations rather than tools for development.

Now is the time for the EU to put development priorities back at the heart of the issue. There has to be a more participatory approach, more transparency, respect, and understanding for ACP regional and national interests. We urgently need a further opening of EU markets to ACP products, particularly agricultural products, which are the main exports for ACP countries.

We must also ensure that the EC doesn't pressure ACP countries to liberalise services, investment, and government procurement, or to strengthen intellectual property rights or the inclusion of competition rules within EPAs. These EU-ACP trade agreements are absolutely critical to the future of the poorest countries in the world. We must ensure they are a genuine force for development.

"Talk" in specifics. . .ha long is ya "finite" period of time? You mussie "talkin" ta alien. . .cos ya buncha shed "twisted" talk een slick at all. . .we does tink round here ya know!
For example: "after a period of time those protected services will be unprotected before long"!!!

You may also give some thought to this news item:


EUROPE SELF-SERVING IN TRADE TALKS WITH AFRICA
Demba Moussa Dembele

SEPTEMBER 2007 (IPS) - The European Commission is pursuing a hidden agenda in its negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African countries, writes Demba Moussa Dembele, director of the African Forum on Alternatives.

In this analysis, Dembele writes that the EC, claiming it wants to promote trade and investment in Africa, included the so-called ''Singapore issues'' dropped from 2003 World Trade Organisation discussions following the strong opposition of African and other developing countries, which do not want to lock themselves into binding agreements on elements that are key policy instruments in their development process, particularly for industrialisation.

Such binding investment agreements would straightjacket African countries for the foreseeable future. This is why African and other ACP countries have emphatically reiterated their opposition to including these policies in the EPA negotiations. The best way to promote trade and investment in Africa is to address the fundamental issues of development raised by African countries, by assisting them in capacity -- and infrastructure -- building, in strengthening the process of regional integration, in developing the capacity to transform their raw materials domestically, and in building strong regional markets.

/NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, IRELAND, POLAND, UNITED STATES OR UNITED KINGDOM/ (END/2007)

You may also give some thought to this news item:
EUROPE SELF-SERVING IN TRADE TALKS WITH AFRICA
Demba Moussa Dembele
SEPTEMBER 2007 (IPS) - The European Commission is pursuing a hidden agenda in its negotiations of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African countries, writes Demba Moussa Dembele, director of the African Forum on Alternatives.
In this analysis, Dembele writes that the EC, claiming it wants to promote trade and investment in Africa, included the so-called ''Singapore issues'' dropped from 2003 World Trade Organisation discussions following the strong opposition of African and other developing countries, which do not want to lock themselves into binding agreements on elements that are key policy instruments in their development process, particularly for industrialisation.
Such binding investment agreements would straightjacket African countries for the foreseeable future. This is why African and other ACP countries have emphatically reiterated their opposition to including these policies in the EPA negotiations. The best way to promote trade and investment in Africa is to address the fundamental issues of development raised by African countries, by assisting them in capacity -- and infrastructure -- building, in strengthening the process of regional integration, in developing the capacity to transform their raw materials domestically, and in building strong regional markets.
/NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, CZECH REPUBLIC, IRELAND, POLAND, UNITED STATES OR UNITED KINGDOM/ (END/2007)

I once told Hank Ferguson on another blog, and went to a little town meeting at COB with Moss and Thompson, on the EPA, and told them as well about the Singapore Issues. Ferguson went mute. Thompson and Moss were dumbfounded.....was just warming up, to be quite frank.

I don't think these people, know how much issues this thing represents for this country. I'm not trade averse. In fact, I am for free-trade---but, this does not mean, fair trade and it does not mean, that this EPA, was negotiated soundly. Also, it also does not, give us the comfort, that Bahamian development needs, will be met by this agreement.

What guts me, and REALLY guts me, is that the business community, who went ballistic when the CSME went down---have LESS of a clue about the EPA, even though it represents the same types of challenges that the CSME does, x50 to be honest.

But, such is life......

I once told Hank Ferguson on another blog, and went to a little town meeting at COB with Moss and Thompson, on the EPA, and told them as well about the Singapore Issues. Ferguson went mute. Thompson and Moss were dumbfounded.....was just warming up, to be quite frank.
I don't think these people, know how much issues this thing represents for this country. I'm not trade averse. In fact, I am for free-trade---but, this does not mean, fair trade and it does not mean, that this EPA, was negotiated soundly. Also, it also does not, give us the comfort, that Bahamian development needs, will be met by this agreement.
What guts me, and REALLY guts me, is that the business community, who went ballistic when the CSME went down---have LESS of a clue about the EPA, even though it represents the same types of challenges that the CSME does, x50 to be honest.
But, such is life......

I once told Hank Ferguson on another blog, and went to a little town meeting at COB with Moss and Thompson, on the EPA, and told them as well about the Singapore Issues. Ferguson went mute. Thompson and Moss were dumbfounded.....was just warming up, to be quite frank.
I don't think these people, know how much issues this thing represents for this country. I'm not trade averse. In fact, I am for free-trade---but, this does not mean, fair trade and it does not mean, that this EPA, was negotiated soundly. Also, it also does not, give us the comfort, that Bahamian development needs, will be met by this agreement.
What guts me, and REALLY guts me, is that the business community, who went ballistic when the CSME went down---have LESS of a clue about the EPA, even though it represents the same types of challenges that the CSME does, x50 to be honest.
But, such is life......

The question Dear Alien is: Are you prepared to lead the charge right from your present position, as employee, business professional or arm-chair intellectual? (I'm not sure of your vocation). You mention our recent national opposition against the CSME proposal and I remember well, the personal sacrifice of time, financial resources and the seemingly impenetrable wall raised by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, which like Jerico was soon crumbled.

The countries promotiong these monstrous imperialistic proposals have very clever tacticians advising them on how to successfully realize their demonic plans for the domination of weaker nations. Their first strategy is always to offer prestigeous titles of honour to the small nation's spokesperson at the bargaining table. This subtle manouvre coupled with invitations to meetings facilitated by the most outstanding hotels and food and beverage caterers more often than not causes the country's representatives to retun with reports about the futility of resistance. Sounds familiar, right?

You are probably saying: No! This can not be an effective strategy to cause a negotiation which is clearly not in the best interest of our Bahamas to become our new reality! But that is how it it happens when your negotiators are neophytes, or persons with defective characters who are more impressed with their own personal aggrandizement than maintainance of the national good.

Sir Randol Fawkes was my hero and my mentor when I entered the Bahamian political landscape in 1988. At that time the issue being debated was the deterioating quality of Education in our Public Schools. Sir Randol told me that Civic Activism was the highest form of citizenship and that I should never sit idly by, while some important national issue simply needs to be communicated to my Bahamian Brothers and Sisters. I believed his words of affirmation and involved myself in many debates since that time, which helped to raise our national conciousness.

I share all of this background data, so that you may appreciate when I tell you that it was the writings of Sir Randol which prophesied the dangers of the CSME and it was the wisdom and experience of Dr. Elwood Donaldson, whose powerful rhetoric commanded national attention on the airwaves and at town meetings which de-stabilized Minister Mitchell's agressive plan to sign us fully into CSME. At a time when former Prime Minister Perry Christie had taken leave and was recuperating from his mild stroke, the CSME deal appared to be a case of 'fait accompli'. However, many talented Bahamains,who wished to remain annonymous, donated their time, money and knowledge in order to seal that victory.

The Bahamian people are very special in their poised and calm approach to national threats. Most are so consumed with the rising gas prices, the increasing costs of food, the outrageous school fees, the exorbitant mortgage payments, the overcrowded road conditions, in addition to the increased sense of fear from the threat of violent crimes, that there is simply very little leisure time to analyze issues or imagine creative strategies to nationally defend ourselves .

Seemingly, once our people cast their votes for the party of their choice, they somehow assume that all matters will be addressed by the new and enlightened leadersip. This has never been the reality, since every national gain was the result of organized groups, unified in their resolve to fight against a common enemy, committed to keeping us in a positin of eternal servitude.

This conversation, My Dear Alien, is just to see if you may be interested in organizing Bahamians for thir greatest national battle since the attaiment of Majority Rule. May I assure you that as soon as the dangers are identified, and effectively communicated, then groups of persons whose life's pupose is for such a time as this, will emerge, join forces and address the threat.

Best regards,

The question Dear Alien is: Are you prepared to lead the charge right from your present position, as employee, business professional or arm-chair intellectual? (I'm not sure of your vocation). You mention our recent national opposition against the CSME proposal and I remember well, the personal sacrifice of time, financial resources and the seemingly impenetrable wall raised by the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, which like Jerico was soon crumbled.
The countries promotiong these monstrous imperialistic proposals have very clever tacticians advising them on how to successfully realize their demonic plans for the domination of weaker nations. Their first strategy is always to offer prestigeous titles of honour to the small nation's spokesperson at the bargaining table. This subtle manouvre coupled with invitations to meetings facilitated by the most outstanding hotels and food and beverage caterers more often than not causes the country's representatives to retun with reports about the futility of resistance. Sounds familiar, right?
You are probably saying: No! This can not be an effective strategy to cause a negotiation which is clearly not in the best interest of our Bahamas to become our new reality! But that is how it it happens when your negotiators are neophytes, or persons with defective characters who are more impressed with their own personal aggrandizement than maintainance of the national good.
Sir Randol Fawkes was my hero and my mentor when I entered the Bahamian political landscape in 1988. At that time the issue being debated was the deterioating quality of Education in our Public Schools. Sir Randol told me that Civic Activism was the highest form of citizenship and that I should never sit idly by, while some important national issue simply needs to be communicated to my Bahamian Brothers and Sisters. I believed his words of affirmation and involved myself in many debates since that time, which helped to raise our national conciousness.
I share all of this background data, so that you may appreciate when I tell you that it was the writings of Sir Randol which prophesied the dangers of the CSME and it was the wisdom and experience of Dr. Elwood Donaldson, whose powerful rhetoric commanded national attention on the airwaves and at town meetings which de-stabilized Minister Mitchell's agressive plan to sign us fully into CSME. At a time when former Prime Minister Perry Christie had taken leave and was recuperating from his mild stroke, the CSME deal appared to be a case of 'fait accompli'. However, many talented Bahamains,who wished to remain annonymous, donated their time, money and knowledge in order to seal that victory.
The Bahamian people are very special in their poised and calm approach to national threats. Most are so consumed with the rising gas prices, the increasing costs of food, the outrageous school fees, the exorbitant mortgage payments, the overcrowded road conditions, in addition to the increased sense of fear from the threat of violent crimes, that there is simply very little leisure time to analyze issues or imagine creative strategies to nationally defend ourselves .
Seemingly, once our people cast their votes for the party of their choice, they somehow assume that all matters will be addressed by the new and enlightened leadersip. This has never been the reality, since every national gain was the result of organized groups, unified in their resolve to fight against a common enemy, committed to keeping us in a positin of eternal servitude.
This conversation, My Dear Alien, is just to see if you may be interested in organizing Bahamians for thir greatest national battle since the attaiment of Majority Rule. May I assure you that as soon as the dangers are identified, and effectively communicated, then groups of persons whose life's pupose is for such a time as this, will emerge, join forces and address the threat.
Best regards,

I'm fine right where I am dear Lady Russell. But, feel free to chat about it, as it always makes a difference.

I have a feeling I SHOULD be having enough of discussion on national issues. Some people don't like what I have to say all the time- for various reasons. However, if you ask me a question, I will tell you no lies!
:)

I'm fine right where I am dear Lady Russell. But, feel free to chat about it, as it always makes a difference.

I have a feeling I SHOULD be having enough of discussion on national issues. Some people don't like what I have to say all the time- for various reasons. However, if you ask me a question, I will tell you no lies!
:)
Sir:

A very busy day prevented a speedy response to what is for me a most pressing concern. Firstly, please ignore the naysayers, whose input along the lines of support for their political party is mostly designed to get them a better job, an undeserved political appointment, contract, taxi plate or some advantage which a government in power may be able to grant. This kind of rhetoric without reason has never served the best interest of our developing nation.

Our history is full of men and women who ignored party affiliation, while standing for principles which sometimes resulted in re-alignments and even resignations. Sir Randol Fawkes comes readily to mind as the Labour Leader who provided the tipping point for The Progressive Liberal Party to form the first majority participation government in 1967. His primary motivation was to serve the best interest of our developing nation, rather than to seek the fulfillment of his personal ambitions.

In our present circumstances of persons who seem motivated to defend principles larger than their party affiliation, Ms. Belinda Wilson comes to mind. I read that she recently won the presidency of the BUT. Hats off to her! In my assessment, she is someone who can be counted on to represent the interests of all Bahamian educators as her primary objective and whose personal party affiliation would not be a deciding factor in her decision-making.


Additionally, whenever I've had the occasion to read the statements of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Brent Symonette, I hear the heart of a man who wishes to leave a legacy far greater than simply being remembered as a Party Hack. After all, he is already wealthy beyond the average Bahamian's imagination. Yes, My Dear Alien, we shall all be surprised at whom God uses to rescue and re-build our beleaguered nation, The Bahamas, once we ask Him.

Let's keep talking.

Sir:
A very busy day prevented a speedy response to what is for me a most pressing concern. Firstly, please ignore the naysayers, whose input along the lines of support for their political party is mostly designed to get them a better job, an undeserved political appointment, contract, taxi plate or some advantage which a government in power may be able to grant. This kind of rhetoric without reason has never served the best interest of our developing nation.
Our history is full of men and women who ignored party affiliation, while standing for principles which sometimes resulted in re-alignments and even resignations. Sir Randol Fawkes comes readily to mind as the Labour Leader who provided the tipping point for The Progressive Liberal Party to form the first majority participation government in 1967. His primary motivation was to serve the best interest of our developing nation, rather than to seek the fulfillment of his personal ambitions.
In our present circumstances of persons who seem motivated to defend principles larger than their party affiliation, Ms. Belinda Wilson comes to mind. I read that she recently won the presidency of the BUT. Hats off to her! In my assessment, she is someone who can be counted on to represent the interests of all Bahamian educators as her primary objective and whose personal party affiliation would not be a deciding factor in her decision-making.
Additionally, whenever I've had the occasion to read the statements of Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Brent Symonette, I hear the heart of a man who wishes to leave a legacy far greater than simply being remembered as a Party Hack. After all, he is already wealthy beyond the average Bahamian's imagination. Yes, My Dear Alien, we shall all be surprised at whom God uses to rescue and re-build our beleaguered nation, The Bahamas, once we ask Him.
Let's keep talking.
Dear Lady,

I'm in a calm state. One in which was brought on by the realities of a Hubert Ingraham economy, and all that comes with it. Also, I am content with letting the guys, who bloated and overspouted themselves as "all knowing", to take the spotlight and showboat---while I merely offer considerations for issues. For now....even THAT sticks in their craw. They hate to be challenged, on anything. That's sad for them, however. In any event, they made it this far and deserve their moment to speak to the issues....

That being said, I always need the right adrenaline incentive. Money normally talks. That, and the issues, need to be totally glaring, enough to get me pissed off and seeing blood red---then, I go on auto-pilot, and hit on full blast. This EPA, does not evoke that type of sentiments for me. Reasons being stated in the first paragraph, but also, with the acknowledgement that these fellah's are in charge, and I am not, there is little for me to get upset about--even moreso, the fact of the matter is, I don't reject these types of trade agreements, carte-blanche, the way a Thompson or Moss, would. In fact, my issue is that, with allot of other observers, is that it was done in miserable fashion. This would be totally botched, if the EU did not have prime long term initiatives, which spoke to them sustaining foreign markets in the long term.

However, as said, I need to get heated and go on full rant. This EPA does not give me that, for all of the reasons stated above!
:)

Thank's for the chat, and you are a calm and decent woman.

Dear Lady,
I'm in a calm state. One in which was brought on by the realities of a Hubert Ingraham economy, and all that comes with it. Also, I am content with letting the guys, who bloated and overspouted themselves as "all knowing", to take the spotlight and showboat---while I merely offer considerations for issues. For now....even THAT sticks in their craw. They hate to be challenged, on anything. That's sad for them, however. In any event, they made it this far and deserve their moment to speak to the issues....
That being said, I always need the right adrenaline incentive. Money normally talks. That, and the issues, need to be totally glaring, enough to get me pissed off and seeing blood red---then, I go on auto-pilot, and hit on full blast. This EPA, does not evoke that type of sentiments for me. Reasons being stated in the first paragraph, but also, with the acknowledgement that these fellah's are in charge, and I am not, there is little for me to get upset about--even moreso, the fact of the matter is, I don't reject these types of trade agreements, carte-blanche, the way a Thompson or Moss, would. In fact, my issue is that, with allot of other observers, is that it was done in miserable fashion. This would be totally botched, if the EU did not have prime long term initiatives, which spoke to them sustaining foreign markets in the long term.
However, as said, I need to get heated and go on full rant. This EPA does not give me that, for all of the reasons stated above!
:)
Thank's for the chat, and you are a calm and decent woman.
**********************************************************


Thank you for the compliment. I'm sensing in your tone, a quiet acquiescence to the events affecting our country. An almost resignation to the threat that the bullies may keep control of the schoolyard.

I remember fondly and speak often of a Bahamas which produced great men and women of excellence. But in truth we have not been a great little nation for a long time.

We sat quietly as major planks of decency were chipped away. Many cheered loudly for the brutish and nasty comments of the recycled leader whose previous record of national management should have prevented any re-appearance.

And so Dear Alien, in truth we have not been the "Christian" Bahamas for a long time. We became the complicit Bahamas, a commonwealth of pee-running-down-the shoes people who allowed the local Philistine Bully to threaten to pluck out their right eye, just as Nahash the Ammonite did to the Isrealites in Jabesh Gilead. (1 Samuel 11).

While I am required to speak truth and acknowledge the present and painful reality, I am not dismayed by it, for I am a woman of great faith. As a matter of information, that's why I am called "Lady" Russell. So please be encouraged! God is still on His throne and He is faithful!

Even America is about to experience its greatest spiritual revival ever. This week, out here in California, the wedding ceremonies of same sex couples will begin. However, the November Referendum will render the earlier decision by the Courts, null and void. Many gay couples already sensing the futility of the pyrrhic victory of today have declared that they will not waste time going through a ceremony which is already clearly not going to be entrenched but rather overturned as soon as November.

Take Heart My Dear Alien, for soon all eyes shall see it, when God intervenes to correct the slippery and downward spiral of two important nations in His end-time plan (The Bahamas & United States) redirecting them both from destructive financial and moral courses. Not because any of us deserve his intervention, but because He is God and He must defend His name, proclaimed loudly in both country's by a remnant of Believer's who will not be silenced.

The many years of racial and social injustice will be changed to times of absolution, reconciliation and prosperity. Tears of Joy followed by Times of Refreshing are in store for all who are blessed to witness these soon events. Selah!