PRESS BRIEFING
Press Launch of the Blueprint
Wednesday 6th August, 2008
Good afternoon.
I believe that the potential for The Bahamas is great.
I know that there are many Bahamians who desire to play a more active role in ensuring that The Bahamas presents the best for her people.
Our greatness must be determined by the role that we, the people, play in the further building of The Bahamas.
I believe that the views and aspirations of the people must be a critical component to our future direction.
Since 1973, we have cultivated a perception that only the selected few can speak to and direct the future of this our nation. It is time to change this approach. It is time for the people, ordinary and hard working Bahamians, young and old Bahamians, to enlist their ideas in how we can improve our future and how we can ensure that we have a better Bahamas for all.
It is the voices of the people that must determine and chart a new progressive course for the future of The Bahamas.
I deem this so vital that this Blueprint, which houses my views, is intended to be the beginning of a dynamic national movement and discussion that inspires all Bahamians, from every walk of life, to share their views and their dreams for a better Bahamas.
This is designed to be an interactive discussion. One that allows all interested Bahamians to share and to discuss ideas and concepts within a structured framework for change (by logging onto the website www.blueprintbahamas.com). I trust that all Bahamians will be a part of this process where we can direct and shape a better Bahamas for all people.
This Blueprint is not intended to have all of the answers for our present and future challenges. It is only my views of how we can build a better Bahamas and I am fully aware that there are so many other Bahamians who have their views on matters of national importance. This process is designed to welcome Bahamians to share their views and vision and at the end of the day to ensure that we do our collective part to guarantee a bright and prosperous future and country for generations of Bahamians.
This document too was born out of a call for a clear vision for The Bahamas. There remains the perception that this nation is devoid of ideas and a clear and progressive agenda. The Bahamian people are quickly losing faith in our politics and are tired of the political tribalism that exists in our country. This is perhaps a direct result of the growing public sentiment that we lack visionary leadership. I have heard these sentiments and I want to be among the future leaders of this country who accept the mandate to inspire our people to dream of a better Bahamas; who lay out a clear and concise vision for the future; and who play an active and meaningful role in creating a better Bahamas for all.
I invite all Bahamians to share their views, whether in the privacy of their family surroundings or publicly…but to be an engaged citizen in a movement and a national discussion that can and will lead to change…change for the better…change for a new and better Bahamas for all.
Thank you.
…THE END…