I envision a Bahamian society where all our people are cherished. Our youths nurtured & protected regardless of their background or circumstances. Where our older population is truly valued for their contribution to society and can retire in comfort and security.
Where discrimination and exclusion are not tolerated. I believe that everybody is entitled to live in a safe and diverse community, with easy access to transport, schools and other quality amenities. The next Member of Parliament for MICAL should seek to achieve the following:
MICAL’s Path forward>>
Petition government to fully integrate the social welfare and taxation systems.
Agitate for the Reform of Social Services to the Ministry of Social Security & Services Protection with the portfolio and responsibility of National Insurance.
Seek to remove difficulties from the social welfare system for those who wish to return to casual, or part-time work.
To safeguard the most vulnerable in our society (Woman, Infant, Children, Men and the Disable (WIC-MD). Commission data collection on levels and risk of poverty and the development of indicators to measure relative and consistent poverty trends in MICAL.
Petition for the Implementation of a System of Accreditation for job seekers undertaking work experience or volunteering activity.
Lobby for the reform in the delivery of services within the Department of Social Security & Services Protection so that the dignity and rights of citizens receiving the services are fully respected.
Amend the model of social support which includes (unemployment benefit) an earnings-related supplement based on previous earnings, to be applied for a period of time until further employment or/and retraining is available.
Petition government to Introduce tax incentives for family members who are taking care of their offspring’s.
Priorities funding for state-of-the-art Hurricane bunkers, homeless shelters, and the implementation of an all-inclusive homelessness program.
Lobby government for a full and timely implementation of “The Way Home initiative”: A Strategy to address Homelessness in the constituency and expanding to a National program. Provide a dedicated funding stream for short-to-long term housing support for those who have been gravely affected by hurricanes or national disasters.
Ensure the full execution of a National Standards Inspection of residential centers and community homes for children and adults with disabilities.
Create a National Pensions Framework which supports the standardization of tax reliefs for pensioners, with an option of taxing pension contributions of those with second incomes.
Petition the government to give workers options at the pensionable age, where they can choose to accept a full pension; choose to work part-time and receive a part pension, or continue to work full time with special tax relief.
Lobby for a National Vetting Bureau Bill (Children & Vulnerable Persons). Making provisions for the protection of children and vulnerable persons and for that purpose, to provide for the establishment and maintenance of a National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Database System. The Bill also provides a statutory basis for the vetting of persons carrying out relevant work with children or vulnerable persons. The Bill also creates offenses and penalties for persons who fail to comply with its provisions.
The Path Forward is a 20-year Development plan designed to generate economic growth and to develop sustainable economies in Mayaguna, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay (MICAL). The ideas, initiatives, and programs mentioned in this document were written as a guide mapping out an economic development path forward for the southern islands of the Bahamas.
By Andy Hanna.