By:Candia Dames

29 November 2005



Saying that he returns to public service retooled, refreshed, reformed and far better equipped to serve, former leader of the Coalition for Democratic Reform Dr. Bernard Nottage was yesterday sworn in as a government senator.

Dr. Nottage returned to the Progressive Liberal Party during its 49th national convention week before last, five years after leaving to form the CDR.

He was sworn in by outgoing Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont in the presence of family members, various government officials and other guests at Government House.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Nottage told The Bahama Journal that the prime minister had not invited him to join his cabinet.

He said his emphasis is now on service.

"The divisive partisanship that too often sullies political participation in our country is sapping from us the very essential energy which is required to solve the great issues of the day," Dr. Nottage said in a statement issued to the press following the swearing in ceremony.

He said those issues include, "crime, the quality and cost of health care, affordable housing, unbridled illegal immigration, the alleviation of poverty, education and of course the most critical of all, the planned and orderly development of the nation and our people."

Dr. Nottage said in his statement that it is the people themselves who are today the principle vehicle of national development.

He noted, "Natural resources are no longer the overriding determinant in national productivity. Knowledge based resources and intellectual property are the intangible factors in adding economic value. So there is a direct connection between education and economic performance; training and productivity.

"Indeed, a cycle has been created in which economic growth gives more resources for education, which in turn enhances economic growth."

Dr. Nottage said education or knowledge has become the basis for prosperity.

"It is infinitely better for prosperity to be the result of knowledge, good planning and management, rather than good fortune," he said.

Dr. Nottage said active viable governance in the 21st century requires parliamentarians and politicians who will support full and open dialogue with all citizens about the pace and type of reform The Bahamas needs to provide for the future while keeping the country cohesive.

Additionally, he said the nation’s leaders must support public servants with the ability to analyze policy options, manage implementation, monitor outcomes and advise the national political leadership with courage and integrity.

He also called for "quality and cohesion in policy making, and development strategy; transformation in the role of government from controller to facilitator; a greater capacity to manage change; and a smaller gap between talk and action."

Dr. Nottage also said in his statement that parliamentarians and politicians should support a commitment to poverty alleviation, abatement of crime and violence, maintenance of law and order, private sector development, foreign investment and endogenous growth.

He also pushed for the development of human capital in order to capitalize on the opportunities created by information technology and intellectual property.

Following his swearing in, Dr. Nottage told reporters that service in the Senate is "meaningful".

"I’m a parliamentarian at heart and I certainly have missed the cut and thrust of parliamentary politics," he said. "I’m very happy to have this opportunity and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the isle."

He said that wherever he has gone in recent days he has met Bahamians who have been "so approving" of his return to the PLP.

"I wonder where they were all the time," Dr. Nottage said with a chuckle, "but I’m really enjoying it."

He said he has been seeking to serve and he now has an opportunity to do that.

"I’m looking for an opportunity to make a difference in The Bahamas for Bahamians and this is just one step along that spectrum," Dr. Nottage said.

Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt formally welcomed Dr. Nottage as a senator, saying, "I always knew that you were a man of substance. I always knew that you were a great Bahamian, that you have so much and still have so much to offer to the Bahamian people and I am grateful that I am here to witness this afternoon your return to public life."

She encouraged Dr. Nottage and said he was on a mission to serve the Bahamian people and make a difference.

"You’re not coming just to be another one," Mrs. Pratt said. "You’re coming to make a difference in this country and for that I am so proud to be your friend."