The Free National Movement (FNM) government plans to officially open the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, a $30 million gift from the Chinese government, on Saturday. With the critical issues facing our nation, the Democratic National Alliance believes this is highly irresponsible and reflects how out of touch the FNM government has been.

The government says it will spend between $500,000–$600,00 on the official opening of the stadium. Minister Charles Maynard is quoted as saying that “the original budget was around $1 million so the new figure of $600,000 is not exorbitant.” The DNA begs to differ. While a government known for wasteful spending may not see this as exorbitant, the DNA understands that this money could be used to affectively solve problems.

There are more than 10,000 Bahamians living in this country without running water. The money the FNM is wasting on fireworks and popcorn could have installed 300 bathrooms, restoring the dignity of thousands of people that have been forced to use the bathroom outside. The money being wasted could have even been offered as scholarships educating more than 200 Bahamian youth.

The DNA would like to know why Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and the FNM are rushing the opening of the new stadium that cannot host a major local or international event?

Furthermore, just last year the government awarded a $50 million contract to upgrade the area surrounding the stadium, a project Mr. Ingraham said would take many years.

If the stadium is not operational and $600,000 can effectively be used to invest in Bahamians, then why is the government in such a rush to open it?

DNA leader, Branville McCartney responded, saying “It is obvious the FNM is using the stadium opening to distract people from the problems they have been unable to resolve.” He continued, “people will not be fooled with the old political game of flooding them with food and drinks to secure their votes. They want real solutions. They want real change.”

Glaring lights and loud music will not make Bahamians forget that they are unemployed, cannot pay their mortgage and cannot eat a decent meal. Fireworks worth $600,000 will only further ignite the lack of confidence that Bahamians have in the FNM’s management of the economy.