The opposition Free National Movement (FNM) yesterday took issue with the governing Progressive Liberal Party's "outdated hyper-growth anchor project schemes, " claiming that they "destroy many of our islands and reduce Bahamians to second-class status in their communities."

"The PLP's anchor project agenda promotes large-scale tourism cum mega residential gated communities for foreigners, and in pursuit of this policy they are willing to dispose of tens of thousands of acres of publicly-owned Bahamian land at giveaway prices," the FNM said in its weekly commentary.

The official opposition party pledged that it "will not give nor sell to foreigners public land for residential development and sale on the international market."

"The FNM will promote signature projects which will be unique to each Bahamian island or area or region," the commentary stated. "These projects can bear a uniquely Bahamian stamp and relate to the historical, cultural and environmental diversity of our archipelago of possibilities. Correspondingly, we will promote greater diversification within the tourism sector and across multiple industries."

In essence, the FNM said, it will encourage and work with Bahamians to create brands that will carry the unique signature of local entrepreneurs just like a Brent Malone painting or a Clement Bethel production carries its unique imprints.

"Jamaica has produced the Sandals and Breezes brands as Caribbean signature projects, but The Bahamas has yet to produce such a brand although we have been the leader in tourism for many years," the FNM said.

It added that it "will help transform the Bahamian economy by encouraging Bahamian entrepreneurs, artists and professionals to create, nurture and export Bahamian brands – from tourism to entertainment to arts and culture to a variety of services.

Further, the FNM said it will have the natural attractions and the resources needed to create a variety of boutique eco-tourism resorts throughout The Bahamas.

"We have the resources to produce fruit like sapodilla, sour sop and winter pineapple, export them to upscale markets in North America and Europe and also serve them to our visitors," the commentary noted. "A few years back an upscale shop like Harrods in London used to carry small papayas specially grown in The Bahamas."

Declaring that the FNM believes The Bahamas can be a leader in creating a sustainable model of development for small states which are urbanizing rapidly, the commentary added: "We will encourage a variety of sustainable medium and small-scale signature projects or investments owned by a dynamic mixture of Bahamians and foreign investors. This will increase Bahamian ownership of the economy, boost our foreign reserves, preserve our culture, save our land and protect the environment. A diversity of projects will better secure island communities."

The FNM said it will welcome reputable foreign investors who wish to sign on to our economic vision.

"When the FNM signs heads of agreements with investors, we will ensure that they are good for The Bahamas. We will also make available to the Bahamian people the details of all agreements we sign on to in their name," the commentary noted. "Signature investment projects will be planned in collaboration with the residents of the islands where they are to be sited. We will help empower local governments by ensuring that they become participants in the orderly development of their own communities."

The commentary asserted that Family Islands "can no longer simply have their economic destinies dictated to them by the central government without consultation. We will transform local governments into genuine national partners."

"Central and local authorities will work together to assess the developmental possibilities, educational and training requirements and infrastructural needs of each island as well as the environmental and social impact of proposed developments," the FNM said. "Unfortunately, the PLP has bought into the vision of some foreign developers who believe The Bahamas is 'on the verge of being discovered.' That is why the PLP has given away huge swathes of prime and pristine real estate."

Bahamians do not need anyone to help them discover their own land, the FNM insisted.

"What they need are well-funded partners who will assist them in pursuing our vision of sustainable development," the commentary said. "The FNM's vision flows from our belief that the economic future of our country requires careful stewardship of our land, our environment and the talents of our people."

Noting that the upcoming general election is a contest of ideas and possibilities, the FNM said that for the voters it is about which leadership team they trust to secure their economic future.

"Bahamians do not need an economy in which a few politically-connected persons make huge profits while alienating Bahamian land and advancing transactions mainly, if not exclusively, for the benefit of external interests," the commentarty said. "They deserve a fountain of economic possibilities. Accordingly, it will be the mission of the FNM to assist more of our people with the tools necessary to fulfil the Bahamian dream, including capital, education and training, and land."

Bahamians, the FNM added, have had "enough talk and enough with easy promises which have yet to materialize."

"They can trust the FNM because we have the vision, the track record and the leadership necessary to help transform the Bahamian economy to create more wealth and opportunities for Bahamians for generations to come – without giving away our land to international unfunded speculators," the commentary noted.