By Stephen Gay, Guardian Staff Reporter

In about three weeks parliamentarians are expected to debate a number of bills in the House of Assembly, that were carried over from meetings prior to their summer break. Leader of Opposition Business in the House Dr. Bernard Nottage told The Guardian that when parliamentarians begin debate, he believes that greater focus must be placed on improving the economy as a means of moving the country forward.

Proceedings in the House are to resume on September 17.

The outstanding bills includes two bills dealing with the licensing of amphibious craft, a bill combating human trafficking, and a bill for an act to establish a corporate body to be known as the national library and information service authority, to have responsibility for managing and operating a national library system.

Also to be debated is a package of crime bills, which include a bill for an act to provide for the establishment of a system of plea discussions, (or plea bargaining), a bill to amend the Penal Code, a bill to amend the Criminal Procedure Code, a bill to amend the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, and a bill to enact the Mental Health Act.

According to Nottage, the public becomes concerned about the state of The Bahamian economy, when Bahamian jobs are put in jeopardy. This he said creates a tremendous amount of uncertainty.

"I think that this is a serious time for the country," Nottage said. "I think that all of us need to focus more on improving our economy, to create more and better jobs for Bahamians. In the Bain and Grant's Town constituency there are a lot of social needs, and (the Ministry of) Social Services does not seem to have the capacity to meet those needs.

"Figures from the financial sector suggest that the economy is not growing at the rate that was anticipated at the beginning of the year," he added.

"People are complaining now about the tremendous increase in taxation which was the result of the budgetary strategy of the government. So there are economic issues that are very important."

According to Nottage, contributing to this is the apparent stagnation in the economy and the increased prices that consumers have to pay for goods and services. This is evident, he said, with the struggle many Bahamian families are experiencing, as they prepare students for the start of a new school year.

"This is a direct result of the reduction of jobs on one hand, and an increase in the cost of living on the other," Nottage said. "There are more people who need assistance with food, rents and electricity bills.

"We understand part of the reason for it, but the fact of the matter is that a lot of people can't afford to pay their bills. There is a lot of disquiet and discontent among our population and I think that bills relate to issues that we have to pay a great deal of attention to at this time," he added.

On the social side, Nottage believes that crime continues to be one of the major concerns of people all over the country.

"Although the Acting Commissioner of Police was quoted recently as saying that 'crime was under control', I don't think that is the general experience of some members of the public. So there continues to be a fear of crime," he said.

When the House meets the package of crime bills is expected to be debated first.

According to Nottage, there are other issues that the official opposition intends to focusing on. He pointed to environmental and educational issues and the cost of health care.