Interview 4

“Investment into solar and other alternative energies is part of the fourth industrial revolution and we are far behind. Our economy is currently shackled to a very old mind set. Both the PLP and FNM are focused on drilling for oil when the rest of the world is moving away from fossil fuels and reaping the benefits of renewable energy.”

transparency was being passed an uproar began in the House. Being true to my outspoken nature, I started cheering on behalf of the people. My only question to the distinguished gentlemen of the House who were not celebrating was, ‘How can you be mad if this for the people?’ From that point I knew that public office was the new direction I was called to take,” he said.

And ever since, Mr Woodside said he has been on the ground, making his presence felt and acquainting himself with the needs of those in the community he is hoping to represent.

If elected, he said he will agitate for equity and accountability, among many other issues he sees as pertinent problems.

Government transparency is one of his big priorities.

“If we can’t remove all of the holes in our system, we will never stop haemorrhaging money into the wrong hands,” he said

Another priority, he said, is introducing clean energy alternatives.

“Investment into solar and other alternative energies is part of the fourth industrial revolution and we are far behind.

“Our economy is currently shackled to a very old mind set. Both the PLP and FNM are focused on drilling for oil when the rest of the world is moving away from fossil fuels and reaping the benefits of renewable energy,” he said.

Mr Woodside also has some ideas about additional revenue possibilities.

“I’m careful in using the word ‘hemp’ as people don’t seem to understand that cannabis goes beyond personal use. Investment in hemp would allow us to produce our own textiles, products like the rope used in our fishing industry and others that can all increase our GDP (gross domestic product),” he said.

The development of the arts is another area that he is passionate about.

Having been in the local music and entertainment industry for over a decade, Mr Woodside said he has seen how this area has been neglected by successive governments.

“Where other countries have laws and regulations to protect the local artists and art forms, here in the Bahamas successive governments have failed to address the local industry, which has led to a major state of atrophy in our entertainment and culture.

“Rather than focusing on the development of what is naturally Bahamian, they’ve focused on what was viewed as trending in the region. We should be investing in the arts so we can be the trendsetters,” he said.

Mr Woodside said there are many of changes he will agitate for as it relates to the local arts, music and culture sector.

“The film industry has been growing here and we know the Bahamas is a top choice when it comes to scenic tropical isles. We should be encouraging not only local filmmakers but international filmmakers to shoot in our country.

“I truly believe that we as Bahamians have a unique perspective on life and an abundance of talent. We do an amazing job now without any real government aid to speak of. Imagine if the arts became more lucrative and had more funding, the sky would be our only limit,” he said.

These proposed changes, he said, are solely motivated by his desire to see greater development in this area. Mr Woodside said he wouldn’t be the beneficiary in any way.

“I would say I’m on somewhat of a sabbatical now with music as I focus all my energy and time on this political race. I have only released one song for the year called the ‘The Voice of God’,” he said.

“The song is more or less a reflection of my state of mind and the current state of our country. It’s politically inspired and speaks to the fact that the voice of the masses, our people, is the voice of God and should be feared by those who have been put in power. God hears the cries of His people.”

MARIO WOODSIDE with his wife Vanessa and daughter Santia Jaliese.

MARIO Woodside on the ground in Nassau Village, the constituency he hopes to capture on September 16.