by Rick Lowe

Here we go again. More double speak about consultation over government policy. This time it’s Ron Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary of the Department of the Environment relating to emissions testing of vehicles.

According to this article by Vanessa Rolle in the April 17, 2007 issue of The Bahama Journal, “Mr. Pinder told The Bahama Journal that the draft of the fuel emissions regulations is presently under review by his department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Road Traffic Department and stakeholders in the auto sales and auto repair industries.”

The article goes on to say that, “”It has not been circulated widely as yet. We are aware of the pressing need to ensure that vehicles, when they go for inspection, that they do meet minimum fuel emissions standards set out by the various international organizations,” he said.”

Now if that isn’t double speak, what is?

I work in the automotive industry, and our company is a member firm of the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA). The BMDA includes the new vehicle and parts franchise holders and we have been to one meeting to discuss emissions testing that I am aware of and we have heard no more. We have also not been presented with draft legislation or regulations for comment.

While many of the current crop of politicians believe they have all the answers on how the world of business works they are in for a rude awakening where the auto industry is concerned.

Take for example the used cars being imported from Japan. The majority of these vehicles are over seven years old so they will fail current emissions standards. In addition to that, some of the new vehicles being imported are not equipped with catalytic converters so they to will probably fail modern testing equipment.

I would guess that the country is looking at a ten year phase in, or a lot of vehicles will have to come off the road.

For future imports, it would help for local franchise holders to be aware of the proposed standards so foreign manufacturers can be informed and changes made to their assembly lines if necessary or even possible.

So Mr. Pinder, while it looks good to get your ongoing story about emissions testing in the newspapers, you just might be getting the cart before the horse.