The Free National Movement is convinced of the continuing need to protect consumers from the malpractices of certain unscrupulous purveyors of goods and services in our society. The Free National Movement recognises the considerable harm, including financial loss to large numbers of Bahamians as a result of the provision under the Road Traffic Act which requires motor vehicles licensed to operate on public roads, to be insured to cover third party bodily injury only. This provision, commonly called "Road Act Insurance" provides no coverage for bodily harm or property damage to passengers in a private vehicle, so insured, involved in a traffic mishap; nor does it provide any third party coverage. The Free National Movement considers it important that the developments with respect to metrication in the United States be kept under review and that consumer education in this subject be given higher priority than heretofore. The objective of the Free National Movement Government will be to ensure that the Bahamian consumer receives value for money spent on goods and services available in the local market place. The FNM in its second term in Government, will: Enact laws governing minimum standards and weights and measures. Establish a Bureau of Standards and a Stan- dards Council to oversee and regulate con- sumer services, including construction, maintenance and repair services. Eliminate the requirement for motor ve- hicles operating on public roads to be in- sured under provisions of the Road Act, referred to as "Road Act", and replace it with a requirement for all licensed vehicles to be insured against full third party risk; providing financial compensation for bodily harm as well as property damage for which the driver of the vehicle is deter- mined to be legally liable. Continue the regular inspection of busi-			nesses and the institution of prosecutions of violators of consumer protection legis- lation. Ensure the active participation of the National Committee for Metrication in relevant international fora and in local public education programmes. Strengthen the consumer education aware- ness programme via direct presentations to schools, service clubs, churches and other community groups and by the use of print and electronic media. Enact laws governing consumer credit, to provide for the transfer of loans or mortgages between banking institutions at no cost to the customer.
					In the most profound sense the election of the FNM to Government was the beginning of a new era in this country.
				Regulate all consumer loans, requiring lending agencies to provide accurate information on lending contracts, statements and fees, service charges and penalties applied to consumers; and to clearly state the full cost of a loan to the consumer. Enact legislation to require home mortgage lenders to provide reasonable periods of time for mortgagors who fall into arrears after making loan and interest payments for a minimum prescribed period addi tional time to make arrangements to save their homes from foreclosure or sale. Enact Legislation to provide standard residential leases. Make provision for reductions on, or exemptions from, real property taxes on properly maintained residential rental units in traditionally low income areas. Provide, by legislation, the right for borrowers to choose lawyers to do their home mortgage and business loan legal work.

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