The Advent of Majority Rule in The Bahamas

What does Majority Rule in The National Affairs of The Bahamas mean?

Majority Rule Day marks the day when, for the first time in history, The Bahamas had achieved full democratic status

Majority Rule: a different eyewitness report

By Patrick Rahming

Someone once said that anyone who wants to test the veracity of history should listen to two eyewitness reports of the same car accident. In that spirit, this is another eyewitness report of the advent of Majority Rule and the events following. This report may appear to contradict one that appeared in The Nassau Guardian on the eve of Majority Rule Day, January 9, 2023, but it does not. It simply adds another shade of color to the picture. To be even clearer, then, I would refer to another quote about history: “History is created by those who write it.” I share my opinion for the benefit or otherwise of Bahamian history.

What does Majority Rule mean?

The popular belief is that Majority Rule has something to do with the majority party in Parliament finally looking like the majority of the people – that is, black. That, of course, would suggest that a community of majority black citizens could not choose to be represented by white politicians, and that The Bahamas determines its national affairs on the basis of race. I cannot believe that is the meaning of Majority Rule Day.

More likely, Majority Rule Day marks the day when, for the first time in history, the country had achieved full democratic status. I have spoken to many younger Bahamians who were unaware that, prior to 1962, there were four categories of Bahamian citizens. First, there were those who qualified to vote ordinarily, which applied to men with property only. Then there were those who owned properties in multiple constituencies, who could vote wherever they owned property, giving a single individual the opportunity to vote multiple times in the same election. Thirdly, there were those who owned or represented companies, who could vote “for the company”. Finally, women and men without property could not vote at all, basically a voiceless category of citizens. In other words, prior to 1962, national elections were anything but fair. The Bahamas was legally and constitutionally not a democratic country.

However, following changes to those laws, women voted for the first time in 1962 and by 1964 both the land vote and the company vote had been rescinded. By 1964, then, The Bahamas had finally become legally and constitutionally a democratic country. So, it is quite true that the 1967 election was the first election held as a true democracy (the results determined by one man, one vote). Regardless of who won that election, the day would have been the first Majority Rule Day. The meaning of the day was determined by its history, not its participants.

*It is therefore wrong to continue to vilify those who actually passed the laws we now celebrate. The PLP was not the government when the laws providing the franchise for women and those eliminating the preferential positions for land and company ownership were passed, and therefore could not have been responsible for them. Regardless of their role as promoters or agitators, they cannot accept responsibility for the legislation passed by a previous government. In the courts, for example, the judge holds the perpetrator of the crime responsible, not the person who convinced him to commit it. This is a matter of historical record, not opinion or preference. Our children deserve the truth, not our prejudice. If we are to celebrate, let us celebrate history, not partisan rhetoric and half-truths.*

Majority Rule and the economy

Those of us over 65 (that is, old enough to remember pre-Majority Rule conditions) have a view of the 1960s that is very different from the world we hear about when current politicians speak. We recall a world in which there was considerable participation in the economy by ordinary black and white Bahamians. In tourism, the anchor of the economy, almost all of the entertainment business, the primary wealth creator in the tourism business, was owned locally, over 90 percent by black Bahamians. All of the transportation business was owned by Bahamians, also mostly black Bahamians. Except for the heritage sites, almost every tourist attraction was owned and operated by Bahamians, again mostly black. Throughout the real City of Nassau (over the hill) just about every consumer business was owned and operated by black Bahamians: grocers, meat markets, dry cleaners, dry goods stores, shoe sales and repair stores, barbers and beauticians. Everyone seemed to be an entrepreneur, from bicycle repair to raising rabbits to operating joinery shops to teaching music. Even on Bay Street, almost every business was owned and operated by Bahamians. While the majority of them may have been white, they were Bahamians (unlike today) and their participation in the tourism economy was significant. We recall a productive, confident, self-sufficient, self-assured, future-oriented communities. This is the starting point for measuring our economic progress.

The fact that, after 52 years we find ourselves standing outside foreign-owned resorts begging for participation in a business we had shaped for decades before, speaks volumes about our lack of attention to our own business. Rather than patting ourselves on our backs because we now drive expensive cars and live in gated communities, we should be asking why we have become a nation of dependent, frightened observers begging for a job. If the political establishments would claim credit for our new middle-class, they must also accept credit for the high reliance on a pay check and fear of risk.

Majority Rule and human development

That said, I agree whole-heartedly with concerns expressed about the growth of the gap between the government and its people, and the urgent need to complete the Westminster system by establishing a true system of local government. Parliamentarians are today too busy to know what their constituents need. That must be a sign that something is wrong. There appears to be little or no concern for involving citizens in their own affairs, which has led to a strong sense of “us and them” throughout the country.

I am proud of many of the advances made over these 52 years, but cannot avoid the apparent complete lack of a concern for human development by successive governments. The simple fact that the people of the de facto City of Nassau have not yet been recognized as such in law, after 50 years of independence is shocking. The fact that successive governments still find excuses not to spend on the infrastructure for the reinforcement of our identity through cultural activity is shocking. The fact that when a draft of the National Development Plan, published three years ago, stated that at graduation, 50 percent of students in public schools did not qualify to graduate, it was not considered a national emergency, is shocking. Self-Image and identity are the bedrock of social behavior. Meanwhile the same governments seem mystified by our children’s antisocial behavior. Majority Rule officially made us all equally responsible for the future of The Bahamas. I am not sure we have lived up to that responsibility.

What is the significance of Majority Rule Day? It marks the day The Bahamas became a democracy. That, I believe, is by far more important than seeking partisan credit for a public holiday.

Pat Rahming is an architect, writer and songwriter who is passionate about the importance of the built environment and its importance to the social development of The Bahamas. He can be reached at prahming@gmail.com or via his blog “From the Black Book” at prahming.wordpress.com. He welcomes other points of view.

Hubert Minnis, The Political Pariah of The Bahamas

Rejected Hubert Minnis, The Bahamas Most Notorious Political Outcast 

Dr. Hubert Minnis:  "A Politically Persona non grata".

Minnis Falls Far Short of Other Major Parties’ Official Leaders

By Fred Sturrup | GB News Editor | sturrup1504@gmail.com

Dr. Hubert Minnis is considered to be a political pariah.  He certainly fits the description of an outcast, much more so than any other leader in Bahamian political history, I submit.  This man has been rejected by the national voters in great numbers, and within the party he hangs on to, the Free National Movement (FNM), it is understood that the great majority wish he would just go away, resign, and get totally out of the picture.  Killarney could very well do with another representative.

 

The fall from political grace that, in my view, is the largest aspect of his legacy, puts Dr. Minnis in the ignominious category of one.  Given what happened under his watch; the questionable contracts, the inflated budgets, the attitude etc., I know of no other major party leader who bore as much or more public disgrace or shame.

  

Let’s go through the list of political leaders in the modern Bahamas.  For the now-governing Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), the leaders include Henry Milton Taylor, Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling, Perry Gladstone Christie and Phillip “Brave” Davis.   The first government of the country, the United Bahamian Party (UBP), had Sir Roland Symonette and Godfrey Johnstone.  The Free PLP/FNM’s list is longer, inclusive of short-term leaders.  The prominent chiefs were, of course, founding-leader Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, Sir Kendal Isaacs and Hubert Ingraham.  Then, there were Cyril Fountain, Cyril Tynes, Henry Bostwick, Tommy Turnquest and Michael Pintard (currently in charge).  All of them, their faults noted, were thought to be honourable men.

What about Dr. Hubert Minnis?  The truth be told, there is the view that he sours the FNM.  And, he won’t go away.

In an earlier commentary in GB News, it was predicted that Dr. Minnis would be a great obstacle to Pintard’s leadership.  He seems determined to undermine the younger politician who has been widely accepted by FNMs across the length and breadth of this nation.  Pintard is certainly more dignified.  The antics of Dr. Minnis are disgusting.  He lost the election of 2021 and the FNM opted to change him and go with another at the helm.  That was the logical conclusion.  His decisions in leadership, for the most part, were not sound ones at all.  

Think about it for a moment.  Dr. Minnis could still be the executive leader of this country.  His Cabinet Ministers could still be moving about in the political style befitting their portfolios.  In particular, they could still be earning their salaries.  Cabinet Ministers each lost more than $60,000 because of the decision made by Dr. Minnis to call an early election, September 16, of last year.  He dealt serious blows to his party and the pockets of ministers, other parliamentarians and supporters with lucrative contracts.

Yet he sticks around, seemingly making every effort to upstage the sitting FNM Leader Pintard.  In that earlier commentary, I warned Pintard about what he was likely to face in Dr. Minnis. It is not a pretty scene for the FNM.  On the one hand there is Leader Pintard, trying valiantly to make his party relevant with the voters once again.  On the other hand, Dr. Minnis appears to be disdainful of Pintard and his status in the country as Her Majesty’s Loyal Official Opposition Leader.

 

The time has come for those who care deeply for the FNM to take a strong stand alongside Pintard, and insist that Dr. Minnis moves on.  If not, a fractured party will be the result and the FNM will not be able to go to the people for voting support as a unified body.

Source

Freetowns In The Bahamas

A Brief History of the 'Freetowns' in New Providence and in Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.

 

 

PREFACE - When you said something that was DUMB, my 9th Grade teacher at Eastern Senior School would say: "Don't let your IGNORANCE predominate where your INTELLIGENCE should assist". This pronouncement related to some of the DUMB comments I have seen posted here on Facebook, as they relate to the new FREETOWN Constituency.  Personally to me, this sad because there are those Bahamians, who just do not know their history, or those that do not appreciate the value of the very rich history our Bahamaland.  Hence my decision to share the facts about the Freetowns in The Bahamas.

 

Why I stated: ‘Freetowns In the Bahamas’, well, just for the record, Freetowns are not unique to The Bahamas, as there are 17 places in the world that are named ‘Freetown’.  Freetown In Africa, there is a place (the original) named Freetown, Sierra Leone.  There are 3 places named Freetown in Liberia.  There is one place named Freetown in Nigeria.  The original Freetown, Sierra Leone was founded in 1787, by Great Britain as a settlement for ‘freed slaves’ who sided with the British during the American Revolutionary War and that arrived in the city from 1787.

Freetowns In the Americas (those mainly North America, Central America and The Caribbean ) - There are 7 places named Freetown in America.  There is one place named Freetown in Jamaica.  There is one place named Freetown in Belize.  There is one place named Freetown in Antigua and Barbuda.  There are 2 places named Freetown in Bahamas.  All of the places called ‘Freetown’ in the Americas, they are believed to be historical communities that were established after their emancipation in August 1834, for 'freed slaves' when all slaves in the British Empire were emancipated.  They were probably given the name by the British Colonials, after the original original Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Freetown In Bahamas.  Now that I have established the historical factors behind the name FREETOWN, I now will address and contribute to the history of Freetowns in The Bahamas.  So, appears that the FNM and UBP Parties is not a 'nationalist' parties... country first.  They seem to be not really concerned with preservation of our Bahamaland history, as the UBP first named the Killanery constituency - after the lake, The PLP Party saw it fit rename Killarney constituency after the historical 'Gambier' township; that which just like the well-established 'Foxhill' constituency, ‘Bain & Grants Towns’ constituency, ‘Carmichael’ and 'Adelaide', all that are an integral part of our rich Bahamian history.  Let me interject here; that in cases where possible that it is tradition that constituencies be names after ‘places of history’, for example historical churches in New Providence - St Barnabas, Mt Moriah, St Cecelia, and once others, as were, St Thomas More and St Agnes.  Also edifice like the historical forts: Ft Montgua and Ft Charlotte in New Providence.

Now back to the history of Freetown in The Bahamas.  These communities named above, all of which are historical townships that 'freed slaves' established after their emancipation in August 1834, when all slaves in the British Empire were emancipated.  Including those 'freed slaves' living in The Bahamas, and those that escaped from 'Slavery in America'.  Most 'black Bahamians' are direct descendants of these former African slaves.  As noted above, in addition to 'Adelaide', 'Gambier', 'Foxhill', ‘Bain & Grants Towns’ there are also two known historical ‘Freetowns’, in The Bahamas.

However, my research discovered that there are also two small settlements called 'Freetown', one in Eleuthera, this area is located on the southern (east-west) Deep Creek and one south in The Bight, Cat Island very little in known of these towns history.  Let's focus on the historical ‘Freetowns’ in New Providence and Grand Bahama Islands respectively.

FREETOWN, NEW PROVIDENCE - The area between Mackey Street and Kemp Road, called 'Freetown' is also a part of this rich history of New Providence Island.  For The Record, FREETOWN, New Providence, extended beyond Kemp Road, to John Evans Road just to the East of the new Shell Gas Station on Shirley Street.  Freetown Lane - located between Lyon Road and John Evans Road - is still on the map.  In fact, the Church of God of Prophecy on East Shirley Street; still gives its address location as Freetown.  In addition to this, many prominent Bahamian Families originate out of the Freetown / Kemp Road Community.

The facts are, the Freetown Constituency was FIRST established in 1968 by the PLP Government a year later after being elected in January 1967.  The Freetown constituency that grouped the ‘Out East’ black communities all together.  The Anns Town / Freetown Community being bounded between Shirlea (west) John Evans Road / Kemp Road Area (east), Bar 20 Corner / White Road (south) and Bay Street (North), Mr. Simeon Bowe was the PLP MHA for Freetown in the 1968 election and he won the seat.  Today, this ‘renaming’ is now only the reestablishment of the old Freetown Constituency.

Contrary to reports on Facebook, Freetown was never a part of the Montagu community, as Freetown did not extend beyond (John Evans Road) that is the Western boundary walls of Montagu Heights and Queens College west boundary.  In the 1968 General Elections, there was both a Freetown constituency and there was a Montagu constituency.  But for the last 3 general elections, the Freetown / Kemp Road communities were integrated into the Montagu constituency by The FNM Party, in this case, this will now be reversed for the 2012.

FREETOWN, GRAND BAHAMA - Just like New Providence, there was also a Freetown established in Grand Bahama.  But this Freetown has nothing to do with ‘politics’.  In 1836 the population of the entire island of Grand Bahama was recorded as 370; most of those people are presumed to have lived around West End.  By 1861 the population had grown to 858, and was probably spread between West End, Eight Mile Rock and Freetown.

Records from West End, the oldest city on Grand Bahama Island, show that the population in 1836 was only about 370, many of whom abandoned the island for greater opportunities in Nassau.  However, in 1861 people flocked to Grand Bahama because of an unexpected economic opportunity — the American Civil War.

At the outbreak of the war, with the Confederacy of Southern States under a strict Union embargo, smugglers operating out of West End were able to command hefty prices from the South for goods such as cotton, sugar, and weapons.  As soon as the war ended, the economic boom ended as well, but it established strong ties between The Bahamas and the United States that still exist today.

So there is the history of the 'Freetowns' in Nassau and in Grand Bahama.  As the saying goes: ‘If you don't know where you came from, you surely don't know where you are headed'.

 

 

Written and Published by Monte A. Pratt - M.A.Pratt & Associates - Consulting Partners - Copyrights (C) 2017

 

Source: Bahamas Historical Society and Wikipedia.com - Photos: oldbahams.com Facebook (copyrights)

 

From Monte A. Pratt - Facebook

 

Bahamian History and Bahamian National Heroes... Happy National Heroes Day Bahamas!

Our history and national heroes

By ARINTHIA S. KOMOLAFE

Monday, October 14, 2013 is a day for the history books of our nation as we celebrated the first National Heroes Day in The Bahamas.

This historic feat comes after years of lobbying and advocacy by several individuals and certain sectors of the Bahamian society for a public holiday in honor of our national heroes.  It was therefore heart-warming when on Thursday, October 10, 2013, Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes gave assent to the passage of two bills which paved the way for the National Heroes Day celebration and the observance of January 10 each year as a public holiday in honor of Majority Rule Day.

Discovery and a nation in transition

History records that in 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail upon the seas from Spain to discover what became known as the New World.  The Bahamas will always have its place in world history as the record shows that Columbus’ first stop on his voyage was Guanahani Cay, which he called San Salvador meaning “the land of Jesus Christ the Savior”.  The blessings upon The Bahamas are apparent in that in spite of our size, our country holds a unique place in history based on the voyage of Columbus.

All across the Americas, nations have paid homage to Christopher Columbus either by recognition of a public holiday or through monuments.  However, many nations have moved to change the name of the holiday for diverse reasons.  Some argue that Columbus was not the first European to sail the Americas, nor could he have discovered that which already existed.  In other words, The Bahamas which is recorded as his first landfall during his first of four voyages, was already inhabited by Arawaks, Tainos and Lucayans.  To reinforce the case against perpetuating the celebration of Discovery Day, Columbus is accused of genocide and eradicating many of the natives during his voyages.  The transition of Discovery Day into National Heroes Day, in our case, also marks another step in the life of our country as we cut ties with our colonial past, giving honor to the men and women of yesterday who fought to create the modern Bahamas as we now know it today.

A landmark event and movement

The Bahamas is one of the last countries in the region to make this long overdue shift as many of our Caribbean counterparts have over the years opted for a National Heroes Day.  It is fitting that the Government of The Bahamas has made this landmark step to recognize the heroes of our nation to ensure that the accomplishments and memories of such unique individuals are enshrined in the conscience of our people from generation to generation.

Additionally, the commemoration of majority rule will forever tell the stories of the struggles of our foremothers and forefathers who fought for the voice of the majority to be heard and the opportunity for equality to be achieved within our commonwealth.  It is our hope that these significant steps taken by the government will also ensure that a full account of history is taught and preserved for future generations.

Our history and our identity

For many years, those of us who were educated in The Bahamas during the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties, and even into the new millennium, were taught American and European history for the most part.  Regrettably, we still do not have a formal and comprehensive Bahamian history curriculum within our nation’s school system; this is a matter in need of urgent attention for our history is a major part of who we are as a people.

On a personal note, this writer recalls being introduced to Bahamian history from a political perspective during a government and politics elective course at The College of The Bahamas back in the late nineties.  This begs the question: What about the thousands of Bahamians who may not pursue tertiary education and never enter the halls of The College The Bahamas?  Their only hopes are the biographies and memoirs of past Bahamian leaders or the more popular informal education, which may sometimes be skewed, one-sided and/or inaccurate depending upon the mindset of the individual telling the story.

A dedication to Bahamian history

Spanish philosopher George Santayana stated in his “Reason in Common Sense” that “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.  For this reason, it is essential that the Bahamian people, specifically the younger generation, are aware of their history lest we repeat a part of our history to our detriment and the struggles of those before are rendered in vain.  The institution of Bahamian History Month will certainly shine the spotlight on past victories and defeats of those who came before us and fought the good fight to secure the liberties we now enjoy.  Moreover, it may encourage those persons with a story to tell to do so while recording their contributions and sacrifices made for the benefit of our nation.

The education of the populace is important to avoid a return to the dungeons of intolerance and inequality of The Bahamas of old.  It should not be unthinkable that The Bahamas can find itself in the position that it was in pre-majority rule or even pre-independence.  Colonization, albeit in a more subtle and economic form, is still a concern in today’s world – particularly for small island states like The Bahamas, with wealth and political power at the heart of this ill.

Commonality for the national interest

The camaraderie that existed between the individuals of diverse political affiliations, gender, race and creed who labored for the recognition of our national heroes must be allowed to spread throughout our archipelago.  We must always live up to our motto and progress “forward, upward, onward together”.  As we begin to identify and honor our national heroes, we must be ever mindful of their concepts of nationhood, their struggle for freedom, their contributions to our social transformation and their willingness to give of themselves for the benefit of our Bahamas.  These individuals may not have been and will not be perfect; however, their flaws should not disqualify them from national recognition or diminish their status based upon the work they have done to contribute to the quality of life for all Bahamians and their role in the fulfilment of our destiny as a nation.

The spirit of our true national heroes should transcend political divides and address the polarization of our country which has yielded no positive results.  The current state of the U.S., whose government has been shut down and is at risk of a default on its debts, is a chilling reminder of this fact; the reality that level heads should prevail and personal interest should not supersede the national interest lest the nation is destabilized.

As we continue to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our independence, we applaud the government for making this bold and historic move.  We applaud the National Heroes Committee and other proponents of this cause for their tireless efforts over the years to make this day a reality.  In the words of the Rev. Canon S. Sebastian Campbell, a nationalist and progressive who no doubt will have his place in our history, “We urge all our people on all our islands to celebrate our heroes and establish traditions for years to come.”

Happy National Heroes Day!

• Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

October 15, 2013

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

Bahamian History: The Bahamas / Bahamian Independence History

Sir Arthur Addresses Rotaract on Independence History


By Eric Rose
BIS 



NASSAU, The Bahamas – While giving a brief and personal account of Bahamian history, as it relates to Bahamian Independence, Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes said that there is “hardly a single event in our history that has had such a profound influence on the future of The Bahamas as the establishment of the House of Assembly ”.

“This institution and its eventual assimilation by Bahamians have contributed mightily to our history of political stability,” Sir Arthur said, while speaking at the Rotaract Club of East Nassau meeting on the topic “On Independence and the Way Forward”, on July 1, 2013, at the British Colonial Hilton.

”The House gave to the residents of these islands a measure of control over their affairs even though the imperial power, Great Britain, retained ultimate responsibility right up to the 10th of July 1973,” Sir Arthur added. “So the Bahamas had what was described as representative but not responsible government.”

Sir Arthur noted that, to be sure, the House, established in 1729, did not confer the status of a modern democracy on The Bahamas.

“That was a long way off;” he said; “but the population, including the black descendants of slaves, recognised the possibilities that this institution offered, and that is why it became, and remains, the ultimate objective of political activity.”

That is why, too, Sir Arthur continued, a racial minority with “varying degrees of support by the British” made access to it difficult for the majority.

“Prior to the 1962 elections when Bahamians for the first time enjoyed universal adult suffrage, voting rights were limited over the years by an array of what were termed qualifications but which were, in fact, obstacles,” Sir Arthur said.

"One had to be male to register to vote. One had to own or rent property of a certain value. One male could vote in every constituency in which he owned or rented property. There was open voting, and open buying of votes. A lawyer could cast a vote for each of the companies registered at his office.”

Elections, Sir Arthur pointed out, were held on different days to accommodate what Sir Etienne Dupuch called “an armada of vessels”: well provisioned with rum and flour, descending on one island after another.

“And, of course, there was gross inequality in the population of constituencies,” Sir Arthur said.

"Out of the white minority had evolved a classical oligarchy (a government by a few, usually privileged) that came to be known as the Bay Street Boys,” he added.

They were the ones, Sir Arthur said, who commanded the armadas of which Sir Etienne (Dupuch) complained, and they dominated Bahamian politics and commerce.

Sir Arthur said that there was, of course, throughout the years, agitation against racism, and for fair treatment of workers, for education and for reform of the political system to make the House of Assembly more representative of the people.

He said that in the 1920s and 1930s there was a group called the Ballot Party, which included a Barbadian tailor named R. M. Bailey and Bahamian politicians C. C. Sweeting and S. C. McPherson. In the 1940s there were others, including Dr. C. R. Walker, Bert Cambridge and Milo Butler.

"Then there was Etienne Dupuch who took over a struggling newspaper, The Nassau Daily Tribune, after World War I and became for many decades a towering figure in Bahamian journalism as well as a politician,” Sir Arthur said.

"Sir Etienne wielded a prolific and acerbic pen,” Sir Arthur stated. “He railed against racism and corruption, against the intransigence (inflexibility) of the oligarchy and the complacency of the British Government. One British newspaper branded him ‘Rebel in the Caribbean’.

“Sir Etienne and his newspaper did more than anybody else during those critical years to foster political consciousness among the Bahamian masses.”

Sir Arthur said that progress was slow; but there was some reform, including the introduction of the secret ballot for New Providence in 1939. One early notable achievement, he added, was the establishment of the Government High School in 1925. Labour unrest continued and exploded in the 1942 riot, Sir Arthur noted.

Sir Arthur said that a “most significant” change took place in the political arena in 1953, when a group of mostly “near-white” Bahamians founded what was to become the first national political party in the country, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

"It was the brainchild of William Cartwright but most of the hard work of organising the party throughout the islands was undertaken by its first Chairman Sir Henry Taylor,” Sir Arthur stated. “Both were members of the House of Assembly having been elected in 1949. Cyril Stevenson was Secretary General and also the flamboyant editor of ‘The Herald’.

"The Bay Street Boys responded by founding the United Bahamian Party (UBP), and the era of party politics came to The Bahamas. In 1956 the PLP gained a foothold in the House with the election of the Magnificent Six: Lynden Pindling, Randol Fawkes, Milo Butler, Cyril Stevenson, Clarence Bain and Sammy Isaacs.”

Almost immediately upon its formation, Sir Arthur said, a group of young black men saw the PLP as a vehicle for the achievement of a full progressive agenda for The Bahamas including the defeat of the UBP, an end to racism, economic and social justice and, ultimately, independence for the country.

They joined the PLP, formed themselves into the National Committee for Positive Action (NCPA) and supported the leadership of Sir Lynden Pindling, he added.

"For the first time since the Eleutheran Adventurers, there was serious talk of independence for these islands, but it had not yet become a popular idea,” Sir Arthur said. “When the NCPA held a debate on independence at St. Agnes Auditorium in 1959, they were publicly rebuked by the chairman of the party.”

Sir Arthur said that the general strike in 1958 galvanised the progressive movement in the Bahamas; but the unfair delimitation of constituencies remained and accounted for the PLP’s defeat in 1962, when that party got a majority of the votes cast but still lost the election.

"The UBP still refused to budge on this issue,” he stated. “The report of their Boundaries Commission in April 1965 was the catalyst for the Black Tuesday demonstration, when Sir Lynden threw the Speaker’s mace out of the window of the House of Assembly, and Sir Milo did likewise with the hour glasses the Speaker used to time his speeches.

"Finally, the PLP and Randol Fawkes, representing his Labour Party, succeeded in overthrowing the UBP in January 1967 when Sir Alvin Braynen threw in his lot with them.”

“I regard January 10^th 1967, as the most significant date in Bahamian history since Emancipation.”

Sir Arthur said he and Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield raised the issue of independence on the floor of the House in 1967, after the nerve gas incident.

“The Americans had secured the agreement of the British Government to drop canisters of nerve gas in Bahamian waters despite our objections,” Sir Arthur said.

"The Americans had refused to talk directly to us; but Sir Cecil was included in a British delegation that talked with them in Washington,” Sir Arthur pointed out. “When the Americans assured the delegation that it was safe to drop the nerve gas canisters in Bahamian waters, Sir Cecil responded: ‘If it’s so safe, why don’t you drop them in the Hudson River?’”

"Sir Cecil was so infuriated that he suggested in the House of Assembly that we should consider making a unilateral declaration of independence, so we could have immediate control of our own affairs and our territorial waters,” Sir Arthur said.

Sir Arthur noted that just weeks before the Government announced in 1972 that it would proceed to independence after the upcoming election, Sir Lynden was in London and told a British newspaper that his government was not thinking about independence at that time.

“I suspect the about-face was due to pressure from the Hon. A. D. Hanna who had been a consistent advocate of independence,” Sir Arthur said. “It is one of the ironies of history and politics that some of those who were the most ardent advocates of independence found themselves in opposition in 1972 and opposing independence under the leadership of Sir Lynden.”

"A veritable flood of water – and a little blood -- had gone under the political bridge between 1967 and 1972,” he said.

There was a split in the progressive movement, the formation of a new opposition – the Free National Movement – and some “very tense moments including physical attacks on Sir Cecil and others”, Sir Arthur said.

“But that is history for another day,” he added.

The PLP won the 1972 election and, in December of that year, a Bahamian delegation of Government and Opposition met with representatives of the British Government at Marlborough House in London to agree an independence constitution for The Bahamas, Sir Arthur said.

"There were divisions between the Bahamas Government and Opposition on several issues including rustication, the right to leave one’s country, and equality for women,” Sir Arthur said. “On the latter, the British sided with the Government and the issue of equality for women was lost. That, in my view, remains a flaw in our Constitution 40 years later.”

However, he noted that a “shining moment” was when the Bahamian delegation – Government and Opposition – opposed a British Government proposal to give Bahamian citizenship to a category of persons registered in The Bahamas as citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

“It is worth noting that the dismantling of the old colonial system of government started in 1964, when the Bahamas got its first codified Constitution with ministerial government under the UBP,” Sir Arthur said. “Our second Constitution was in 1969, when further responsibilities were granted to the Bahamas Government under the PLP.”

Sir Arthur said that, of those Bahamians who participated in that historic meeting, the following are still alive: A. D. Hanna, George Smith, Loftus Roker, Philip Bethel, Sir Orville Turnquest and himself.

"The Bahamas has the Constitution of a modern parliamentary democracy, which has served us well for 40 years and will, I believe, serve us well for the next 40 and beyond,” Sir Arthur said.

"Our history and our culture contains positive as well as negative influences and characteristics and today we are facing some severe challenges as a result of our own mistakes and the impact of negative influences from outside.”

"The Constitution provides us rights as citizens, and with the framework and rules for the conduct of our affairs,” he added. “The challenges we face can be successfully met with the sustained involvement of all of us as patriotic contributing citizens.”

July 03, 2013

Bahamas.gov.bs

Caribbean Blog International

In reality, the Vote Yes lobby lost the gambling referendum because it had a number of powerful forces ranged against it: certain churches ...the official opposition party ...the most successful third party in Bahamian history ...and a former prime minister who commands an enormous personal following

A Victory For The Pharisees

By PACO NUNEZ

Tribune News Editor

pnunez@tribunemedia.net

 

 

 

IN botching the gambling referendum, Perry Christie and his Progressive Liberal Party dealt a serious blow to the prospects for liberalism and progress in the Bahamas.

 

The overwhelming “no” vote did more than ensure gambling remains illegal for Bahamians; it empowered a religious movement that is on a mission to suppress certain personal freedoms and insinuate itself into everything we do – from what we watch on TV, to what happens in our bedrooms.

 

Forget all the talk of preserving the country’s Christian roots. Those at the forefront of the Vote No movement represent a fundamentalism which harks back to a past that never existed, which seeks to establish something entirely new – a moral police state.

 

And now, even more than before, the “Save our Bahamas” pastors, the Christian Council, and their followers will believe they have a mandate to push their views on the rest of society.

 

In reality, the Vote Yes lobby lost the referendum because it had a number of powerful forces ranged against it: certain churches, the official opposition party, the most successful third party in Bahamian history, and a former prime minister who commands an enormous personal following.

 

And, those who either voted “no” or stayed home, did so for a variety of reasons. Church loyalty was certainly one of them, but there was also party loyalty, resentment that the promised gambling education campaign never materialised, and suspicion the referendum was really a reward for certain web shop bosses who donated to the PLP’s election campaign.

 

Also, a certain degree of apathy was in hindsight probably inevitable. Many Bahamians who might support legal gambling didn’t see the point of going to the trouble of voting for an activity they already engage in on a daily basis with no hindrance whatsoever.

 

But the pastors won’t see it that way. To them this will have been a victory for forces of conservatism and coerced conformity – proof that Bahamians overwhelmingly want to live under a religious regime.

 

Now that gambling is defeated, we can be sure that other pet peeves of the Christian Council will be next in the crosshairs; issues such as homosexuality, the showcasing of “immoral” films, performances by “unchristian” musicians.

 

We may even have another campaign defending the right of a man to rape his wife.

 

A few years ago, when the Bill to make marital rape illegal was introduced by the FNM administration, only to be denounced as immoral by the Christian Council, INSIGHT noted that “The public statements of Council members over the past several years have made it clear they feel social progress – defined by most of the western world as having to do with rights and democracy – threatens much of what they hold dear. After all many of them have become exceedingly comfortable in their roles as the self-appointed moral arbiters of the nation.”

 

Back in 2006, when the Play and Films Control Board banned the film Brokeback Mountain at the request of a group of pastors, local theatre director Philip Burrows said: “You have a group of people who are telling grown men and women what they can and cannot watch. I cannot understand denying people the right to make their own choices.”

 

Neither could the rest of the world. An Associated Press story about the ban was reprinted by hundreds of newspapers around the world, and brought widespread condemnation down on a country that has nothing to rely on for survival but its international reputation.

 

Then, as now, it was the government – the very entity charged with safeguarding our reputation – which opened the door to this kind of nearsighted and dangerous fundamentalism.

 

The fact that the abetment was unintentional this time around is no excuse.

 

Had there been a proper education campaign as promised, had the arguments for and against casino gambling at least been discussed, or had Mr Christie committed to banning anyone who broke the old gambling laws from ownership in the new industry, things might have been different.

 

Certainly, he would have neutralised the strongest arguments for voting “no” put forward by his political opponents, thereby making it a real liberals-vs-pastors referendum.

 

As it was, those of us who support the expansion of rights and personal freedoms were left with an impossible choice: vote “no” and support continued discrimination against Bahamians in their own country, or vote “yes” and run the risk of allowing the government to form a gambling cartel of campaign donors, to the exclusion of all other citizens.

 

Either way, you were voting against equal rights.

 

In making it so, Mr Christie and his colleagues are guilty of squandering a priceless opportunity and retarding the cause of progress for who knows how many years to come.

 

Gambling is in many ways, the last frontier in overcoming our colonial past.

 

Gambling is in many ways, the last frontier in overcoming our colonial past. It is the modern theatre of our civil rights struggle.

 

Amid all the moral, economic and other arguments, one fact is undisputed: a foreigner can come to this country and do something a Bahamian cannot.

 

That is no different from any other form of discrimination, be it assigned bus seats, separate schools, restaurants reserved for a specific group of people.

 

The Save Our Bahamas crew do have a point in this regard - if we really believe gambling is morally wrong, we should ban it outright, for foreigners as well as locals, and have the courage to suffer the economic consequences of taking a stand against hypocrisy.

 

The pastors, it should also be said, make no apologies for what they believe and do not hide what they stand for.

 

Meanwhile, the Progressive Liberal Party, by virtue of its very name, is supposed to be a force for progress and liberalism.

 

They have a lot of explaining to do.

 

What do you think?

 

Email your questions or comments to pnunez@tribunemedia.net, or join the conversation at http://www.tribune242.com/news/opinion/insight/

 

February 04, 2013

 

Tribune 242

 

Caribbean Blog International

 

The saga of illicit trading in The Bahamas began well before narcotics trafficking ...with bootlegging and piracy... ...So entwined is Bahamian history with smuggling and outrunning the law, it permeates Bahamian culture... ...The Bahamas cannot afford to lose investor confidence with the country’s governing stability marred by increased criminal activity

Drug trafficking via The Bahamas

thenassauguardian editorial

With over 700 islands spread across thousands of miles of water, The Bahamas’ coastline provides innumerable opportunities to smuggle drugs, weapons and humans.  There are simply too many places to hide, stash, and transit illegal goods and too few resources to track, locate, and arrest perpetrators.

The Bahamas has the uncanny ability to attract so-called dubious individuals – from financiers avoiding extradition or taxes, to drug and human traffickers.  Our island nation of some 350,000 does little to halt the perception that participation in illegal activities is welcomed here.

Drug trafficking is alive and well in The Bahamas as evidenced by the stash of 345 pounds of cocaine worth $2.5 million found at North West Cay, off Great Inagua.  The joint operation between the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) attests to the crucial coordination between The Bahamas and U.S. governments to thwart drug smuggling.

The Bahamas has a partner with vast resources to help combat narcotics trafficking, but unless Bahamians make a commitment to prosecute and incarcerate dealers in a timely manner, drug trafficking will continue to proliferate across the islands.  The Bahamas must also commit to harsher sentences for those caught smuggling large amounts of narcotics.

As vast as the waters of The Bahamas are, the airways are not immune to drug transit.  In just two months, police have reported the confiscation of over 50 pounds of cocaine at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).  In August police allege an individual upon arrival to customs was found with four and a half pounds of cocaine; in mid-July police allege an individual with over seven pounds of cocaine was discovered; and in early July over 40 pounds of cocaine was found on a commercial airline after police acted on information from U.S. Customs & Border Protection personnel.

The Bahamas must press forward in the fight to combat the trafficking of drugs through our country.  Though it may never cease completely, we cannot ignore the affiliation of drug trafficking to other crimes being committed.  We only need to look at Mexico.

The saga of illicit trading in The Bahamas began well before narcotics trafficking with bootlegging and piracy.  So entwined is Bahamian history with smuggling and outrunning the law, it permeates Bahamian culture.  But set now in the global age, The Bahamas cannot afford to lose investor confidence with the country’s governing stability marred by increased criminal activity.

Sep 06, 2012

thenassauguardian editorial

Caribbean Blog International

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) receives "mixed reviews" from the general public on its official launch

'MIXED REVIEWS' AFTER DNA'S OFFICIAL LAUNCH

tribune242


AFTER its official launch on Thursday night at the Wyndham Crystal Palace Resort, the Democratic National Alliance is getting "mixed reviews" from the general public.

According to numerous persons interviewed by this newspaper, many agreed that the DNA was successful in drawing a large crowd to their official launch - a feat unmatched to this date by any third party option since Independence.

While many speculated as well on the actual make-up of this crowd, whether persons were there primarily as supporters or mere spectators, it was still noted that for the DNA to fill the hotel's ballroom was an accomplishment "in and of itself."

However, the commentary on the actual content of Branville McCartney's speech was another matter.

According to one online blogger on The Tribune's website, tribune242.com, C'Mon Man, there was little difference in Mr McCartney's speech from any other that was delivered by Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham or PLP Leader Perry Christie.

"If you closed your eyes during Bran's speech last night, it would have been difficult to discern from the content of the speech Bran from Hubert Ingraham or Perry Christie because all I heard was the same old politician speak. We gonna do dis for you, we gonna do dat for you and we gonna make all your dreams come true without ever saying where the money gonna come from to do these things.

"We Bahamians say we don't like to be talked down to, but everytime a politician talk to us like this they are talking down to us by telling us what they think we want to hear. It would have been refreshing for a politician to just be honest for a change and tell it like it is the good, bad and the ugly. Otherwise we will only be changing faces with the same old politics," the blogger noted.

Erasmus Folly, a regular blogger on tribune242.com also wrote that he was not impressed with the DNA's launch.

"The candidates leave much to be desired. The guy from Exuma already proved he doesn't understand business. The others, I don't know enough about, but I am not convinced. I'd like to see Bran win his (seat), with maybe one or two others from that party and see if they can sound sensible in Parliament over the next five years.

"Then perhaps see for the following election if they can offer more or win other credible candidates to their cause. I'd like to see change, but if it is wishy washy, then it is a waste of time. Faith in the people, which he drones on about, is a very, very vague term and means nothing. I'm always wary of fluff, too much talk of 'listening' and a speech without a clear and discernible plan of action.

"It is not enough to say that if you put the 'people first' everything will work out. Tyrants and leaders obsessed with their own charisma always talk most loudly about putting the people first and rarely manage to deliver anything of the kind," he said.

'Watching Jane' -- another blogger --added: "I like Bran as a person, but I must say I was not impressed by the speech, it lacked substance and was far too long!'

However there were also positive reviews of the DNA's launch from online viewers and those persons interviewed yesterday.

"Philosopher King" wrote that that the DNA is off to a good start, and "Androsian Finest" said that Mr McCartney needs to "work fast" and do what he needs to do because the FNM "is up to something."

"We in Andros have your back - we for you. DNA all the way! Last night was great," the blogger wrote.

Stanley Jackson Sr added that congratulations are in order for Mr McCartney and the DNA for their "overwhelmingly" successful launch.

"Never in Bahamian history has a third party garnered such huge support. Mr McCartney's delivery was excellent, well poised and answered every question necessary and more at this juncture as an introductory for the DNA. Indeed he offers hope Obama style . . . which is sorely needed in our country after 44 years of failure, rampant corruption, film flam, double talk, razzle dazzle and broken promises from the PLP and FNM who find themselves hopelessly compromised by special interest and unable to govern," he said.

May 14, 2011

tribune242

Bahamas Blog International

Majority Rule is a concept that has long been lost in the everyday Bahamian way of life

Who says the majority rules?
thenassauguardian editorial


Today is being observed as Majority Rule Day in The Bahamas.

Historically, the day represents the emergence of a local, black Bahamian government, with the responsibility of helping Bahamians govern their own affairs and their future, as The Bahamas began its trek to Independence.

Now in its 44th year, Majority Rule Day continues to be observed as a day that honors those who contributed to The Bahamas we know today. However, mention the words “Majority Rule Day” to the average Bahamian and ask them what it is about and more than 85 percent will look at you like a deer staring into headlights.

Ask the average young person (between the ages of 15-25) and more than 90 percent will think you’re speaking a foreign language.

Not enough Bahamian history is being taught. Most Bahamians don’t know their history, and for the most part, many could care less.

But that’s another story for another time.

As far as celebrating Majority Rule Day is concerned, some feel it is pointless, considering the fact that The Bahamas finds itself in a contradiction from a socio-economic point-of-view. We live in a society where the minority rules the majority.

The rich minority controls and dictates the lifestyle of the majority of the poor Bahamians. We live in a society where “the rich gets richer” and the poor remains poor.

In addition, the idea of “government for and by the people” is not based in reality.

The Bahamian Parliament, which is supposed to represent and fight for the rights of Bahamians, seemingly pass laws that burden the average Bahamian and gives more power to the wealthy among us.

Majority Rule is a concept that has long been lost in the everyday Bahamian way of life. What it stood for in the past, seems to have less relevance and meaning today.

One of the co-founders of Majority Rule Day, former Governor General Arthur D. Hanna, noted that Majority Rule Day was an uphill battle “in that we couldn’t get a level playing field.

“The government of the day (United Bahamian Party - UBP) wanted to hold on to power, therefore, they had all kinds of tricks. One was how they dealt with constituencies.”

On the surface, it seems ironic that many of today’s governments have used the same “tricks” during elections in The Bahamas, but when one considers the fact that some of our leaders of today learned from those of the past, then we can understand certain similarities.

The concept which our forefathers fought for, does not hold the same significance today. So, we celebrate a day that has somehow lost its meaning and its focus, which is the Bahamian people.

We celebrate a day where the majority does not rule, but rather where the minority rules the majority.

1/10/2011

thenassauguardian editorial

Bahamas Blog Internaional

Is Your MP Performing: Cynthia "Mother" Pratt has already secured herself a prominent place in the annals of Bahamian history say constituents

Is Your MP Performing: St. Cecilia Constituents Commend MP
BY KARISSMA ROBINSON:


Seven out of nine constituents polled in the St. Cecilia area say that their Member of Parliament Cynthia "Mother" Pratt’s performance in the area has been so noteworthy that she has already secured herself a prominent place in the annals of Bahamian history.

The Bahama Journal, which randomly polls constituencies each week, went out into the community yesterday to ask the residents if their MP was performing.

The Journal traveled from the St. Cecilia constituency office to as far as the corner of Bimini Avenue and Market Street and spoke with residents who were more than a little anxious to share just how well they feel the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) MP is performing in St. Cecilia.

John Thomas who has been a resident of the constituency for a number of years said Mrs. Pratt has done an "excellent" job over the years.

"She is doing a very good job and I love her. If she were to run in the next general election, she would definitely get my vote. We would hate to see her go." said Mr. Thomas.

Another resident shared similar sentiments.

"I cannot say anything bad about her. She has done a lot for the community and I wish her well in her future endeavors," the resident said.

"She is a good MP. She has brought about many improvements in the area, like paving roads. That was something that we really needed."

Mrs. Pratt has been the MP for the constituency for a number of years and residents say she has been very instrumental in helping poor children in the community.

"We really need her back. She has done a lot for the poor children. She has personally helped me get a job. She always encourages us [young people]. She will do whatever it takes to provide school supplies for children," said one resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Leroy King said that if it had not been for Mrs. Pratt many children in the community would not have the opportunity to go to school.

"During the school periods the children are given the basic supplies they need for school. I know that the children really love her because she is always there for them," Mr. King said.

While many of the residents were pleased with Mrs. Pratt’s performance there were two residents who said they felt she could do more.

"Personally, she has done a lot for me in the past. She helped me with my college education. However, she has not done anything significant in the community since I have been a community leader here. I would like to see her get involved with some of the positive things that is going on with the National L.E.A.D Institute," said L.E.A.D President T. Edward Clarke.

Another resident said that while he feels that Mrs. Pratt is doing a reasonable job, he would like to see her do something about the garbage problem in the area.

"What I would like to see her do is clean-up the loads of garbage around here. When there is garbage everywhere it attracts rodents and that is the problem that I have," said Mr. Roberts.

Mrs. Pratt has already announced plans to retire from politics at the end of her current term.

At last report, the PLP was processing at least four applications from candidates interested in representing the St. Cecilia constituency.

Mrs. Pratt previously served as deputy prime minister and minister of national security in the PLP administration.

August 12th, 2010

jonesbahamas

Bahamas Blog International

Bahamian Leaders Have Always Misread Bahamian Consumers During Boom Times, thus Creating a False Sense of Security and Achievement

An itemized list of the most recent payments shows that virtually no aspect of a consumer’s life is untaxed in The Bahamas

The price of food escalates with each trip to the grocery store in The Bahamas

Consumer’s Corner

CONSUMERS AND ‘KING SOL KERZNER OF ATLANTIS’

By Charles Fawkes

Nassau, The Bahamas

06/04

HOUSE OF LABOUR: With all of the good news coming from ‘King Sol Kerzner of Atlantis’ and his court comprising of no less than the cabinet of Prime Minister Perry Christie, Bahamians can only see the continuation of the Bahamian dream.  Despite this glowing dream presented by Perry Christie and King Kerzner there is always the chance that a nightmare could just be around the corner.  Our leaders have always misread Bahamian consumers during boom times thus creating a false sense of security and achievement.

The recent upsurge in violent crime not withstanding, Bahamians are naturally easygoing peace loving people who would prefer negotiation to confrontation, forgiveness over revenge, and would rather cultivate a friend than create an enemy.  So much so that the common saying is that rather than taking his revenge a Bahamian would elect to “leave you to God”.

If however, you interpret these traits as a sign of weakness you do so at your own peril.  Because, there is a limit to his tolerance – a point beyond which he will not go and his resolve and determination at that point will match anyone’s.

It seems that it is this component of the Bahamian consumer’s personality that is the most difficult for the foreign managers and investors of all resorts properties to comprehend.  They consistently misread the consumers, take liberties and make demands that are totally unacceptable.  They eventually force the consumers and their unions to draw a line in the sand, which the foreign managers/investors still continue to challenge.

Examples in our history of management’s misreading the Bahamian personality are innumerable.  The two classic examples in Bahamian labor history are The Burma Road Riots of 1942 and the General Strike, triggered by the taxi drivers in 1958.  Although in these crises the foreign entities were aided and abetted by the Bahamian White establishment at the time, the underlying principles that were at stake then are the same today.

There is no other area where the consumer’s rights are more under siege than in our largest industry – the Hotel Industry.  And with a political climate more conductive to their design we do not expect much change from the foreign managers/investors for the foreseeable future.  It behooves therefore, Bahamian consumers and their unions to be vigilant and resist all efforts to divide their ranks from within and from without.

Quite often it is not money issues that trigger the consumers to draw the metaphorical line in the sand.  Many times it is the consumer’s dignity; honor and respect that they feel are challenged and trodden upon.

For years as an opposition leader, Perry Christie led a party with no programs, no clear-cut ideology.  All these years, he offered the Bahamian people a hollowed shell, nothing concrete- offering just a dream for sale.  The dream was well designed, carefully packaged and put on the political market.  Most of the Bahamian consumers bought it.

It is just a dream of good houses, fancy cars, quality education, quality living and control of their country.  Like any product, the dream has its price.  The Price is high.  The consumers will have to reject their identity as a class and merge their destinies with that of a new set of oppressors like the Kerzner’s, a set of oppressors who want economic power for themselves and not in the interest of the consuming class.

This is a strange price, because most of the consumers who buy the dream will pay for it with sweat and blood.

The dream however will be kept alive by the Christie’s of this world and thousands of Bahamians will one day wake up to the harsh brutal light of reality.

The bills will come due on the Bahamian dream under Christie’s leadership, just as they came due under Pindling and Ingraham’s dream.

An itemized list of the most recent payments shows that virtually no aspect of a consumer’s life is untaxed.  Some of the costs are direct and immediate.  The price of food escalates with each trip to the grocery store.  A larger percentage each week of a consumer’s wages must go just to maintaining the physical strength to get to the job (if you have a job).  If you don’t have a job, you may be invited to learn to eat air.

And forget about buying a house!  For the very-greedy financers there simply are not enough profits to be made from the long, agonizing repayment of mortgages; thus, the banks have jumped the interest rates so high that home ownership is virtually forbidden.

Effective medical care is equally expensive and even more restricted.  A consumer without an insurance or money may suffer on a hospital’s steps for want of medical attention.

The children of consumers are finishing twelve or more years of school semi-literate, ignorant of their own history and lacking any consciousness.

Denied the necessities of life, unprotected by the government which was supposed to be “of, by and for the people” - but is more clearly than ever the basic weapon for controlling the consuming class, many consumers will turn to the unions as the only organizations which may have the power to save them.

These consumers will find the unions so hobbled by law, so limited by poor leadership that they are mere ghosts of the muscular, vital fighting forces of the fifties.  When they critically examine the right wing parties, they will find nothing worth accepting, they will realize that all of the noise and sweet talk amongst this group of misleaders are just the death rattle of an ebbing era in Bahamian politics.

Continuing this dream under the current setup will mean:

·        Unemployment above 10.8%!

·        Low wages and long hours!

·        Rising Inflation!

·        Poor housing!

·        Dangerously poor sanitation!

·        High rents and greedy landlords!

·        Inadequate water supply!

·        Poor education!

·        Poor medical care!

·        Corrupt and incompetent officials!

·        Political repression and victimization!

·        Foreign control of the best land!

·        Exorbitant prices for imported necessities

·        No development of agriculture!

·        No taxes on the rich or foreign investors!

·        Crime, Drugs, Prostitution and Rape!

However, we don’t have to put up with it forever.  We don’t have to endure the lies and corruption.   We can put an end to foreign domination of our country.  We can set our youth free from crime and unemployment.  We can liberate our women from prostitution.  We can have full employment at decent wages.  Our land and our resources do not have to be controlled by foreign interests.  Our children can have the education they deserve.  Our families can have decent housing and the finest in medical cares.  Other nations have already put an end to exploitation and oppression.  And we can build a just and humane society in the Bahamas also.

Building this kind of society will mean true freedom of speech and religion and true freedom of the press.  Today real freedom belongs only to those few who have the money to control the press and make themselves heard.  But under a new Bahamas, freedom can belong to all and will not be for sale to the few.

It will mean that all people will control the wealth of our country.  The profits that are now going to a few wealthy Bahamians and foreign investors could be available to meet the need of the people.  Instead of mansions and yachts for millionaires, we can have good housing; education and medial care for all.

It will mean an end to unemployment.  Today we have unemployment because those who own everything don’t think they can make enough profit by investing in projects that will provide jobs for all.  But under a new Bahamas, we will need the labor of everyone to meet public needs.

It could mean genuine democracy.  Wealth will not be able to buy political power.  Those with access to wealth will be taxed, and the wealth will be used for the public good.  Those who hold public office will be working and the people, through the right of referendum and recall, will control them.  There could be effective local government in every neighbourhood on every island.  And those who serve in government will be paid a workman’s wage not the exorbitant salaries of today.

Charles Fawkes is President of the National Consumer Association and organizer for the Commonwealth Group of Unions, Inside Labour Columnist for the Bahama Journal, Editor of the Headline News, The ConsumerGuard and The Workers’ Vanguard