Black Bahamians, cultural stupidity, and 40 years of political independence and beyond

By Dennis Dames

I have had an awkward experience on a bus stop recently.  I met a black American couple who was visiting all the way from Seattle; the husband related to me their experience in a hotel restaurant.  He told me that the servers must have taken them for natives, because they were seated for a long while before they were approach for service.  They saw the waiter or waitress passing them often, serving the lighter colored guests and other people of whom they apparently perceived as tourists - at other tables. 

The man asked me: if I have ever had such an experience?  My answer was yes, and I added that this is a common practice in The Bahamas where black Bahamian waiters, waitresses, and others, prefer to serve white customers and other assumed visitors over black Bahamians; even if the black Bahamians were seated first.

I told him further, that I do not put up with it anymore; I simply walk out and go where I am more appreciated.  This is indeed sad for a so called black nation.  I have stated before, that we black Bahamians have a really serious problem with black Bahamians.

We really need to do some serious reflections as a people moving beyond 40 years of political independence and cultural stupidity.  We need to do better.


Caribbean Blog International

Bahamas Independence... ...40 (forty) years later very many of our Bahamian youth are lost in a haze of Jamaican-grown ganja

Forty Years Later

The Bahama Journal Editorial



We shall – in short order – celebrate this fledgling nation’s fortieth Independence anniversary.


And so, we are today conveniently urged to remember that this nation of ours did some four decades ago have leaders who did dream that this nation of ours would or could be under-girded by a fervent desire for the building of a Bahamas where unity is indivisible – “…a Creation under God of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas…”

Sadly, there now seems a decided drifting away on the part of an untold many from these principles.

In their stead, very many Bahamians in now seem hell-bent on violating the spirit that once animated some of our founding fathers and mothers.

As we revert to the Constitution, we are told that, “Whereas Four hundred and eighty-one years ago the rediscovery of this Family of Islands, Rocks and Cays heralded the rebirth of the New World;

“And Whereas the People of this Family of Islands recognizing that the preservation of their Freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for Christian values and the Rule of Law;

“Now Know Ye Therefore: We the Inheritors of and Successors to this Family of Islands, recognizing the Supremacy of God and believing in the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual, Do Hereby Proclaim In Solemn Praise the Establishment of a Free and Democratic Sovereign Nation founded on Spiritual Values and in which no Man, Woman or Child shall ever be Slave or Bondsman to anyone or their Labour exploited or their Lives frustrated by deprivation, And Do Hereby Provide by these Articles for the indivisible Unity and Creation under God of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas…”

Would to God were more of our people sufficiently dedicated to nation-building that they would take these words to heart.

But even as we hope, we find ourselves becalmed in a mire of despond.

And as we interrogate the matter at hand, we are slowly but surely coming to the conclusion that some of the distress and [indeed] some of the drift we note now seem rooted in certain demographic trends now surfacing with a vengeance.

Evidently, one of the more interesting facts of life in today’s supposedly ‘modern’ Bahamas turns on the extent to which so very many strangers have made this urban-centered country their home.

Here we refer to that motley mix of Haitians, Jamaicans, Englishmen, Germans, and Americans and [of course] that crowd of Nigerians who work and live in The Bahamas.

These people are making a difference that promises to transform how we regard ourselves and how people around us see themselves as they become safely and deeply-rooted in this new land.

And so today we would suggest that there is probably only a clever few among this nation’s elite who would consider truly genuine some of the troubles very many so-called grass-roots Bahamians have with that motley crew of strangers who settle and work [sometimes illegally] in this country.

While some of these troubles are deeply rooted in the kind of mindless fear many people routinely have of strangers; the fact remains that most of the conflict between these people is grounded in an economy and social order that now seems to discriminate against Bahamians and [on occasion] in favor of these strangers.

This matter is compounded in another very interesting way.

This time around the matter at hand concerns the extent to which very many of those people who work and make their living here are – on occasion – contemptuous of the ways, values, mores and laws under-girding Bahamian civilization.

Indeed, they give every impression that they are only here because they can make an easy dollar, laugh at their unemployed Bahamian counterpart and otherwise enrich themselves and their families ‘back-home’.

Simply put, some Bahamians now understand that they are being taken for a ride; thus intermittent conflicts between Bahamians and any number of these strangers.

On occasion, there is also evidence of a kind of love-hate dynamic between some of these people as in the case of how some grass-roots Bahamians relate to their Haitian and Jamaican peers.

Of note is the fact that some Bahamians are now the direct result of this fervent re-mix that is now transforming Bahamian pedigree.

As a consequence some of our youth have taken to a hot embrace of Jamaican-born Rastafarianism.

In addition, many of them have also taken to ganja as if it was some royal road to bliss, wisdom and understanding; thus some of the troubles our youth routinely have with the authorities.

In conclusion then, this Bahamian reception of Rastafarianism also brings with it a profound anti-establishment ethic; thus leading to a sad, sad conclusion – forty years later very many of our youth are lost in a haze of Jamaican-grown ganja.

September 24, 2012   Jones Bahamas  

Caribbean Blog International

So what developments have we witnessed in our national symbols since that first Independence government? ... Unfortunately and shamefully few!

Our national symbols

By Philip C. Galanis

“We are symbols, and inhabit symbols.”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Bahamas attained its independence from Great Britain 38 years ago, a very short time by any measure. During that period, much has been accomplished as a nation, but much more work remains if we are to advance as a mature democracy.  One of the obvious manifestations of nationhood can be observed in the national symbols that we erect around us. Therefore, this week we would like to Consider This… what about our national symbols?  Have we distinguished ourselves in developing our national symbols or in like so many other ways, have we failed to rise to the occasion?

Generally, national symbols are supposed to help to uniquely define who we are and what our values are. These symbols are considered to be a manifestation of a people, embodiments of a nation’s unique culture, history and values. They are intended to unite a people by creating visual, verbal, or iconic representations of national pride and goals that would make them stand out among other nations. For example, when we see the “stars and stripes” or the “hammer and the sickle” we immediately and automatically recognize which nations are being represented.

The most common national symbols are the flag of a nation, its coat of arms, its motto, national colors, and most importantly, its national anthem. These symbols are often rallied around as part of celebrations of patriotism or aspiring nationalism such as independence, autonomy or separation movements and are designed to be inclusive and representative of all the peoples of that community.  National symbols are essential to the development of patriotism and national pride.

The Bahamas has its own national symbols, most of which were adopted with the attainment of national Independence in 1973. Prior to our liberation from the British, our coat of arms bore the Latin insignia “Expulsis Piratis, Restituta Commercia" which every pre-Independence Bahamian student knew translated that once we expelled the pirates, trade was restored to The Bahamas.  We replaced both with the coat of arms and the motto for a new Bahamas with “Forward, Upward, Onward Together”.  Our Founding Fathers also liberated us from the pre-colonial national anthem of “God Save the Queen” to a far more indigenous “March on Bahamaland”.

So what developments have we witnessed in our national symbols since that first Independence government?  Unfortunately and shamefully few!  With the exception of recognizing a few of our national heroes on our Bahamian currency, all of whom, incidentally, were male political luminaries, woefully little progress has been made in this regard. And that is a real tragedy.

To make it a bit clearer, just think about the major countries around the world and how you can almost learn their history and their values by walking the streets of their cities where you are greeted by statues of their heroes and patriots, those individuals whose contributions are inextricably intertwined with the patrimony of that country.  Now cast your eyes on our Bahamas.

With a lengthy history that spans over 500 years on the world stage, the most prominent statues commemorate the contributions of foreigners to the Bahamian story.  First we have an Italian, by way of Spain, Admiral Christopher Columbus, a controversial figure but one whose name and that of The Bahamas are forever joined.  The statue itself, designed by world famous author Washington Irving, very out of place in its rather inappropriate location on the steps of Government House, was a gift in the 1830s from Governor James Carmichael Smith, a man whose dedication to the idea of abolition made him very popular with the enslaved people he championed and reviled by slave owners.

Then we have the statue of Woodes Rogers, former privateer and the first Royal Governor of the Bahamas Islands, which stands commandingly outside of the British Colonial Hilton, built on the site of Fort Nassau, reminding everyone of how he earned his fame as the scourge of the pirates by hanging nearly a dozen at one time at that Fort.  Finally, there is the statue of Queen Victoria, seated since the early 1900s in her marble glory in Parliament Square, in front of our Houses of Parliament.

Indisputably, these three individuals made contributions to The Bahamas.  But so did many others who, other than Sir Milo Butler, whose bust presides over Rawson Square, are uncommemorated and uncelebrated by tangible bronze or marble representations that would stand forever to remind Bahamians and visitors alike of who was responsible for the creation of the modern Bahamas.  The only other statue that graces our downtown hub was created by the same person who created the bust of Sir Milo, Randolph Johnston.  Ironically, it is a bronze statue that stands on Prince George Dock, nicknamed “Bahamian Madonna”, depicting a nameless Bahamian woman carrying a child.  She is a strong national symbol of how Bahamian mothers have stood strong over the centuries, often in the face of adversity, raising generations of children whose contributions are unknown and, like the “Madonna’s” name, long forgotten.

Our public spaces need to be filled with the figures of those Bahamian men and women who fought alongside Sir Milo to make The Bahamas a stable, prosperous and independent nation.  We need to see statues everywhere of not only our political leaders but also those who led us in other areas. On the grounds of our hospital, how about a statue of one of our leading doctors or nurses or midwives?  And then, if ever we have a proper arts center, why not a statue of one or more of the Bahamian giants in the field of the arts?  Outside of our Ministry of Education, why not have a statue of one of our great educators?  In fact, each of our Ministries should have its own statue of someone whose contributions helped to advance that field. Our children should be able to point with pride at these statues that symbolize national excellence and tell their stories instead of merely knowing their names in connection with schools or roads or airports.

Moreover, our Houses of Parliament should be adorned not just with paintings of British personalities who had little, if anything, to do with The Bahamas.  We should commission artists – Bahamian artists – to paint glorious portraits of those whose voices reverberated in vigorous debate through those chambers and whose ideas shaped and produced our modern age.  Those are the familiar Bahamian faces that our current and future parliamentarians should see as they go about conducting the business of the nation, not those of strangers to our islands.

There is one other national symbol that we are lacking – and its lack is becoming a national embarrassment.  Just before Independence, a committee was formed by the House to identify a location for an official residence for the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, a place where he could welcome those dignitaries who would be coming to help celebrate our new nationhood.  A place was identified and everything was in place until an inadvertent and ill-advised slip of the tongue in a Cabinet meeting derailed the entire project.  But that is long past and today we are still without an official place where our Prime Minister can have his offices, his residence and show the proper respect to distinguished visitors by having state dinners in a place established by the state.

There is no reason why we have to take our visiting dignitaries to a hotel – and one not even owned by a Bahamian – to dine with our leaders on state occasions.  We are world famous as hospitable people, a nation that welcomes visitors from all over into our homes and our hearts.  Why is it, then, that our leaders don’t have a national “home” that would symbolize all of our homes into which to welcome those most important visitors who really merit the very best in Bahamian hospitality, not the cold impersonal welcome of a hotel?

It is time, then, that we develop these national symbols and surround ourselves and our visitors with commemorations of Bahamian pride, displaying for all the world to see those men and women of whom we are most proud.  And it is past time that we have a house that symbolizes the Bahamian House and is the home of our leaders and the place where quintessential Bahamian hospitality can be displayed.  It is time to rise to this occasion and, as we near our fourth decade of independence, start to develop true national symbols that will endure and celebrate all we believe in and all that make us unique for centuries to come.

Philip C. Galanis is the managing partner of HLB Galanis & Co., Chartered Accountants, Forensic & Litigation Support Services.

He served 15 years in Parliament.  Please send your comments to:pgalanis@gmail.com

Sep 19, 2011

thenassauguardian

Caribbean 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

Randol Fawkes' Appeal to The United Nations for Independence of The Bahama Islands

RANDOL FAWKES’ APPEAL TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON BAHAMAS NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE

MR CHAIRMAN,

 

DISTINGUISHED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMITTEE ON COLONIALISM

I am here today to secure the encouragement and the concrete assistance of the United Nations in the efforts of the people of the Bahama Islands to prepare themselves for independence.

In this we seek your expert advice and technical assistance in the promotion of the political, economic, and social advancement of The Bahamas that would make a transition from colonialism to freedom less painful than it otherwise would be.

It is our conviction that eternal colonialism in the Bahamas prevents the development of international and economic cooperation, impedes the social, economic and cultural development, and violates the spirit and letter of the Charter of the United Nations.  We therefore hope that the United Nations will recognize the indisputable right of The Bahamas to complete freedom and will help us to achieve and exercise our sovereignty and the intergrity of our national territory.  In faith believing, I relate the following:

On September 1966, your petitioner requested a select committee to take into consideration the advisability of inviting the government of the United Kingdom to convene a constitutional conference with a view to establishing the independence of the Bahama Islands.

Before the speaker could reach the item on the agenda calling for the appointment of select committees, The Premier, Sir Roland Symonette read the following prepared communication:  “I wish to make the following communication to the House in view of the public interest that has been aroused on the question of a constitutional conference on independence.  This is a statement that I would have given to the House on Thursday the 25^th August if the motion on the agenda for the appointment of a select committee on the subject had been proceeded with on that day:

As a result of the 1963 Constitutional Conference, the Bahamian Islands now enjoy a constitution which gives the people, through their representatives, virtually full control of their internal governmental affairs.

It has been suggested that because some other countries - perhaps less able to accept full autonomy – have become or are becoming independent, The Bahamas should do the same.  The government regards this attitude as misconceived.  Independence could be requested, and would no doubt be granted, and this government would be glad to manage the external affairs of the country but the facts must be looked squarely in the face.

Complete independence would impose on our country the financial burden of responsibility for security, defence and external affairs.  This burden is at present largely borne by Her Majesty’s government, at small cost within the framework of Britain’s defense and diplomatic commitments, but it would be extremely expensive, both in money and in manpower for The Bahamas government to take on the task of establishing embassies and high commissions abroad, and of raising and the equipping its own armed forces.  Considerable government funds would have to be diverted for these purposes which, in the view of this government, would be much better spent on the progress and development of the Bahama Islands for the good of all the inhabitants.  For these reasons the government cannot support proposals for a constitutional conference at the present time.”

In due course, the motion was put but was lost by a vote of thirteen to seven.   Both Progressive Liberal Bahamian Party and the National Democratic Party supported the motion, but the United Bahamian Party not only denied the courtesy of a select committee, but no member of the party participated in the debate.

Now if we were to examine the statement of the Premier, we will find that his argument against independence is facetious.  The premier stated that The Bahamas could not take on the expense of establishing embassies and high commissions abroad, but Gentlemen The Bahamas government is now maintaining very highly paid administrative offices in major cities of the world.  Some of them in London, Miami, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis, Washington, and even in Bonn, Germany.

In many of these offices, Bahamian personal is either nil or negligible.  So the excuse that we cannot maintain an embassy is tenuous indeed.

According to the United Kingdom, we are not Africans, yet “Bahamians” is not a legal term under the constitution, and no one can say with any degree of truth that we are British.  As a people we are without history, without culture, and without a national identity.  We study British history, British culture, and even British weather, but about ourselves, we have no past – and in colonialism, no future.

Because of the colonial status, the value of the Bahamian dollar is questionable.  Should the British pound be devalued, it would have serious consequences on the economy of The Bahamas.

Because of our colonial status, Bahamians pay a penalty in the form of high custom duty for trading with countries other than the British Commonwealth.  Our economy is tied to the Western Hemisphere.  Indeed everything we eat and wear comes from the Caribbean, North or South America.

It has been suggested that The Bahamas has a democratic constitution based on municipal suffrage – one man, one vote.  Because members in the House of Assembly are not paid, only the rich are financially able to represent their districts – hence membership in the present assembly is composed mainly of the merchants and professional class, but the labouring class has only very limited representation.  In the past 200 years, only on two or three occasions have the Out Islands been able to have representation by a person who resides in the Out Islands.

This situation is aggravated by the fact that there is no local government of the Out Islands.  These areas are governed only by an appointed commissioner, but there are other elected bodies to assist in the administration.  Without more education and greater participation in government, the people will not be prepared to master the responsibilities of independence.

We therefore, request that the United Nations take swift action to influence Britain to set a time-table for the eventual independence of the Bahamas and; in the meantime a commission of United Nations experts should be appointed to make a survey of the political, economic and social conditions of The Bahamas with a view to introducing adequate measures that would prepare the Bahamian people to master their own responsibilities.

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