The Tribune

TODAY, we have become victims of a patronage system which destroys our ability to grow and excel. The social and economic conditions are indeed explosive and our leaders seem to be unable to meet the challenge.

If we are to solve these problems, we have to search where we went wrong and admit it. It cannot be business as usual. We, the masters of the quiet revolution, made mistakes somewhere along the lines and it is my humble belief that we all know what went wrong and who is responsible. We all must confess our transgressions and ask God for forgiveness, our political leaders should take the lead.

I have taken the high road in these matters.

Although I have reasons to be bitter, I am not and neither should you.

We must rid ourselves of this cult atmosphere prevailing in the country and unite in a serious mission to build the nation.

In conclusion, it would be safe to say that the template to correct and fix most, if not all of the social and economic problems, was created many years ago and well exemplified by the creation of Jumbey Village.

It is also safe to say that self help and community involvement are not foreign concepts even if they now appear to be almost unknown to many Bahamians. But as in the past, committed and enlightened leadership is required to lift us out of the cesspit of social degradation in which we now find ourselves.

Urban Renewal, as envisioned four decades ago, involves the youth of the country and creates economic opportunities for the people and a deep sense of self empowerment which can be successfully transmitted up and down the line across varying age levels.

Despite the decided reality of our political and philosophical differences, the bottom line is if we are to succeed as a caring nation, we must put aside some of the ever present acrimony that certainly creates more harm than good. It would behove us to rally our co-operative efforts behind those who are clearly committed to the overall improvement of our people as individuals and as communities.

If the government cannot accept advice, even in the face of the murderous scourge engulfing the country then we are doomed. However, I am hopeful that the era of spiteful recriminations and tribal behaviour is behind us and we can come together, government and opposition, church and civil society for the common good. I am also hopeful that the promise of 1967 will finally be realised, where the good of the people trumps all other interests.

Excerpt from Sociopolitical Reflections of an Octogenarian Bahamian Native Son – January 28, 2014.