EDITOR, The Tribune.
I read with interest your story titled, “Lawyer claims pregnant woman denied care in nationality row” published on Tuesday, April 21.
For Bahamians like myself, stories like these do little to advance the cause of marginalised Haitian-Bahamians.
It is unfortunate this first generation Bahamian was denied care, but it’s also even more unfortunate that at 21 she is expecting her fourth child.
This story highlights: the immigration problem in The Bahamas, how poverty is perpetuated and the complications which will result when the government forces many in the middle class to rely on national health insurance as a primary insurance.
How are we NHI-paying Bahamians going to be able to access health care in a timely fashion when the public health care system is being clogged by “Bahamians” with sketchy nationality who will undoubtedly make little to no contributions to a national plan which they so heavily utilize. Case in point, the lady in your article.
At 21, with a fourth child on the way one could only surmise that this young mother virtually went from the school room straight to her profession, that of motherhood. A noble profession, mind you, when one is mentally and financially equipped to actually take care of said child.
I wonder, what’s been this particular young mother’s level of contribution to National Health Insurance which allows her to feel so entitled as to involve an attorney in the matter?
I am hoping this setback in receiving service will at least serve the purpose of delaying her fifth child as there is sure to be one.
At 21, most women have little resources to raise one child, much less four. As a mother who had my only child at 25, it is difficult if not impossible for me to dredge up much sympathy for a woman who seeks to perpetuate a cycle of poverty not only for herself but also for her children.
TOSHEENA ROBINSON-BLAIR
Nassau,
April 21, 2015.
Comments
birdiestrachan 9 years ago
What a state of affairs, twenty one and having her fourth child. so much of the medical budget goes to these persons , and there is little left for persons who have contributed all of their lives to this Country. I will say again this woman is a burden to society. There is no mention of a father, So she will soon be seeking help from social services. Because it is not easy to take care of four children not with money or the ability to guide them in the right way. apparently she has no money that is why she is seeking free care. And we have to pay VAT to met her needs.
Sickened 9 years ago
I consider myself wealthy by almost any standard and I wouldn't even consider having more than two children. Both my wife and I work and have great, secure jobs and we still have to plan and save for school fees and replacing ruined school uniforms and shoes.
I don't know how civilized society can morally do it, but somehow we have to police people from having children they (and society) cannot afford. The civilized and sensible people have an obligation to make decisions for those who cannot think for themselves.
duppyVAT 9 years ago
As you probably sit behind your walled palatial doors and muse at the misfortunes of the lower class .......................... think about what the average person faces daily in our country
Jonahbay 9 years ago
Thank you to the letter writer. For too long we have allowed children to have children. We have not properly socialized or educated our people to practice safe sex. I see it in my own family and it is a plague, a vicious cycle set to repeat itself for eternity if we do do not step in and change the mindset of this country. The wild animals are taking over, and they have little, save the huge chip on their shoulder. We must flood The Bahamas with condoms and messages of safe sex. Abstinence is a joke, protection is key. Sex education is paramount. Until we get serious about these things, 25 year old girls will be on their 8th child and by the age of 40 they will be Great Grandmothers. And not a Daddy in sight. Weeping for this country, we have so much potential and it is being lost daily.
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