The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Passing through Nassau’s town centre of Rawson Square, one would be forgiven for thinking that December was just another month.

Obviously something extremely important is about to happen, but it just ain’t Christmas. There is no sign of Christmas in the city centre, but many hundreds of bleacher seats are awaiting the most important event of the Bahamian calendar.

In a country that “professes” Christianity, the true joy of Christmas for Bahamians is actually Junkanoo. The symbols of Christmas, a Christmas Tree and creche, have been relegated to the far end of town, as if such was just an afterthought by someone.

As a tourist destination, where a majority of our visitors hail from the USA, it is interesting to note that a survey by Scot Rasmussen, in March of this year, finds that 96 per cent of Americans feel that Christmas should be observed in schools, while 75 per cent said the same of Easter. This survey was oriented to schools, but nonetheless it highlights the fact that Americans (our visitors) are very much a Christian people. I cannot imagine what American visitors, coming here in December, must think of us as a people. My guess is that we are seen not that much differently than Columbus would have seen the heathen native Indians here in 1492.

Despite our many churches and many more “professed Christians” we may talk the talk, but we sure as hell don’t walk the walk.

Merry Christmas to all nonetheless.

BRUCE G RAINE

Nassau

December 17, 2015