The Tribune

By IAN FERGUSON

GEORGE Santanya wrote that those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it. This statement is just as true today as it was when he penned the words. Since history has a strange way of repeating itself, we must occasionally reflect on what is historically ours, so that as we evolve as a nation and business district, we can reject those things that do not historically represent us; correct those ills that have traditionally plagued us; and celebrate those great attributes that continue to strengthen our brand.

Our discussion today places us in meditative mode, as we look to behaviours which have either helped or hurt the Bahamas brand.

Bahamians have always been known as a naturally warm and hospitable bunch. We welcome everyone and, even amid suspicions, we openly embrace people from around the world. This should naturally translate, in the local business environment, to warm and friendly service when Bahamians go into various businesses around the town.

Our history seems to indicate that we should experience few complaints about poor service, since we have a trademark of being a happy, content and loving people.

From the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s, the economic landscape of the Bahamas experienced a tremendous transition.

The early primary and secondary industries of sponging, tomatoes, pineapple, sisal, boatbuilding, fishing and others took centre stage, where Bahamians made every effort to re-invent themselves and explore new industries.

Historically, when we experience roadblocks in increasing revenue streams, we go back to the drawing board and come out re-branded and ready to compete again. This must continue, and we have to remind ourselves: The only thing constant in life is change. When it happens, adapt.

Bahamians historically have been known as peaceful and non-violent people. In every era of our past, from the Arawaks to slavery and the pre-independence period, people from these islands have always explored and practiced non-violence as a means of resolving conflict.

But along with this peaceful disposition, we cannot deny we have often been a passive and laid back bunch. This means that as you explore various aspects of our history, you will identify things that should disturb us because they eat at the fabric of who we are. We do not raise the alarm as we should.

Every good Bahamian knows we are a people constantly in celebration mode. Our culture, in fact, suggests that despite hardships, setbacks and even economic recession, Bahamians will party. This historic truth augers well for our business environment, since most corporate executives agree that a relaxed work environment, where people know how to ‘let their hair down’, is a more productive one.

Significant events in our past seem to indicate that we have welcomed and embraced, for the last 500 years, a spirit of corruption. No sector in the business or social environment seems exempt.

From wrecking to piracy, blockade running, prohibition, drug peddling, human smuggling and many other forms of illegal racketeering, Bahamians always appear to be comfortable taking shortcuts to get ahead. We have also seen the damaging effects of this phenomenon on our economy and society.

This brief look at behaviours exhibited in the workplace, and the society as a whole, must cause each of us to pause and determine whether these actions are having a positive or negative impact on us as individuals, on the companies we serve, and on the nation we love and call home.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.