The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

When Wayne Munroe, QC and prominent attorney, made his asinine comment suggesting that illegal immigrants, and particularly Haitians, should be flogged as a deterrent to illegal migration to the Bahamas, he was met with nearly universal condemnation from the Bahamian public.

And rightfully so; flogging is literally and figuratively one of the most painful reminders of slavery and Colonialism, with the bullwhip and Cat o’ Nine Tails used to punish “disobedient” slaves and to send a message to others who “didn’t know their place”.

Isn’t it ironic, then, that we Bahamians are so quick to label Mr Munroe as a barbarian for his suggestion, when we routinely do the same thing to our own children, minus the “Cat”? We condemn an attorney for saying Haitians and other illegal immigrants should be flogged for daring to enter our country, but say and do nothing about the many alleged “parents” who beat and whip their children for even minor offences, without a second thought? We see people beating young children – toddlers even – for simply doing what all tiny children do, and we do not object in any way, shape, or form. We even go so far as to encourage these alleged “parents”, making such statements like, “cut dey hip!” When questioned about this obviously abusive behaviour, these alleged “parents” - and Bahamians in general - always bring up the age old and infamous verse: “If you spare the rod, you spoil the child.” Really!

Wayne Munroe’s comments are a reflection of modern day Bahamian society and how this country has devolved into a nation of violence and cold heartedness, to the point that a well educated man of the courts feels that he can say something so utterly ridiculous and not face repercussions, and I’m pretty sure there are Bahamians – radio talk show “trolls” – who enthusiastically support Mr Munroe’s Draconian approach to the “Hyshins dem.” Wayne Munroe deserves to be condemned for his idiotic comments, but we Bahamians also need to take a long, hard look at ourselves in the mirror and wonder if we aren’t all “Wayne Munroe’s.”

CRUSADER

Nassau,

December 29, 2015.