The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

POLITICAL “polarisation” has contributed to the stagnation of Bahamian economic growth, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday saying: “Look where it’s gotten us.”

Jeffrey Beckles, pictured, addressing the Rotary Club of West Nassau, argued that for the past five to six decades “everything done in this country has been wrapped in political polarisation”.

“In The Bahamas it is one thing to encourage people to think creatively,” he said. “It is another thing to cause Bahamians to think futuristically. Until we begin to have apolitical conversations we are not going to grow. It’s that simple.

“For 50 to 60 years everything that has been done in this country has been wrapped in political polarisation. Look where it has gotten us. Our conversations, then, have to be apolitical. When The Bahamas’ name is called it is not our individual names; it is all of us. If The Bahamas is viewed as not being ready that is all of us.”

Mr Beckles added that the current record record growth in tourism numbers that The Bahamas is experiencing must translate into increased economic impact and jobs.

“It is one thing to talk about the uptick in recent times, but the true measure is going to be years down the road because have to be able to sustain it,” he explained. “Let’s not just talk about the recent improvement; let’s try to drill down a bit more so we understand why, what have we done and what’s the plan to sustain that success.

“The other question to be asked is how are these increases that we talk about affecting the average Bahamian? How are they affecting the restaurant, the straw market and transportation? If they aren’t feeling it then we are simply talking about a number.”