The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

From as far back as I can remember there have been factions in this country whose major ambition has been to keep Bahamians divided.

I remember when the PLP was born, and Pindling prided himself with heading an all black party. It was made abundantly clear that white Bahamians, especially those of the business community, who were desperately needed to be a part of the new nation, were not wanted. They were sent to the hills, and so they remained in the shadows, concentrated on building their own businesses and enjoying their yachts and the beauty of our islands.

I recall one day in the House of Assembly when one of the Opposition — it was either the late Sir Geoffrey Johnstone or the late Roy Solomon —had the temerity to stand up and make a very valid suggestion to Sir Lynden to help him solve what was unnecessarily turning out to be a ticklish problem. Sir Lynden, frothing at the mouth, jumped to his feet and bellowed something to the effect: “You think me stupid, hey — you think I don’t know that!”

I went to the House very seldom, but that was one of my seldom occasions and I was not only shocked, but I was saddened. From then on I withdrew my participation in the affairs of my country — not wanted, talents and training and a willingness to help not appreciated — best to stay away. I remember the behind-the-scenes talk that Pindling would have given anything to have had Sir Stafford Sands remain in The Bahamas to keep the tourism ministry the success that it was and help direct the country’s finances.

Sir Stafford’s only response was that if they sat on their hands for five years, made no changes to his five-year plan for the country and let Colonial Secretary Sir Foley Newns guide them on how to manage a government, they would get through. Sir Stafford was a five-year planner and he had his Ministry planned for another five years when the PLP took over the government. Of, course, they failed to take good advice. Their attitude was: “You think, I stupid, hey! Well, I gon’ show, yinna.”

And by jingo, they did show us! Not only were they stupid, but we were even more stupid for accepting their stupidity!

VOICE FROM THE PAST

Nassau,

September 29, 2019