The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Fundamentally there are two forms of criticism – destructive and constructive.

The destructive type is not all helpful and only appeases the sender of the message. The latter type should be welcomed and be favourably considered.

Currently The Bahamas is facing two pandemics – namely Covid-19 and Corruption.

Covid-19 is the more recent issue and is an insidious disease. The majority of comments regarding Covid-19 are invariably negative and/or anti-Dr. Minnis.

Nobody enjoys or likes lockdowns – look at the rest of the world – USA; UK: France, Spain, Germany, Italy, etc. etc. Isn’t it obvious that nobody in the world knows how to effectively deal with the virus. Accordingly, why “jump” on Dr Minnis – he is doing the best he can in the given circumstances. No leader has developed a workable solution.

The biggest failing and contributor to this problem is unfortunately the Bahamian people – many of whom still do not wear masks and as for social distancing – forget it. Just look at the photographs in the newspapers outside food stores, pharmacies, National Insurance, and the like – on many occasions people are literally on top of one another and many without masks.

At one time, it was suggested that a certain number of persons be allowed into a store at one time. This suggestion now seems to be ignored with the result that people crowd into stores and criss-cross each others paths at will.

Until The Bahamas can get the virus and the people’s behaviour under control, then Tourism – our golden goose – will not re-start and develop and grow to where it was.

Which tourist wants to visit the Bahamas and contract COVID-19? Come on my fellow Bahamian citizens and residents let’s work together and not be afraid to call out the person ignoring the prescribed guidelines.

Corruption – the other pandemic - unfortunately has been with us a long time. The current FNM representatives came into power based on the theme that it was the “people’s time”.

They undertook to introduce new legislation which would considerably bring more transparency to the “market place”.

These promises seem to have been forgotten – another situation where deceptive ways lead one to nothing but destructive criticism.

On the positive side, however, the introduction, expansion and development of making The Bahamas a cashless society will help the country considerably reduce this problem. By way of example let’s start with vehicle inspection, Immigration and other Government departments – make all these functions cashless.

Added to the current banking problems are the current overseas commercial banks, who have handsomely benefitted for many years by their presence in our country, but are now deserting us like rats on sinking ships by withdrawing many of their services.

It seems that their only motivation is profit, profit, profit – the days of moral and ethical obligations have gone. Let’s tell them to leave forthwith and encourage more locally owned banking institutions. Many of the local banks operate in a business-like manner.

Nonetheless we need to eliminate the questionable lending abuses such as those of the Bank of the Bahamas – who used the “people’s money” e.g. direct personal savings or their pension monies courtesy of NIB for funding purposes. Apparently, “hiding” these bad loans in a specially created subsidiary corporation whose actions are far from transparent.

Let us ALL make a big effort to rid ourselves of both of these pandemics once and for all.

FAIR & BALANCED

Nassau,

November 3, 2020