The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

“IT’S better in The Bahamas”! There was a time when we all truly believed this and it showed as the world marked the manner of our bearing. It’s time to believe again.

As a nation that constitutionally recognises “The Supremacy of God”, I am convinced that God has divinely favored us with warm Sun, soft Sand, crystal-blue Seas and most importantly, the beautiful Spirits of those who were born, bred and plan ta dead Bahamian. Since the establishment of The Tourism Development Board in 1914 which had the power to market and advertise The Bahamas, these “4-S supernatural resources” of Sun, Sand, Sea and Spirits have caused us to maintain our competitive advantage and positioning as a global tourism destination industry leader over the past century.

We cannot squander a good crisis by dismissing, downplaying, disregarding or diminishing an industry with a proven track record of sustainably contributing to the base of our national economy.

Instead, we must collaboratively dream big dreams of ways in which we can further develop and diversify our industry and further position it to co-exist among other industries.

We are all a valuable member of Team Tourism. Whether you are a Champion on the front-line or a Cheer-Leader on the sideline, in some way, either directly or indirectly, we have tasted of its glory and reaped the rewards of all those who run hard, intrinsically bearing the flag of our country across their hearts and extrinsically displaying authentic national pride through their attitudes with visitors and each other.

I agree that there is a need for greater innovation and inclusion of ideas around the expansion of our economy. We cannot be timid in sharing and embracing them.

Our survival depends upon our collective input, a sense of ownership in the shared outcomes and working together as one people truly united in love and service.

Collaboration is always more powerful than criticism. If we don’t stand together, we risk falling apart.

As cliché-ish as it sounds, it is more true than ever before that The Business of Tourism is, “Everybody’s Business”.

The time is now to lift up our head and together march on to glory with our bright banner waving high. The sun will rise again upon this archipelagic jewel among God’s creation.

I am proud to be a Bahamian and proud to be a part of Team Tourism! What about you?

KENNETH ROMER

Nassau,

November 3, 2020.