The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Now that the late Queen Elizabeth 11, Monarch of The Commonwealth of Nations, is dead and gone to her reward, I find it very disturbing hearing and reading some of the comments being made by Bahamians and others around the world about her legacy. The woman is not even buried yet, but the uncomplimentary and gratuitous remarks have exposed our darker side.

The late Queen was by fate thrust on the throne shortly after her father, King George III died unexpectedly, and her uncle, King Edward, abdicated to marry “the love of his life”, Wallis Warfield Simpson. After his abdication, the former King was appointed Governor of The Bahamas. He served with distinction and was a strong proponent of “equal” rights for all Bahamians.

Upon ascending to the throne, Queen Elizabeth adopted a hectic and all inclusive schedule. She would have visited the associated countries within The Commonwealth of Nations on multiple occasions during her 70 years reign, second only to that of the late Queen Victoria. She toured inner city areas in the UK; the independent nations therein and the remnants of colonies. She was a strong promoter of education; civil service to the assorted causes of The Commonwealth, having served in the military in the UK.

As far as we know, she may have actually “pushed” for constitutional referendums and even the last vestiges of colonialism. Certainly, she never hindered any nation from replacing her as Head of State. Barbados was the latest one and now, even in the short aftermath of her death, so-called “republicans” are demanding reparations for the fact that the British monarchy, long before Queen Elizabeth’s time appeared to embrace slavery, if not actively, passively.

It must be kept in mind that she herself never owned a single slave. One of her known personal “friends” was the late great Nelson Mandela of South Africa where public racism once abounded. At least seven former Prime Ministers of the UK would have paid her a visit to be invited to form the government. With the absence of the indomitable Dame/Baroness Margaret, due to her death some years ago, after she demitted front line politics, they were all here. Constitutionally, the late Queen, as all British Monarchs before her, would have had opportunities to “privately” advise her Prime Ministers.

Reparations and complimentary land over in Africa, the Motherland, are mere illusions, in my view, that will never materialise in this lifetime. The Bahamas has more pressing issues and social concerns confronting us right now rather than cussing out the late Queen and seeking pie-in-the sky dreams. Going forward, no doubt our Prime Minister, the Hon Philip “Brave” Davis, QC, MP, will lead a delegation to attend Her Majesty’s funeral.

Not only would it be right and proper but that event will, again, afford the PM to interact with world leaders and those from The Commonwealth of Nations. Forging international high level connections is critical to the advancement, in all areas, of our wonderful nation: educational; military; scientific; cultural and, of course, economics and developmental aid. The Queen is dead – long live the King. May her soul and those of the dearly departed rest in peace. The Lord giveth and The Lord taketh away.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

September 10, 2022.