The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Before I delve into the primary reason for writing this letter to the Editor, I want to acknowledge that many civil servants, both past and present, have selflessly sacrificed to make the Bahamas what it is today.

There are too many to mention who have gone far beyond the call of duty to provide outstanding service. Let us applaud them; we must not hesitate to show our appreciation while they are still with us.

Many have already gone unnoticed. To overlook their contributions would indeed be a grave oversight.

The pressing issue at hand is that the public’s satisfaction needs to improve. People often feel disheartened when dealing with many ministries and deserve to be treated professionally and with utmost respect.

Some who are in charge of signing documents engage in childish behaviour, stalling clients to solicit a tip before expediting the process.

There’s a prevailing culture in the public service where some expect remuneration to get things done. The move towards cashless transactions has disrupted this practice.

Ministers make suggestions to technocrats who often feign agreement. They deliberately slow down the process to show their disdain for ministers interfering in daily operations. People sent by ministers to receive services they rightly deserve soon realise that the public servant ultimately has the final say.

The traditional way of operating has kept the Bahamas delivering third-world service. This outdated mindset persists, but we can replace these inefficiencies with prompt, courteous service.

On another note, some individuals aim to undermine the ministers, and even the prime minister, for their own reasons, often political.

Their goal is to hinder the “New Day” government.

A few in sensitive positions are intent on causing disruption.

Classified information gets leaked more often than it should.

The government cannot achieve its objectives if those responsible for implementation are setting up barriers. This gives the impression that the government is not as competent as it claims.

The stark reality is that the government needs to remove any obstacles that hinder its mission of ensuring a better quality of life for Bahamians.

Petty jealousy and envy when someone new joins the team needs to cease. Progress is marked by the accommodation and acceptance of new and innovative ideas. We must evolve. No one owns a position permanently.

I would urge everyone to revisit the first paragraph before reacting strongly to my opinion.

True courage lies in making decisions for the greater good, even if they are unpopular.

Now is an opportune time for a thorough ‘house cleaning’ to create a better environment where all Bahamians can feel a positive change.

Let’s not forget that even Jesus couldn’t please everyone. Despite his good deeds, in the end, some of those he aided still shouted, “Crucify him!”

So, as a devout Methodist, I conclude with a quote from John Wesley: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

IVOINE W INGRAHAM

Nassau,

August 26, 2023.