The Tribune

IN its broadest sense civil society is all the people, places, and things functioning in a civilised society. As a sector, civil society comprises all the groupings, associations, charities, community and non-governmental civil society organisations working for the advancement of their individual constituents, and for the betterment of society as a whole.

The United Nations aptly recognises civil society as the “third pillar of governance”, standing alongside the government and the private sector. However, I propose that it is, in fact, the footing upon which all other pillars stand—the bedrock upon which all other structures rest. From this foundation, we emerge, and to it, we ultimately return.

A strong and healthy democracy hinges on the strength and empowerment of civil society. Imagine a vibrant marketplace of ideas, where citizens actively participate, provide feedback, and shape the course of their nation. In this collaborative eco-system, the government plays a crucial role by supporting and encouraging citizen engagement. It is a delicate dance—a symphony of checks and balances—where each note contributes to the harmonious functioning of society.

Consider the interplay between the government, the private sector, and civil society. As the government and the private sector collaborate to chart the physical and economic development of our country, they create a dynamic landscape. Government-designed RFPs (requests for proposals) invite private sector bids, fostering innovation and progress. Public private partnerships (PPPs) are also ways that government and the private sector collaborate. But beyond infrastructure and economic growth, civil society’s role is equally important.

In fact, fostering a similar relationship with civil society can profoundly influence society as a whole. I firmly believe that addressing some of the challenges we encounter, especially the alarming rates of youth violence, hinges on the civil society sector. Government should recognise and respect this sector just as they do the private sector. Physical development contracts should be equally paired with social (and other types of) contracts with the CS sector.

Together, these three pillars collaborate to address the gaps in our social, educational, and cultural safety nets. They conceive, fund, and implement projects that target specific weaknesses, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. Whether it’s improving education, promoting healthcare, or preserving cultural heritage, civil society should be empowered to, and relied on, to address and solve these issues.

Yet, in The Bahamas, we have not fully harnessed this potential. Successive political administrations have missed opportunities to empower and involve civil society beyond token advisory board appointments. The civil service hierarchy remains largely unaware of the vast resource available through active engagement with civil society. It is time to recognize this largely untapped wellspring and channel it toward collective progress.

In the business world one of the buzz terms is stakeholder capitalism; “a form of capitalism in which companies do not only optimise short-term profits for share-holders, but seek long term value creation, by taking into account the needs of all their stakeholders, and society at large”.

Imagine a Bahamas where civil society leaders are not treated as mere figureheads but equal partners of change. Picture a society where citizens’ voices resonate in policy decisions, where NGOs/CSOs collaborate seamlessly with government agencies, and where the private sector invests not only for shareholder profits, but intentionally invests in the civil society sector, in the stakeholders.

In this vision, civil society is not an afterthought but a driving force—a catalyst for positive transformation. It is the heartbeat of a nation, pulsing with compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Let us nurture this vital pillar, for from it springs the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for all.

• Terry Miller founded the male residential substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programme, Bahamas Association for Social Health (BASH) in January 1991. He served one term as vice president, and three terms as president of Civil Society Bahamas, (the umbrella organisation for NGOs and CSOs in the country) where he addressed many pressing issues including illegal immigration and electoral reform. He has traveled extensively through the US, the Caribbean, Asia, and in Africa researching best practices for drug abuse prevention, outreach, treatment, and rehabilitation, and why the empowerment of civil society is paramount to a healthy democracy.