The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Serious attention must be given to the living standards under which the majority of Bahamians live in the fifty-eighth years of “Majority Rule”.

What The Bahamas needs are mature leaders who are devoted to and interested in serving and improving the conditions in which ALL the people live and not just those who are the supporters of the “Party” in power. I know that for this to become a reality will take a MAJOR miracle!! However, a miracle, like a journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.

This letter, to you, is perhaps that first step…

The needs, of most Bahamians, have become so obvious that even Blind Blake, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Julio Iglesias can see them. The method of leadership that our national leaders have been and are still using is childish, out of date, and too counterproductive to be beneficial to those Bahamians who need it most.

The general standard of living (inadequate health facilities, the continued use of public pumps, the use of dilapidated outdoor toilets, and inadequate housing) under which many Bahamians live is a disgrace to a nation where the claim is heralded that The Bahamas is a progressive nation. Serious efforts must be made to improve the way too many poor Bahamians live…

The public transportation is totally inadequate. The entire education system needs a serious overhauling… The health system has long served its purpose…and is also in need of s serious overhauling.

There needs to be established throughout the Bahamian archipelago regional hospitals to meet the health needs of all Bahamians, a transportation system (land, sea, and air) and an education system that is functional and produces students who are prepared to further their education and/or to enter the job market prepared to function and provide service…

Concomitant with the overhauling of the areas in this letter, the attitude of those who are employed to provide customer service is adequately prepared to deliver first-class service.

The list goes on…

The question may be asked: Where will the funding come from to provide the improvements that are noted above and more? I say just as a way was found to pay the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, purchase vehicles for members of the Cabinet, provide health insurance for Members of Parliament and the Cabinet …There has to be a reasonable way to improve the lives of those Bahamians who require assistance ,

DONALD McCARTNEY

February 3, 2025.