Dear Editor,
Recent debates surrounding government leasing practices have revealed a troubling double standard that underscores deeper social and economic tensions in our nation. When the government leased properties from predominantly white-owned businesses at high prices, there was little public outrage, despite the significant burden on taxpayers. However, when those leases were transitioned to black-owned businesses—many within the domestic gaming industry—at lower costs that save the Bahamian people millions, the backlash has been vocal and persistent.
This disparity invites scrutiny through a social science lens, particularly around themes of bias, privilege, and economic empowerment. Historically, power dynamics in post-colonial societies like ours have normalized the dominance of white or foreign-owned businesses in major economic transactions. The quiet acceptance of high-cost leases to white-owned businesses reflects implicit biases that attribute competence, legitimacy, and authority to these entities. Conversely, black Bahamian-owned businesses, particularly in the gaming sector, face disproportionate criticism, often treated as if their success or inclusion is undeserved or questionable.
The envy or skepticism toward domestic gaming businesses is even more perplexing when compared to the foreign-owned casino industry. Casinos, largely controlled by non-Bahamian entities, send substantial portions of their profits abroad, benefiting foreign economies and shareholders while leaving limited impact on our local economy.
In stark contrast, domestic gaming businesses keep their revenues circulating within The Bahamas, generating employment, funding community initiatives, and contributing to the economic empowerment of black Bahamians.
This contrast underscores a critical point: economic nationalism should favor policies and practices that maximize local benefits. When government decisions prioritize domestic businesses—especially black-owned enterprises—it reflects a deliberate effort to correct historical inequities and foster inclusive growth.
Yet, public backlash to such efforts exposes lingering societal discomfort with black economic success.
From a social science perspective, this resistance can be linked to theories of systemic inequality and internalized bias. Centuries of economic marginalization have conditioned societies to perceive black success as an anomaly rather than a norm.
When black Bahamians thrive in industries like gaming—sectors often stigmatized despite their legality—it disrupts entrenched narratives about wealth, power, and legitimacy. This disruption elicits discomfort, as it challenges long-standing hierarchies and power structures.
Moreover, the backlash reflects a deeper issue of economic identity and sovereignty. As a nation, we must ask ourselves:
Why is there indifference when foreign businesses export their profits, yet outrage when local businesses succeed and reinvest in our communities? This contradiction suggests that our understanding of economic patriotism is incomplete, skewed by biases that prioritize foreign validation over local empowerment.
It is imperative that we confront these biases head-on. Supporting black-owned businesses, particularly those in the domestic gaming industry, is not merely an act of fairness—it is an economic strategy that strengthens our national fabric.
When we uplift local enterprises, we ensure that wealth circulates within our communities, creating opportunities and fostering sustainable development.
As Bahamians, we must move beyond narratives that divide us and embrace policies that advance the collective good.
Equity and fairness demand that we evaluate economic decisions on their merits, rather than through the lens of outdated prejudices. Only by doing so can we build a society that truly values the contributions of all its citizens, irrespective of their background or industry.
Written by: Janice Kemp
