NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Is it perhaps a tad bit ironic in this second quarter of the 21st century to find that loyalty to the king and loyalty to their political party are appearing to be the “new” Bahamian tings? Truthfully, such loyalties have a long history here. Another glaring truth be told, after more than a half-century of nominal Independence, the question could be asked “Why do Bahamians still cling to such a debasing neo-colonial ting?”. Hanging on to His Majesty’s coattails must be more than mere decorum. As for that good question, don’t look in my direction for an answer. No one else could find such consistent ridiculousness more baffling than me. Oh, my people!
“Rule Britannia” could be changed in lyrics and melody, but in the hearts, minds, and spirits of far too many loyalist Bahamians it’s the same ol’ colonial ting — dressed up in a different tri-colour national disguise. Some people ain’t gat no shame. Some people ain’t gat no pride. I aint ger tell ya who dey is, just look at um on parade.
“What parade?” could be a legitimate question, were it not now common knowledge that His Majesty will be gracing these shores with an official visit in a matter of weeks. Don’t look now, but pretty soon you are bound to see lil cleanup here, lil fixin’ up there. Pot hole patching, even a bit of road paving too, could be coming to a long-neglected pathway near you. Beautification will not only adorn the official route of any official parade(s), but sprinkled around somewhat generously on highways and byways where international news crews are likely to peruse.
To say, or even think, that so much as a more modest ongoing program to regularly beautify New Providence (in particular, and some of the other 699 islands, rocks and cays as well) for the upliftment of the spirits and morale of Bahamians at large could rightfully be considered an outrage. It would be yet another compound mystery to wonder where anyone would get off at thinking that our public officials ought to swear allegiance to The Bahamas and Bahamians — instead of to the king, his successors and heirs. Oh, my people!
His Majesty will, no doubt, find it better in The Bahamas. Better than the many thousands of Bahamians who unwillingly are caught up in that prolonged saga with BPL playing an unbeatable game of electrical roulette; better than those frustrated citizens who seek honest, credible answers to the several hundred millions dollars which just seem to evaporate in the overwhelming heat of this particular summer; and, let’s not forget the magic performances of those who have perfected the slight of hands with no-bids contracts. For those of us who are familiar with that game of 3-card Monty, it’s clear that we don’t see what we lookin’ at. Oh, my people!
Let them bands play on. But, band or no band, many, many fellow Bahamians are quite eager and fond to put on a poppy show. This royal visit will be a good excuse to see the range of ridiculousness — from the minor to the major. Let’s hope that current stays on throughout the festivities, so that those who can’t make it out can rock dey body on time inside duh house by watching TV.
For all the pomp and pageantry that many Bahamians gleefully look forward to when our own dignitaries strut their stuff on dis or dat occasion, can we not expect the upcoming royal visit to take the cake? Take your pick. You can try to hitch a ride on the bandwagon celebrating the visit of His Majesty, or you might simply sit small in your lil corner somewhere. If worst comes to worst, that saying about “Let them eat cake!” can ceremoniously be regurgitated.
Although some Bahamians have particular issues with the French and their derivatives, here is an historic reference anyway: while bellies might be full for the’ upper crust’, a certain demographic will continue to have bellies that are far from full. Are we to hear “Let them eat cake!” after the crumbs of excesses fall away from the tables of whichever of the two major hotels host the royal banquet(s)? Oh, my people!
There could be no debate in Parliament or elsewhere that we are looking forward to a very, very special visitor. Those millions of cruise passengers or stay-over visitors do not nearly compare. Therefore, a red carpet or instead, intricately decorative and masterfully woven elongated straw mat would be a fitting display of Bahamian cultural accent at some point along the tours. Also, how about a special Parliamentary session to set another historical precedence by naming a prominent roadway King Charles Highway? No matter that there’s already a Prince Charles Highway, but that was then, and this is now.
It’s probably not here or there, but maybe someone can explain what appears to be rather curious riddle. This king is married to a queen/consort. That former queen was married to a prince. It would be interesting to know just how many of us are bemused or confused with these royal titles.
And, speaking of titles, just how many loyalist Bahamians are there queued up, salivating for knighthood, or some other royal honours? Seeing the king tap their shoulders with a sword, as they kneel in his presence would be rich in symbolism for this Bahamas of 2026.
As a parting curiosity, may I reference a deck of cards, even though we can limit the metaphor to just a few. We know the king. We knew the queen. There are some jokers. And, quite a few jacks. It is my hope that KB would not mind if an acronym is borrowed for the latter, from one of his famous hit songs (archipelago of sea and sand) — it’s not about selling our land, because it’s Crown Land, anyway.
Sincerely,
‘mb’
