Editor,
The running political sideshow of the by-election being played out in the pivotal Golden Isles should be a classical case of retail politics in our wonderful nation, and the salient questions must be asked by all and sundry.
As a trained constitutional lawyer with extensive experience in the criminal justice system, I have become somewhat cynical as to whether our political system actually delivers and works for the average, unconnected, and BLACK Bahamian.
So far, the Lord has blessed me to live under the administrations of all five (5) Prime Ministers we have had to date. I was also privileged to come of age during the benign and progressive tenure of the late, great Sir Roland Theodore Symonette, aka ‘Pop.’
I have witnessed the arrival and, certainly, the departure of leaders under circumstances over which, oftentimes, they had almost no control. We have also had the opportunity to see countless men and women rise to political prominence and then strut around like jaded peacocks.
Like actors on a stage, they make their greatly anticipated grand entrance, and sooner rather than later, they are compelled to make a humiliating and dishonorable (in some cases) exit from the stage, tails between their legs, like our favored pets. The question remains: what is the purpose of retail politics?
I am compelled to say that the bulk of our politicians have miserably failed many of you as individuals and even more as a nation. Under our so-called Westminster system—imported lockstep from our colonial masters, the UK—to the victor go the spoils.
This translates into a dog-eat-dog environment. Yes, a few adherents to the party de jure may receive crumbs of bread with no butter, not even a small piece of lard, while those with connections receive rack of lamb with mint jelly and garlic bread. Those in the so-called opposition, even if true-blood Bahamians, receive nothing and are often placed in the proverbial political dance!
This is wrong and debilitating to the advancement and growth of the nation. After 53 long years of independence, are we really where we should be as individuals and as a people? I say a resounding NO! Politically, we are still treading water and drowning even as you read this.
Sir Lynden et al., back in the day, understood the expectations of the unwashed masses. He and his teams worked diligently, without pause, on behalf of all Bahamians. Yes, he was bombastic and often used terminology that was racially and politically inflammatory, but he had a distinct way of doing it to the extent that many bought into his vision for the nation.
Sir Lynden had compassion and a heart for the unwashed masses. He had the rare ability to mix and mingle with all and sundry. Bahamians back then were able to feel, hear, and see his vision, and they bought into the same. Most of our leaders since then, incumbent and opposition alike, have evolved into a master class of ruling elite, to the detriment of the unwashed masses.
Politicians are supposed to first and foremost wipe away the tears from every eye, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, heal the sick, and empathize with the ones they rule over. This means that here in The Bahamas, all Bahamians should have equal access to crown land and all the natural resources we may have been blessed with—no more, no less.
Are the people really being served and paid attention to? I say NO. I thank God that He has allowed the current Prime Minister, the Hon. Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, KC, MP, to hold sway at this juncture. He truly has compassion and a heart for all Bahamians. His administration means well, and much has already been accomplished in the past few years. There is, however, much more to be done.
In short, politics and politicians are expected to make life better for all Bahamians, regardless of creed, race, politics, or religion. It is unfortunate that overt political tribalism and ad hoc programs are often discussed but rarely implemented. At various electoral cycles, politicians parade themselves and followers like spectacles, making outlandish promises.
One politician has declared that an incoming FNM administration will build 2,000 homes per year once in office. This, in my opinion, is devoid of sense. When he and others were in Minnis’ cabinet, not a single governmental home was built.
There is a doctor who was once in charge of our healthcare system who did next to nothing to advance it. In fact, under his watch, the never-ending additions to Accident & Emergency continued big time.
Our educational and trade school initiatives remain on basic life support. Our children and students continue down the “D” path after 53 years of wandering like chickens with no heads. No heads—but where is the compassion? Where is the heart? To God, then, in all things, be the glory.
Ortland H. Bodie, Jr.
Business Consultant & Talk Show Host
