Fire Works: Forty one years ago, on the evening of July 9th, I chose an ideal spot on Fort Charlotte and watched with great anticipation, the first Independence ceremony. A lifelong student of English and writing, I embraced the concept of what independence really means. There was a massive movement toward achieving freedom from Mother England by many of her former colonies. Financially and logistically, Great Britain could no longer maintain the vast empire that it was famous for . It became painfully evident that England did not have the best interest of these islands when it did nothing to prevent American authorities, from dumping a highly toxic Mother Lode of Military grade nerve, Sarin and mustard gas, as well as other unspecified agents, in Bahamian waters. Over the years since that night, forty one years ago, I have watched Governments come and go, all of whom who operated in lackluster fashion, with a penchant for corruption and abuse. Both political parties have continually preached division among the people and the Bahamian society has a great divide, along party lines. Countless Horror stories of victimization are rife in this (still) small country, and the hatred of others , due to Party affiliation. The glaring corrupt practices of the legendary - all white - United Bahamian Party are now commonly seen in each successive administrations. There is no indication in the Modern day Bahamas of being Independent. Sure, there is a new flag, National Anthem and pledge of allegiance - end of story. The Economy is owned by outsiders, every decision by the Government is made on the advice of outsiders , known as consultants. Unwise agreements signed by inept local officials, allows every fringe group in existence, to dictate what happens in the Bahamas. There is a widespread sense if low self esteem and it is so evident, when our leaders, instead of making a decision, would spend countless thousands of tax payers money, for advice from outside the country. Every five years, another government is elected, who will like those before, become window dressing and stuffed shirts, who parade around with no real power, while lining their pockets with ill gotten gains. In the meantime, there is glaring poverty, escalating crime, a shaky social fabric, massive illegal migration and widespread throwaway of valuable Bahamian land, to foreigners. Will these problems ever be addressed and we eventually begin to behave like an independent nation ? Maybe ! as soon as the government can bring in some more, high priced consultants. In my assessment, the Bahamas is still very much a colony of the outside world. July 10th is simply a day off from work - with pay. (c) Harris Evans 10/07/14 All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 17:25:53 +0000
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