Whatever your politics, we must realize that there are two major hurdles threatening the quality of life to be enjoyed by our next generation. The more obvious, that of violence, and particularly violent crime refuses to go unnoticed. Its manifestations stare us all in the face daily, rape, murder, assault, even the inability of our political leaders to get along etc. The second is more illusive, that of positioning the ordinary majority to play a greater role in our economic destiny, as our Country captures the attention of key world players now because of our very unique geographical make up. And though seemingly non-connected, the two depend upon each other because aside from being a Country made up of 700 Islands and over 2000 cays, sitting right next to the United States and serving as the gateway to the Caribbean, historically investors have also been attracted to our peaceful nature and Centuries old commitment to democracy.
To say that the wider World does not have much confidence in Black leadership is inflammatory but on an unspoken and therefore, unproven level, it is true. Aided by historical evidence, many expect us to live in a constant state of confusion and irresponsibility, with our leaders distracted by a very natural propensity to “turn on in each other” and or to “be bought.” You will find that very few people are shocked anymore to read about illegality, AIDS, poverty, corruption or political instability when it comes to Black people, whether in Africa, the Caribbean or “African American” communities.
We in The Bahamas, have our share of problems with respect to these stereotypical behaviors but thankfully, at the moment we can still point to a few, the patriotic, the honest, on both sides of the political divide who have not allowed us to slip totally into that dismal abyss. However, to ensure the kind of success as a Nation, as a people, which we are potentially capable of, notwithstanding those two mammoth challenges before us, perhaps it is fitting for power in its truest form to end up once again, in the hearts of an ordinary majority.
At a time when the symbolism and relevance of Parliament as the sovereign protector of democracy, is being questioned, I couldn’t help but to be reminded of the “people’s power movement” which intensified on Black Tuesday in 1965. Having fought the battle on a constitutional level, having appealed to Great Britain and even the United Nations, and although enjoying some successes, for the PLP, the probability balance of attaining Majority Rule, shifted the day the consciousness of collective power was awakened in our people, the ordinary majority. “The symbol of power in this place is the [Speaker’s] Mace,” Pindling purportedly proclaimed. He went on to say, “Power belongs to the people, and the people are outside.” Needless to say, the Mace was hurled through the window, ended up outside with the people, and the rest as they say, is history.
Forty-one men and women represent us in the Honorable House of Assembly, some of them unfortunately, are not allowed to think for themselves, especially the holder of the Mace, while some of them have fallen into the trappings associated with Black leadership. With the exception of the hand-full who sit in the Upper Chamber, the rest of us are outside. The power to overcome our hurdles and secure a bright future it appears, is still outside of Parliament It is with us, within all of us, that is, if we can find the will and cooperation to achieve it.
To say that the wider World does not have much confidence in Black leadership is inflammatory but on an unspoken and therefore, unproven level, it is true. Aided by historical evidence, many expect us to live in a constant state of confusion and irresponsibility, with our leaders distracted by a very natural propensity to “turn on in each other” and or to “be bought.” You will find that very few people are shocked anymore to read about illegality, AIDS, poverty, corruption or political instability when it comes to Black people, whether in Africa, the Caribbean or “African American” communities.
We in The Bahamas, have our share of problems with respect to these stereotypical behaviors but thankfully, at the moment we can still point to a few, the patriotic, the honest, on both sides of the political divide who have not allowed us to slip totally into that dismal abyss. However, to ensure the kind of success as a Nation, as a people, which we are potentially capable of, notwithstanding those two mammoth challenges before us, perhaps it is fitting for power in its truest form to end up once again, in the hearts of an ordinary majority.
At a time when the symbolism and relevance of Parliament as the sovereign protector of democracy, is being questioned, I couldn’t help but to be reminded of the “people’s power movement” which intensified on Black Tuesday in 1965. Having fought the battle on a constitutional level, having appealed to Great Britain and even the United Nations, and although enjoying some successes, for the PLP, the probability balance of attaining Majority Rule, shifted the day the consciousness of collective power was awakened in our people, the ordinary majority. “The symbol of power in this place is the [Speaker’s] Mace,” Pindling purportedly proclaimed. He went on to say, “Power belongs to the people, and the people are outside.” Needless to say, the Mace was hurled through the window, ended up outside with the people, and the rest as they say, is history.
Forty-one men and women represent us in the Honorable House of Assembly, some of them unfortunately, are not allowed to think for themselves, especially the holder of the Mace, while some of them have fallen into the trappings associated with Black leadership. With the exception of the hand-full who sit in the Upper Chamber, the rest of us are outside. The power to overcome our hurdles and secure a bright future it appears, is still outside of Parliament It is with us, within all of us, that is, if we can find the will and cooperation to achieve it.
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