General elections in The Bahamas are normally held every five years at which time the characteristic fanfare and excitement often overshadow the messages of the parties seeking the votes of the electorate. The election season is often viewed as a major event by Bahamians; rallies are perceived by some to involve multiple nights of festivities, jubilation and partying. During this period, emotionalism and slogans tend to drown out the voices of reason, logic and practicality.
It would not be surprising if many readers had already found themselves embarking on a journey to what is referred to by some as the "silly season". This is where this writer pauses to state that we are not in the election season; although it is often said that political parties and politicians are always in election mode, our country is at a crossroads and this is not the time for the promotion of self-interest over the national interest. Politicians and persons with political ambitions on all sides of the political divide should therefore consider suspending their self-promotion and self-centered campaigns for one true campaign - the campaign to create a better Bahamas for all Bahamians.
The critical matters at hand
The Bahamian economy continues to make a slow but steady recovery in the aftermath of the Great Recession. We are faced with a huge fiscal deficit, high national debt, threats of sovereign rating downgrade and an overall fiscal imbalance. The rate of unemployment remains high with youth unemployment at an unacceptable level. The populace is plagued by crime and the fear of crime as certain elements among us seek to jeopardize our way of life and seem to be out to hold the nation hostage by threatening our number one industry.
The scourges of illegal migration and poaching in our waters continue to put a strain on the public purse and drain our limited resources in a challenging economic climate. The challenges faced by our number two industry in the form of international pressures, an evolving landscape for tax cooperation and increasing regulatory burden are well documented. Then we have the decades-long issue of gender inequality that is inscribed in our constitution and discriminates mainly against Bahamian women.
Are we making any progress at all?
The economy of The Bahamas is expected to continue on a path of modest growth in the coming years in line with the global economy, with the exception of few countries whose economies are overachieving. This seems to be the new normal; however, there is reason for optimism in relation to our economy with the materialization of local and foreign direct investment in the coming months. The key point here is that the opportunities they provide must be for both employment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the GFS deficit has been on a gradual decline as we seek to address our financial woes.
The most recent report from the Department of Statistics showed that the unemployment rate fell from 15.4 percent to 14.3 percent while the number of discouraged workers also fell. While youth unemployment remains a serious concern, the overall rate of unemployment is going in the right direction and the prime minister has expressed optimism that the rate will continue to fall. Our proud sons and daughters of the Royal Bahamas Police Force must be commended for rising up to the challenge in the fight against crime and lawlessness in our beloved country. We cannot deny that their hard work is being felt, and the results of their efforts are apparent throughout the archipelago, although there is much work to be done.
The Bahamas government, acting on our behalf, has invested in vessels for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) to address concerns raised by we the people regarding illegal migration and poaching. While these are long-term investments, we expect results from these purchases and the reinforcement of the manpower of the RBDF.
What about legislation?
Our parliamentarians have a mandate from the people of this country to pass laws that promote social justice, preserve our freedom - in all senses of the word - and, above all, ensure that the said laws are in our best interest as a country. The legislative agenda of any government must be inspired and guided by these basic principles. The bills tabled last week that are expected to pave the way for the November 6, 2014 constitutional referendum meet the criteria aforementioned.
While the proposed value-added tax (VAT) has been the topic of much discussion, analysis, studies and sometimes contention, the VAT Bill and Regulations were tabled in the House of Assembly last week providing for consultation and increased certainty on the details of the proposed tax system. It is encouraging to hear government officials echo the sentiments of the private sector that the current fiscal dilemma we face cannot be addressed simply or solely by generating more revenue. Prudence and financial discipline as well as better tax administration must be a major part of the reform package.
The campaign of all campaigns
Prime Minister Christie made an interesting comment last week in relation to his plans for the next few years and the anticipated general election. He indicated that his focus is on addressing the challenges facing the country, inferring that he is not in election mode or campaigning for the 2017 general election when there is so much work to be done today to better the lives of Bahamians. While undoubtedly he will have to address his future plans eventually, he is right in saying that politics must not supercede the interests, well-being and current urgent needs of the Bahamian people.
Political leaders and individuals aspiring for high office in our country must join the campaign for Bahamians and ditch the campaign for themselves; the movement to wipe every tear from every eye must be everyone's business. We must learn to give credit where it is due and not criticize without merit based on our political affiliations. The current administration has had and will have challenges; however, there have been some initiatives implemented that have been aimed at moving the country forward.
We the employers, the Bahamian people, will make our decision on who to employ at the polls when the time is right. The time is not now and we will make that decision in 2017 based on the actual performance (not the dramatic or theatrical performance) and proposed plan of the government, current opposition party and groups presenting themselves as viable alternatives.
One of the main things we will consider is the position taken on issues of national importance and whether they are in our interest or merely for political expediency. The earliest opportunity will present itself during the discourse on gender equality. Will the government's opponents support and encourage persons to support this progressive move, or will they take a hands-off approach without taking sides in the debate? We will revisit this topic at a later date, but in the interim, this is a call to suspend political campaigns for one vital campaign: a national campaign aimed at a common loftier goal that knows no gender, race, politics, social status or religion - the campaign for a better Bahamas.
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian