The type of politics that we have practiced in The Bahamas over the years has served as a breeding ground for political tribalism which often clouds logic and discourages mutual respect in our country. Our politics has so divided us that some party supporters have developed a strong dislike for any politician outside of their establishment and will criticize any policy or initiative not promoted by their party. The politics of old as described above must change if The Bahamas is to be all that it can be in the years ahead.
Last week, the Prime Minister Perry Gladstone Christie celebrated 40 years in public service dating back to his appointment as a 31-year-old to the Senate of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in 1974. In the aftermath of the festivities and celebration that accompanied this milestone, the magnitude of this accomplishment and the implications for our nation must not be overlooked. This piece considers this and the road that lies ahead for individuals with the desire to serve our country.
The genesis of a political giant
Born in Nassau on August 21, 1943 to Gladstone L. Christie - a taxi driver and Naomi Christie - a nurse, Christie was raised in The Valley and attended The Government High School (GHS). A historian in his own right, the prime minister often tells the story of the assertion made that he was incapable of learning and his expulsion from GHS. Christie recalls from time to time how he studied under the tutelage of D.W. Davis and made a conscious commitment to do better academically. It seems fair to state that his story and philosophy on second chances cannot be disconnected from his history.
Christie pursued further studies in the United Kingdom where he studied law and subsequently qualified as an attorney. In reflecting on his many years in public service, the prime minister spoke about his desire along with others to come back to The Bahamas and contribute to building the nation. This desire is identical to that of Bahamians of this generation that yearn to play a significant role and propel our country to a new level of greatness.
An admirable political resume
At the time of his appointment to the Senate by the late Sir Lynden Pindling in 1974, Christie is believed to have been one of the youngest to serve in that role. He subsequently received the nomination of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) for the Centreville constituency in the 1977 general election and has been re-elected eight consecutive times including as an independent candidate in 1987 - a demonstration of his political strength. The resume of Christie shows that he has served as chairman of the Gaming Board, Minister of Health and National Insurance, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Agriculture, Trade and Industry and Minister of Finance. There is no doubt that his numerous ministerial portfolios over the years provided him with a level of exposure that very few (if any) can boast of in The Bahamas.
In his capacity as leader of the oldest political party in The Bahamas, Christie commands the respect and admiration of both his supporters and detractors having been elected as leader in 1997. Regardless of one's political persuasion and approval of or disagreement with his leadership style or methodologies, very few doubt his genuine love for The Bahamas and strong desire to better the lives of his compatriots. He possesses a unique gift of oration and the ability to inspire in the midst of challenges. As one commentator describes him, "in listening to him speak, he is capable of captivating his audience in such a way that his actual words matter less to them".
The trials and travails of the years
It takes unusual strength and fortitude to live under the microscope and scrutiny of public opinion for four decades. The challenge here is that while criticisms are sometimes valid and constructive, they are also in certain instances unfair, insensitive and harsh. This is especially true in a Bahamas in which the assassination of people's character is seen as fair play and acceptable. Indeed while many have quivered and fallen under the pressure that comes with living under such conditions, Christie has survived and thrived.
In his first term as prime minister, while presiding over a buoyant economy, Christie suffered a stroke and was unable to fulfill his duties for some time. However, he was able to fully recover and bounce back to lead his party into another general election in 2007 which the PLP lost. He shouldered the weight of defeat and accepted responsibility for his party's loss at the polls in a thriving economy. Having been prime minister, he endured five years in opposition while taking the criticisms that come with his new role as leader of the official opposition.
A proponent of history and culture
One of the prime minister's favorite African proverbs is, "Until lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter". He quotes this adage within the context of highlighting the importance of documenting and passing on our history from one generation to the next. This is connected to the preservation of our culture to which he has contributed over the years as a founding and participating member of the Valley Boys Junkanoo group. In his own right, he is not only a cultural icon but also a sportsman that represented The Bahamas in sport events.
Christie has a unique opportunity to help shape the narrative of the next chapter of The Bahamas' history and ensure that the next generation of Bahamians share the same passion for our priceless culture. The new chapter will be defined by a new generation, some of whom Christie has assembled around him over the last few years. He must make them believe that public service is indeed a privilege which is born out of personal choice and only individuals with deep-rooted beliefs grounded in strong convictions can survive the perilous journey that accompanies this endeavor.
Saluting a Bahamian
The nature of our humanity is one that makes us not only susceptible to mistakes but also guarantees our imperfection. Hence, it can be expected that as Bahamians that desire to see a better Bahamas, we will from time to time disagree and criticize the government's policies or initiatives. However, for one moment let us pause to salute Perry Gladstone Christie not as the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Minister of Finance, Member of Parliament, leader of the PLP or as an accomplished politician, but rather as a Bahamian that has served his country for 40 years.
Let us pay homage to a man that has sacrificed much in service to this country without the privilege to shield his family from the brutal nature and complexities of politics in The Bahamas; an ordinary man that has accomplished extraordinary things in our country. This is not an easy feat that should be taken lightly for as they say uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.
Bridge to the future
The prime minister has described himself as a bridge to the future understanding that he is the last of his kind and era currently in Bahamian politics. The imminent transition can be likened to that embarked upon several years ago by the late Sir Lynden Pindling which produced two prime ministers in the persons of Christie and Hubert Alexander Ingraham. Christie's task is an important albeit not easy one as the country begins a new generation since political independence. This is particularly true as the essence of a bridge is to provide a link and a means of transportation from one point to the next; the destination here being the future of our commonwealth.
The legacy of Christie will be defined by a number of his accomplishments, policies, initiatives and decisions. It is worth noting that Christie has indicated that he is working on a succession plan. Nevertheless, when his work is put on the scales by future generations, they will consider whether he successfully groomed and produced a new generation of Bahamian leaders to continue the task of nation building. This writer shares the sentiments of Andrew Cuomo as expressed in the following quote: "I believe we need to attract a new generation of the best and brightest to public service and I believe that government can be a source of inspiration, not degradation". Congratulations to our prime minister!
o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.
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