Bahamians Leonard, Rodger and Mario Steele, officially launched their novel, Generation Text, in Grand Bahama on Friday during a reception at Grand Lucayan. The novel – about texting and driving -- was launched in Freeport as the movie, when filmed, will use Grand Bahama as a backdrop.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, and Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, were on hand for the launch.
When filmed, Generation Text will have a $3 million budget. Executive Producer is Mark Lipsky who produced the popular film 'Coming to America' starring Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The work of the Steele brothers has been recognized internationally, as Generation Text is one of three movies to be endorsed by the United Nations.
Minister Wilchcombe remarked, “when I look at the talent in our country, I am always so impressed.”
He said it was an important time to celebrate Bahamians, at the time of the 30th anniversary of the Nassau Accord. “We talk about you impacting the world with your message. Thirty years ago, a man named Lynden Pindling did the same thing.”
Minister Wilchcombe continued: “when he served as leader of our country, he was the chairman of the Commonwealth Heads of Government which was meeting on the Cable Beach strip in Nassau, on this weekend -- 30 years ago. All 52 leaders went to Lyford Cay. It was then that the leaders decided on the economic sanctions against South Africa regarding the release of Nelson Mandela. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of Great Britain at the time, did not agree; and the responsibility of keeping the Commonwealth together fell on the shoulders of Sir Lynden Pindling.”
The then Prime Minister of The Bahamas, continued Minister Wilchcombe, travelled to the United States and got them to agree to the economic sanctions against South Africa. Britain finally agreed. Nelson Mandela, he said, was then released.
“He was freed because of the Nassau Accord, right here, impacting the global community from our Bahamas.”
Minister Wilchcombe continued, “That’s what you’re doing right now. You are taking on a challenge the world has to deal with. You’re taking on a challenge we all know happens. We all see it happen. We all watch things on television: we see the ads on television and we ask ourselves is the text worth your life. And the truth is, we know it happens every day, but how do we deal with it.”
Technology, said the Minister, has responsibility. It is often seen with text messages and Facebook how the pen and minds of evil thinkers can cause destruction.
“We hear and see things written, things said about people and you know it’s not true. But because there’s a lack of regulations and rules and order, you’ve seen where the world has just become a place where you can say things about people.”
While there is a positive side to technology, there are also negatives. The makers of the film are standing up and telling the world to use technology the right way.
He congratulated Mario Steele, who was present for the launch, and said they are doing it right and it’s not the cost of the film ($3 million), but the quality of the film that’s important. “You have a message, and that message is going to change the world because the world needs change.”
Minister Wilchcombe said the world needs change because there is a deficit: love.
He said they have come full circle: as Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed in Grand Bahama when he was Minister of Tourism the first time, and according to the Minister of Tourism, “nothing before its time.”
Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation, congratulated the brothers who said they are doing well and added, “we are very proud that you have had the courage in your own ability to go out there and use an important message about texting and driving.
“Traffic fatalities every year worldwide, there are about 1.2 million people who die as a result of traffic accidents for a variety of reasons: alcohol, speeding etc. But this phenomenon now of texting and driving is a fairly new phenomenon and is creating a new dynamic that’s really more widespread in drivers than probably any other singular issue that [has] impacted fatalities on our streets.”
Cell phones, she said, must be “addictive” as everyone feels they must respond immediately and thus, become distracted. In doing so on the streets, it becomes risky.
Texting and driving, said the Minister, is really “a gamble” and the “luck of the draw” that the driver does not hit a wall or someone who may have darted out. “Because it is so entrenched these days in our cultural expressions, it’s that much more difficult to fight against.”
With an additional 50 to 60 million people being injured worldwide due to traffic accidents, there are a number of costs involved: economic, the public health system and the quality of life in terms of grief in losing someone you love, something you can’t put a price on.
“This is a very serious issue and I congratulate the Steele brothers for bringing it to the forefront.”
When giving his remarks, Mario Steele paid tribute to Minister Wilchcombe, describing him as his “hero” when growing up watching ZNS. “When I went to school, I decided to do broadcasting as my major, that’s because of you.”
Describing the moment as a great one, he said it was an honour to be in The Bahamas to give back. “I’m so proud to be able to give back.”
The native from Nassau said his mother was from Eleuthera and father, Inagua. With his roots being in Nassau he was going to use Nassau, but after meeting Pastor Eddie Victor, was convinced to use Freeport.
Giving some insight into the book, he said, it is about texting and driving but it also touches on the spiritual.
“We are looking at Grand Bahama as a hub to do a lot more movies, and bringing in faith-based film festivals.” He further stated that if, through the book, they save one life, their job is done.
DOING GREAT THINGS - During the launch of Generation Text, a novel and soon to be film by Bahamian brothers, Leonard, Rodger and Mario Steele, Tourism Minister, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe on Friday praised and congratulated the Steeles. Also present at the launch, which took place at Grand Lucayan, was Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
SERIOUS ISSUE - Generation Text, a novel by Bahamian brothers Leonard, Rodger and Mario Steele, were recognized by Transport and Aviation Minister, the Hon. Glenys Martin-Hanna, for bringing this serious issue of traffic fatalities and its causes to the forefront. The launch took place at Grand Lucayan on Friday. Also present was Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
GENERATION TEXT LAUNCHED - Bahamian brothers, Leonard, Rodger and Mario Steele collaborated to write Generation Text. The novel was launched in Freeport on Friday evening at Grand Lucayan, and will soon be turned into a film. The film, will have a backdrop in Grand Bahama. Shown from left are: Mark Lipsky, executive producer; Dr. Scott Moore, CEO Project One, and representing the United Nations, which has endorsed the book and movie; the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin; Minister of Transport and Aviation; Mario Steele, co-author and co-creator; the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism; and Pastor Peter Pinder, president of Grand Bahama Christian Council. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)
