Dear Editor,

Motivational speaker Dale Carnegie said, "Any fool can condemn, criticize and complain, and most do". This is the only conclusion I can draw from a letter published in The Tribune on January 18 by one Derek Forbes commenting on the recent marriage of my son Gavin, to Nikia Deveaux, a beautiful, intelligent young woman with Long Island roots. Their ceremony took place at the Queen's Staircase (66 Steps).

Forbes could have easily checked to see if any other private functions were previously held at that site or other historical sites. But his agenda was specific. It is despicable that Forbes chose to politicize the wedding of this accomplished young couple with inaccurate inferences that Prime Minister Christie may have influenced use of the setting. Forbes surprisingly opined on the bride's attire. This was crass and distasteful. The gentleman must like dresses.

The choice of the 66 Steps for the wedding ceremony proved exceptional for the Bahamas tourism product. Wedding guests, local and foreign, were uncertain what to expect. Discerning travelers from Dubai, Korea, Europe, the United States and yes, The Bahamas, found the setting magical and wondered what other hidden gems exist in the country's tourism inventory.

For Forbes' information, tourists were snapping pictures throughout the ceremony. Forbes, seemed so perturbed by this wedding that he sought relief from our Lord in prayer - "for patience to live long enough for these folks to leave the public scene". I imagine he must be referring to Prime Minister Christie, my brother.

Thanks to the wonderful democracy sustained by our post-independence leaders, Pindling, Ingraham and Christie, Forbes will have his chance to eject "these folks" from the game. But I will have the same opportunity and I cannot wait to tease my old friend Loretta that the Christies "gat" family in Long Island now.

- Gary Christie

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian