The phrase "I have come to look for America" hails from a speech delivered by late, former Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling. He uttered these profound words during his address in the United States before the Operation Push National Convention in 1986.
Sir Lynden, as he was fondly called, found his calling in life at a time when the spirit of a nation cried out for the freedom of its people and civil liberties and privileges that were provided to few but not the majority. He would stand at the forefront to lead a nation on to a greater destiny. The speech from which the aforementioned words were extracted was to praise the civil rights movements and all of its accomplishments; principally however, it was a call to Black America to join the fight against apartheid in South Africa. This speech would go on to spur increased determination, unity and action to bring about the desired outcome of freedom, whether it was political, social or economic.
The opportunities we have
At the outset of his era, Sir Lynden and his contemporaries envisioned a Bahamas that would be free of bondage and oppression - a Bahamas where opportunity would abound for all, regardless of their race, class, religion, ethnicity or gender. That era of leaders focused on educating the masses and providing job opportunities for the average Bahamian to improve his or her standard of living. Successive governments have carried on these policies; nevertheless, the times dictate that our current political leaders provide more opportunities for education, sustainable jobs and entrepreneurship for Bahamians while living in peace and prosperity.
The Bahamas has journeyed a long way since the days of independence. Bahamians have, for the most part, made sufficient money from their jobs to enable them to purchase the basic necessities of life including homes, vehicles, food and clothing. We have also been able to nurture our entrepreneurial skills by venturing into numerous areas of commerce, operating businesses and investing in income-producing properties. This is certainly a sign of growth and miles away from our position prior to 1967. However, while it can be argued that perceived growth may be subjective, the question remains as to whether we have truly grown and are fulfilling our God-given potential as a people. A significant majority of the workforce is employed either directly or indirectly in the civil service, tourism and financial services.
A rude awakening
The economic downturn has revealed the vulnerability of the current structure and fragility of our workforce. It has been stated that the civil service is bloated and in need of reform to meet the demands of the 21st century and to address the government's rising expenditure. The tourism industry has always been impacted by seasonal and cyclical factors while the (international) financial services industry continues to be challenged by developments in G-20 countries and standards promoted by international agencies.
The challenges faced by our two economic main pillars are further magnified by the ownership structure within the entities that dominate these two vital industries. This begs the question as to why opportunities have not been created for Bahamians to participate in these industries on a greater level, instead of simply as employees. Jobs for Bahamians will not move this country forward but will rather cause Bahamians to live well during good times but depend on the good graces of foreign investors during hard times.
The reality is that the longer and the more we rely upon the goodwill of foreign investors to keep our citizens employed, the more vulnerable our people will be and increased volatility can be expected in our employment numbers resulting in a domino effect as we are currently experiencing.
Hotels, resorts and offshore banks with foreign ownership do not often have sufficient ties to The Bahamas to financially justify their existence in this jurisdiction during difficult times. It follows, therefore, that despite consistent years of profitability, they may lay-off staff to reduce costs, relocate some functions to other jurisdictions and some may close their doors permanently when faced with less favorable conditions. Consequently, salaries that serviced mortgages, credit cards, car loans, school fees and other basic necessities for Bahamians may cease to exist. This provides a bird's eye view into the current mortgage crisis, overcrowding at our public schools and little or no disposable income available to Bahamians to purchase the basic necessities of life.
Creating a new reality
We owe a duty to the generations past, this generation and, more importantly, generations yet unborn to redefine who we have become as a people and enhance the economic model that has dictated our current reality. Notable strides must be made to build up the small business sector with investors that have a stake and interest in this country and hence are less inclined to leave in stormy economic times. Further, the tax reform that is imminent must be fair and equitable to allow for small business owners to thrive.
We must create a fair and level playing field where Bahamians can participate. In doing so, we must not shun the foreign worker and the pivotal role of expatriates in nation building. A nation that truly wants to compete on the global stage must embrace foreign labor and expertise.
Bahamians must realize that the animosity that is sometimes hurled toward foreigners in the land is not healthy. Our energy as a people must be directed toward forcing the hand of the government to implement policies in our favor; policies that create an environment for us to thrive and be successful. The assertion that the foreigner is king and receives better treatment in The Bahamas needs to be addressed by progressive initiatives promulgated by the government and specifically aimed at the prosperity of Bahamians.
In pursuit of true success
These hard economic times have opened the eyes of many to the fact that our perceived level of success has been exaggerated and in some cases constitutes little more than a mirage. We have been too dependent for the past 40 years. The next generation of Bahamians must be prepared to work hard and diligently to reap the good of the land. A passive attitude and dependence upon our politicians to get the job done is not the sole answer, but rather banding together and putting aside political and tribal differences toward a common loftier goal. And so it is - we, today's generation, have come to look for The Bahamas.
We have come to look for a Bahamas where Bahamians are adequately educated, willing and ready to dominate all spheres of our economy and have ownership of the businesses that are responsible for the livelihood of our people. We have come to look for The Bahamas where the main investors in hotels and resorts are Bahamians in partnership with foreigners. We have come to look for a Bahamas where a house behind the walls of a gated community is not a significant achievement for the average Bahamian, but rather a norm for the average Bahamian if they so chose. And we have come to look for a Bahamas where Bahamians are second home owners and owners of islands and cays in their own country.
This generation of Bahamians is looking for a Bahamas where peace and civility abounds and the morals that once guided us as a people once again become the rule, rather than the exception. We have come to look for a Bahamas that produces statesmen and stateswomen that promote transparent and accountable governance rather than political opportunists devoid of vision. We have come to look for leaders who will lead this country and its people to increased prosperity and relevance in a global environment that is constantly changing. We have come to look for a Bahamas that is tolerant toward the views and opinions of others, rejects petty partisan politics that stifle growth and progress and a Bahamas that minimizes or eradicates the gap between the haves and haves nots. Perhaps more importantly, we have come to look for a Bahamas that is united in love and service.
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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