This piece is penned as an open letter to those who labor in the vineyard of public service in general but leaders in the political arena in particular. However, it is important that I commence this piece by denouncing in the strongest words possible the recording and publication of a song, the lyrics of which included personal attacks on the leader of our nation, Prime Minister Perry Christie, his wife, children and others. This is not only despicable. It is distasteful and grossly inappropriate, as it does not represent who we are as a people.
There is no doubt that many Bahamians agree that freedom of expression like many other freedoms in our society continues to remain an inalienable and fundamental constitutional right of all Bahamians. In this sense, we are able to express our feelings on any number of matters or individuals. However, this freedom comes with responsibility. The Apostle Paul noted this in his charge to the Corinthians, who were of the view that they possessed the right to do anything. Paul cautioned them by informing them that, while you may have the right to do anything, not everything is beneficial or constructive. Another biblical version describes this by noting that all things are lawful, but not all things are helpful or edifying. In this regard, there is no doubt that the individual who recorded the song was not being constructive and did not seek to edify based on the tone and lyrics of the song. It is therefore appropriate that opposition political parties and Bahamians in general have openly condemned this ill-advised expression of art.
This is my letter to you Bahamian politicians in 2016.
Dearest Bahamian politician,
I must admit that I feel truly compelled as a young independent thinker and observer of the happenings in our society to pen an open letter to you, our esteemed parliamentarians and, in some cases, Cabinet ministers. I trust that the message contained herein will be conveyed with much respect and understanding without being taken personal by you, but rather used as an opportunity for introspection.
There have been several Bahamian artists, social media pundits, columnists and commentators who have expressed their dismay, dissatisfaction or fatigue with the current political status quo. However, it is expected that their views will be communicated in a respectful and cordial manner. Alas, there seems to be a growing lack of respect for self and others with a growing negative sentiment toward our leaders. While respect was once a watchword in Bahamian society, it appears to be in great decline with the trend being led by our own political leaders.
As politicians, you are well aware that the public and the youth are watching you, but do you care? Respect for our elders, respect for people's properties, respect for another's life, spouse and child seem to be eroding daily. It is clear that we have strayed away from the old landmark; but what role did you play in this as a political leader?
Daily, our children witness our behavior to determine how they should act; they look to their elders and political leaders for guidance on how to govern themselves. What example have you set for the next generation? Are your actions worthy of emulation? It seems acceptable now for you to publicly disrespect your fellow leaders and the people while parents compound this by disrespecting each other in the presence of their children and young people disrespect the elderly without remorse. This growing pattern of disrespect in the political, religious, professional and corporate world is a cancer to our national development.
Not too long ago, our foremothers and forefathers used to remind us that "manners maketh the man" or "manners will take you through the world". Laurence Sterns is quoted as saying, "Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners". Can it be deduced then, Mr. or Ms. Politician, that we as a people have lost respect for ourselves?
I know that your job leading our great country could be a thankless and difficult one, Mr. and Ms. Politician. I also know that some of you enter frontline politics for the good of our nation and to make a positive contribution. Whether you believe it or not, many Bahamians are grateful for your service. However, the truth of the matter is that many of you have passed your "use by" date. This does not necessarily refer to the age of our parliamentarians, even though many of you are past or fast approaching the statutory retirement age. We are aware that in some cases "age is nothing but a number", provided you still have much to offer in ideas, vision and energy.
To the politicians who have spent years in their proverbial seats, a self-evaluation will be useful to help you decide whether it is time to vacate your seat to allow for another. Do you respect the valid viewpoints of the vast amount of individuals who call into talk shows, make social media posts, write to newspapers, protest and hold meetings among other things politely asking you to leave, or are you caught up in your exclusive world of fantasy?
We trust that you can discern sycophants from genuine supporters and can tell that the endorsement of your candidacy by a few persons is not sufficient evidence that a constituency or an entire nation wants you. Having made your contribution or failed to do so for years, can you see the handwriting on the wall? Will you do the honorable thing and bow out gracefully? In Nelson Mandela's words, "When a man/woman has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he/she can rest in peace."
The question is whether you know what your duty is or has been and can you measure how much of your goals for entering public life have been accomplished. If not, then perhaps it is clear why you have no timetable for your exit from frontline politics and refuse to leave when your ovation is loudest to make room for a new breed of ideas and politically willed persons to improve the conditions of our nation.
The writing is on the wall and the evidence is clear for all to see that the Bahamian people have yet to find a body of people who they can trust with governance for more than one term. Let's recap.
No government has enjoyed the benefit of a majority of more than 50 percent of the popular vote since 2002 (51.8 percent). Since 1997, the electorate has played musical chairs with successive administrations, treating power like a revolving door - FNM in, PLP out; PLP in, FNM out.
The real question are: Will those of you who are void of ideas, vision, charisma, political will and the fortitude to defy the status quo and make decisions that will advance our nation toward a path of prosperity step aside to make room for the new? Will those of you who view the Bahamian people as subjects and detest all opinions contrary to yours in the 21st century Bahamas take your flight? Will you who lack the moral compass to return the nation on the path of being respectful and respected exit the scene? Moreover, to all and sundry who are hanging on to your proverbial seats despite fatigue and disengagement, kindly make room for the many Bahamians who are ready to serve. As a reminder, there is no life peerage in Parliament.
It is worth reiterating that we are grateful for your willingness and courage to serve our great nation. We know that you sometimes feel unappreciated or underappreciated. Nevertheless, if you've executed your God-given assignment faithfully, future generations of Bahamians will praise your work and effort. While some of you will receive your flowers in the land of the living, there are others who will be honored after you've gone on to your eternal rest. Nevertheless, it is incumbent that you stop holding on to the reins of power and the trappings that come along with your office while at the same time stifling national growth. The Bahamian people are grateful that legislation provides you with what you as legislators have deemed to be an appropriate pension amount to live on after you leave office.
Some of you might ask: How do I know it's time to go? If you are honest with yourself, you know that the still inner voice within you has been telling you for some time: For the sake of your legacy, your family, your political organization, but more importantly for the sake of country, please leave on your own terms. Don't allow the people to oust you in shame, lest you feel bitter and consider the electorate as being ungrateful for your personal sacrifice to our commonwealth. We take solace in the fact that you - our political leaders - are not delusional and can tell when the writing is on the wall. I implore you to make this bold and honorable decision to leave and transition to statesmen and stateswomen without delay for love of country.
When the chronicles of times in Bahamaland are written and the tale of your era is told, do all that you must do to ensure that, in the words of Frank Sinatra, you did it your way!
Signed,
- Grateful and patriotic Bahamian offering constructive unsolicited advice
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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