Dear Editor,

Some years ago, I worked as marketing coordinator for a group of companies that had the opportunity to sponsor the (then) annual speedboat race around Paradise Island. By every definition, this was a family event. If it was a movie, it was expected to have a "G" rating. And yes, children were indeed there to enjoy the roar of the engines and the thrill of the race. But happenings at that event turned it into something else.
First there were the Budweiser girls who advertised much more than beer in itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bikinis. These girls were clearly chosen for their assets, and not their ability to serve beer.
And not to be outdone, a modeling company decided to parade models up and down a 150-foot "runway" in lingerie. Their manager was beside himself with pride, and probably delighted himself in what he thought to be a stellar moment for his company. I distinctly remember one tall lady who passed in a all-in-one piece that was a little too big for her and bore no elastic in places where it should. Those of us who stood on the side (about 10 feet away) got to see what men should only see on their wedding nights.
And to bring a close to a jaw-dropping day, across from me sat the then reigning beauty queen from one of the popular pageants with a very sheer top that enabled all to see the color of her areolas and the shape and braless splendor to which they were attached (and she never covered up).
Some would say that as a man I would have enjoyed the "show", but all inappropriate pleasures have a price and end in shame.
I subsequently wrote a letter to the Ministry of Tourism - the host of the event - and much to its credit, it apologized for what had transpired and (as promised) ensured that nothing like that happened to following year.
Like many Bahamians, I watched the concert for Sir Sidney Poitier with interest and a sense of pride. The event was going well until a young lady, touted to be a sensational, up-and-coming artist, came on stage with her stomach out, singing a song that is most likely not in the genre of songs that Sir Sidney would appreciate while putting on dance moves that, on occasion, bordered on the suggestive.
There are lovely artists, like the lovely and sultry Kim Welcome, who could have rendered Sir Sidney a performance befitting his age, tastes and accomplishments.
There should be a committee of some kind whose members should oversee public events to ensure that there is decency and sensitivity. No one should be allowed to put on a public performance until it is seen and approved. We seem to have a problem sometimes knowing what is appropriate, and we desperately need to get back to the values that made our communities great and good.

- Marcellus Bassett

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