Friday, July 29, 2022
IN recent times, we have heard a lot about gang culture. We have heard of turf wars, and of the battle taking place on our streets that has seen the murder count spiral.
Credit then to FNM leader Michael Pintard for opening up yesterday about his own past.
He was speaking at a summer basketball camp held by NBA star Buddy Hield in Grand Bahama – where he told participants that as a young man he was involved in gang life.
He said he had been in a neighbourhood gang, smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol from grades six through ten. He said he was hanging around with the wrong crowd.
So what did he do? He decided things had to change.
He said: “I made a decision to change my life because none of that was working for me. I used to run with some people who were not good for my development.”
For those in gangs today, sometimes it may seem there is no way out. It may seem impossible for them to have aspirations of building a career, perhaps owning a business. Crime is too wound into their lives sometimes to see a life without it.
So to see someone like Mr Pintard can be an example, an inspiration. He has stepped away from that path and risen to the point where perhaps he might be a future Prime Minister.
We hope it might also be an inspiration not just for the youngsters who could follow his lead, but for some other leading lights in the political world.
They too can tell of their past and show how they have stepped away from links in the past they may not have been proud of.
We have heard too many tales over the years of people with criminal affiliations becoming entangled with the lives of politicians, and not being disavowed.
But for the young people today who may be involved in gangs, we need to show them there is a way out, a future – and Mr Pintard’s words can encourage those who feel they have no hope.
We applaud Mr Pintard, not just for his words, but for having had the courage long ago to make that step. He may wish to lead the nation one day, but in this at least he can lead the way.
Teachers
The teachers’ union is threatening strike action for the first day of school – August 22.
This comes after a seven-day deadline issued to the government expired yesterday.
Negotiations, it seems, are at an impasse – with one item in particular causing a problem.
With the three-day weekend for the holiday upon us, don’t hold your breath if you think that’s going to be resolved imminently…
Comments
Godson says...
The article seems to be a bit of a tale. You applaud Mr. Pintard for stepping away from a troubled past but you condemned me. You speak to Pintard's speech because he holds office and your newspaper is a staunch supporter of the FNM.
What about those of us who do not hold office and have made a turnaround?
I had no commentary of support from the Tribune when I, Nicodemus Johnson, came out of prison and pursued a new path in life which saw me earn my law degree and other legal qualifications.
The Tribune did not condemn the Bar Council in its refusal of my application to be called to the Bar to practice law.
Am I not to earn an honest living?
You support those who feel socially threatened because an ex-convict proved to himself, and others, that he is better and more qualified than you, your family, friends, and lovers.
This article is an expression of Bahamian hypocrisy, a mere farce.
Posted 30 July 2022, 7:05 a.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
Good to hear a story of a life turned around. The road to destruction is broad and as many as can be convinced to leave it for the narrow path, the better.
However, life doesnt often give do overs or clean slates. Walking the wrong path can take its toll in many ways, loss of friends and family, loss of time, loss of limbs or eyesight and sometimes loss of trust. There's a price for your decision that, despite your turnaround , life will demand of you. For example, there are professions that outright reject persons with criminal records. Off the bat eliminate anything where you'd have to hold a client's money in trust. The loss of trust is one such price. The door by way of the legal profession may be closed to you but because you are here and breathing, there's another righteous way, it's your job to find it.
Posted 1 August 2022, 7:19 a.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
Every body has a story doc Minnis story ,!I was a poor boy, Mr Pintard story he was a member of a gang ! . In other words he was a Gangster has he really changed I am just asking
Posted 30 July 2022, 11:58 a.m. Suggest removal
sheeprunner12 says...
Everyone has a personal life story ...... Should we judge all of our leaders by their early years? Will anyone be worthy to lead? We cannot change our past, but we can learn from it.
Posted 31 July 2022, 2:53 p.m. Suggest removal
ThisIsOurs says...
**You say that as if honesty and good character are impossible achievements.**
Age not withstanding, there's a price for bad decisions. Disqualification from participation is one. We should assess ALL of the people we put forward to write our laws and touch our treasury funds. Some past actions that demonstrate poor character, greed or unethical behaviour auromatically make you unworthy of consideration. A reformed rapist should not be in parliament for example, he can do good work elsewhere. **The one thing we must absolutely NOT do, and that I see too many people doing today, is say, it doesnt matter what criminal activities you took part in. Wrong. You steal, launder or embezzle funds from a govt agency, lifetime disqualification**
Posted 1 August 2022, 7:35 a.m. Suggest removal
birdiestrachan says...
Gangster ways like example toggie and boggie
Posted 1 August 2022, 12:20 p.m. Suggest removal
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