EDITOR, The Tribune.

With the traditional Easter Season upon us, as a professed Christian nation, I will be as neutral as possible. Many have asked why it is the Prime Minister and assorted delegations have been travelling the globe to meet with other Heads of State and governmental leaders. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that public funds are being wasted on such trips. I beg to differ.

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is no longer the somewhat sleepy fishing village that some of us used to know. We have evolved into a major regional and world-wide leading nation. Yes, we are relatively small, but our geographical location and natural beauty and abundant resources, yet to be unleashed, we are recognised respected leaders. The whole world is now a stage. As such, The Bahamas is obliged to develop and foster economic; trade and cultural ties with any and all democratic nations that would serve our national interests.

Regional and international travel by the PM is crucial at this stage of our growth as a nation and people. This PM, God bless his soul, hit the ground running once the COVID restrictions would have expired or lapsed. He has been a keynote speaker at myriad forums; seminars and before international audiences. He would have, as a savvy barrister-at-law and political genius, cultivated personal relationships with worldwide leaders; movers and shakers.

His job, aside from pure domestic issues, is to place and project The Bahamas of choice for foreign investments critical cultural and sociological alignments. No more, no less. In my view, he’s risen to the occasion. There is yet more work to be done, however, on behalf of a grateful nation.

The recent trip over to Botswana, a state visit, was initiated at the request of the President of that wonderful African nation. The PM took a relatively small delegation. Talks in significant areas of mutual interest would have been scheduled. We will benefit as a direct result of full, all expense paid, scholarships in Botswana relative to agriculture; light industry and, of course, that nation could serve as a Bahamian gateway into the wider continent of Africa, the Mother Land. In return that nation would benefit from sending persons from its hospitality and fisheries sectors for hands on experience and training with our people.

Hundreds of millions of dollars in potential foreign investments are just across the Bar, so to speak. It is a regret that the FNM and its current leadership declined the generous and non-political invitation of the PM to send a delegation, inclusive of the putative leader, to Botswana. As the pretended alternative government, such a visit and inter- action would have reaped great future potential for their organisation and supporters. This was a missed opportunity, but it is what it is.

That the PM, at any given time and personality, is the Chief spokesman for the nation, it is a given that travel domestically and internationally is crucial. The Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, KC, MP is to be complemented for once again, bringing home the proverbial Bacon. To God then, in all things, be the glory. I would, however, admonish all Bahamians and residents to please have a safe; Holy Spirit filled, Easter Season.

ORTLAND H

BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

March 20, 2024.