By IVOINE INGRAHAM

WE had a distinct reputation of being a friendly nation, and most of our tourists returned several times. They even recommended us to others who could not wait to experience happy people who overextended themselves to ensure the Bahamian experience was second to none. We catered to them in every way and even had exchange programmes where we visited their homeland. The tourism numbers increased exponentially. Working in the hotel was like wearing a badge of honour. We showed our best side, and we benefited.

There was competition to offer the best service, and we earned substantial tips commensurate with our stellar service. Of course, other Caribbean countries envy our reputation and spirit. They have hired Bahamians to help them with their product. Did we take our good fortunes for granted? Have we become complacent? Tips are automatic, and the service has diminished.

The secret to maintaining such an enviable good name was that we were a loving society. This love came from how we treated each other and ourselves. But what happened?

Nowadays, we are not maintaining our strength because we have mysteriously allowed the acquisition of things to contaminate our warm spirit and change our personalities. We are so disrespectful of others and ourselves that we “fly off the handle” without notice, unprovoked, unwarranted and unashamedly. We say the most uncomplimentary things, mostly lies about people, in the company of others, designed to harm.

We think nothing of using boisterous language in public. We have no self-respect. We bear false witness against our neighbours, disregarding the damage done to individuals and families. People we assume knew what integrity was would easily denigrate an innocent person. It is commonplace for people with no courage in person to hide behind social media and tear people’s reputations to shreds without evidence.

Paid internet mercenaries target innocent, unsuspecting people with no care for the damage done by bullying and extortion, which are too commonplace. Lives are upside down, and people now live in fear. How can this be? Where is the police cyber unit? Are they out to lunch or too lazy to hunt down the habitual perpetrators? Too often, verbal assaults hide behind the computer and dismantle people’s lives. Betraying trust is the order of the day.

People are in fear because they don’t know when it is going to stop or how anyone can show up on Facebook or any other platform with made-up accusations while the gullible public shares the insatiable garbage from group to group. Vile and gutter posts move quickly.

Hate and fear have infiltrated our minds, altering our interactions with others. We’re constantly on edge, quickly responding with hostility, worsening the situation. This toxic atmosphere is far from the pride and warmth we once exuded.

It is now the norm for some of us to behave inhumanely, which has tainted the atmosphere. We see people with things we don’t have and immediately accuse them of some unproven irregularity to get the things they possess.

The country has become vicious, people grabbing and grabbing for things that are usually out of their reach. When they fail to plan their finances, they blame their successful friends or family, and the usual scapegoat is the government.

People mysteriously tell themselves that the members of parliament are gods who can cure their bad habits, and when they don’t, they rain terror on their names and threaten withdrawal. No politician can escape taking on some or most of the responsibility for people’s behaviour, financially or otherwise.

People work, waste money on fancy hairstyles, nail repairs, and elaborate body sculpting, and then complain to the representative that their lights are off or that they have unpaid rent. The blatant dishonesty interferes with the genuineness of the Social Services system for the deserving.

Our entire outlook on life has changed. We had pride, and those mentioned above worked, attracting tourists who returned repeatedly because of our attitude. What changed?

Greed has consumed us, and we have lost our self-respect. We waste money to keep up, but we never catch up because our habits are to waste our money and hustle from others. We borrow with a definite plan not to pay back, join Asue and drop out after we receive our draw, or keep Asue, collect the people’s money, and disappear. There is no investigation, arrest, or repercussion; then we reappear and do it again. This cycle of greed and deceit is eroding our societal values, and we must act now to restore them.

The execution of the law has caused us to lose all confidence that justice is in these kinds of matters.

We need a new attitude. It’s time to evaluate how we treat each other and our love for our country. Our current behaviour is not sustainable, and without change, we all will suffer. We must rediscover our politeness, engage in meaningful discussions, and respect each other’s opinions. It’s time to shun our negative side and embrace a more positive approach.

Unfortunately, we avoid each other, family gatherings are scarce and socialising only happens for the free rum.

Churches can’t get along. After a minor disagreement, the church splits, and the congregation is encouraged to take sides. Sometimes, it appears like God is a puppet. Moral authority too often displays a lack of morality by the degrading commentary that comes from our congregation about another religion, castigating and making fun of the other.

What happened? We have abandoned all of the tenants we subscribed to, passed down from our forefathers. We lack manners, respect for others, and, sadly, most of all, self-respect.

The insatiable greed for money and things has reduced us to being better suited for a pen.

Facing reality, we desperately need a gut check and a return to the old gatepost. We would benefit more if we became our brother’s keeper again. It’s not too late for a societal and moral renewal. We can still reclaim our national pride and restore our values. Let’s work together to make it happen.