I love The Bahamas, love to fish there by walking the flats off the shore.
Now Florida & elsewhere are calling me back. Only need $20 worth of permits, within the limits can do it all day, everyday for a year! No hassles! No problem.

Irrelevant of race, religion, culture, nationality or morals, the fundamentals are evident:
It takes a man & a woman to have a baby. Neither can be out of the contribution equation. Takes two to Tango and responsibility is equal.

Recent statistics from US informs us that today an average of $15,000+ dollars a year are required for the raising of an average child, conception to 17yearsl. (approx. $234,000 depending on location)
So how many fathers & mothers couples have those means for each of their children?
How many single mothers?
How many single fathers?
Yes, "it takes a village..." is a popular quote. But what village can afford that cost?

That condom is very cheap... Long term investment? Vasectomy (p.s: still use the condom for STD protection)

Since the 1960's GB has always fought against 'that Foreign Bastard Child' attitude of many in Nassau by both government & private citizenry, irrelevant of party affiliation. Grand Bahamians have been suckling from Nassau's dry-tit for too long while contributing very well to the coffers of government.
They should have taken the course of Turks & Caicos when they had the opportunity, certainly have paid dearly for considering that scenario. One day Freeport will be operating as a Real City is managed & not as a family Part-time Hobby Project. Eventually, after the learning curve is complete, then GB will prosper & make Nassau's crime riddled, crowded lifestyle the joke that it is.

There are projects that make sense & some that do not.
Thank God someone in Disney can see the consequences & make an appropriate decision.

A Green sustainable efficient economy is available in many forms, from fishery & resource management to aquaculture & agriculture. From construction & engineering to energy potentials; from industry participation to banking & finance; from education to culture tourism (ecotourism).
In fact as islanders, many of us have been involved in green economies without realizing it, mostly as a cost measure:
1. Fuel economy & emission levels were mandated by 'green' regulations & your 20mpg car with emissions control today is better than the 5-10mpg fuel guzzling smoke producer of yesteryear.
2. Grandmother made you boil the whole fish, not just the fillet. Use it all.
3. Burn all the garbage, so the dogs & rats don't get at it. Use the ash for the garden.
4. Don't throw away that piece of hose, we may need it later.

'Why is the government, and previous governments, so proud to think that they can’t accept outside assistance?' My father often spoke of ignorant pride getting in the way of forward positive movement. We all have it, some more than their share, some as a Badge of Honor.

' we all work in a service industry; every one of us has different customers, so customer service standards are critical to anyone’s professional life and success.'
Very True Words!!
It should be a requirement that all persons who work in civil services or particularly the tourism & associated industries to spend a couple of months as interns abroad. This to understand how others approach 'the overwhelming problems' they encounter everyday.

But if they do, they will not come back!

Without Transparency Laws the public has little to no knowledge of the levels of corruption that exist. Public Persona is most important to politicians, thus public humiliation & loss of position of power are the only real deterrent. Passing laws with little bite or proper funding for enforcement is a known & well practiced tactic to Look Good while Suppressing anti-corruption programs. Whistle blowing and Independent Investigative Reporting by news media are vital...

If the public education system will not educate, then the business community must! Get off your arses & demand that govt. allow teachers to teach & get politics out of education.
How far will $210/wk or ($5.25/hr) go today? This is not the 1980's, add 35 years + transport cost + 30% customs + VAT to that, you may be closer to today's actual cost of living.
It's no wonder the youth turn to drug/money/guns/people running. No need for reading or writing in those industries!

Banking & Finance has NEVER been an industry with much Common Sense, only Greed & Opportunism. Now the Insurance Companies are adding financing to their portfolios.

Smaller Inns, Boutique Hotels, Bed &Breakfast's, as well as Family Run Small Restaurants and Art Events are the vehicles for integrating the visitor into one's culture.
President Obama ate at a family run one-room restaurant in Cuba & loved it (no room for media & onlookers). Look at the Food-Truck phenomenon & events in Florida... low cost, maximum fun.

Governments providing incentives to local/foreign financial institutions to provide low-interest business loans would allow these to happen in Nassau, Freeport & Family Islands, to the benefit of all involved... cronies included.