The early nomination of an ambassador by the government could signal the beginning of early-stage diplomatic negotiations like taking 50,000 immigrants. However, one might also interpret this as a potential prelude to harsh demands on government corruption and drug trafficking issues. A past example is President Donald Trump’s approach for instance, his infamous comment about 'shithole countries' illustrates how such diplomatic pressures were sometimes deployed in a manner that sparked global debate and raised concerns about international relations ...we all know Trump is a fool, birdbrain.

> So let us not celebrate so quickly

The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA), established under the Food Safety and Quality Act, is tasked with the critical responsibility of implementing and enforcing food safety measures to protect public health. However, this raises a poignant question: who is truly prioritizing public health in The Bahamas?

From the unchecked air pollution caused by poorly maintained and unmonitored vehicles to the substandard and discarded food products that make their way onto our plates, there appears to be a troubling disregard for the well-being of the Bahamian people. Instead of ensuring safe and healthy living conditions, the prevailing focus seems to be on extracting as much money as possible from consumers, with little accountability for the consequences on public health.

> "What Are We Eating in The Bahamas,
> and Is It Safe?"

The question of food safety in The Bahamas has become a matter of growing concern. With no clear traceability regulations in place, consumers are left to wonder about the origins, quality, and safety of the poultry and meat they consume. Unlike nations with stringent standards, such as the United States, where frozen poultry can be stored for up to a year under controlled conditions, The Bahamas appears vulnerable to becoming a dumping ground for products that may be nearing their export expiration dates.

The issue is exacerbated by reports of poor-quality poultry—characterized by foul smells, toughness, and a lack of freshness after cooking. These signs may indicate prolonged freezing, improper storage, or bacterial contamination, all of which pose serious health risks to the population. Without proper oversight and traceability, there is no way to ensure that the imported poultry meets acceptable food safety and quality standards.

Internationally, food traceability is a cornerstone of consumer protection. It ensures that every step of the supply chain is documented, from slaughter to freezing and transportation. The absence of such systems in The Bahamas leaves consumers exposed to potentially unsafe products and undermines public trust in the food supply. This lack of accountability enables unscrupulous suppliers to exploit regulatory gaps by exporting inferior or near-expiry poultry to markets with weaker import controls.

The implications for public health are profound. Poultry stored improperly or for extended periods can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria, posing significant risks. Additionally, prolonged freezing degrades the nutritional value of meat, diminishing its role as a reliable protein source.

***To address these challenges, The Bahamas must implement robust food safety measures, including:***

* - Traceability Regulations: Require all imported poultry to include detailed documentation on its origin, slaughter date, freezing date, and transportation conditions.

* - Inspection Protocols: Strengthen routine inspections of imported poultry to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

* - Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate consumers on identifying signs of substandard products and encourage reporting of questionable poultry.

* - Supplier Accountability: Enforce stricter penalties for importers and distributors found to be selling unsafe or low-quality meat.

The lack of traceability and enforcement not only endangers public health but also erodes confidence in our food systems. It raises a critical question: *What are we eating in The Bahamas, and is it safe? As a nation, we must demand higher standards, greater transparency, and stronger regulatory frameworks to protect the health and well-being of our people. Anything less is unacceptable.*

These interconnected stories paint a troubling picture of the political environment in the Bahamas, where corruption seems to be allowed to fester unchecked. Dr. Minnis is right to call for a commission of inquiry that would not only expose those involved but also recommend meaningful reforms to prevent future abuses. However, the reluctance of Prime Minister Philip "Brave" Davis to act—citing the high cost of such an inquiry—raises troubling questions about his administration’s commitment to transparency and justice. Davis’s defence of inaction suggests a fear of the political ramifications such an investigation would have, particularly for individuals within his circle, including those who may be implicated in the very scandals the commission would seek to uncover.

Moreover, as highlighted by the recent scandals involving Rolle and Wells, it is clear that public officials who become embroiled in significant corruption should never be allowed to return to public office under a new administration. The reinstatement of Wells, despite his controversial past, undermines the principle of accountability and sends the wrong message to the public. A government that truly values integrity must ensure that individuals caught in such scandals are permanently removed from positions of power.

The unresolved BahaMar and FTX scandals also cast a long shadow over the Davis administration. These unresolved concerns leave the Bahamian public searching for clarity regarding the true nature of the deals and the individuals involved.

The demand for a commission of inquiry is not just about exposing corruption but about holding the government accountable to the people it serves.

Need for Commission on Governance and Systemic Corruption in the Bahamas Beyond the Recent Drug Trafficking Scandal

Hubert Minnis underscored the urgent need for a commission of inquiry into the deepening scandals that have tarnished the reputation of the Bahamas. He emphasized that allegations of drug and weapons trafficking implicating high-ranking officials—some of whom have held significant positions within the police force and government—require more than the internal, police-led inquiries currently underway. According to Minnis, these investigations have failed to restore public trust, and only an independent commission of inquiry, free from political influence, could adequately address the scope of corruption that has infiltrated the nation's leadership. He warned that failure to act decisively would further erode the people’s confidence in their institutions, particularly at a time when the country's international relationships and security are at stake.

Dr. Minnis's call for an inquiry comes against the backdrop of various corruption allegations, including the case involving former Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Lanisha Rolle. Rolle was charged with fraudulently awarding contracts exceeding $750,000 during her tenure in government. The allegations highlight a systemic problem of abuse of power and mismanagement, which calls for urgent scrutiny and accountability. Rolle’s actions, if proven, serve as a stark reminder of the lack of checks and balances that persist within public offices. Her case underscores the pressing need for a thorough examination of not just the individuals involved, but also the broader structures that allowed such misconduct to take place.

The broader culture of impunity is also exemplified in the controversial case of Renward Wells, a former Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Works. Wells, who signed a dubious Letter of Intent (LOI) with Stellar Waste to Energy Bahamas Limited—a deal that sparked public outrage and legal challenges—was dismissed from his post following the scandal. Yet, despite the gravity of his involvement, Wells was reappointed to a government role under the Minnis administration. This decision raises serious concerns about the lack of accountability and the failure to uphold ethical standards in the political landscape of the Bahamas. The public outcry against Wells's return to office speaks to the growing frustration with a system that allows scandal-ridden officials to retain influence.

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Yes, GodSpeed, many would agree with your vision 100%. A transformed Bay Street, alive with vibrant culture, impeccable design, and a sense of harmony, is an aspiration we all share. But lofty dreams must contend with practical realities—namely, the billions of dollars needed to bring this vision to life. And here lies a crucial truth that many conveniently overlook: the very industry that benefits most from our shores has consistently avoided meaningful contributions to the sustainability and revitalization of Nassau.

Let’s not pretend the cruise industry is some innocent bystander in the decay of our capital city. This is an industry that baulks at the idea of a modest increase in passenger taxes while raking in record profits. Consider the facts: under the Passenger Tax Amendment Bill 2023, the head tax for cruise passengers departing Nassau or Freeport would rise from $18 to $23—an increase of just $5. A paltry sum, by any measure, especially for an industry that collects millions from passengers in fees and surcharges. If they visit a private island without stopping at another Bahamian port, that tax rises to $25, alongside a $5 tourism environmental levy and a $2 tourism enhancement levy, bringing the total to $32.

And how does this multi-billion-dollar industry respond? With outrage. They throw tantrums, lobbying furiously as if these negligible fees are an existential threat when in reality they are pocket change to the companies profiting off our waters and resources. Worse still, they’ve actively worked to bypass Nassau entirely—building exclusive private islands designed to keep cruise passengers from engaging with Bahamian culture or spending money on our economy. If they could eliminate the mere $20 per passenger head tax outright, they would.

While Bahamians are often quick to criticize their own, let’s not ignore how we are systematically exploited by an industry that treats our nation as a convenient pit stop rather than a valued partner. The cruise lines benefit from our beauty, our heritage, and our infrastructure, yet contribute so little to maintaining or enhancing it. It is no coincidence that Nassau struggles to meet its potential when our supposed “partners” actively undermine our economic sovereignty.

As for your critique, GodSpeed, while the current state of Bay Street is admittedly disheartening, let’s not pretend this outcome is solely a product of poor planning or local failure. It is the byproduct of decades of exploitation and an unequal economic relationship with an industry that prioritizes profits over partnerships. Fixing Bay Street isn’t just about beautification; it’s about shifting power dynamics and demanding accountability from those who profit most from our shores.

Yes, Barry Major was my first encounter with the raw power of corruption within the PLP. It happened on Frederick Street, right outside the PLP propaganda hub. I was off to the side, near Cliffie’s Barber Shop, capturing a few images of people exiting the building across the street (the Norfolk House, though I can’t recall its exact name).

Out of nowhere, Mr. Major approached me, gun in hand, (while a police patrol car was passing) and forcibly took the roll of film from my camera. What he didn’t realize, however, was that I had already swapped the roll before he reached me.

So, is this the same PLP enforcer, hitman Barry Major, that you are invoking?

Yes, some of us remember him well.

Bridie,
Not all of the Bahamas is corrupt when it comes to trafficking, but as a culture, we have a significant problem that we cannot ignore. Just today, while I was outside chatting with a neighbour, my son approached me and said, "Someone is coming to deliver an iPhone attachment (an earpiece)." Moments later, a silver car pulled up. At the same time, my sister arrived in her new vehicle, and I got distracted, missing the transaction between my son and this small-time scammer.

It turns out the person sold my son fake items. When we called to confront him and warned that we would report him to the police, his brazen response was shocking:
"Call the police if you want, but you’ll have to live with it. I’m just out here trying to make a dollar like everyone else—it’s your choice, call the police."

This mindset reflects a much deeper issue. While it’s true we are not all drug traffickers, we, as a people, must face the hard truth: most of us in the Bahamas operate within a culture of corruption. For too many, deceit and exploitation have become normalized—a way of life. We function, breathe, and sleep in a reality where corruption is not just an act but is seen as a means of survival. It’s tragic, and it’s something that desperately needs to change.

Yes, it’s starting to look like a significant misstep for the Bahamas to allow Royal Caribbean to become a direct competitor to Bay Street and the Cruise Port. By creating its own exclusive offering, Royal Caribbean now has the potential to actively discourage passengers from visiting Nassau’s city centre in favour of its competing business. This could undermine the Bahamas’ tourism sector and diminish the value of the Cruise Port and Bay Street as key attractions. It seems like a poor strategic decision that could have long-term negative consequences for the local economy.