> The "Lonely Police Escort": Bahamians
> Uninterested in US Vice President
> Kamala Harris's Visit

A convoy of 50 vehicles, now known as the "Lonely Police Escort," made its way through the streets of Nassau today. Despite the visit of United States Vice President Kamala Harris, Bahamians seem uninterested and unconcerned.

It appears that Bahamians truly don't give a Fu@% about the United States Vice President Kamala Harris arriving in The Bahamas today.

While Vice President Kamala Harris made her way to the nearby region, the waning influence of the United States is becoming increasingly evident. Global leaders are growing concerned about the issues pursued by Americans that contradict political, moral, and social norms. Furthermore, it seems that the concerns of others are being disregarded, leaving many to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the American agenda.

The presence of the gay community in The Bahamas can be traced back at least 60 years, if not longer. Throughout my lifetime, I have noticed that gay individuals were regarded as equals among other Bahamians. They actively participated in church activities and contributed to the education of our youth. It's worth noting that their lifestyle choices were never imposed on anyone, and they had the freedom to live as they saw fit within their private circles.

However, the current attitude shift (Being heavily Promoted by the Americans) is towards greater visibility and assertiveness among LGBTQ+ individuals, which is problematic for many people who truly don't care whose ass you eat. People are offended by the aggressive "in your face" approach where gay people feel entitled to express themselves under the guise of exercising their rights, regardless if it offends others with different principles and standards in their life.

Some may argue that certain behaviours or choices are deemed "detestable" in the eyes of a higher power and society. But there is also my right to disagree simply, but what is being perpetrated is a 'rape, violation of me and my family by, as it were.

This is more about an American 'in your face, I can do and conduct myself in a way that even if it's offensive to others, it's my rights' attitude. But don't 'rape' my right to object and disagree with what 'you' have chosen as acceptable.

"I can't see a direct connection between Alexander The Great and the Americans pushing their gay issues on our community. However, considering his love for travel, I believe we would have gotten along well as friends, regardless if he was gay; just once, he kept his gay ass to himself and not wanting to share his filth all over Asia, like these nasty asses American who are promoting their nasty gay agenda.

At the same time, Black Americans are still not seen as equals, denied opportunities and losing their life because of the colour of their skin in their own country, and being told to "go back to Africa, you monkey"; these are much more serious issues to resolve.

You Minions gatta get serious with where you stand, and take your heads out of these Americans' backside, pathetic."

But I differ; I hold the belief that creation intended for males and females to be partners and not for men to seek out other men as romantic partners. This goes against the natural order of things and is merely a manifestation of a few weak disturbed individuals with a twisted disorder who believe they can convince the world that their lifestyle is a forgone conclusion when in reality it isn't.

Agree; personalities openly flaunt their actions without any sense of shame. There have been several notable occurrences, such as the $25m public-private partnership (PPP) to establish a new Road Traffic Department headquarters on Tonique Williams Darling Highway BF/PPP1 House Assembly announcement, the remarkable 25 Million Transformation project at Rons Auto, and most recently, the controversial 'silent' Old Robin Hood deal on Tonique Williams Highway, which involved relocation. It is important to mention that Rons Auto was initially promised 5 million as part of the deal but received only 4 million. Moreover, funds were allocated for the renovation and relaunch of RTD at the Old Robin Hood location, but these funds allegedly vanished without any explanation. We are still eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new RTD headquarters, as announced by the new Minister last year. Additionally, it is worth noting the questionable $1 Million deal involving the Vanity Plate Printer that Wells and Turnquest secured before their dubious scheme collapsed. Curiously, this printer, which is listed at $95,000, raises questions about the intentions behind their actions. Perhaps that 'crazy cousin' needed some assistance before their personal financial misgiving was exposed to the public. Now the 'crazy cousin' are proposing "remote' vehicle inspection equipment, straight from the pages of the 2019 PTI Offer, that sits in the hands of those "implementing its crazy cousin which never scales."

All brainless

In 2019, PTI Bahamas proposed to the Bahamas Government to revitalize the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and implement new initiatives to address the high level of bad, aggressive, and reckless driving on the streets of The Bahamas, particularly among young females. The proposal included the offer to establish a driving school to reeducate repeat traffic violators and improve driving skills, with the cost of attending the driving classes being borne by the drivers themselves. This court-mandated feature of the proposal was expected to generate substantial income and encourage adherence to traffic regulations.

However, despite the proposal's potential benefits, it was never accepted or approved by the government. Consequently, the issues related to reckless driving, traffic accidents, and fatalities continued to persist. The Minister of Transport and Housing, JoBeth Coleby-Davis, expressed deep concern about the rise in traffic fatalities in The Bahamas, particularly noting a dramatic rise in female traffic fatality victims.

The statistics provided indicate an alarming trend of increasing traffic fatalities. In the first five months of 2021, there were 13 traffic fatalities, which increased to 19 in 2022, and as of the given report, there have been 22 fatalities in 2023. Most of the victims were the drivers of vehicles, with 59 percent of them being under the age of 35. The majority of fatal traffic accidents occurred between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., primarily on the streets of New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Notably, a significant portion of the reported fatalities involved female drivers. Eight females have died in traffic accidents so far in 2023, while three females died in traffic accidents in 2022 and one in 2021. Recent accidents include two separate incidents in which women lost their lives. In one case, a collision between a white Daihatsu Mira and a white flatbed truck resulted in the death of the female driver of the Mira. In the other case, a collision between a GMC Canyon and a Nissan Cube resulted in the death of the female driver of the Cube.

Given the concerning increase in traffic fatalities, the Minister of Transport and Housing and the Road Traffic Department issued a statement urging the public to exercise extreme caution on the roadways. They emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits, wearing seatbelts, obeying traffic laws, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, and refraining from using mobile devices while driving.

> In the 2019 proposal by PTI Bahamas,
> several initiatives were suggested to
> enhance the revenue streams of the
> Road Traffic Department and improve
> road safety. These included the
> introduction of digital driver's
> licenses, establishing a traffic
> school with simulators for traffic
> violators, training programs for
> commercial and heavy equipment
> drivers, and implementing a
> "DriversEd" program for high school
> seniors.

From what I have observed, many Bahamians are enjoying the coastal lifestyle that comes with high-rise apartments in the western part of the country. However, there is a concerning attitude of exclusion that suggests some individuals believe these living arrangements are not for everyone.

If we don't stand up against this oppressive mindset, we will continue to be a marginalized group in our own country. It's time to revitalize this historic city that has been around for 300 years.

We need to ask ourselves if the colonial foundation that created the old Bahamas is still sustainable for our future. In order for the Bahamas to regain its former glory and for us to feel proud of our identity as Bahamians, we need to make fundamental changes. The current state of our City Centre leaves much to be desired, and it's time for a transformation.

Ah, don't let anyone know I told you this:

But, the Bahamas is possibly the sole Caribbean country where ordinary people can afford to reside in luxurious downtown accommodations, Lol

The Bahamian Riviera is more than a mere revitalization project—it represents a collective movement to restore the heartbeat of our beloved city. By embracing our past while forging a path toward a vibrant future, this transformative initiative endeavours to recapture the magic of Bay Street. It recognizes the irreplaceable value of our architectural heritage, breathing new life into historic buildings and preserving the captivating allure that draws tourists from far and wide.

However, the success of the Bahamian Riviera relies on the unwavering collaboration between the public and private sectors. Through progressive policies that foster sustainable growth, community engagement, and economic prosperity, the government can lay the foundation for a reimagined Bay Street that serves the needs of both Bahamians and visitors alike. Simultaneously, the private sector must seize the opportunity to invest in and shape this exciting vision, unlocking its true potential as a world-class destination.

Let us unite in this endeavour to resurrect Bay Street's resplendent glory, celebrating its rich history while cultivating a dynamic city centre that thrives day and night. The Bahamian Riviera is our rallying cry—an impassioned call to reclaim our birthright, reignite our cultural vibrancy, and craft a future where locals and tourists can once again share the transformative experience that defines the heart and soul of Nassau. Together, let us embark on this extraordinary journey to create a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

**Restoring the Vibrant Soul of Bay Street: Unveiling the Bahamian Riviera**

> It's time to confront the question
> that has lingered in the hearts of
> Bahamians for far too long: Who killed
> the lively spirit of Bay Street, the
> pulsating artery of our beloved
> Nassau? The demise of this
> once-thriving city centre can be
> traced back to a series of
> ill-conceived decisions that aimed to
> separate Bahamians from their beloved
> gathering place, both day and night.*

One of the key factors contributing to the decline was the relocation of public parking spaces, exclusively transformed into taxi parking areas. This move effectively discouraged Bahamians from frequenting Bay Street, stifling the vibrant flow of foot traffic that once energized the district. Moreover, law enforcement agencies intensified their targeting of young Bahamians who relished in the joy of mingling and socializing in downtown Nassau, dubbing it a criminal offence under the guise of "loitering." I still vividly recall my last visit to Bay Street—a moment tarnished by the unwelcome encounter with law enforcement, forcing me to dispose of an unopened bottle I had purchased to enjoy along the lively street. It seemed that even simple acts of leisure for locals had become a favourite pastime for the officers of that time.

In the tourism industry, visitors flock to our shores, seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Bahamian culture. They yearn to engage with the warmth and authenticity of our people—an integral part of the allure that made the Bahamas, and by extension, the Bay Street experience, truly remarkable. However, a disheartening shift occurred, where tourists were subtly made to believe that mingling with the locals was off-limits—an unfortunate departure from the natural and enchanting encounters that once defined the Bahamian experience. It is time to reclaim our heritage and reinstate the sense of inclusion that made the Bahamas a treasured destination.

Now, a beacon of hope emerges on the horizon—the Bahamian Riviera—a visionary redevelopment project that aims to revive the soul of Bay Street and resurrect the essence of what once made it a thriving epicentre. This ambitious endeavour transcends mere cosmetic changes; it aspires to reignite the spirit of camaraderie, celebration, and togetherness that characterized Nassau's vibrant downtown in years gone by.

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