> This situation occurs because we
> reside in a country where being a
> Bahamian holds no advantages, and the
> interests of a select few outweigh
> those of the majority and the welfare
> of the nation. We are aware that these
> occurrences persist year after year,
> regardless of which administration is
> in power, with no regard for the
> consequences of exploiting the
> Bahamian people.

Presented to the Government of The Bahamas is a proposal for a state-of-the-art Road Traffic Department, complete with all the necessary subsystems for vehicle inspection and emissions testing, manufacturing of vehicle license plates, and issuance of driver's licenses. This offer entails a $30 million investment that imposes no financial burden on the Government or the People of The Bahamas.

However, during the recent budget debate, the Minister stated the following: "To strengthen our vehicle inspection procedures, Coleby-Davis Davis expressed the Road Traffic Department's intention to transition from a manual inspection process to an automated system supported by digital technology. This modernized approach will encompass testing of brakes, suspension and shock systems, wheel alignment, and light intensity. The new inspection regime aims to ensure vehicle safety without inconveniencing or prohibiting vehicles from being on the road."

Furthermore, despite the company's submission of the aforementioned offer, the Government has yet to disclose its stance on the proposal. Additionally, it is worth noting that this particular company is the sole winner of bids for services requested by the department. Despite providing official quotations and producing samples as requested, there has been complete silence from those in positions of authority. This issue is particularly prevalent within this specific government department, where impropriety appears to be a recurring problem.

Unfortunately, when members of the Bahamian professional community dare to raise their voices and express concerns, they are often met with dismissive responses claiming that they are merely complaining. This pattern of indifference adds to the frustration and perpetuates the lack of accountability in addressing the issues at hand.

Concerns about public safety arise when there is a perceived decay and a culture resembling 'gangism' within the RBPF. In such situations, there is a risk of vigilantism emerging on the streets as a response to perceived failures in the official law enforcement system. This can disrupt social order and escalate violence and conflicts within the community.

To address these concerns, it is crucial for authorities to promptly and transparently tackle the issues of decay and corruption within the RBPF. A functional and trustworthy law enforcement agency upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens is vital for public safety. Open dialogue, transparency, and effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing misconduct are necessary to rebuild and maintain public trust. Collaboration between the community and law enforcement agencies is also essential to foster mutual understanding and address crime effectively.

It is possible that the issues observed within the RBPF could be influenced by aspects of its training. Law enforcement training plays a critical role in shaping the behavior, mindset, and skills of police officers. If there are deficiencies or inadequacies in the training provided to RBPF officers, it could contribute to the challenges and decay within the organization.

Training programs for law enforcement should aim to equip officers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical framework to carry out their duties effectively and with integrity. This includes training in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, community policing, cultural sensitivity, and the proper use of force.

If the training provided to RBPF officers does not adequately address these areas or fails to instill a culture of professionalism and respect for human rights, it could have an impact on their behavior in the field. Inadequate training may result in officers resorting to excessive force, engaging in misconduct, or lacking the necessary skills to handle challenging situations appropriately.

It is crucial for law enforcement agencies to regularly assess and update their training programs to align with best practices and evolving societal needs. This includes incorporating principles of community engagement, accountability, and cultural competency. By investing in comprehensive and ongoing training, law enforcement agencies can promote a positive organizational culture and ensure that officers are equipped to serve and protect the public effectively.

The recent incidents of police-involved murders and concerns about the decay within the RBPF (Royal Bahamas Police Force) are alarming and require urgent attention. Law enforcement agencies must uphold high standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability to ensure public safety and maintain public trust.

It is important for the leadership of the RBPF to openly acknowledge these issues and demonstrate a commitment to addressing them. This includes investigating the root causes of the decay and implementing necessary reforms. Political authorities also play a crucial role in overseeing and ensuring the integrity of law enforcement agencies by actively engaging with public concerns and collaborating with the police force to implement preventive measures.

Rebuilding public trust in the RBPF requires a comprehensive approach. This includes revisiting recruitment and training processes, enhancing internal accountability mechanisms, promoting community policing, and fostering a culture of professionalism and respect within the force. By addressing the issues of decay and incompetence head-on, the RBPF can work towards restoring public faith and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

Leadership within the RBPF is essential in addressing the organization's decay. Effective leadership sets the tone, establishes expectations, and fosters a culture of professionalism, accountability, and integrity. Leaders must take responsibility for the conduct of their officers, promptly addressing instances of misconduct and implementing preventive measures. Recruitment and training processes should prioritize qualified candidates and ongoing development to ensure officers possess the necessary skills and ethical decision-making abilities.

Leaders must foster an environment of trust, open communication, and accountability within the organization. Officers should feel comfortable reporting misconduct and providing feedback without fear of retribution. Robust internal mechanisms for monitoring and addressing potential issues should be in place to maintain professionalism.

A leadership approach that views the public as an enemy and ignores decay and corruption is detrimental to public safety. Leaders must confront these issues, hold all members accountable, and establish systems for reporting and addressing misconduct. Prioritizing professional development and training ensures officers are equipped to carry out their duties effectively and with integrity.

Continue in reply:

Dear Bahamas Government,

I would like to inquire about the recent introduction of new passenger tax increases and the consultation process with cruise lines. Specifically, my question is: "When new taxes are pushed down the throats of suffering Bahamians, why are Bahamians not afforded the same empathy and consideration?"

According to Attorney General Ryan Pinder, the cruise lines pushed for a three-year phase-in of the tax increases, but the Cabinet refused this request. FNM Senator Michela Barnett-Ellis accused the government of not consulting with the cruise lines before implementing the increased taxes. In response, Mr Pinder stated that cruise lines were indeed consulted prior to tabling the Passenger Tax (Amendment) Bill. He mentioned having a conference call with the president of the cruise association and informing them about the adjustment to the departure tax. He also mentioned that the cruise lines wanted a three-year phase-in, but the government deemed it unacceptable and instead offered a six-month transition period. However, no further details were provided regarding the consultation process.

There was an error in the original bill, as Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper pointed out that the date mentioned on the bill was incorrect. Mr Pinder took responsibility for this mistake and acknowledged that it should have stated January instead of July.

Previously, it was reported that cruise lines lobbied to delay passenger tax increases when they met with Mr Cooper in Florida. The government's objective is to significantly increase revenues earned from departing cruise passengers, with a projected revenue of $145 million in the 2023-2024 budget, compared to $50 million in the current fiscal year.

Given these circumstances, I would like to understand why the concerns and hardships the Bahamian people face are not given the same level of empathy and consideration as those expressed by the cruise lines during the consultation process. Could you please provide clarification on this matter?

The government of the Bahamas imposes an $18 tax per person for individuals who visit the country via cruise ships. However, the exorbitant price of a Full Day Pass for an exclusive private island experience, which amounts to a staggering $1600 per person, has raised concerns due to the absence of any value-added tax or other benefits for the Bahamian economy.

> Moreover, the sales tax charged by the
> company on their web portal is a
> (10%* NonBahamian Sales Tax) for a
> regular Full Day Pass, specifically
> for two children; the company's tax is
> even higher than the Bahamian Head
> Tax, despite being priced at $160 per
> person.

This questions the agreements between the Bahamas and these companies and whether they provide value to the Bahamian people for using their natural resources.

Thank you for your attention to this inquiry.

Sincerely,

**

> The presence of the controversial US
> military in our country during our
> Independence celebrations goes against
> the spirit of true independence.

**

As a Bahamian, I strongly disagree with the presence of the controversial US military in our country during our Independence celebrations. Independence should be a time for us to assert our sovereignty and celebrate our ability to govern ourselves without external interference. However, the arrival of the uss wasp and the US sailors undermines this notion.

It is disheartening to witness the hypocrisy of claiming independence while relying on a foreign military power to mark this important milestone. Our celebrations should be centred on our culture, history, and achievements as a nation, not overshadowed by the presence of a foreign warship.

Moreover, the choice of the United States as the foreign power providing military presence raises valid concerns. It prompts us to question why we turned to the US instead of seeking support from the United Kingdom, our former colonial power with stronger historical ties. This decision opens the door to speculation about the motives behind such a choice and the potential long-term implications for our country.

As Bahamians, we should be cautious about allowing foreign military forces to become intertwined with our independence celebrations. It is crucial to safeguard our sovereignty and ensure that our celebrations truly reflect our ability to govern ourselves. We must question whether hosting a foreign military presence aligns with the principles and ideals of independence that we hold dear.

In conclusion, the presence of the controversial US military in our country during our Independence celebrations goes against the spirit of true independence. As Bahamians, we should voice our concerns and prioritize the preservation of our sovereignty and the authenticity of our celebrations, free from external influences.

As I have mentioned, it's important to understand that those who haven't lived in the Bahamas for a long time or have recently arrived may not fully grasp the significance of the high number of return visitors to the Bahamas. Many of the visitors to the Bahamas are actually repeat guests, often referred to as 'friends of Bahamians.' These individuals have formed enduring connections with our country and people, and a significant portion of our arrivals, over 50%, can be attributed to them. They are 'friends of Bahamians' who have fostered personal relationships with many of our proud ambassadors who genuinely showcase the uniqueness that defines the Bahamas.

It is important to move beyond outdated marketing campaigns and focus on portraying our islands' authentic beauty and charm.

To further support the discussion, I would like to refer you to the following statistics on repeat visitors: [ https://www.tourismtoday.com/sites/defa… ] to the provided document showcasing trends in repeat visitors from 1997 to 2019].

Understanding the significance of repeat visitors and their positive influence on our tourism sector may give you an appreciation of the Bahamas' unique allure. Open your eyes and strive to celebrate and promote the genuine aspects of our culture and hospitality that make the Bahamas a truly remarkable destination.

Some of us may have arrived in today's Bahamas late by birth or otherwise. And was not raised in the 'Bahamian Way' of the past, and I completely understand your concerns and frustrations regarding certain aspects of modern Bahamian culture. It is important to acknowledge that every society has its challenges and negative influences, which can, unfortunately, shape the behaviour of some individuals. However, it is unfair to label the entire population based on the actions of a few.

When I mentioned celebrating our distinctive identity and exceptional culture, I referred to the rich history, traditions, and values that make the Bahamas unique. The Bahamas has a diverse heritage and a vibrant cultural scene that extends far beyond the negative stereotypes you mentioned. Our music, art, cuisine, and warm hospitality are just some of the aspects that make the Bahamas special.

While it is true that external influences have impacted our culture, it is important to remember that cultures are not static and evolve over time. Instead of focusing solely on the negative aspects that may have been adopted, we can choose to celebrate and preserve the positive elements that define us as Bahamians.

We should encourage the exploration and appreciation of our true Bahamian music and cultural traditions, supporting local artists and initiatives that showcase the authentic beauty of our heritage. By doing so, we can reclaim and promote the aspects of our culture that we hold dear, ensuring that they continue to thrive and inspire future generations.

I believe we can work towards preserving our distinctive identity and celebrating the exceptional aspects of our culture that make us proud to be Bahamians.

"a proud and uniquely Bahamian".

It is important to acknowledge that mistreating Black individuals can lead them to thank their abusers, as William Lynch once stated.

Many may not recall the "Bay Street Experience," a distinct Bahamian cultural phenomenon that some now wish to diminish by labelling The Bahamas as just another Caribbean island. However, it is crucial to recognize that The Bahamas has always prided itself on being "Uniquely Bahamian," not simply a part of the broader Caribbean. Let us celebrate our distinctive identity rather than try to conform to the standards of others who envy our exceptional culture.

I don't understand why "Bain Town Pookie" wouldn't be allowed in the infinity pool if they paid the same amount as everyone else.

"When you combine the influence of petty political prejudice with our prevailing culture of 'not for you, leave it for others' mentality, merely having a 'white face' might be deemed sufficient, especially in a society where colourism often dictates the rules."

In our country, financial resources (and a white face) hold significant influence. With ample funds, combined with determination and ingenuity, one can accomplish almost anything in The Bahamas ...just ask the Cruse or the Hotel Industry. Additionally, the prospect of job opportunities is highly appealing to politicians. ...so in conclusion, I would not be the one to ever be found saying 'never' in a Bahamian context where the 'Koolaid' is always served by those with the loot.