The Bahamas is in crisis! Its citizens face neglectful healthcare services, economic marginalization, and exploitation of natural resources, while Bahamians live a life of 'pay and tax slavery'. To top it off, the police force is abusive and prioritizes political party interests over service to the people they should serve.

No wonder The Bahamas has gained a reputation as 'not a real country.' The latest US report on human rights in The Bahamas is shocking, with a backlog of 74 police-involved shooting deaths awaiting inquests at the Coroner's Court, poor prison conditions, weak enforcement of corruption laws, and an unregulated campaign finance system.

> These issues cannot be ignored any
> longer. It's time for action to be
> taken to address the crisis facing The
> Bahamas and ensure a better future for
> its citizens.

We are all well aware of the negative behaviour of Bahamian Enforcement Officials, who often adopt a highly embarrassing approach to Public Service.

Despite speaking about prostitution in a degrading manner, it is an openly flourishing business in the Bahamas, both for locals and within the tourism industry, and has been for quite some time.

If true:

> "Yeah, I know your culture. I know why
> you’re here. We don’t want you here,
> and you’ll never set foot on Bahamian
> land.”

This statement Is so far from what The Bahamas truly is!

Despite speaking about prostitution in a degrading manner, it is an openly flourishing business in the Bahamas, both for locals and within the tourism industry, and has been for quite some time.

If true:

"Yeah, I know your culture. I know why you’re here. We don’t want you here, and you’ll never set foot on Bahamian land.”

This statement Is so far from what The Bahamas truly is!

A typical Bahamian would seize any chance to display hypocrisy, well aware of the negative behaviour of Bahamian Enforcement Officials, who often adopt a highly embarrassing approach to Public Service.

"I strongly believe that marriage should be a union of mutual love, respect, and trust. If the marriage reaches a point where one person feels that sexual intercourse is tantamount to rape, then it is a clear indication that the marriage has failed. As a man, the thought of being accused of marital rape is terrifying and would significantly affect my emotional, financial, and legal well-being.

Mr Moss's suggestion to rename marital rape as something else under the law and categorize the various offences with corresponding consequences ranging from mandatory counselling to life imprisonment is a step in the right direction.

In situations with a risk of marital rape, a 'quick, easy divorce' may be the best option for many men to ensure their safety and well-being. Alternatively, men should be allowed to take on a second wife if the consideration of "legal, financial, and emotional implications" becomes an issue.

Ultimately, it is up to individuals to make the best decision for their safety and well-being in such situations. Therefore, I support an easy exit from marriage rather than being constantly afraid of being accused of marital rape."

> A married man would have to think
> twice about initiating any kind of act
> that would be defined as sexual
> intercourse with his wife, should the
> definition change.”

> Mr Moss suggested if rape in the case of married persons is called something
> else under the law to specify the
> violence and other factors displayed
> during the act, consequences of the
> various offences could range from
> mandatory counselling to life
> imprisonment.

For many men, divorce may be the best option in situations with a risk of marital rape. It is ultimately up to each individual (both the man and the woman) to make the best decision for their safety and well-being in such situations. I would support an 'easy exit' from marriage than not knowing when the knife of 'marital rape' will be dropped on my head.

Again, alternatively, allowing men to take on a second wife may be a consideration if divorce's "legal, financial, and emotional implications" become a significant issue; there has to be a balance.

It is unacceptable that our young people have to endure abuse at home (in many cases) and then face further abuse at school in the form of corporal punishment. This can create significant psychological problems for students and hinder their ability to learn.

I applaud Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin for her stance against violence in any form, including corporal punishment, and her willingness to review the protocols around discipline in schools. The Ministry of Education must take swift action to ensure that students are safe and protected from harm while at school.

However, addressing the issue of corporal punishment is only one aspect of creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. A 'healthy-hot' school breakfast and lunch program can help alleviate some of the stress faced by students dealing with challenges at home who may struggle with hunger and malnutrition. By providing students with 'healthy-hot' meals, schools can support their physical and mental well-being, enabling them to focus on their education and reach their full potential.

I urge the Ministry of Education to prioritize the implementation of a 'healthy-hot' school breakfast and lunch program to support the most vulnerable students in our communities.

> Every child deserves the chance to
> learn and thrive in a safe, nurturing
> environment free from abuse (from
> poorly trained), police officers and
> hunger.

While it's true that the United States is a major provider of healthcare, food, and retail items in The Bahamas (this would not be something I would be proud to say), we must not forget that our heavy reliance on imports has resulted in a significant trade deficit and a dependency-based economy. In the 2022 third quarter, The Bahamas' trade deficit increased by $82.37 million or 10.3 percent year-over-year due to the spike in goods imports, which exceeded $1 billion for the period. Food imports alone represent over 50 percent of our import costs.

Instead of relying solely on foreign imports, we should prioritize developing a manufacturing-based economy that can create jobs and reduce our dependency on imports. While the United States is an important partner, we should not view them as our sole provider but rather as a potential partner in achieving economic growth and sustainability. Let's work together towards a more self-sufficient Bahamas.

Stay where you are, don't move. When I am ready for you, I will call, ok.

I understand that the responsibility for building and maintaining infrastructure ultimately falls on the Bahamian government. However, my point is that the United States has a long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and should prioritize supporting the Bahamian people by offering more substantial aid that directly benefits them. This is not about shirking responsibility but rather about strengthening a partnership and promoting the well-being of a friendly country.

Moreover, the United States and China are currently competing for influence in the region, and China has been able to gain favor with many countries by offering substantial support in the form of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. If the United States wants to remain a key player in the region and compete with China's strong foreign policy efforts, it needs to step up and offer more substantial support to its allies, including The Bahamas.

It's time for the United States to invest in the long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and demonstrate that it sees The Bahamas as an equal partner, not just a strategic pawn. The Bahamian people deserve more than just small gifts; they deserve substantial support that directly benefits them.

It's time for the United States to start viewing The Bahamas as an equal partner, not a lesser-developed country that only deserves small gifts. While the recent donation of generators and reverse osmosis systems is appreciated, it pales compared to China's substantial support and investment in its friendly countries, such as building modern schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. The U.S. should consider prioritizing the long-standing relationship with The Bahamas and offer more substantial aid that directly benefits Bahamians rather than just strategic interests.

The United States and The Bahamas have had a long-standing relationship dating back to the colonial period. The two countries have cooperated on various issues, including economic development, security, and disaster relief. The United States also views The Bahamas as a key ally in the Caribbean region and a partner in promoting regional stability and security. Therefore, the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to solely strategic interests.

> "It's time for the United States to
> step up and offer more substantial
> support to The Bahamas if they want to
> compete with China's strong regional
> foreign policy efforts. Let's move
> beyond 'little gifts of dolls' and
> invest in building schools, hospitals,
> and infrastructure that will truly
> benefit the Bahamian people."