I am not suggesting the every politician is a problem. But most are. And, yes, I would throw this baby out with the bath water. We have very, very little to lose by making sure anyone who has ever held, or presently holds political office, is never in power again. Yes, start with a clean slate of young, optimistic, honest and nation building kids. Throw out the compromised gang of politicians we currently have, and things can only get better.. Is someone going to tell me that the FNM or the PLP have ever, ever led the way towards a Better Bahamas? But, they all seem to be doing OK for themselves, hey?
I recently had a conversation with a teacher. I asked her why we put so much emphasis on educating our kids when they come home to a family setting, and a community, that despises educated people, have no books in their homes, and no spark to learn anything?. What would an educated child come back to The Bahamas for? Would it be for excellent job opportunities based on merit, education, and character? Would it be to go into politics, so they could be surrounded by some of the most unscrupulous people in our nation? Without doubt, the brain drain has caught up to us. Now, the foxes feel fully entitled to take what they wish, See PLP.administration. If any Bahamian administration truly cared about the Bahamian people, would they not move to pay our people, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. competitive salaries so that we didn't continually have to find foreigners to fill these essential positions? Wouldn't a real "leader" call for true nation building before taking more money for travel expenses, to fatten up already robust politicians flying around the world eating better food than the average Bahamian? Just how do these politicians become so rich after 5 years of doing absolutely nothing except running their mouths? Are we really that dense that we can't see that these jokers in power today, care only about themselves? The problems in this country are solvable, were we truly motivated to see a better Bahamas. Unfortunately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The statistics, the social rot that exists today is real. So are the straightforward ways of solving many of these problems. From my perspective, the major element lacking in our society is that we just don't care. I cannot fully understand the reasons. Perhaps it is from being beaten down at every turn, and being led by a gang of thugs, I am not entirely sure. But, one thing I am certain of, is that our national way of raising children, with far too much struggle to make ends meet, the overwhelming amount of father-less children whose mothers are over worked and underpaid, is a huge part of the problem. Presently, there seems not to be a person in political office who understands any of this, which means they are a major part of the problem. Myles Munroe stated unambiguously, "Politicians are not leaders." And leaders are rarely politicians. I say start from the top. Time to clean house for the good of The Bahamas.
Excellent article. You are certainly right on the very real crisis in this country. Historically, we do a lot of talking here, but rarely accomplish anything. It seems it is a national past-time to talk but do nothing. If we all agree with your characterization of this problem, and wanted to effectively and efficiently start working on this problem, let me offer a possible solution. Hold a referendum on the following; Beginning in 2026, ALL web shops will be taken over and owned by the Bahamian people. Those who presently own the web shops, have clearly made enough money to place them in the very rich category, as pertains to The Bahamas. Now, go away and be grateful for what you have already extracted from this country. In other words, Sit small and be quiet. Beginning in 2026, all liquor stores will be owned by the Bahamian people. Critics will call this what they want. But, it should be clear to any thinking decent, educated Bahamian that these enterprises offer nothing but misery for the Vast Majority of Bahamian people. The entire nation suffers due to their activities. Forget these stupid sin taxes. Clearly, as stated in the article covering the passing of the great Nikki Kelly, where she states that "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo than today's lot." Now, if we were to put two and two together, some may see a correlation between the quality of politicians and the greasy tentacles of gambling, liquor store, and drug money. Surely, as anyone can see, when someone has too much money, they usually want more. And, more money for more power. And, more power so they can get more money. Anyone in our Bahamian society fit that bill? Then, with all that money, they want to buy politicians, political parties and political offices for themselves. Any problem so far? Ok, let's continue. These aren't just tweaks to a well functioning nation's economy. The levels of inequality are unsustainable, as Simon, and every other decent intellectual well knows. The social degradation, very fairly outlined above by Simon, suggests we are destroying ourselves from within. While we can rant and rage against the expats, the Haitians, the Jamaicans, the Dominicans, we, we are the ones who have taken this country to its present sordid state. If you are too proud and ignorant to accept this, sorry for you. The levels of inequality are unacceptable and make a mockery of Christianity. If today's pastors and so-called Christians in this country think that owning a web shop and earning millions off the misery of their fellow believers is a good thing, we are proving ourselves to be sorry losers and total Christian hypocrites. Which would be disgusting, if true. Yes, or no?
"She also encouraged journalists to be more aggressive in their reporting. At a symposium in 2002, she reprimanded others in her field, saying: "They do not keep themselves informed. They do not read and they do not know what is happening in the wider world and I think this is a serious problem." So true, hey? She added: "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo that today's lot." Now, can anyone define "today's lot"? Yes, she was a true giant of journalistic abilities. She was far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo, than today's lot of supposed journalists.
"The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday rejected arguments that new and increased boating fees will “scare away” high-spending tourists, and asserted: “The Bahamas is for Bahamians.” Mr. Simon, If The Bahamas is for Bahamians, why are you jokers destroying this country with your ignorant, mean-spirited and economically short-sighted legislation? Are the living conditions getting better for most Bahamians? Yes, or no Simon? As any educated person watches our country circle the drain, is it the foreigners who are destroying our human resources, our financial resources, our natural resources? Or, is it our own people? Mr. Simon, you appear to have never run a business, not to be truly educated. You seem like you are someone who has let a little bit of power go to your head. Until The Bahamas turns the page on the political class, choosing young, honest and nation-building kids as leaders, instead of the washed up compromised political class we currently have, our country will continue down the same path it is currently on. Presently, it is difficult for an honest, well-read Bahamian to see a future for their children. And, by the way Simon, when have your "numbers" ever added up?
Justice delayed is justice denied. If justice is denied, that means there is not justice, yes? Just a lot of talk from people who are useless and collect a salary for poor performance. The legal system in The Bahamas is broken. The lawyers can't, simply can't, do any better. Never should a lawyer be in political office. In some areas of life the truth still matters. We, here, simply don't care. We just don't care.
What Bowe is describing, is the current state of financial affairs in The Bahamas. He must know that beyond the indebtedness of the consumer, comes the wholesale lack of responsible borrowing by our politicians. They will be gone in 5 years, so why worry. They will have taken their money and gone, yes? Bowe must know that most banks are behaving the same way, ignoring the existential risks. This isn't a new phenomenon. This has been going on for years. Did nobody study what went wrong in 2008-2009? This is a designed resource transfer from the poor and working class to the rich. All these loans come from private banks. Who owns them. No, not who is the front man, like Bowe. Who owns these banks? What truly, do banks produce to justify taking such a large portion of the pie. Banks are "rent seekers". They fulfill no function that couldn't be provided free of charge for the development of a nation. The value of a modern financial education. Why should there ever be a rich banker? What do they really contribute to society?
So, we have given up on intelligence and education? You can't legislate morality or behavior. Is this not clear? Does nobody read our papers? Isn't murder illegal? Why don't we introduce legislation that? Oh yeah, we tried that. Get real Minnis. Stop the foolishness. Until we educate our people, we will continue down the road of destructive behavior. We have failed to produce thinking adults. We drink excessively, gamble excessively, eat shitty fried food, do not exercise, and continue to vote for some of the shabbiest people around. We have some of the most ignorant people in the world. Are the stats not enough for you, Minnis? What is the definition of NCD ailments? Why do you think we keep voting in people such as yourself? Why do we have so many losers in Parliament? Because we have such an enlightened population?
Porcupine says...
I am not suggesting the every politician is a problem. But most are.
And, yes, I would throw this baby out with the bath water.
We have very, very little to lose by making sure anyone who has ever held, or presently holds political office, is never in power again.
Yes, start with a clean slate of young, optimistic, honest and nation building kids.
Throw out the compromised gang of politicians we currently have, and things can only get better..
Is someone going to tell me that the FNM or the PLP have ever, ever led the way towards a Better Bahamas?
But, they all seem to be doing OK for themselves, hey?
On FRONT PORCH: Many thousands of young Bahamian lives being destroyed
Posted 4 August 2025, 9:14 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
I recently had a conversation with a teacher. I asked her why we put so much emphasis on educating our kids when they come home to a family setting, and a community, that despises educated people, have no books in their homes, and no spark to learn anything?. What would an educated child come back to The Bahamas for?
Would it be for excellent job opportunities based on merit, education, and character?
Would it be to go into politics, so they could be surrounded by some of the most unscrupulous people in our nation?
Without doubt, the brain drain has caught up to us.
Now, the foxes feel fully entitled to take what they wish, See PLP.administration.
If any Bahamian administration truly cared about the Bahamian people, would they not move to pay our people, teachers, nurses, doctors, etc. competitive salaries so that we didn't continually have to find foreigners to fill these essential positions? Wouldn't a real "leader" call for true nation building before taking more money for travel expenses, to fatten up already robust politicians flying around the world eating better food than the average Bahamian? Just how do these politicians become so rich after 5 years of doing absolutely nothing except running their mouths?
Are we really that dense that we can't see that these jokers in power today, care only about themselves?
The problems in this country are solvable, were we truly motivated to see a better Bahamas.
Unfortunately, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The statistics, the social rot that exists today is real. So are the straightforward ways of solving many of these problems.
From my perspective, the major element lacking in our society is that we just don't care.
I cannot fully understand the reasons. Perhaps it is from being beaten down at every turn, and being led by a gang of thugs, I am not entirely sure.
But, one thing I am certain of, is that our national way of raising children, with far too much struggle to make ends meet, the overwhelming amount of father-less children whose mothers are over worked and underpaid, is a huge part of the problem.
Presently, there seems not to be a person in political office who understands any of this, which means they are a major part of the problem.
Myles Munroe stated unambiguously, "Politicians are not leaders." And leaders are rarely politicians.
I say start from the top. Time to clean house for the good of The Bahamas.
On FRONT PORCH: Many thousands of young Bahamian lives being destroyed
Posted 4 August 2025, 8:26 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Hey Simon,
Excellent article. You are certainly right on the very real crisis in this country.
Historically, we do a lot of talking here, but rarely accomplish anything.
It seems it is a national past-time to talk but do nothing.
If we all agree with your characterization of this problem, and wanted to effectively and efficiently start working on this problem, let me offer a possible solution.
Hold a referendum on the following;
Beginning in 2026, ALL web shops will be taken over and owned by the Bahamian people.
Those who presently own the web shops, have clearly made enough money to place them in the very rich category, as pertains to The Bahamas. Now, go away and be grateful for what you have already extracted from this country. In other words, Sit small and be quiet.
Beginning in 2026, all liquor stores will be owned by the Bahamian people.
Critics will call this what they want.
But, it should be clear to any thinking decent, educated Bahamian that these enterprises offer nothing but misery for the Vast Majority of Bahamian people. The entire nation suffers due to their activities. Forget these stupid sin taxes.
Clearly, as stated in the article covering the passing of the great Nikki Kelly, where she states that "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo than today's lot."
Now, if we were to put two and two together, some may see a correlation between the quality of politicians and the greasy tentacles of gambling, liquor store, and drug money. Surely, as anyone can see, when someone has too much money, they usually want more. And, more money for more power. And, more power so they can get more money.
Anyone in our Bahamian society fit that bill?
Then, with all that money, they want to buy politicians, political parties and political offices for themselves.
Any problem so far?
Ok, let's continue.
These aren't just tweaks to a well functioning nation's economy.
The levels of inequality are unsustainable, as Simon, and every other decent intellectual well knows.
The social degradation, very fairly outlined above by Simon, suggests we are destroying ourselves from within.
While we can rant and rage against the expats, the Haitians, the Jamaicans, the Dominicans, we, we are the ones who have taken this country to its present sordid state.
If you are too proud and ignorant to accept this, sorry for you.
The levels of inequality are unacceptable and make a mockery of Christianity.
If today's pastors and so-called Christians in this country think that owning a web shop and earning millions off the misery of their fellow believers is a good thing, we are proving ourselves to be sorry losers and total Christian hypocrites. Which would be disgusting, if true. Yes, or no?
On FRONT PORCH: Many thousands of young Bahamian lives being destroyed
Posted 4 August 2025, 8 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
"She also encouraged journalists to be more aggressive in their reporting. At a symposium in 2002, she reprimanded others in her field, saying: "They do not keep themselves informed. They do not read and they do not know what is happening in the wider world and I think this is a serious problem."
So true, hey?
She added: "I often tell people that the politicians of yesteryear, whatever their personal failings, were far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo that today's lot."
Now, can anyone define "today's lot"?
Yes, she was a true giant of journalistic abilities.
She was far more knowledgeable and prepared to challenge the status quo, than today's lot of supposed journalists.
On Former Tribune journalist Nicki Kelly dies
Posted 4 August 2025, 7:24 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Wow. The power of ignorance and a lack of serious education, hey?
On Concerns over court’s ruling
Posted 4 August 2025, 7:16 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
"The Ministry of Finance’s top official yesterday rejected arguments that new and increased boating fees will “scare away” high-spending tourists, and asserted: “The Bahamas is for Bahamians.”
Mr. Simon, If The Bahamas is for Bahamians, why are you jokers destroying this country with your ignorant, mean-spirited and economically short-sighted legislation?
Are the living conditions getting better for most Bahamians? Yes, or no Simon?
As any educated person watches our country circle the drain, is it the foreigners who are destroying our human resources, our financial resources, our natural resources?
Or, is it our own people?
Mr. Simon, you appear to have never run a business, not to be truly educated. You seem like you are someone who has let a little bit of power go to your head.
Until The Bahamas turns the page on the political class, choosing young, honest and nation-building kids as leaders, instead of the washed up compromised political class we currently have, our country will continue down the same path it is currently on.
Presently, it is difficult for an honest, well-read Bahamian to see a future for their children.
And, by the way Simon, when have your "numbers" ever added up?
On Finance chief dismisses fears boaters ‘scared away’ by fees
Posted 3 August 2025, 7:40 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Justice delayed is justice denied.
If justice is denied, that means there is not justice, yes?
Just a lot of talk from people who are useless and collect a salary for poor performance.
The legal system in The Bahamas is broken.
The lawyers can't, simply can't, do any better.
Never should a lawyer be in political office.
In some areas of life the truth still matters.
We, here, simply don't care.
We just don't care.
On Concerns over court’s ruling
Posted 2 August 2025, 7:31 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
What Bowe is describing, is the current state of financial affairs in The Bahamas.
He must know that beyond the indebtedness of the consumer, comes the wholesale lack of responsible borrowing by our politicians.
They will be gone in 5 years, so why worry. They will have taken their money and gone, yes?
Bowe must know that most banks are behaving the same way, ignoring the existential risks.
This isn't a new phenomenon. This has been going on for years.
Did nobody study what went wrong in 2008-2009?
This is a designed resource transfer from the poor and working class to the rich.
All these loans come from private banks. Who owns them. No, not who is the front man, like Bowe.
Who owns these banks? What truly, do banks produce to justify taking such a large portion of the pie. Banks are "rent seekers". They fulfill no function that couldn't be provided free of charge for the development of a nation.
The value of a modern financial education.
Why should there ever be a rich banker?
What do they really contribute to society?
On Credit ‘bubble’ fear on consumer loan terms
Posted 1 August 2025, 7:15 a.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
Mr. Young,
Please apologize to your readers.
Now you know.
https://youtu.be/xcHoM1JQQks?si=zzXjVA-…
https://youtu.be/72aZhsNMOWk?si=60KnTro…
On PETER YOUNG: Tragedy of avoidable catastrophe in Gaza
Posted 31 July 2025, 9:17 p.m. Suggest removal
Porcupine says...
So, we have given up on intelligence and education?
You can't legislate morality or behavior. Is this not clear?
Does nobody read our papers?
Isn't murder illegal?
Why don't we introduce legislation that? Oh yeah, we tried that.
Get real Minnis.
Stop the foolishness.
Until we educate our people, we will continue down the road of destructive behavior.
We have failed to produce thinking adults.
We drink excessively, gamble excessively, eat shitty fried food, do not exercise, and continue to vote for some of the shabbiest people around.
We have some of the most ignorant people in the world.
Are the stats not enough for you, Minnis?
What is the definition of NCD ailments?
Why do you think we keep voting in people such as yourself?
Why do we have so many losers in Parliament?
Because we have such an enlightened population?
On Minnis: Ban fast food on Family Islands
Posted 31 July 2025, 1:35 p.m. Suggest removal