“We have people at Environmental Health,” he said, “who are specialists in industrial hygiene and they gave us the assurance that there is nothing harmful to the people on the face of it. I brought out a WTO certified industrial hygienist from a firm in Canada. They came in and they have examined this building and other buildings.
If we have specialists at Environmental Health, why do we need the Canadian firm?

Mr. Newbold is charged with committing a criminal offence. His opportunity to participate in the Carifta Games should have nothing to do with how good he is, what he has done previously or whether he is a potential medal winner. The standard that we hold in such matters should be in place irrespective of the identity or potential of the individual. He is currently suspended from his university's team.
Let us stop quoting scripture to justify irresponsible actions. We must never condemn and write off persons for their mistakes - old or young persons - but we must require that they are held accountable for their actions and face the consequences.
The consequence of bad company / irresponsible activities / criminal intent and actions may be to miss a competition or may be prison time. If he is guilty and is held accountable, let us hope the experience fosters character change. If he is not guilty, let us hope and pray that the lessons are still heeded. If he is guilty and allowed to escape the consequences of his actions, we are fostering the creation of a popular monster, a menace to whatever society in which he will exist, and an example to others that uncommon and / or popular talent is a pardon for bad behaviour. No matter the outcome, it will be an example to young aspiring and current athletes everywhere.

Same-sex marriage is not an issue. The definition of marriage may be an issue. If marriage is defined as involving persons of the opposite sex, then there is no need for the question. If marriage only requires consenting adults, then the question is answered.
We must be careful if we dare to redefine marriage. If the only qualification is being consenting adults, the option is available for two (why not three or more) brothers / sisters to get married (there is no concern about inbreeding). For that matter, why can't three persons (of any combination) get married? The same values that shape the man / woman marriage shape our one woman-one man, no close relations marriage standards.
If marriage is a only a civil institution or social construct, then we must allow it to be modified to suit our times. If marriage is ordained by God and is His institution that reflects the holy relationship between God and man (Ephesians 5), we do well to leave the definition to Him.

An independent, objective and free press is vital to a developing and developed democracy. The kind of "journalism" that was thrust upon the Bahamian public following the recent referendum is divisive, destructive and counter-productive to the development of democracy and, by extension, the society. While the opinions of the minority must never be discounted, the position taken by the majority must be respected.

Colonial brainwashing and management by intimidation are alive and well. How would a foreign entity be better able to run BEC? The market is the same, the clients are the same, the equipment is the same, the circumstances would be the same. The measures a foreign entity would need to implement to come to profitability are the same measures the current management and board (or new management and board) need to implement. If political interference is removed (which can be done through restructuring the corporation) then management may be better able to proceed.
I guess politicians are professional talkers. Sometimes, however, they should say something worth paying for.

What is the language spoken in The Bahamas, British English or American English? The print media seems inconsistent on this matter.

Allison, wonderful, thought-provoking piece. It is interesting that we make references to other jurisdictions (such as a legislator's recent reference to Finland in the House) and never mention the differences in socio-political philosophies.
I think we do well to consider the inequality in our country, particularly as generated by our current economic and political systems.
Just because others are doing something does not mean it is right (e.g. USA, UK), socially, economically or otherwise. We should recognise that we are able to be pioneers in how we structure our economy for our benefit. When the Germans approached the social market economy model, there was much concern from many sectors. Now they are the envy of much of the world, economically and socially.
We should be encouraged to think freely, considering what is in our best interest rather than what has always been done.

There was no need to sell BTC to a foreign entity all. To raise money, shares could have been sold to the public. Management could have been assigned to an experienced team, procured by a professional organisation (PWC, Deloitte)...or is it that Bahamians cannot have ownership in a high technology communications company (Cable Bahamas, perhaps). Proper control and management can be ensured with the stroke of a pen.

This is the age of communication. Professional assistance can be had via contracts and agreements, without selling your most lucrative possessions. It is interesting that the reason given for not allowing BTC to reduce its own mobile rates (as it tried to do several times) was that the reduction in revenue would necessitate staff layoffs. I think we have seen that since the new company came in.

I do not think we need 51% of our property. It is ours, 100 % of it. The sad truth is that those we entrusted to manage our affairs sold it, using the excuse that no local business entity offered an acceptable alternative. I guess our leaders were themselves bereft of ideas.

The sale of BTC, as it was done is, in my opinion, one of the most despicable acts of disregard for Bahamians and The Bahamas in our history.

By the way concernedcitizen, Mauritania was the last country to abolish slavery (1981).

What general population is "disciplined" enough to have unfettered access to casino gambling? Please indicate one country / society where casino gambling has not resulted in significant social issues?
The gambling industry is to enrich a few, leaving a wake of (quantifiable) social devastation.
Another example of a small group being allowed to exploit the masses.