Dear Sir, please allow me space to express a very serious observation that only sheds light on the priorities of those who govern our country.
As the by- election saga in Elizabeth constituency rages on and a probable future court action looms, every radio talk show and media house enthusiastically continue their coverage on every aspect of the by-election in Elizabeth Estates. As the torch burns and the crabs walk, the Nassau city dump burns releasing fumes that contain very dangerous chemicals, surrounding neighborhoods. The fire at the dump is symbolic of the many “fires” that burn unattended in the Bahamas.
Subdivisions such as Jubilee Gardens and many other areas continue inhale extremely poisonous chemicals like dioxins and mercury receive their daily dose of smoke filled poison, the inside of many homes smell as if a garbage can was lit inside their living rooms. In Bahamian history, I have studied two instances when the Bahamas as a nation stood up to foreigners trying to dispose of, or offload their garbage either in our waters or in our lands. In August of the 1970 the U.S.Army had planned to dump 3000 tons of highly lethal nerve gas deep in the Atlantic off the Coast of Florida. The dumping was to start on August 10th, 1970 164 miles northeast off the Bahamian islands but was met with serious protest from the people of the Bahamas. The other major garbage protest took place in 1986 when the Khian Sea, an ocean-going barge containing seven tons of ash from incinerated household garbage, sailed from Philadelphia to dispose of the ash in an overseas landfill in the Bahamas. Sixteen years later, the Khian Sea has returned to Philadelphia-with its original load of ash. Over the last 16 years the Khian Sea has sailed around the world, trying to find a country-any country-that would accept the ash for disposal. The Khian Sea originally had a contract with the Bahamas to accept the ash, but en route the Bahamian government under pressure and protest from the people of the Bahamas changed its mind and reneged. It’s now time for the people of the Bahamas to protest the continued poisoning of many of our citizens in Nassau by allowing the improper methods used in the daily disposal of our garbage. In a developed city a dump site should not be in the middle of residential and commercial properties. What is the plan to deal with this situation? Yet, the by-election in Elizabeth takes priority in the media and has consumed the attention of all our politicians in government and opposition. Who is managing the fires that threaten the environment and health of Bahamians?
As the Nassau city dump burns the poisonous crime situation engulfs the Bahamas – home invasions and day light robberies have become common as the cold. Serious crime continues to rise just like the plumes of smoke from the dump that finds its way in many homes. Even as Commissioner Greenslade came out with many new initiatives, the by-election in Elizabeth Estates takes priority in the media. Who is managing the ferocious flames of crime that is raging through Bahamian society?
As the Nassau city dump smoulders, our economy is similarly the victim of repressed flames conflagration and apparently is not being given the proper attention required by those in government to save and restore it. Our governments have allowed our Financial Services industry to struggle and fade away instead of putting in proactive measures that strengthen our country even in the face of the United States and O.E.C.D. led initiatives to close such jurisdictions. As they continue their strategy and create new laws every time we adjust our laws to their requirements, they once again “move the goal post back” on us. We must unconditionally take bold steps to save this industry as they have taken bold steps to destroy our Financial Services Industry in our face, we in the Bahamas cannot lose our Financial Services Industry as it has been one of our main industries and job providers, yet we have allowed ourselves to be dictated to as our economy hinges on the foreign financial markets and other economies but, the by-election in Elizabeth Estates takes priority in the media. Who is containing the flames that are retarding the recovery, growth and development of the economy of Bahamas?
As the Nassau city dump burns – symbolic of all the threats that pervade every facet of life in the Bahamas, we must move away from the political short term “quick vote” job getter which all governments have been guilty of, to long term real job solutions for the thousands that graduate high school or return from college every year. A long term productive job of substance that positively affects and enhances the dignity and self esteem of every individual is the only answer. This will aid in eliminating the anti social behavior that result in the escalation of crime and the present state of social degradation.
I pray that our leaders’ response to the fire at the dump is not indicative of our leaders focus on the priorities that face our nation. We have what I consider a national crisis because someone from every island in the Bahamas lives on the island of New Providence. What an opportune time for criminals to increase their activities or illegal immigrants of all backgrounds to invade, as the dump slowly burns and our politicians distract the entire Bahamas and focus only on “Lizzy”.
Anthony U Bostwick
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