Bahamian Observer

Forget the Elizabeth by-election, “FIX THE CITY DUMP”.

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 10^th, 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

Junkanoo....The Strongest Political Force in The Bahamas

Junkanoo

The  STRONGEST political FORCE in the Bahamas.

 

Dear Sir, please allow me …….

It is amazing how members of the Bahamian Junkanoo Community can mobilize, excite, and thrill a small little nation known as the Bahamas for two separate days of parade celebrations. These parades add the necessary ingredients and substance to make what we affectionately refer to as a “Bahamian Christmas” and a “Bahamian New Years” Celebration. Imagine the Christmas holiday season in the Bahamas without Junkanoo.  

 

It remains astonishing that from August 1^st, through to January 1^stof the following year, young men and women become discipline myrmidons and become so engaged and focused on every aspect of the preparatory process for Junkanoo; “The Shack” becomes a cultural web shop and a University of higher social and cultural development. If only The Department of Social Services can study the social interaction in Junkanoo “Shacks” during those periods, they can prepare themselves as this experience offers a microscopic view of our nation, and the key performance indicators of our culture under one roof.  Historically, crime in the island of New Providence in particular, decreases when the Junkanoo Shacks are fully operational, so I would think that the police department would by now partner with the Junkanoo community to assist in providing a panacea to this plague that is destroying our nation. The young men and women who participate in Junkanoo become national heroes overnight and are praised sometimes by the politician, sometimes by the religious community, and sometimes by other relevant stakeholders in our country who experience first hand the flavor and force of Junkanoo.

 

On January 2^nd, or shortly thereafter, it is unfortunate that many of the  productive Junkanoo participants  end up doing the “bank lane shuffle” and find themselves in debt and many with their lights off at home. Suddenly, they find all communication cut off from many members who they basically lived with for the last five to six months.  Some of their parasitic leaders disappear and members of their respective groups who transported these faithful young participants and provided their daily meals during the Junkanoo period, suddenly become incommunicado with no minutes on their cell phones or a different cell phone number. In their desperation dealing with life’s reality, some just disappear until next August or return to Fox Hill prison.  

 

In my Thirty plus years of participating in Junkanoo, I had the opportunity to sit in the company of many “real” Junkanoo icons and stakeholders. As I listened yearly to these iconic figures expressed their uncanny and rational realities about the future of Junkanoo, so often discussion erupts about the marginal respect, and the often condescending disrespect that some persons in the various Government Ministries, and I dear say appear to be supported by some Ministers from time to time, have adopted this behavior as a benchmark towards many Junkanoo participants when partnering, pursuing and or developing cultural initiatives and activities. Many Government Ministries and relevant individuals holding office in these Ministries make the mistake by discounting the intellect and capacity of Junkanoo participants because of the intense judging controversies that seem to erupt every year after every parade. They continue to underestimate the underlying force and the masses of people that Junkanoo has in its power that can be mobilized quicker than any disciplined uniformed force in the Bahamas. I urge them not to think that Junkanoo does not contribute nothing to this country, it can contribute more if the proper funding is made available so that Junkanoo will one day be able to generate sufficient revenue to support itself and reduce government funding at first, and eventually eliminate the subsidized financial support from the Government.

 

The time has come for Junkanoo leaders, the entire junkanoo community, and the directors of Junkanoo to understand that this cultural centerpiece of all things Bahamian is one of the most powerful political forces in this country IF UNITED, and all groups must combine their forces, similar to the Baptist community, the Trade Unions, the “now” Haitian community, and other institutions that used their force in the quest of gaining political influence  to advance their interest, equality and or justice.  Junkanoo can and has shaped many political decisions while bringing about a level of respect to each person who participates. It is amazing to watch the Elizabeth constituency bi-elections and to see how some politicians undermine the Bahamian people. They make time to go and speak to many illegal immigrant communities throughout a certain part of the island pandering for votes and addressing their concerns and issues for the moment, many might get legalized overnight for one purpose. This is done because politicians realize the voting power that has emerged in these communities and politicians seek to exploit by whatever means necessary. What they should also consider in the quest for votes, is those very children of illegal immigrants to the Bahamas have contributed, participated and have been members of many respective Junkanoo groups in the Bahamas.

 

Notwithstanding the Hotel Union and other Unions that are apart of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) or CTUC, Junkanoo is the largest UNION in this country not recognized by the law.  Although participants in “The Junkanoo Union” do not pay dues, nonetheless they pay a higher human price with loyalty, love, dedication, creativity, blood, sweat and tears which in my opinion is priceless. 

 

I urge leaders to put down the competitive “swords” and collectively get the best minds to come together and bring about the change that is necessary to harness the power that Junkanoo generates.

I urge all the groups individually and collectively to compete only on Bay Street but not in the corporate board rooms.  Junkanoo at this juncture survived many of the negative media attacks, the stereotypical views of an illiterate individual making noise in the streets, the “Judases” within its ranks, the opportunistic business parasites that now see opportunities to exploit revenue streams generated by the very essence of this craft. Junkanoo can emerge when groups respect each other irrespective of size or wins, Junkanoo can engineer fundamental changes in the Bahamas by its very nature when forces combine on relevant issues of importance that can and will effect positive change in our country. Junkanoo participants and leaders especially, must finally wake up and realize that there is strength in numbers. Many in government may not listen to you now, but combine your numbers and you will certainly get their respected attention as democracy only wins when supported by the majority.

Junkanoo participants must realize that they have the ability to change political parties in this country; they have the ability to force the politicians to listen to the power of the people. Junkanoo must position itself now to be the most powerful political force in the Bahamas. It’s not about two days of “rushing” on the calendar, it’s about being an architect of new ideas and forcing what is not only right but best for the Bahamas. When an organized respected group of people are united, they will always influence who remain in power.

 

Anthony U Bostwick