In this regard, we have – for some time now – suggested that the time is now for the hammering out of a new consensus on where we should be going from here.
We are absolutely convinced that the time is now for this nation’s leadership in government, business, the unions and others such throughout civil society to get together – as it were – at the summit.
Such a meeting would allow leadership and those who are led to that point where they can understand the truth in the old adage which says that many hands can and do make a burden light.
This spirit is surely needed in a situation where many among us [ inclusive of a number of our politicians in both the ruling FNM and PLP] now understand that the current crisis is unprecedented – and that relief can and will only come once they begin to pull together for the achievement of the common good.
This is easier said than done, precisely because Bahamians – as a people – are still mired in a primitive sense of individualism, where they are taught that they should do everything humanly possible for as few as possible.
Thus arises that horror which is little more than selfishness run amok. Such a spirit need not be given an opportunity to prevail.
To the contrary, our leaders can and should work together for the achievement and realization of the common good.
A new generation of Bahamians must today become re-acquainted with some of things their forbears once took for granted. High on that list would be the fact that you get nothing for nothing and very little for your penny.
In that world and in that time, hard work counted and so did honest toil. And so did education, training and manners matter in those days now long gone.
As things now stand, a new generation must now take note of some of the wisdom bequeathed them by those who have walked this walk in times past.
Now that the Progressive Liberal Party has proven that it does have what it takes to hold a successful national political convention, the public awaits the time when the governing Free National Movement will do their thing.
Each party is jockeying to determine how they cannot only hold onto their true-believer supporters, but also woo some who would be inclined to wait, watch, see, and evaluate alternatives and then vote.
In other words, the fight is on for the votes of that one block – those who say they are undecided. Whoever wins the support of this grouping, wins.
While we do concede that this formulation is generalized in its conclusions and in its tentative surmise, we are confident that it holds within itself a vitally important kernel of truth.
But even more so, barring some grave external shock – things will continue to go as they have been going.
It is highly unlikely that the current regime can break with business as usual; this due to the fact that Bahamians are themselves such creatures of habit.
Put otherwise, there is every likelihood that this government – like the people it leads – is hoping against hope that things would revert to normal in a time frame short enough for them to be returned to office and power.
Their opposition is banking on the proposition that things might get even worse, thus fueling popular demand for change.
In the ultimate analysis, then, the Bahamian people need an economy that is productive and balanced; and surely, one that is not as nakedly dependent on foreign demand as this one now happens to be.
Surely, we deserve better.
