by Rick Lowe
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell was the guest on Island FM’s Sunday talk show Parliament Street yesterday.
He answered questions on numerous issues – the press, Cuba, the United States etc.
This blogger couldn’t resist calling when the lines were opened.
Following are the questions and answers as memory allows:
RL: You were one of the Bahamian leaders againt the Apartheid system in South Africa and justifiably so. However, why do you seem unconcerned about the virtual slavery by the state of the Cuban people?
FM: I am not aware that the Cuban people are slaves to the state.
RL: What do you think is causing the rising anti United States sentiment here in The Bahamas and in the region?
FM: I am not aware of an anti United States sentiment here or in the region.
It is best not to elaborate on this other than saying you are capable enough to judge the sincerity or otherwise of those responses.
I agree, it does make it difficult to have a credible discourse with any of our politicians when, for the most part they live in denial.
At least in respect of the average Bahamian existence or understanding.
Try the civil servants who, despite their senior rank, are scared of making desisions,to the point that you cannot get the most simple things done in a timely manner. It must be frustrating living in fear of political interference, to the point that they cannot even guess at the political position of the day.
Even when referencing a most simple portion of an act or law, they find the most obscure interpretation to hide behind.