by Sidney Sweeting, DDS
It was in the late 1960's when the late Sir. Etienne Dupuch, one of the most admired men in Bahamian history, moved to thwart an attempt by the late Sir. Lynden Pindling who was in his third year as Prime Minister, to interfere with freedom of the Press. Fortunately, Sir Etienne was successful.
I also recall the day I heard Mr. John Marquis speak at the meeting of the Rotary club of East Nassau just before he left to return to England. If my memory serves me correctly, the topic of his talk was "A frightened Society" and he was speaking about how Bahamians were frightened to speak out against the politicians of the day who were placing so many Bahamians in a state of fear through intimidation and threats.
I am amazed at how many people have asked me "don't you people believe that any government is perfect?." Of course not and I have great admiration for people who very eloquently point out the failings of whichever party is governing at the time. Also, we should also be grateful for the numerous think tanks and the admirable job they are doing in the name of liberty and locally, the Nassau Institute which is doing a superb job with minimum resources.
I express an opinion occasionally and happy that I am able to do so in a free country. Too many Bahamians however, tend to feel that since we enjoy a freedom not allowed in places like Cuba we should leave "well enough alone".
They obviously do not realize that the freedoms we enjoy today would not disappear overnight but it is up to those with a well trained eye who can see and point out the erosion before it is too late.
We should never forget the words of Thomas Jefferson "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
I think th culture of fear was very real for many Bahamians in the 70’s and 80’s, but it seems to have transformed into more of an apathy, an acceptance of all that is wrong.
Not everyone is of this disposition, but a great many, with even more totally “unanchored” from societal norms and mores.
There was a headline the other day touting a counter effort against “mass suicides” in the Bahamas.
What “mass” suicides? Yes, we have had an extrordinary increase in the number of individuals committing suicide, but that is not “mass”.
Another thought, what happens to an entitlement when there is nothing left to be entitled to?
When there is no one to go to to “get” what you need?
When your immediate reality contradicts everything that you have been taught?
I think the thought that no one knows the outcome of the global economic situation and closer to home our own Bahamian economic outcome scares some people severely.