by Edward Hutcheson

Citizens should avoid the tendency to express ownership of their country through a political entity. This weakness has been at the heart of our inability to get the “national intent” on the road. Politicians do not want to deal with their constituents if they can find a way out the back door through foreign investors, promises, political patronage, empty rhetoric or the Privy Council. Since May 7th, one thing is very evident, nothing much has changed. The problems that preceded the last election are back with a vengeance and we once again have to accept the fact that politicians cannot be trusted to do what they say they are going to do if the people they represent cannot hold them accountable. However, before we blame the MP’s for our condition, we have got to look at ourselves. It was convenient to believe the promises that came out of their mouths because the other group and their leader were proposing a level of responsibility that we did not want to deal with. We were content to believe all of the grand stuff that was being espoused, disregarding the reality that there is no such thing as a free lunch. And, just as we believed all of the dribble, we are also standing by as persons who were doing a commendable job are being replaced by ignorant incompetence; and we expect this nation to grow?

If nothing changes, we are going to have to deal with the kind of change that we are not accustomed to. If the leaders we have selected do not see the full orb of their responsibility to all Bahamians this nation will continue on its road of fractured separation because of party politics. I know that these practices seem convenient for some because that is all they know; but it cannot continue. We use outside powers and forces for our convenience, causing pain and heartache to Bahamians, while a select group who we can call the “status quo” live very comfortable lives. But, we are going to reach a point where we as a nation will have nothing more to offer and then all hell will break loose and then our very souls will be required of us; and no Police or Defence Force will be able to protect us. Change can be a good thing, especially if it is managed in a timely fashion; even the road project shows us that if it was done properly from the 1970’s when the plans we already had in hand we would not have the chaos we are experiencing now. I will admit that what is being done is being seen in a more appreciable light by motorists as we see traffic flowing better in the completed areas.

Leaders, we have to do what we have to do, now! Crisis can be avoided if the powers that be see that they have a responsibility to “all Bahamians”. Every one of you needs a “little bit of Ingraham”, right now, if you are to do your jobs properly and fully embrace your elected responsibilities.

September 4, 2012