The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Minister Frankie Campbell, 2020 has been a truly rough and trying year, the world over; and our beautiful country and beloved, Bahamaland has been left feeling the weight of the crunch as well.

This was further compounded by the grim and very real prospect of being unable to see the emergence of light at the end of this long, dark and unending tunnel. A tunnel that has now brought my colleagues and me to the very doorsteps of despair, and we are now down on our hands and knees gasping for relief and financial assistance.

I now know what it is to see people reach their own breaking point. As we have been pushed to the brink by the pandemic and recently sent out to join the lines at Social Services by our employer – but enough about us!

A few weeks ago, I went to Social Services on Robinson Road; as I too had found myself there among those seeking assistance. And though the line was not as long as I had initially anticipated – the amazing experience proved to be quite an eye opener.

Fortunately, I’d arrived there early enough to be among the first names called and the initial process, believe it or not, went rather smoothly. The thing however, that took centre stage, in my mind, that day was the efficiency, smoothness of operation and the precise and orderly manner in which the staff conducted their affairs. Despite the occasional complaints raised in the crowd: professionalism and commitment to service was clearly the order of the day.

From the security officers at the entrance, to the young man putting out and taking in the chairs, to the young ladies at the reception counter to the tireless and service-minded supervisor – frequently checking ensuring that everyone was served, and that no one was left waiting needlessly in line once the requisite information had been submitted.

We live in a time when complaining, griping and ingratitude has not only become a part of the national fabric, but is indeed the new norm in our country.

And impatience and a strong sense of self entitlement, looms large among us, so much so, that returning to say, “Thank you,” seems like a weakness rather than a strength and a cherished quality to be admired. The words “Thank you very much!” are slowly becoming obsolete like outdated features from far away and long ago.

There’s no denying the heavy loads Social Service workers (our Bahamian brothers and sisters) shoulder, and the inescapable burdens they are made to bear.

These mostly long unending lines that show up day after day, reminds us all that the struggle is real. As I watched these workers carry out their functions like well-oiled-machines, a patriotic pride sprang up inside my bosom and my face was made to shine like the sun. My heart, that day, had been more than sufficiently warmed.

Minister Campbell, it is my wish that you would convey my thanks, and gratitude to the following persons for a job well done!

Security: Shirleymae Taylor and Charles Marshall; Receptionist: Lisa Brown; Maintenance: Stephen Smith; and Supervisor: Michelle Collie.

Sir, these individuals are all such fine feathers in your huge hat.

“Life,” as they say, “is not about the number of breaths we take, but rather those few special moments that take our breath away.”

TOBY GOODMAN

Nassau,

January 5, 2021.