The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I am constrained to admit that apart from loving black cherry ice cream, I just love and, most of the times, respect my people of The Bahamas. Yes, we are politically divided and, yes, there are some vexing behaviour by a large number of Bahamians who act and play crazy, especially in instances of domestic abuse and vehicular infractions - running the traffic lights; overtaking and turning without indicating and allow infants - toddlers and young children to be in vehicles without wearing seat belts.

In the grand scheme of things, however, whenever we face a national emergency or natural event, we quickly toss aside mundane politics and collectively rise to the particular occasion. We, collectively, unify in the face of adversity. The passage, hopefully by now, of Nicole is a classical case in point. Most of us, all over the nation, cooperated with the relevant authorities and, where necessary, evacuated without the administration making it mandatory. The lines at food stores; service stations and other business establishments were orderly and most individuals behaved well. The administration was also able to ensure that shelters were opened and manned.

This is how it should be at all times. The Bahamas is a small nation in terms of population. Thank God, however, that we are blessed with an abundance of natural resources. In fact, The Bahamas, as a nation, is relatively ‘rich’. So far most administrations have yet to recognise; quantify; value or utilize the same on the people’s behalf. I am encouraged by recent comments by the Prime Minister about the impending establishment of a National Investment Fund or something similar. It is overdue and would, in my opinion, serve a very useful purpose for national development; infrastructure; educational and medical support systems.

Regular storms and hurricanes have amply demonstrated that in times of adversity Bahamians perform best. I beg leave to single out Cpt Russell and his team at NEMA and the personnel at the Met Office. All Family Island Administrators; Local Government officials and, of course, the brave and hard working law enforcement officers. The media has also risen to the occasion in fine form. As we thank God for sparing us from the brunt of what could have been deadly, let us also give ourselves a collective pat on the back. In adversity, Bahamians unify.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

November 9, 2022.