The Tribune

Tribune Woman hit the streets once again to find out what issues Bahamian women want the new government to address after the May 7 general election. Paulette Mortimer "I think, in going forward, the government should also look at culture. There are various artists out there with various skills that could make the country more beneficial and make our own brand. Tourists come here to find something that is unique to the Bahamas, they don't want to come here to see something they can get back in their own country. So I think, we don't have quality customers, we just have quantity and we have to find a way to get back that quality customer. They want something unique and Bahamian, not something that is mass produced. I think if there is more support for local artists in various fields, it would help the country develop it's brand. I've joined forces with a number of artists at the culture gallery and it has been a struggle. The past three years, we were just barely trying to make ends meet." Ashley Farrington "Bahamian people need more employment. You have the Bahamian men that are settling for stealing everyday and I'd like to see somebody change this. I would like to see some change in terms of young people getting jobs. I think the government should focus on caring and listening to what Bahamian people have to say, give the people a chance. Don't just come during election time and tell me you are going to do this and that and when you get in power, I don't see you. At the end of the day, it is the people voting you in, you are not voting yourself in." Perica Johnson "I don't like how there are so many immigrants living in the Bahamas, that is my issue. It is like they are outnumbering the Bahamian people. I don't have a problem with Haitians because they are human beings also, but it is like they came to take over. Bahamians can't take over United States, because they have their immigration laws. We do not have strict ones here. Once that is cleared up, I think more jobs can be opened up to Bahamian people." Lashon Hanna "I want to see everything just completely change. The prices of gas, groceries and everything, even the prices of female hair products. I would like to see that change. I would also like the government to make it easier for people who didn't graduate from school to get a job. They also need to have weekly or monthly constituency meetings, where they could cater to all Bahamians, where everybody's needs could be heard." Rosie Whyms "I would like to see more activities for children living in certain constituencies. Some of those constituency offices can be made into computer labs for the children where they can have somewhere to go in the afternoons. When they don't have a computer at home, they can go out and make use of the computer in the office. Giving these children afternoon activities can decrease the crime problem we have in the country in some way. If they have somewhere to go and something positive to do, they will do it."