The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

It has come to my attention, and I must say that I am very pleased that China and its relationship with The Bahamas has been the popular subject of the public discourse in the news media within the last few years.

Creation and enhancement of trade agreements, cultural exchanges, investment possibilities, tourism, and governmental grants are among the interesting topics of discussion by high ranking and influential people in this country. That could only bode well for the forward development of strengthening the linkages between Bahamians and the Chinese people.

What is also necessary is to move from the ideological to the pragmatic, ie – how will the powers that be create initiatives and provide incentives so that Mr and Ms Ordinary Bahamian, and Mr and Ms Ordinary Chinese would be able to take advantage of what is offered.

In my humble opinion, it is extremely important for this fledgling relationship to succeed, as it is germane to the diversification of our economy. Instead of depending too heavily on our friends to the north, China would represent a distinct opportunity for the entrenchment of our independence. Needless to say, it would be an enviable position to be in.
To me, chief among the ideological concepts for creating linkages with China is providing the infrastructure for competently communicating with each other.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I would wish for the government to formulate and implement policy, the import of which would be to cause the Chinese language to be introduced as an intensive (immersion) course at the primary school level (beginning at age four) and continuing through to the end of high school.

Not only the Chinese language, but German, French, Spanish, Japanese and Creole should find their places in our schools. The innumerable opportunities that would be afforded to Bahamians fluent and literate in these languages, would also be beneficial to the government, and the country as a whole. The world would be beating down our doors to witness this wonderment first hand. But, it would take unmatched commitment to the vision.

MARVIN G LIGHTBOURN

Nassau,

June 12, 2014.