The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Last Sunday I attended the Induction Service of the Bishop/President Theophilus Rolle at Wesley Methodist Church, Malcolm Road. The service was loaded with tributes and congratulations and was attended by a cross section of the cloth, foreign and local dignitaries, notably the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, The Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Obie Wilchcolme.

The sermon was calculating and delivered with great precision. Bishop Rolle was adamant that he was not going to be deterred, but will stand, even if he had to stand alone while he worked in the Father’s vineyard.

Mr. Christie gave tribute to the Bishop and wandered into what must be the most important to him. Even though I have heard him mention his son, Adam, before on many occasions, it was at this particular event that it reached finally home to me. I now saw that even though politics usually caused me not to pay particular attention, this time I got the message that eluded me.

Mr. Christie, in his own very unique way cried to all who would listen that he not only had a son that warranted special attention, and that even though he was prime minister he still had hands on with the monitoring, care and attention of his special son. This must have taken its toll on Mr. Christie both physically and mentally.

Now, pray tell, who among us, some who even have means would still personally care for a son who obviously demands so much close up attention? How many of us would not have abdicated that responsibility to a hired hand?

My conscience would not allow me to not say that it must be a man with a big heart, a man with great compassion and a man who really cares for people would do this.

To hell with politics, but Perry Christie must be, encouraged, supported and even commended for, even though busy with leading the country, still find time for his responsibility.

What manner of a man is this?

I don’t know if or how much help he has, but it is clear that he is not going to abandon his son. This alone is proof that he is an extraordinary father, far above being prime minister.

I personally have a new found respect for Mr Christie not hiding his son’s challenges and always willing to speak about it. He unashamedly continues to shine a light on his son’s challenges which by extension helps other children with similar disabilities.

Those of us who pretend to be human, must see this as an example of love that is missing in this country today. We, who lift up holy hands must applaud this as the greatest gesture of fatherhood, something that is becoming obsolete in the Bahamas these days.

Whatever your opinion of Mr Christie politically, you cannot say he is not a great father. To me, this speaks volumes.

Now, I expect many eyebrows to be raised about these comments coming from me, but think what you must, my conscience is clear, that we need more fathers who show this kind of care, compassion and love for their children, especially those who cannot help themselves.

My eyes are wide open.

IVOINE W. INGRAHAM

Nassau,

September 17, 2016.