The Tribune

THE University of The Bahamas (UB) is calling all Bahamians to contemplate the state of Bahamian democracy with the return of its much-lauded Future of Democracy Conference, to be held this weekend.

The conference, back for its second year, is free to the public and features a line-up of panelists from academia, civil society, law, and politics.

This year’s conference will feature expert panels on democracy and governance in Bahamas, creating systemic change, and bringing power to the people. A diverse lineup of speakers will talk on timely topics such as: representation vs participation, raising the next generation of citizen activists, electoral reform and an analysis of Election 2017.

The speaker line-up includes: Brenda Harris, Nicolette Bethel, Loretta Butler-Turner, Terneille Burrows, Stephen Aranha, Zhivargo Laing, Bridget Hogg, Nantino Thompson, Llewelyn Curling, Lemarque Campbell, Steffon Josey, Erin Greene, Lynden Nairn, Niambi Hall-Campbell, William Fielding, Alicia Wallace, Arvis Mortimer, Matt Aubry, Ian Bethel-Bennett, Leyvon Miller, and Youri Kemp.

A central feature of the conference is the citizen workshops where attendees are invited to work together to build advocacy skills and generate solutions in key topics such as creating a virtual people’s Parliament, immigration reform, constitutional reform, public disclosure and gender equality.

Conference founder and UB professor Ian Strachan states that these workshops are integral to the purpose of the conference.

“The Future of Democracy Conference is intended to help mobilise citizens and build their capacity to participate as change agents and builders in our society,” said Mr Strachan. “Most agree we need political reform but we too often place our hope in politicians. A key part of the solution to so many of our governance issues - whether it’s environmental concerns, rights, or mismanagement - is citizen leaders emerging across race, class and party lines and helping to introduce the new models we need. This conference is dedicated to creating the spaces where we start that work.”

Last year, the inaugural conference attracted hundreds of attendees looking for more sober analysis of the state of the nation, and this year the planning committee expects an even greater turnout. Referencing the attendance, Mr Strachan said there is a demonstrated need for these spaces.

“UB has a crucial role to play as an institution that can help frame national dialogues and debates in a neutral and analytical manner. The nation sorely needs trustworthy and unbiased analysis. That’s one of the things we’re here for as faculty,” Mr Strachan said.

The conference, which has no entry fee, will be held Friday, July 21, and Saturday, July 22, at UB’s Harry C Moore Library Auditorium.