The Tribune

By Canon S Sebastian Campbell

WHAT a blessing to be living in so vibrant a democracy! This is a peaceful democracy; everyone is entitled to his opinion and should be protected in espousing his views on the same. Many countries yearn for that which we take for granted.

So on Wednesday next week, May 10, let us view the following:

Vote! Vote! Vote! Let no one deter us. It is indeed stupid to ever consider intentionally spoiling a ballot.

We have a right to support a political party of our choice. Berate no one for his political choice; it’s a right. Protect the rights of those in opposition to us.

No political party is perfect; no candidate is perfect. There are villains in all. Rather than condemn, pray for those so brave to offer for leadership in so hostile an environment.

This campaign was at an all-time low. Many times nasty things have been said about one candidate or another. Pray for repentance of those perpetuating the smear campaigns, especially segments of the media that went all out to destroy those opposed to their ideas and ways of thinking.

The country is divided all because of the demonising of individuals, especially our leaders. Pray, pray, pray we overcome this and that such division is not permanent, and come Thursday, May 11, healing can begin.

Families have been torn asunder because of our national immaturity, even on the level of husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings and siblings.

Pray for a greater degree of common sense to be instilled in us that we might rise above this stupidity in our way forward to build relationships, and thus a strong Bahamas.

“The winner is … all Bahamians. The loser is…all Bahamians.” But really and truly everyone can win, because we are all Bahamians, in one boat together, charting one hope and one common course. The flip side, we can all lose together if we do not accept the results and prefer to continue the nasty campaign of character destruction.

Pray that the party summoned by her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling to form the next government will be gracious to God and His people, and strive to be truly the government for everyone.

Pray the policies, projects etcetera already in place will be built upon and carried through, and that nothing currently in place will be viewed as an election gimmick and those called to lead will give job security to those employed.

May 10 is not an end; it is really a fresh start.

Life goes on and we as a people must live out the true meaning of our pledge, “One people united in love and service.”

So lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland. March on to glory, your bright banners waving high...