The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS year was not a good one for the average Bahamian. On balance, since the advent of the ruling FNM regime, the economy has contracted and things are 'tough' for the bulk of the lower and middle classes. The upper classes, as usual, especially the politicians, apparently, and their cronies, have increased their net worth and appear to be living large on the proverbial hog.........the Adrosian one.

While no sensible Bahamian would place the blame for this squarely on this nebulous group, we Bahamians must seize available economic opportunities. To do this, however, the government de jour must put public policies in play so as to enable this. Self employment and entrepreneurship will be even more critical in 2019, for those of us who make it into that year. Most of us have some sort of professional or vocational training and experience. Let us pool financial resources and exploit the vast opportunities in tourism; culture and eco tours for locals and visitors.

Our churches, where they don't already do so, need to institute cooperatives and investment platforms within their sanctuaries for the financial growth and well being for their congregations. It is all right to teach them how to get to heaven up there in the sky, but so long as they are here on earth, we were admonished to live abundantly and to show love to our fellow citizens. It takes income security and ownership of land, on the ground, to do so.

I congratulate my own home pastor, Apostle Valentino Williams of Life Changers Ministries International, for being the wonderful spiritual leader that he is. He and his ministerial team ably assisted by out First Lady, Minister Cleopatra Ferguson-Williams, are firm practitioners of economic empowerment for our members and followers. Come out to our Watch Night services and be transformed. The politicians, however, are falling down, badly, on empowering rank and file constituents. The majority of them are jokers and clowns, politically speaking.

A few of them are exemplary and they should be publicly recognised and emulated. My political chief, the Hon Philip 'Brave' Davis (PLP-Cat Island), former Minister of Workers, et al, and Deputy Prime Minister, is number one, in my view, in dealing with his constituents, across the board, tirelessly and with vision. Cat Island; Rum Cay and San Salvador are fortunate to be represented by this hard working; ethical and visionary politician and humanitarian. If he continues in this manner, ascension to the top of the greasy pole is in sight and capable of being captured, God willing.

On the FNM side we have only two MPs worthy of note. The Hon Dionisio D'Aguilar (FNM-Free Town), Minister of Tourism and the Hon Sheldon Cartwright (FNM-St Barnabas), Chairman of Beaches & Parks, are doing great jobs in representing their respective constituencies and managing their portfolios. Tourism is the one bright light in the crown of this administration. Arrival numbers and spending per passengers are up significantly.

Apart from Grand Bahama, the majority of the Family Island resorts are reputed to have had a banner year. With the pending sale of The Light House Hotel over in Andros, by a Bahamian consortium, that island can expect an economic boost that will drive the economy in 2019. Private air carriers like Sky Bahamas; Western Air and Pine Apple Air are also to be congratulated for having a vision plan for their respective routes and customers. I strongly urge the Minister of Tourism & Aviation to invite their participation in a private/public sector partnership to unload BahamasAir off the tax payers' backs. It is inconceivable that after decades we are still subsidising that white elephant.

Our beaches and parks, at least in New Providence are clean green and pristine, thanks to the hard work of Brother Cartwright and his team. The PM, God bless him too, did well when he decided to appoint this outstanding youthful representative to the post which he holds currently. Our roundabouts are well maintained. At John F Kennedy Drive and Harrold Road a beautiful Bahamian designed ornament was erected a few months ago. It adds to the ambience of the same and is a job well done.

These three politicians are the Members of Parliament for the year. May The Lord Whom we serve grant the long life; wisdom and clear understanding. Indeed, to whom much is given, even more is expected.

As we prepare to celebrate another blessed Christmas let us remember the reason for the season. Show some love and empathy to others who might be less fortunate. Purchase some inexpensive toys and hand deliver them to one of the children's homes. Purchase some fruit juices or vita malt and drop them off to the senior citizen's homes. Whatever you are able to do for the least of one of these, remember, that it is done for The Master. In good representation and being a good member of parliament, the politicians must also remember that their positions are ones of trust. To God then, in all things, be the glory. Merry Christmas!!

ORTLAND H BODIE Jr

Nassau,

December 18, 2018.